Alps and Central Europe

Besides the spectacular scenery and charming towns and cities, Switzerland is adorned with flower-decked houses and green pastures. Austria has its Imperial past, evidenced by palaces and castles. Germany’s colorful heritage comes to life in the beer halls of Bavaria.

Sightseeing

Switzerland’s glorious lake and mountain scenery takes centre stage here, and a cable car ride or scenic train journey is a must. Germany is for connoisseurs of castles, from extravagant fantasies like Neuschwantstein to the genuine article, often ruined, found along the Rhine. In Austria, you’ll be torn between opulent palaces, fascinating old town squares and the soaring peaks and peaceful green valleys of the countryside.

Shopping

Look for Austrian enamels, handmade dolls, rustic Tyrolean woodcarvings and Swarovski crystal. In Germany there are cuckoo clocks from the Black Forest and Meissen pottery. From a Swatch to a Rolex, there’s a superb timepiece for every wrist or pocket. Swiss army knives are handy travelling companions, not to mention the delicious chocolates and cheeses. Germany is known for its hams, sausages and pastries.

Entertainment

Austria is for music lovers! Salzburg honours Mozart, its most famous son, with concerts and festivals while Vienna still loves a good waltz. All over Germany you can join the locals in taverns and beer gardens. There are colourful carnivals in Spring, spectacular fireworks displays during summer and wine or beer festivals like Munich’s Oktoberfest, in autumn. Traditional yodelling and flag throwing is still practiced in Switzerland.

Specialties

Sachertorte is the most notorious of all Austria’s shirtstretching pastries. Wienerschnitzel, thin slices of crumbed veal, is traditionally served with salad. The best German sauerkraut is cabbage prepared with white wine, juniper berries, caraway seeds and cloves. While for a Swiss cheese fondue, you’ll need a bubbling cauldron full of cheese, white wine, a dash of kirsch, bread, some long forks and a group of friends!

5 Fun Things To Do

1. Germany has everything you need for a great night out! Sensational beer, great places to drink it, and no shortage of lederhosen!

2. Get a glimpse into 19th century Vienna at one of the grand coffee houses where life wouldn’t be complete without sampling the delicious ‘Sachertorte’.

3. It’s difficult to imagine a better place to celebrate the freedom of the great outdoors than Switzerland. So pull on your boots and take a hike.

4. The Viktualien Market, Munich’s open-air food market just behind the Marienplatz, is a favourite with the locals. Grab a meal and enjoy it in the square.

5. Help solve Salzburg’s problem called Maria - beyond the Sound of Music there’s a sophisticated city of culture, learning and art!