When you picture the best places to visit in Europe, it’s hard to top the magic of the mountains… both literally and figuratively (altitude will do that). Our Travel Advisor, Yvette, recently returned from an educational trip hosted by Collette, which wound its way through the Alps, ticking off France, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy along the way. Think postcard towns, snow-capped peaks and so much cheese you could probably build an igloo with it.

If you’re searching for the most beautiful mountains and scenic spots in Europe, start here.

 

Alpine Charm and Chocolate in Chamonix

Yvette kicked things off in Chamonix, France, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc. This place is all about alpine charm and dramatic peaks. The group stayed at La Folie Douce Hotel, a reimagined ski lodge with a stylish spa and friendly service.

They had hoped to take the famous cable car up to Aiguille du Midi, but the weather had other ideas. Instead, they pivoted to the Montenvers Glacier by cogwheel train and gondola. Same mountain magic, just a different route. Yes, they still made time for pastries and mousse au chocolat. Priorities.

Venice Vibes Without the Gondolas

Next up was Annecy, often called the “Venice of the Alps” because of its canals, bridges and pastel-hued buildings. But unlike Venice, you won’t need to elbow your way past 400 tourists to take a photo. Yvette strolled through the Saturday food market, took in the cheese-scented air and lingered over coffee by the water. There’s something deliciously slow about Annecy, and we’re not just talking about the pace of your riverside croissant consumption.

Golden Pass to Glitz and Cows in Gstaad

From France into Switzerland, the trip rolled into Gstaad, a town where cows wear bells and shoppers wear Louis Vuitton. This is where Julie Andrews has a chalet, and frankly, if it’s good enough for Mary Poppins…

A highlight here was the GoldenPass panoramic train, which Yvette described as “sitting inside a postcard.” It’s all rolling fields, timber chalets and views so pretty your phone camera might short-circuit.

Say Cheese in the Swiss Alps

In the Bernese Oberland, the group visited a high-altitude creamery to learn how raclette is made. We could go on about sustainable farming and shared milk production, but let’s be honest, Yvette was mostly there for the melted cheese poured over potatoes. As were we, in spirit.

Grindelwald followed, a village so picturesque it feels like a Christmas card illustrator designed it. Nestled below Mount Eiger, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to move in and open a bakery.

Snowflakes, Ice Caves and the Top of Europe

The plan was to reach Jungfraujoch by gondola, but wind delays meant a Plan B train ride to the summit. Not a bad backup. At the top, it started to snow. Not Aussie slush, but proper, soft and fluffy snow. Yvette had never seen snow fall like that before and just stood outside watching it drift through the sky. The Jungfrau-Aletsch region is UNESCO World Heritage certified and known as the “Top of Europe,” so the views aren’t just impressive. They are officially recognised for their natural beauty, geological significance and cultural value.. and are protected for good reason.

She also explored the Ice Palace, a man-made labyrinth of ice with sculptures and stories about the early explorers who carved the original path. A proper frozen fairytale.

Lucerne Delivers (Again)

Lucerne is one of those towns that just gets it right. Covered bridges, painted murals, lakeside strolls and cobbled lanes all come together in a very postcard-worthy way. On Yvette’s first visit, the famous Lion Monument was hidden under scaffolding. This time, it was on full show and worth the wait.

Schnapps, Snow and Silence in Seefeld

Next stop was Seefeld, Austria, where the group boarded a horse-drawn carriage through the pine forests. Blankets were provided, as was a generous splash of schnapps. The kind of activity where the horse does the work and you just sit back, sip and feel smug.

Italy’s Dolomites, Without the Crowds

The final leg took Yvette to Brunico, in Italy’s Dolomites. Jagged limestone peaks, alpine villages and a bit of Italian flair made this a standout finale. Yvette named this her top pick from the entire trip, and it’s not hard to see why. Every direction offered a jaw-dropping view, and the summit delivered the kind of panorama that stops you in your tracks. It was the first ascent they had done where you could see for miles around. Cold winds swept through the peak, but the hot chocolate served up top hit the spot and warmed things right back up. It’s one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Europe, yet still surprisingly uncrowded. Exactly the kind of place we love to share. Jagged limestone peaks, alpine villages and a bit of Italian flair made this a standout finale. It’s one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Europe, but still flies under the radar.

Prosecco, Paintings and a Princess-Worthy Villa

From Brunico, the group continued on to Cortina, a ski town backed by sky-piercing Dolomite peaks and the kind of alpine charm that belongs on a postcard. After taking in the mountain views, they rolled through the undulating hills of Italy’s Prosecco region to a vineyard that quickly won Yvette’s heart.

“Prosecco is my happy place,” she said. It’s not hard to see why. The vineyard produces and bottles all of its sparkling wine on site, and also partners with a local art gallery to display rotating exhibitions throughout the space. They’ve recently added a dedicated events area for weddings and special gatherings, and are in the process of building a boutique hotel to cater to luxury travellers.

The Finale

The last stay of the trip was in a historic Italian villa that had been lovingly restored and transformed into a boutique hotel. Yvette stayed in the stable wing, but the whole property felt straight out of a period drama. One of the suites is named after Elizabeth Taylor, who once stayed there with Richard Burton, and original ceiling moulds still frame the foyer like artwork in their own right.

It was the perfect setting for a final group dinner, where everyone toasted new friends, favourite moments and the kind of scenery you only get in Europe.. Jagged limestone peaks, alpine villages and a bit of Italian flair made this a standout finale. It’s one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Europe, but it is off the usual tourist tracks…just the way we like it.