Day 1 : Wed. – Depart USA
Overnight flight to Zurich.
Day 2 : Thurs. – Zurich at Leisure
Welcome to Switzerland! There is a complimentary shuttle service to your hotel from Zurich Airport. Later, an orientation tour of the city shows you the Bahnhofstrasse, Grossmunster, River Limmat and Frauenmunster, famous for stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director.
Day 3 : Fri. – Zurich – Munich
First stop is at the thundering Rhine Falls before crossing the German border and following the shores of Lake Constance to the fortified island town of Lindau with its historic streets. Move on to fun-loving Munich to see the Olympic stadium, University, Frauenkirche and Victory Arch. Visit the Marienplatz where crowds gather at the Town Hall to watch the Glockenspiel. After night falls, why not enjoy a lively evening of dinner, entertainment and foaming beer at one of Munich’s world-famous “Bier Kellers”?
Day 4 : Sat. – Munich – Oberammergau
Travel into the Bavarian Alps for a guided visit of King Ludwig’s fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle. Admire the exuberantly decorated throne Room and Lohengrin Grotto, before continuing through rolling Bavarian hills to Oberammergau – the small alpine village world famous for the Passion Play performed by villagers every ten years. We will arrive in Oberammergau in the evening.
Day 5 : Sun. – Oberammergau
Today we have some free time before an included lunch. Later we will see the “Passion Play” – more than 1,500 richly costumed Oberammergau villagers will take part in the Passion Play, fulfilling a solemn promise made by their forefathers in 1633. Many tens of thousands of visitors of all nationalities and denominations will travel to Oberammergau to witness this dramatic event. During a break in the evening we will enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant. Later we will see the conclusion of the play.
Day 6 : Mon. – Oberammergau – Vienna
Drive south across the spectacular Bavarian Alps into Austria. Drive past picturesque Mondsee Lake and along the Danube Valley, seeing impressing Melk Abbey en route to Vienna.
Day 7 : Tues. – Vienna Sightseeing
Join our local guide for a tour of the glorious State Apartments of Schonbrunn Palace – although not into all of its 1400 rooms! The furniture, fixtures and fittings impressively reflect the lifestyle of the palace residents and are of major significance in terms of cultural history. See its elegant formal gardens before going on to view the great St. Charles’ Church, the imperial Hofburg Palace, the Parliament and the great State Opera House. Later, if you feel hungry, pop into one of the celebrated Viennese cafes for coffee and pastries.
Day 8 : Wed – Vienna – Villach
Take a delightful drive through “undiscovered” Austria – the pine forests and sleepy towns and villages of Styria and Carinthia. Climb the dramatic Semmering Pass and stop in picturesque Kindberg with its colorful maypole. Continue alongside streams and through farmlands to the Austrian Lake District, passing Klagenfurt and Lake Worth. Arrive in the celebrated spa town of Villach for an overnight stay.
Day 9 : Thurs. – Villach Bolzano
View spectacular scenery as you cross the Italian border, taking in the distinctive formations of the Dolomites, where rugged peaks take the form of towers, belfries or domes. Travel via the ski resort of Cortina d’Amprezzo, host of the 1956 Winter Olympics and, as the mountain colors change to soft pinks, reach Bolzano, capital of the Alto Adige region.
Day 10 : Fri. – Bolzano – St Moritz
Drive through the Swiss National Park, and along the beautiful Engadine Valley to the fashionable ski resort of St Moritz. There’s time to browse in the elegant boutiques or take a ride on the famous Bernina Express.
Day 11 : Sat. – St Moritz – Lucerne
Follow part of the Glacier Express route. Sit spellbound as white stone houses, lush meadows and snow-capped mountains slip past. Journey into Liechtenstein and pause in Vaduz below the capital’s 700-year-old castle. Then it’s on to Lucerne to embark on a spectacular Highlight – ascending Mount Pilatus by cog-wheel train and cable-car. From the summit, enjoy some of the best views of the Alps.
Day 12 : Sun. – Lucerne Sightseeing
See the sorrowful sculpture of the dying lion, hewn out of the limestone cliff to commemorate those Swiss Guards who died at the Battle of the Tuileries. Then a stroll across the Chapel Bridge to the Jesuit Church, before using your free time to shop.
Day 13 : Mon. – Return to USA
The tour ends after breakfast, with transfers to Zurich Airport.
Pricing*: $4,658.00