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Alpine Splendor

Alpine Splendor

Trip Dates
July 2-15, 2026
Trip Tags
Europe
July
Land Program
Airfare Included
Rice Exclusive
Activity Level
Countries Visited
Switzerland, Austria, Italy
Body

As your small group, limited to 24 travelers, discovers mountain villages and European cities, rides the famed Glacier Express, cruises on glassine lakes, and ascends snowcapped summits, borders disappear and the region’s history – and beauty – enchant one and all. This captivating 14-day Swiss and Austrian exploration begins with lovely Lucerne, its namesake lake, and a ride up Mt. Pilatus on the world’s steepest cogwheel train. After scenic overload here, board the legendary Glacier Express, following the fabled Rhône to Zermatt, gateway to the Swiss Alps. Ride the Gornergratbahn, the first fully electrified cog railway, to the Gornergrat’s summit for spectacular views of the majestic Matterhorn. Crossing into northern Italy, visit Stresa along Lake Maggiore’s shores. With three nights in lakeside Lugano, explore Switzerland’s Ticino region, including medieval Bellinzona and its iconic Castelgrande castle, a UNESCO site. At a grotto restaurant, enjoy lunch alfresco then visit picturesque Ascona. Take a leisurely cruise around Lake Lugano. Leaving the lake district, we stop in Bellinzona where we visit Castlegrande, then continue on to Liechtenstein. Here, we have free time to explore, then travel on to Austria. With a two-night stay in Seefeld, tour postcard-worthy Innsbruck and ascend the Nordkette mountains by cable car. Reaching Austria’s riverside jewel of Salzburg for a three-night stay, attend an intimate classical performance in the famed Mirabell Palace and visit Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe’s finest castles. In nearby Berchtesgaden, tour the Nazis’ Eagle’s Nest retreat. Savor Austria’s beloved capital of Vienna at your own pace with an optional 4-day/3-night post-tour extension

Please contact Odysseys Unlimited at 888-370-6765 to reserve today!

Price
From $7,992
Tour Operator
Odysseys Unlimited

Traveling Owls

The Rice Alumni Traveling Owls program serves as a catalyst for lifelong learning and strengthens bonds between Rice University alumni and friends. With a commitment to education, engagement, exploration and excellence, the Traveling Owls program is designed to create exciting intellectual itineraries unlike any other travel opportunities, while sustaining enthusiasm for knowledge and building relationships among fellow Owls.