The distinct cultures of Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria await you. Explore delightful Bern on a panoramic sightseeing tour featuring the Bundeshaus (the Swiss Parliament), the famous Bear Pit, the Rose Gardens, and the gothic cathedral. Your time in Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake,” includes a leisurely-paced Alstadt (Old Town) walking tour exploring the city’s treasures – the covered Chapel Bridge (1833) and the Lion Monument, carved from natural rock to commemorate the heroic Swiss Guard. Discover Innsbruck’s sites on a panoramic tour and then enjoy a full day of leisure in this Olympic city. Upon your arrival in beautiful Salzburg, you’ll embark on a leisurely-paced walking tour showcasing the Mirabell Gardens and the quaint Getreidegasse (site of Mozart’s birthplace). Have dinner where Columbus might once have when you travel Austria’s oldest restaurant, St. Peter’s Restaurant, for dinner. Fairy tales come to life with a picture stop at Bavaria’s most famous castle, Neuschwanstein. Your amazing vacation concludes in the charming village of Oberammergau. Here you’ll witness a spectacular performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play, whose origins date back to 1634. Watch as the entire village comes together to present you with their rendition of this Biblical story.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Overnight Flight - Discover spectacular Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria on a tour featuring multiple night stays in three cities. The Alpine city of Engelberg is your host for three nights while you explore the many cultural aspects and spectacular scenery that only Switzerland offers. Then, an extended stay in Innsbruck offers the perfect vantage point for exploring the delights of Austria and Bavaria. Your tour of the region concludes with a stay in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau which includes the amazing Passion Play.
Day #2 Engelberg, Switzerland - Tour Begins - Your tour begins in Engelberg, a mountain-side resort nestled at the foot of Mt. Titlis. Relax in this beautiful village as you stroll the streets that are surrounded by white snowcapped peaks. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Day #3 Engelberg - Bern - Engelberg - This morning you travel to the capital of Switzerland, Bern. Explore delightful Bern on a panoramic sightseeing tour featuring the Bundeshaus (the Swiss Parliament), the famous Bear Pit, the Rose Gardens, and the gothic cathedral, which dominates the Old Town skyline. Your visit to the Bear Pit will answer the question as to why bears are so revered in this beguiling city. LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Swiss cheese fondue dinner in one of Bern’s local restaurants.
Day #4 Engelberg - Lucerne - Engelberg - Today you travel to Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Enjoy a leisurely-paced Alstadt (Old Town) walking tour exploring the hidden treasures of the city. In addition to its natural charm and tranquility, Lucerne has more than 800 years of history. Explore such medieval treasures as the covered Chapel Bridge (1333); the famous Water Tower which has served as a prison, watchtower and treasury; the Renaissance-style Town Hall; the baroque Jesuit Church; and the Lion Monument, carved from natural rock to commemorate the heroic Swiss Guard.
Day #5 Engelberg - Innsbruck, Austria - Travel the picturesque highways of Switzerland to the Austrian border and the striking Olympic city of Innsbruck, the “Capital of the Tyrol.” A local guide leads a panoramic Innsbruck city tour highlighting the popular thoroughfare, Maria Theresienstrasse; the Hofburg, now a museum, but once the seat of Habsburg princes; and the “Golden Roof,” all set against the imposing backdrop of the lovely Austrian Alps. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner featuring local specialties.
Day #6 Innsbruck - Salzburg - Innsbruck - Travel through the picturesque Austrian countryside to Salzburg, a city filled with beautiful gardens and wondrous architecture. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely-paced walking tour featuring Mirabell Gardens (seen in the "Sound of Music"), the quaint Getreidegasse (site of Mozart’s birthplace), and many other highlights of this beautiful city. The afternoon is at leisure to explore and enjoy Salzburg’s fabulous sights. The day concludes with a delightful dinner in the historic city center at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant, Austria’s oldest, which may have hosted both Charlemagne and Columbus.
Day #7 Innsbruck - Today is at leisure for you to enjoy this beautiful city. You may choose to stroll through the old town and shop at many of the city’s outstanding stores or perhaps venture into one of the city’s many interesting museums. Or, you may just relax and breathe in the fresh mountain air while enjoying a beverage in the many cafés that truly make Innsbruck the charming city that it is.
Day #8 Innsbruck - Bavaria, Germany - Oberammergau - Fairy tales come to life today with a picture stop at Bavaria’s most famous castle, Neuschwanstein. Next, visit Wies Church, proclaimed a World Heritage site, before proceeding to Oberammergau. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief orientation tour of this quaint, picturesque village.
Day #9 Oberammergau - Passion Play - The morning is yours to enjoy at leisure. This afternoon, witness the performance of the Passion Play. The original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, the village of Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the villagers vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the life of Christ. The performers are native Oberammergauers. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast start to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers. During the break of the performance, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip.
Day #10 Oberammergau/Garmisch-Partenkirchen-Tour Ends -