Germany & Switzerland: Culture & Outdoor Adventures

Start out on this interesting walking tour of the key landmarks in the historic old part of the city. Set off from the meeting point at the Hauptbahnhof or the central train station with your knowledgeable local expert. Pass by exquisitely detailed churches, historical monuments, and the Bavarian capital’s famous beer halls. Listen to your expert narrate riveting facts and amusing anecdotes about the various attractions you encounter along the way. Apart from the delightful sights, get historical insight into the city’s not-so-illustrious past as a Nazi stronghold during the first half of the 20th century. (Duration: 2 hrs (morning and afternoon); Shared activity; Group size: max 30 guests; No transfers; Meeting point details can be found in your Trip Agent app; Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the time listed; Fitness level: easy)

Hike the Alps and explore the impressive Neuschwanstein Castle, built by King Ludwig II. In the morning, set off for Munich central station to meet your local guide. Travel by train to the charming Bavarian town of Fussen that is tucked into the foothills of the majestic mountains. Walk along the River Lech, past quaint houses featuring trompe-l’oeil paintings. As you follow your guide, take in scenic views of the lakes and castles along the trail. After hiking for a little over two hours, reach the castle that is believed to have inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Join the guided tour to see the castle’s distinctive architectural features and the exquisite artwork housed within its soaring walls. Savor picture postcard views of the surroundings from the many windows, before the tour winds up. After, you will be taken to the Fussen train station in a taxi, from where you will travel by train to Munich. (Duration: full day (morning); Seasonal: Apr – Oct; Private activity; Shared transfers (public transport); Meals included: snacks; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; This tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues; Entry fees, hiking poles, and basic raincoats included; Please dress warmly in layered clothing and wear comfortable walking shoes; Do bring sunglasses, drinking water, and ID (for train); Total hiking distance is around 3.7 mi and elevation gain is about 820 ft)

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend exploring one or more of these attractions in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. You could begin your day with a visit to Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany and part of the Wetterstein Mountains range. Enjoy a leisurely ride in a cogwheel train or take in aerial views from the cable car as you travel to the summit. Another way to take in the beauty of the region is with a stroll along the shores of Lake Eibsee, located at the foothills of the mountain. Alternatively, set off to explore Partnach Gorge with its rock walls and cascading waterfalls. You could also go on a scenic hike to Riessersee, a tranquil lake. Later, explore the charming town center, starting with the Ludwigstrasse in Partenkirchen. Walk along the street lined with quaint storefronts and pass examples of traditional Bavarian style of architecture. At Michael-Ende Kurpark, named after the renowned German author of ‘The Never Ending Story’, relax a while. For an indulgent experience, head to Alpspitz Wellenbad, a spa offering heated pools and saunas along with breathtaking mountain views, to unwind and rejuvenate. As the day ends, treat yourself to a Bavarian dinner of regional delicacies such as schnitzel, kasespatzle, a type of pasta, and roast pork. Before you call it a night, enjoy a peaceful stroll through town with the snowy peaks glowing in the night light. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers, and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Embark on a hiking adventure across Partnach Gorge in the Reintal Valley. In the morning, meet your guide and travel by public transport to reach the trailhead. Along the way, stop to explore Garmisch Olympia Stadium that is primarily used for ice hockey. The home arena of the SC Riessersee of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, the stadium is famous for its annual New Year’s Ski Jumping event. Next, make your way to the entrance of Partnach Gorge and set off along the trail at a comfortable pace. As you walk, take in the scenery of lush vegetation and stop to admire cascading waterfalls. Hike for about an hour along the rocky walls of the gorge before you turn back. Later, return to your hotel with lasting memories. (Duration: 5 hrs (morning); Seasonal: Apr – Oct; Private activity; Shared transfers (public transport); Fitness level: moderate; This activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments; Please dress according to weather and wear comfortable shoes; This activity is weather dependent)

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting Freiburg Im Breisgau. This city in Southern Germany offers something for everyone with its mix of culture, history and nature. Stroll through the historic Old Town, which dates to the 11th century. See the medieval Swabian Gate and the Freiburg Cathedral. The latter is made from red sandstone and was built between 1200 and 1530. Browse the lively Munsterplatz market that takes place in the center square every day, except on Sundays. Visit the Historical Merchants’ Hall, a Late Gothic building on the south side of the square. Explore the art and culture collection at Augustiner Museum that ranges from the Middle Ages to the Baroque era. Take the Schlossbergbahn funicular to Schlossberg hill for views over the city and surrounding region. Stroll through Schusterstrasse to find second-hand bookstores and shops selling leather goods and arts and crafts. Note the colorful facades of the houses as well. Take a break from the city to relax in one of the beautifully landscaped gardens and parks. Freiburg also serves as the gateway to the Black Forest region. Go on a leisurely hike or take a tour through wine villages, if you like. (Duration: full day; This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Explore the biodiverse Upper Black Forest region during this hike. In the morning, meet your guide and make your way to the trailhead by public transport. Once you reach, set off at an easy pace on the promenade around Lake Titisee. Walk alongside the shimmering waters. As you traverse the mostly flat path, your guide will tell you about the history of this distinctive region. Take in beautiful views of the lake from various angles and see the colorful paddle boats glide past. After, wind up the hike and travel back to your hotel. (Duration: 3 hrs (morning); Seasonal: Apr – Oct; Private activity; No transfers; Meeting point details can be found in your Trip Agent app; Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the time listed; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Please wear appropriate shoes; Hiking distance: 4 mi approx, transfer not included)

