Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria
| Resort: | Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | Austria, Europe, Germany, Switzerland |
| Price From: | £1154.00 |
OverviewJourney through spectacular mountain scenery and picturesque cities as you experience the enchanting Alpine cultures of Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria. Spend four nights each in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bern and the charming Alpine city of Innsbruck. Walk the halls of the 13th-century Chteau de Chillon, a princely residence on the shores of Lake Geneva. Ride the legendary GoldenPass Panoramic Train from Montreux to the Alpine ski resort Gstaad. Explore Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake. Visit Mozart’s birthplace and the Mirabell Gardens, featured in the “Sound of Music,” during your time in Salzburg. See the fairy-tale castle, Neuschwanstein. Visit Oberammergau, a picture-perfect traditional German Alpine village. Sample traditional regional cuisine, including cheese fondue, at some of the oldest and most famous restaurants in Europe. ItineraryDay 1: Overnight FlightSet out to discover spectacular Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria. Day 2: Bern, Switzerland – Tour BeginsYour tour opens in Bern, the capital of Switzerland and a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the Swiss countryside. The cobbled Old Town section is so well preserved that residents who lived here 500 years ago would still find it familiar today. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring local cuisine such as traditional cheese fondue. Day 3: BernExplore 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 Old Towns skyline. Your visit to the Bear Pit will answer the question as to why bears are so revered in this enchanting city. Along the way, your Tour Manager will introduce you to both the language and culture of the region. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore independently or perhaps brave Europes steepest funicular ride up Gurten Mountain. Day 4: Bern – Château de Chillon – Montreux – Train RideTravel along the shores of Lake Geneva to the legendary, medieval Chteau de Chillon. This princely residence faces the lake but puts forth the image of an imposing fortress from the mountains. Later, enjoy inspiring Alpine views with a ride on the GoldenPass Panoramic Train from Montreux to Gstaad. Discover the delightful ambience of this world-famous Alpine ski resort with its numerous traditional wood chalets. Day 5: Bern – Lucerne – BernSet out for Lucerne, the Swiss Paradise on the Lake. Enjoy a leisurely paced Altstadt (Old Town) walking tour, exploring the hidden treasures of the city. 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 evenings dinner is included at one of Berns great restaurants. Day 6: Bern – Innsbruck, AustriaEn route to Innsbruck you will make your way through Liechtenstein, the smallest and richest German-speaking country in the world and the only country to lie entirely within the Alps. Upon arrival in Innsbruck you have the choice of one of two leisurely walking tours: join a local guide as you discover the citys history, culture and popular attractions including Maria Theresien Strasse, the Hofburg and the Golden Roof”; or, you may embark on a tour focusing on Innsbrucks unique architectural structures including its famous ski jump. Day 7: Innsbruck – Salzburg – InnsbruckTravel through the picturesque Austrian countryside to Salzburg. There, enjoy a leisurely paced walking tour featuring Mirabell Gardens (seen in the “Sound of Music”); the quaint Getreidegasse (birthplace of Mozart); and many other highlights of this beautiful city. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to independently explore and enjoy Salzburgs fabulous sights. The day concludes with a delightful dinner at the 1,200-year-old St. Peters Restaurant, the oldest in Austria and still owned by the monks. Day 8: InnsbruckSavor a free day in this beautiful city. You may choose to stroll through Old Town and shop at many of the citys outstanding stores or you may just relax and breathe in the mountain air while enjoying a beverage in one of the many cafs that dot this charming city. Later, experience the rich musical tradition of mountainous Austria during a Tyrolean folklore show hosted by a locally well-known musical family. Day 9: Innsbruck – Bavaria, Germany – Oberammergau – InnsbruckToday fairy tales come to life with a picture stop at Bavarias famous Neuschwanstein Castle. Visit Wies Church, proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site, before proceeding to the picturesque village of Oberammergau. Enjoy a brief tour and learn more about this charming place, famous for its Passion Play. Performed only every ten years to fulfill a pledge made by the villagers to God for sparing their city from the ravages of bubonic plague in 1633, the Passion Play has grown into an international event. Tonight you are treated to a farewell dinner in one of Innsbrucks most famous traditional restaurants. Day 10: Innsbruck – Tour EndsYour tour comes to an end in Innsbruck. |
