Explore three of Europe's most picturesque countries: Austria, Germany (Bavaria) and Switzerland. Austria's stunning vistas, Alpine splendor, sophisticated shopping, classical culture and culinary adventure makes it ideally suited for every style and taste. On a tour showcasing Vienna's architectural marvels, you will see the historic Schoenbrunn Palace and St. Stephan's Cathedral. Enjoy a lovely cruise along the Danube River and visit the Benedictine Melk Abbey before continuing to Salzburg. While in Salzburg, birthplace to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, enjoy a walking tour of Old Town and visit Mirabell Gardens. Munich, Germany, the capital of Bavaria since 1503, features museums and a vibrant art scene. At its center lies an open expanse of cafes and shops called Marienplatz. The Glockenspiel chimes away at noon and draws masses to the city hall. One of the most spectacular sights on this tour is Neuschwanstein Castle, epitomizing the fairytale landscape of Bavaria. This stunning castle sits perched high atop the mountain range. From the stunning Black Forest of Germany, you're off to Switzerland! A tour of the city of Bern, one of Europe's loveliest capitals, reveals one of the few medieval cities that has been preserved intact and in its entirety. Selected by UNESCO for its list of World Cultural Heritage sites, the city has great charm. Finally, you'll be riveted by the tranquil shimmering waters of Lake Geneva where you'll tour the Castle of Chillon before heading off to the Alpine village of Zermatt and the picturesque city of Lucerne.
Itinerary:
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, complete with local entertainers, in the quaint wine making village of Grinzing.
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.
Day #4 Vienna - Salzburg - 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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Day #10 Zermatt - Gornergrat Railway - After an orientation tour of this mountain resort village you will travel on the famous Gornergrat Railway which offers an incredible view of the famed Matterhorn. The balance of the day is yours to relax or shop the many stores in the village.
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.
Day #12 Lucerne - This morning, embark on a scenic walking tour of this picturesque town, including a stroll through the romantic old town. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the best Lucerne has to offer. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a lovely local restaurant, toasting the end of an incredible tour.
Day #13 Lucerne - Tour Ends - Your tour ends today in Lucerne.