Spend an afternoon exploring Zurich, visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate and enjoy a fondue dinner. Begin with a drive across downtown Zurich, a global center for banking and finance. Cruise past historic landmarks and through some of the world’s most expensive and exclusive shopping avenues, to Lake Zurich. Continue along the lakeshore to the town of Kilchberg and arrive at Lindt Home of Chocolate. Enter the state-of-the-art facility to see an enormous 30-foot chocolate fountain cascading over a giant Lindt ball. Head to the world’s largest Lindt shop, which sells a staggering range of chocolates. You’ll find everything from dark chocolate bars with pear and almond to matcha flavored Lindor truffles. After, travel to Adliswil where you will board a cable car to Felsenegg. Once you reach, stroll to Panorama Restaurant. Dine on a delicious four-course meal including classic Swiss cheese fondue and homemade chocolate cake before the tour wraps up. (Duration: 2.5 hrs (afternoon); Available only on Sat; Shared activity & transfers; Group size: max 16 ppl; All entry fees are included; Meals included: dinner; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

Explore Jungfraujoch and see the highest train station in Europe. In the morning, head to the meeting point to board your coach. Travel across the Bernese Oberland region to the charming town of Interlaken. Hop on the train to the village of Grindelwald, located in the shadow of the Eiger mountain. Next, board the Eiger Express aerial cableway for a breathtaking journey that takes you to the Eigergletscher station in just 15 minutes. Here, switch to the cogwheel train and make yourself comfortable as you chug through the network of tunnels to reach the UNESCO-listed Jungfraujoch region. Also known as the ‘Top of Europe’, it is home to Europe’s highest train station located at an altitude of about 11,782 feet. Visit the Sphinx Observation Terrace and head to the viewing deck for gorgeous views of the sprawling expanse of the Aletsch Glacier as well as Jungfrau, Eiger and Monch peaks. Later, enjoy the Alpine Sensation discovery tour that takes you along the corridor connecting the Sphinx Hall and the Ice Palace. Set up to mark the 100th anniversary of the Jungfrau railway, it chronicles the efforts of miners to open up the Jungfraujoch to the railway through a series of exhibits. You could then stroll around the tunnels of ice within the Ice Palace to see the beautifully sculpted figurines and click pictures. After a couple of hours, take the cogwheel train down to Lauterbrunnen, via Kleine Scheidegg, to where your coach awaits. (Duration: 12 hrs (morning); Shared activity & transfers; Group size: max 45 ppl; Meeting point for coach: Bus park near Zurich main station and the tram stop ‘Sihlquai’ with Tram 4 or 13; Fitness level: easy; Entry fees included; Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 mins prior to departure; Adventure activities to be paid on the spot)

Join a fun, interactive fondue cooking class at Fondue Villa and Garden. Meet your host and take a seat in the garden. Sip wine paired with assorted cheese, while enjoying splendid views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains. Learn about the history of cheese and fondue, before the expert teaches you to make a classic cheese fondue. Melt cheese, by adding the appropriate ingredients, to get the right consistency. Next, prepare a fondue pizza, which comprises melted Gruyere and Emmental cheese. Discover the traditional recipes and the distinct characteristics of Alpine cheeses including Appenzeller, Sbrinz, Etivaz and Raclette. Finally, sample the fondue and try the other items you have helped prepare to conclude the session. (Duration: 2.5 hrs (afternoon); Seasonal: May-Oct (Tue, Thu & Sat); Shared activity; Group size: max 12 ppl; No transfers; Meeting point details can be found in your Trip Agent app; Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the time listed; Tasting local cheese & wines included; Fitness level: easy; This is an outdoor event & operates subject to weather conditions)

Explore the iconic Trummelbach Falls and the Lauterbrunnen Valley on this guided excursion. Meet your driver-guide at your hotel and head out on a scenic journey to the UNESCO-listed Trummelbach Falls. As you drive along the alpine passes, enjoy views of the peaks and wildflower fields. Once you reach, take the tunnel lift and descend into Europe’s largest subterranean waterfalls. Visit the ten glacial cascades via an ingenious network of walkways, tunnels, galleries and lookouts. See incredible rock formations, created by violently crashing water over millennia. After, drive into the Lauterbrunnen Valley, famed for its 72 waterfalls and dramatic glacial landscape. Stop at the 975-foot-high Staubbach Falls, the valley’s signature cascade, located deep in the Bernese Highlands. Finally, drive back to Interlaken. (Duration: 5 hrs (morning); Seasonal: Apr-beginning of Nov; Private activity & transfers; All entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy)