Exploring the Alpine Countries - Itinerary
Explore some of Europe’s most picturesque countries. From half-timber houses to extravagant palaces, from quaint fairytale villages to magnificent imperial cities, and from traditional yodelers to fine classical music – you’ll experience all of this and more as you travel through Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Cruise a breathtaking portion of the mighty Danube River viewing the dramatic shoreline filled with lofty hills, hilltop castles, charming villages, and flourishing vineyards.
Admire the impressive architecture of Vienna’s Schoenbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Enjoy a Mozart dinner concert in Salzburg. Absorb the energy of Munich, a thoroughly modern city that proudly displays its Old World charm. Shop for cuckoo clocks and wood carvings in Oberammergau, host of the world-famous Passion Play. Gaze in awe at the mighty Matterhorn and breathe in the fresh air of the Swiss Alps.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Half timber houses, vineyards, yodelers and the world’s finest classical music await you. You’ll explore Europe’s most picturesque countries: Austria, Germany (Bavaria), and Switzerland following your overnight flight.
Day 2: Arrive Vienna, Austria
Your tour begins in Vienna. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a special welcome dinner at the historic Altes Presshaus Restaurant, located in the quaint wine-making village of Grinzing. (D)
Day 3: Vienna
You’ll get to know Vienna this morning during a special tour that showcases its architectural marvels. You will visit the incredible Schoenbrunn Palace and see impressive St. Stephan’s Cathedral. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore - stroll the streets or even visit a museum. (B)
Day 4: Vienna - Salzburg
Enjoy a lovely cruise along the Danube, one of the most picturesque waterways in Europe. Later, visit the Benedictine Melk Abbey before continuing to the “City of Music,” Salzburg. Tonight, enjoy a Mozart Dinner Concert at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant. (B, D)
Day 5: Salzburg
Discover the splendor of Salzburg with a leisurely-paced walking tour of the Old Town. Some of the amazing sights you will see include the Cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace and Mirabell Gardens. (B)
Day 6: Salzburg - Munich, Germany - Oberammergau
Today you travel to Germany. In Munich, you’ll feel the energy of this lively and fascinating city during a tour that highlights Olympic Park, the world-famous Glockenspiel, and Marienplatz, a beautiful square surrounded by shops, restaurants and cafes. Later in the day you’ll arrive at your home for the next two nights - the quaint village of Oberammergau, renowned for wood carvings and the Passion Play. (B, D)
Day 7: Oberammergau - Innsbruck, Austria - Oberammergau
Today you’ll enjoy the scenery of the spectacular Bavarian Alps en route to enchanting Innsbruck. You’ll walk through the charming pedestrian streets and see landmarks such as The Golden Roof with your local guide. You may find it easy to understand why this city, during the 14th century, was the center of European culture and politics as you wind through the narrow cobblestone streets. (B, D)
Day 8: Oberammergau - Black Forest
Today fairy tales come to life with a picture stop at Bavaria’s most famous castle, Neuschwanstein. Next, you are off to Titisee, located in the heart of the stunning Black Forest. Don’t forget to shop for authentic cuckoo clocks, Hummels and wood carvings! (B, D)
Day 9: Black Forest - Bern, Switzerland - Zermatt
Welcome to Switzerland! During your first stop you will take a panoramic tour of Bern where Albert Einstein worked out the details of his theory of relativity. Later, visit one of the most photographed castles in the world, the Chateau de Chillon, located on serene Lake Geneva. Your day ends in the relaxing village of Zermatt in the Swiss Alps. Take a stroll and breathe in the fresh Alpine air. (B, D)
Day 10: Zermatt
After an orientation tour of this mountain resort village, the remainder of your day is at leisure. Get an up-close look at the famed Matterhorn or just relax at your hotel. (B, D)
Day 11: Zermatt - Grimsel Pass - Lucerne
Views of glaciers, crystal clear rivers and snow-capped mountains will invigorate you as you travel through the spectacular scenery of the Grimsel Pass. Your final destination is the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake,” the city of Lucerne. (B)
Day 12: Lucerne
This morning, embark on a scenic walking tour of this picturesque town, including a stroll through the romantic old town. This afternoon enjoy a relaxing cruise on beautiful Lake Lucerne. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner, toasting the end of an incredible tour. (B, D)
Day 13: Lucerne - Tour Ends
(B)
