7-Nights Tailor Made Alps: Germany, Switzerland & Italy - Luxury Tailor Made Travel from $22,495

Itinerary Details

Abercrombie & Kent: Tailor Made Alps: Germany, Switzerland & Italy

Day 1 MUNICH, GERMANY

Arrive at the Munich airport, where you are met by your Guardian Angel and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.

Known by the locals as the "village of a million people," Munich is a city best explored on foot. Accompany your guide through the pedestrian-friendly streets, taking in the multitude of fantastic shops, markets and always-busy beer halls, such as the famous Hofbräuhaus. Right in the center of the city is the Marienplatz, a large open square where you find the Old and the New Town Halls (Rathaus). The latter is a magnificent neo-Gothic building that features the famous Glockenspiel, a chiming clock that reenacts two stories from Munich's history. Nearby, the Frauenkirche, Munich's Gothic cathedral, features twin towers topped with domes rather than spires, and has become emblematic of the city.

Depart Munich this morning for Switzerland, stopping for a walking tour of Lindau to discover this historical island town. Enjoy a wander along its narrow streets, and view its statue-adorned wells and romantic inner courtyards. You may wish to visit one of the oldest churches in the lakeside region, the Peterskirche, a humble contrast to the luxuriant Baroque architecture found elsewhere in the town. After lunch at leisure, continue to Lucerne, arriving late in the afternoon.

The waterfront city of Lucerne is one of the most scenic in all of Switzerland and draws visitors from throughout the country and the world. Visit one of the oldest chocolate shops in the city, enjoy a cheese sampling and stop off at a bakery. Enjoy a local gingerbread lebkuchen and pear strudel birnenweggen, perched next to the river where you can lose yourself watching the swans glide by in the clear turquoise water. Soak up the atmosphere of the city during a walking tour with your local guide. Along the way, visit the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall); the Hofkirche, which was first part of a monastery founded in 750; the Lion Monument; and the celebrated Glacier Gardens.

Travel to Lake Como, stopping en route in Lugano, where you join your guide on a pleasant walk through town. You may wish to view the city from the surrounding hills before heading to the historic town center. Stroll streets lined with alluring restaurants and shops, and view charming lakeside parks. Proceed to Santa Maria degli Angioli to view its famous Renaissance fresco, created by Bernardino Luini. You may also view the frescoes of Chiesa San Rocco. Continue to Tremezzo and your hotel on the shore of Lake Como.

Embark on a leisurely private boat cruise with your guide on Lake Como, Europe's deepest lake and a natural spectacle surrounded by beautiful villas and gardens. Stop at the striking Villa Balbianello, one of the most stunning villas in the world. It cascades down the mountains to the lake's shore and has served as a location in a Star Wars movie as well as for the film, A Month by the Lake, starring Vanessa Redgrave and Uma Thurman. Allied Generals also used this villa during World War II. Next, visit the delightful village of Bellagio, an old retreat for the nobility of Lombardy.

Enjoy today at leisure, free to take in the beauty of the lake and your hotel, however you like; or take advantage of the optional excursions available upon request and at additional cost.

After breakfast, transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport for your departing flight.