Itinerary Details
Exploring the Alpine Countries Austria - Germany - Switzerland
Day 1 Overnight Flight
From regal Austrian palaces to handcrafted German clocks and snowcapped Swiss Alps, set out to experience three Alpine cultures set amid postcard-worthy landscapes.
Day 2 Vienna, Austria
Hotel: Intercontinental Hotel Wien
Welcome to Vienna, Austria’s stately capital city. Built by the Habsburg Empire and amplified by classical composers, Vienna exudes an old-world charm that can be found in its cobblestone streets and elegant architecture. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner in the city.(D)
Day 3 Vienna
Hotel: Intercontinental Hotel Wien
Come to know Vienna this morning during a locally guided tour that showcases its architectural marvels. Visit the 17th-century Schönbrunn Palace, containing more than 1,440 rooms, and see the impressive St. Stephen's Cathedral. The afternoon is yours. Enjoy free time to explore the avenues of Vienna or perhaps visit one of its many museums. In the evening, enjoy a performance by opera singers and ballet dancers set to the music of Strauss, Mozart, and more.(B)
Day 4 Vienna - Salzburg
Hotel: NH Collection Salzburg City Hotel
Journey through the countryside before taking a cruise along the Danube,* one of Europe’s most renowned waterways. Continue to Salzburg, the “City of Music,” and find lush gardens and old-world charm. Dine on Austrian cuisine at a local restaurant.(B, D)
Day 5 Salzburg
Hotel: NH Collection Salzburg City Hotel
Choose how you spend your morning because it’s your choice! Discover Salzburg on a leisurely paced walking tour of the Old Town -OR- feel like you’ve joined the Von Trapp family on a city tour featuring iconic film locations from The Sound of Music. No matter how you choose to spend the morning, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the beloved town on your own.(B)
Day 6 Salzburg - Munich - Oberammergau, Germany
Hotel: Hotel Alte Post
Look out upon the Bavarian Alps en route to the most popular Bavarian city, Munich. Upon arrival, it’s your choice! Take a panoramic tour of Munich, highlighting the National Theater of Bavaria and much more -OR- visit the lavish Treasury of the Munich Residence. Both choices end with a viewing of the Rathaus – Glockenspiel chiming at Marienplatz. Continue on to Oberammergau, renowned for its 380-year tradition of producing a Passion Play every 10 years, and your home for the next two nights.(B, D)
Day 7 Oberammergau - Ettal - Oberammergau
Hotel: Hotel Alte Post
Tour Linderhof Palace, the only palace - out of three - that King Ludwig II lived to see completed. Walk the extraordinary halls that were modeled after Versailles with an expert guide and bask in the luxury of past royals. Later, fairytales become reality during a picture stop of Bavaria’s most famous castle, King Ludwig’s third palace, Neuschwanstein. Regarded as the most photographed castle in Germany it was the inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty.(B)
Day 8 Oberammergau - Black Forest
Hotel: Hofgut Sternen
You’re off to the heart of the Black Forest, a region famous for artisans who create authentic cuckoo clocks and Hummels. End your day trying the region’s famous black forest cake with the tree-studded mountains as your backdrop.(B, D)
Day 9 Black Forest - Freiburg - Black Forest
Hotel: Hofgut Sternen
This morning, hop on the train and journey to Freiburg, a vibrant city in southwest Germany’s Black Forest region. With a local guide by your side, explore Freiburg, a city with a rich medieval flair including its Gothic cathedral at the center of town and Bächle -- narrow channels with flowing water alongside the roads that once acted as a water supply for the town. Before returning to your hotel, stop at Lake Titisee and enjoy a short boat ride to take in the Black Forest scenery from a different perspective.(B, D)
Day 10 Black Forest - Zurich, Switzerland - Lucerne
Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel
Enjoy a scenic drive through the Black Forest region before arriving to Zurich, Switzerland’s luxurious cultural hotspot, also known as a global leader in banking and finance. Join a local guide for a tour of the city on foot, and then enjoy some free time to have lunch on your own in Zurich. After, head to Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Upon arrival, set out on a scenic walking tour of the city, including a stroll through its romantic Old Town.(B)
Day 11 Lucerne
Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel
The day is yours to relax or independently explore the best of Lucerne. Perhaps you will embark on an optional excursion to Mount Pilatus, ascending the world’s steepest railway on a panoramic gondola to the summit. Tonight, come together with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner featuring local specialties and toast the end of a wonderful trip.(B, D)
Day 12 Lucerne - Tour Ends
Wish the Alps goodbye as your tour comes to a close today.(B)
