12-day tour exploring the Alpine countries of Switzerland, Liechtenstein & Austria!
MHA Tours invites you to join an amazing journey to the “Tops of the Mountains” in Europe.
This tour is designed especially for Latter-day Saints with an optional session in the Bern Switzerland Temple, the first temple built in Europe. Be inspired by some of the most spectacular scenery in the world as we take you quite literally to the tops of the mountain peaks in the Alps.
Places Visited
DAY 1 & 2: Fly to zurich, switzerland
On arrival, we get started right away by boarding our chartered bus to visit the stunning St. Gallen Abbey with its spectacular library, including its 16th-century globe, one of the first globes to depict North America. Also visit Zurich’s Grossmünster church where Huldrych Zwingli preached and launched the Swiss Reformation. We drive onward to Bern for our first overnight.
DAY 3: Bern, Switzerland
Start the morning with an optional session in the Bern Switzerland temple (originally called the Swiss Temple), the first temple built in Europe. Learn of its fascinating history and the challenges presented to an ever-growing international church and how changes made for work in this temple affected how we enjoy temples today. Then we are off to the picturesque village of Lauterbrunnen passing through the town of Reutigen, home of early LDS immigrants who eventually settled Midway, Utah. In Lauterbrunnen, we take a cable car to the top of the cliff to visit the charming villages of Murren and Gimmelwald and enjoy purchasing some local items from the original “Honesty Shop.” Riding the tram back down, we travel to Lucerne to stay three nights.
DAY 4: Lucerne
We spend the day in Grindelwald at the base of the famous mountains, Eiger, Munch and Jungfrau (translations: Ogre, Monk and Maiden), and here taking the Eiger Express gondola ride to the Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe.” Those who desire can take the short hike to the very top of the Jungfrau for spectacular 360-degree views. As we come back down, enjoy some time exploring the quaint village of Grindelwald.
DAY 5: Lucerne
In the morning, we board the steepest cogwheel train in the world as it takes us up (and through) Mount Pilatus, soaring above Lake Lucerne. After ooh-ing and aah-ing at the stunning vistas, we take a tram down a different direction, dropping us off next to Lake Lucerne to enjoy a beautiful boat ride on the lake.
DAY 6: Lucerne to austria
We leave Switzerland this morning on our way to Austria, but not without stopping in the country of Liechtenstein on the way. We will have a short visit there to learn of the history of one of the smallest countries in Europe and one of the last remaining principalities of the Holy Roman Empire. We arrive that evening in Innsbruck Austria to spend the night.
DAY 7: salzburg
We begin our trek to Salzburg with stops along the way in the medieval town of Rattenberg for lunch and opportunities to visit exquisite glass shops in the town. We’ll stop in the quiet town of Oberndorf to visit Silent Night Chapel in the town where Joseph Moore and Franz Gruber first performed the beloved “Silent Night” hymn. Finally, we arrive in Salzburg with time still to explore the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress before checking into our hotel for two nights. We will be in Salzburg during their annual Salzburg Festival with many activities and musical performances throughout the city for us to enjoy.
DAY 8: Salzburg
Our Sabbath morning fittingly begins with attending Sacrament Meeting with a local congregation. Afterward, we will be guided through Old Town Salzburg to visit sites from Mozart’s life (the homes where he was born and grew up – and the very piano on which he composed many of his works) plus a few sites of the well-beloved The Sound of Music film. Free time in the evening to explore Salzburg to your heart’s content.
day 9: vienna
This morning we depart for Austria’s capital city, Vienna. Our first stop in Vienna is the Central Cemetery to visit the Graves of Honor where Beethoven, Brahms, Strauss and other great composers are buried. And we can’t skip the great memorial there built to honor Mozart! We check into our hotel where we will stay three nights, the remainder of our trip.
Day 10: vienna
We start the day by visiting the grand Schönbrunn Palace, summer home of the Hapsburg rulers including the inspiring Maria Theresa who transformed this palace into the magnificent site we see today. We will have a guided tour plus time to explore on your own. After lunch we visit the remarkable St. Stephen’s cathedral and the beautiful State Hall. Afterward, take some time for shopping in old town Vienna and maybe catch a quick concert as good music is everywhere in Vienna!
day 11: vienna
We begin the day at Sisi museum and Imperial Apartments with a walkthrough of the Hoffburg Palace which was the winter residence of the royal family. Then a visit to the Imperial Treasury to view the 1000-year-old crown of the Holy Roman Emperor. After lunch we'll visit the Imperial Crypt, then the rest of the afternoon and evening are free time to pick up those last chance souvenirs from this marvelous city.
day 12: fly home from vienna
Fly home from Vienna full of treasured memories, a greater appreciation of God’s vast creations and inspiring people through the ages, and a happy belly completely satisfied by delicious Wienerschnitzel and Apfelstrudel.