Travel through three of Europe’s most picturesque countries: Austria, Germany (Bavaria), and Switzerland. Marvel at the baroque architecture of Schoenbrunn and Belvedere Palace during your stay in the Imperial city of Vienna. Watch as the beautiful scenery of the historic Wachau Valley glides past during your Danube River cruise. In the “City of Music,” Salzburg, a city tour features the Cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace, and Mirabell Gardens. Music lovers will delight in the Mozart Dinner Concert at the centuries-old St. Peter's Restaurant. In the quaint village of Oberammergau, you’ll watch as the entire village gathers to put on their world-renowned Oberammergau Passion Play. Enjoy reserve seating as you witness this event that dates back to 1634. Search for authentic cuckoo clocks, Hummels, and wood carvings in the mysterious Black Forest before arriving in the spectacular Alpine village of Zermatt. Travel to the beautiful medieval city of Lucerne for a leisurely-paced walking tour featuring the covered Chapel Bridge (1833) and the Lion Monument, carved from natural rock to commemorate the heroic Swiss Guard. Explore delightful Bern on a panoramic sightseeing tour highlighting the Bundeshaus (the Swiss Parliament), the famous Bear Pit, the Rose Gardens, and the gothic cathedral.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Overnight Flight - Welcome to tour group's Alpine Countries tour - a visit to three of Europe’s most picturesque countries: Austria, Germany (Bavaria), and Switzerland.
Day #2 Vienna, Austria - Tour Begins - You arrive in the grand city of Vienna, the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Tonight, in the picturesque wine-making village of Grinzing, you will join your fellow travelers at one of the local restaurants for a delightful welcome dinner, complete with local wines and traditional entertainment.
Day #3 Vienna - Your Imperial Vienna tour highlights the baroque marvels of Schoenbrunn or Belvedere Palace. Touring Vienna’s city center, you view St. Stephan's Cathedral, beautiful baroque architecture, parks and gothic spires of a by-gone age. The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening you are invited to dinner at a popular local restaurant.
Day #4 Vienna - Danube River Cruise - Melk - Salzburg - Depart Vienna and travel along the banks of the Danube to the medieval town of Durnstein. Embark on a cruise on the Danube River, gliding through the historic Wachau Valley, one of the most beautiful stretches of river in the world. Later you visit the Benedictine Abbey in Melk, before continuing to the “City of Music”, Salzburg.
Day #5 Salzburg - Mozart Dinner Concert - Enjoy a walking tour of the Altstadt (Old Town) highlighting the Cathedral, Mozart's Birthplace and Mirabell Gardens. You will not be able to miss recognizable locations from the "Sound of Music". Your afternoon is at leisure. The evening includes a memorable Mozart Dinner Concert at the centuries-old St. Peter's Restaurant. In the stylish ambiance of the historic Baroque Hall, you will enjoy a traditional candlelight dinner (featuring recipes from the 17th & 18th centuries) while you listen to some of Mozart’s most popular compositions performed by local artists in colorful, historic costumes.
Day #6 Salzburg - Munich, Germany - Oberammergau - Travel through the picturesque landscape of Austria to neighboring Germany. Your destination is Munich, the beautiful capital of the state of Bavaria. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour featuring the Olympic Park, Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel. Next, depart for the quaint village of Oberammergau, nestled in the Bavarian Alps.
Day #7 Oberammergau - Passion Play - Enjoy a performance of the Passion Play which originally took place in 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. This is truly an unforgettable event.
Day #8 Oberammergau - Rhine Falls - Black Forest - Today you visit Wies Church, proclaimed as a World Heritage site. You then view perhaps the most famous castle in Bavaria - Neuschwanstein - with its turrets and pinnacles. Continuing on the scenic route, you traverse southern Germany, skirting the northern shores of Lake Constance to the Rhine Falls, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. You then proceed to the mysterious Black Forest - setting of legends and stories of yore! Don’t forget to shop for authentic cuckoo clocks, Hummels, and wood carvings!
Day #9 Black Forest - Chateau de Chillon, Lake Geneva, Switzerland - Zermatt - Today enjoy a visit to the Chateau de Chillon, beautifully situated on Lake Geneva. Your travels continue through the wine-growing region of the Rhone Valley before beginning the ascent into the fabulous Swiss Alps. Upon arrival in Tasch, board a local train for the short ride to the spectacular Alpine village of Zermatt.
Day #10 Zermatt - Begin your day with an orientation tour of the village. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore this charming village, savor pastries at a local café or just relax.
Day #11 Zermatt -Lucerne - Bern - This morning travel to the beautiful medieval city of 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 (1833); 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. This afternoon, travel to the Swiss capital of Bern.
Day #12 Bern - Today, 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. This evening, join your fellow travelers in celebrating the end of a marvelous trip with a farewell dinner.
Day #13 Bern - Tour Ends - Your tour ends today in Bern.