Exploring the Alpine Countries
| Resort: | Exploring the Alpine Countries |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | Austria, Europe, Germany, Switzerland |
| Price From: | £1524.00 |
OverviewDiscover storybook castles and glittering palaces amidst stunning Alpine vistas as you explore Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Begin in Vienna with a visit to Schoenbrunn Palace. In Grinzing, the winemaking region of Vienna, sit down to dinner at a traditional inn. Cruise on the Danube and see Melk Abbey. Enjoy a dinner at centuries-old St. Peters Restaurant in Salzburg, the “City of Music.” Spend a night in the heart of the Black Forest. Visit Oberammergau, famous for the Passion Play and expert woodcarvers. Enjoy a magical dinner complete with a visit by local village performers. Enjoy picture stops at Bavarias famous castle, Neuschwanstein, and a guided tour of the Chteau de Chillon on Lake Geneva. Enjoy a scenic train ride aboard the Matterhorn Gottard Bahn into the relaxing pedestrian village of Zermatt. Spend two nights in the alpine village of Zermatt, Switzerland, at the foot of the Matterhorn where you have a choice of included activities. Relax during two nights in Lucerne, the Swiss Paradise on the Lake. ItineraryDay 1: Overnight FlightSet out to explore three distinct Alpine cultures set amid incredible landscapes. Day 2: Vienna, Austria – Tour BeginsYour tour opens in Vienna. This evening, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring regional wine and a meal highlighting the local cuisine in the quaint winemaking region of Grinzing. Day 3: ViennaCome to know Vienna this morning during a locally guided tour that showcases its architectural marvels. You will visit the incredible Schoenbrunn Palace and see the impressive St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore the avenues of Vienna or visit one of its many museums. Day 4: Vienna – SalzburgAfter a short journey through the countryside, enjoy a lovely cruise along the Danube*, one of Europes most important waterways. Later, make a stop at the Benedictine Melk Abbey before continuing to the City of Music, Salzburg. Tonight, sit down for dinner at the centuries-old St. Peters Restaurant. Day 5: SalzburgDiscover the splendor of Salzburg on a leisurely paced walking tour of the Old Town. Some of the amazing sights you will see along the way include the Cathedral, Mozarts birthplace and Mirabell Gardens. Day 6: Salzburg – Munich, Germany – OberammergauToday you travel to Germany. In Munich, 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 cafs. Later in the day, arrive at your home for the next two nights the quaint village of Oberammergau, renowned for wood carvings and the Passion Play. This evening, enjoy a magical dinner and a visit by a local performer from the village. Day 7: Oberammergau – Innsbruck, Austria – OberammergauEnjoy the scenery of the spectacular Bavarian Alps en route to enchanting Innsbruck, located in Tyrolean Austria. Walk through the charming pedestrian streets and see such landmarks as The Golden Roof on a locally guided tour. As you wind through the narrow cobblestone lanes, it is easy to understand why this city was the center of European culture and politics during the 14th century. Day 8: Oberammergau – Black ForestToday fairy tales become reality at a picture stop of Bavarias most famous castle, King Ludwigs Neuschwanstein. Next you are off to the heart of the stunning Black Forest, a region famous for its artisans who create authentic cuckoo clocks, Hummels and wood carvings. Day 9: Black Forest – Zermatt, SwitzerlandWelcome to Switzerland! Your first stop en route to Zermatt is at one of the most photographed castles in the world, the Chteau de Chillon, located on serene Lake Geneva. Later, enjoy a short train ride aboard the Matterhorn Gottard Bahn from Tasch to the relaxing pedestrian village of Zermatt in the Swiss Alps. Take a stroll and breathe in the fresh Alpine air. Day 10: ZermattToday you have all of Zermatt at your fingertips. You choose how you spend your day! You may choose to explore on foot during a guided walking tour of this charming city. Or, perhaps youll choose to discover Zermatt independently and learn more about the triumph and tragedy of the first ascent of the Matterhorn with included admission to the Matterhorn Museum. The choice is yours! The remainder of the day is at leisure. Day 11: Zermatt – Grimsel Pass – LucerneViews of glaciers, crystal clear rivers and snowcapped mountains will invigorate you as you travel through the spectacular scenery of the Grimsel Pass. Your destination is the Swiss Paradise on the Lake, the city of Lucerne. Day 12: LucerneThis morning, embark on a scenic walking tour of this picturesque place, including a stroll through its romantic Old Town. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or independently explore the best Lucerne has to offer. Tonight, come together with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner featuring local specialties and toast the end of a wonderful trip. Day 13: Lucerne – Tour EndsYour tour comes to a close in Lucerne. |
