Deposit by May 15, 2009 and receive $200 off per person!
Alpine Explorer
with the Glacier Express & Oberammergau Passion Play
Presented By: Lowee's Group Tours


Day 1: Tuesday, June 01, 2010 Overnight Flight
Begin your tour with an overnight flight to Europe.

Day 2: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 Stresa, Lago Maggiore, Italy - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in picturesque Stresa on Lago Maggiore. Tonight you are transported by boat to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the most characteristic islands of the Borromeo Gulf. Enjoy a delicious meal while surrounded by beautiful scenery. (D)

Day 3: Thursday, June 03, 2010 Stresa - Lugano, Switzerland - Stresa, Italy
Today, drive through the beautiful Lake District of Italy, cross into Switzerland and the lakeside resort of Lugano. Here you will enjoy beautiful views of Lake Lugano and excellent shopping opportunities. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the lake area. (B)

Day 4: Friday, June 04, 2010 Stresa - Zermatt, Switzerland
Depart Stresa for a scenic motorcoach ride into the heart of the Alpine mountains. The breathtaking views of the Italian and Swiss Alps will leave a lasting impression on you. Upon arrival in Tasch, board a local train for the short ride to the spectacular Alpine village of Zermatt. (B, D)

Day 5: Saturday, June 05, 2010 Zermatt
Following an orientation tour of the village, the balance of the day is at leisure. Get an up-close look at the famed Matterhorn, enjoy some fine shopping or just relax at your hotel. (B)

Day 6: Sunday, June 06, 2010 Zermatt - Glacier Express - St. Moritz
Today you board the famous Glacier Express. Be prepared for an unforgettable train ride on the world’s most exciting narrow-gauge railway. You travel through a series of tunnels and bridges as you traverse some of the most spectacular Alpine scenery in the world: majestic mountains, verdant valleys, picturesque canyons, glistening glaciers and snowcapped peaks. Your destination is St. Moritz, playground of the rich and famous. (B, D)

Day 7: Monday, June 07, 2010 St. Moritz - Innsbruck, Austria
Enjoy your drive through the picturesque Engadine Valley. Shortly, you cross into Austria and continue along the scenic Inn Valley. Arriving in the capital of the Austrian Tyrol, Innsbruck, time is allowed for lunch, independent sightseeing and shopping. Be sure not to miss the famous Golden Roof. (B)

Day 8: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 Innsbruck - Salzburg - Innsbruck
Drive through the Austrian countryside to historic Salzburg, one of Europe's most beautiful and romantic spots. Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Salzburg’s historic “Old Town” - The Altstadt. Your sightseeing includes such highlights as the Cathedral, Mozart's birthplace and Mirabell Gardens. You will not be able to miss locations from the "Sound of Music". The afternoon will be at leisure. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant. (B, D)

Day 9: Wednesday, June 09, 2010 Innsbruck - Munich, Germany - Oberammergau
You drive a short distance to the frontier of Germany, crossing the border into Bavaria. Soon you arrive in the Bavarian capital of Munich where you have a walking tour featuring the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel and the Olympic Park. Next, depart for the quaint village of Oberammergau, nestled in the Bavarian Alps. (B, D)

Day 10: Thursday, June 10, 2010 Oberammergau - Passion Play
This afternoon, witness a performance of the Passion Play. The original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, the village of Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the villagers vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the life of Christ. The performers are native Oberammergauers. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast start to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers. During the break of the performance, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Friday, June 11, 2010 Oberammergau - Tour Ends
Depart for home with many fond memories of your Alpine adventure! (B)




June 01 - June 11, 2010
11 Days • 16 Meals
9 Breakfasts • 1 Lunches • 6 Dinners
Highlights: Stresa, Lago Maggiore, Lugano, Zermatt, Glacier Express Train Ride, St. Moritz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, St. Peter’s Restaurant, Munich, Oberammergau Passion Play
Rates Per Person
Double: $5359, Single: $6059

*Included in Price: Round Trip Air from New York, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $390 (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers.
*Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $350 per person.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 Overnight Flight
Day 2 - 3 Stresa Hotel, Stresa
Day 4 - 5 Hotel Alex, Zermatt
Day 6 Hotel Monopol, St. Moritz
Day 7 - 8 Hotel Innsbruck, Innsbruck
Day 9 - 10 Oberammergau Hotel or Garmisch - Partenkirchen, Oberammergau
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Essential Experiences
  • Travel through some of the most spectacular Alpine scenery in the world: majestic mountains, verdant valleys, picturesque canyons, glistening glaciers and snowcapped peaks aboard the amazing Glacier Express.
  • Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Salzburg’s historic “Old Town” - The Altstadt.
  • Spend 2 nights in picturesque Lago Maggiore.

For more information call
Chrissie Kelly
Lowee's Group Tours
(717) 657-9658

Included Meals Key
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

AVAILABLE OPTIONS:
Innsbruck
Tyrolean Folklore Dinner Show • $75.00
Tonight enjoy an evening of Tyrolean hospitality. First enjoy a typical Austrian meal before the show begins. Once the show commences, you will fall in love with the culture and music that has made the region famous throughout the world. The evening’s program will include authentic folk music, Tyrolean dances and “shoe-slapping” as well as typical Tyrolean songs and “yodelling." This will be an evening to remember.
Salzburg
Eagle's Nest • $45.00
A special treat awaits you today as you travel to the Eagle's Nest - Hitler's former private refuge, built as a teahouse for his 50th birthday. Upon reaching the town of Obersalzberg, you will board specially designed coaches for the adventurous and breathtaking ride along the steep rock walls and gorges which lead to the base of the Kehlstein. A large brass elevator will carry you up the final 365 feet into the Eagle's Nest. From here, you are sure to enjoy the spectacular views in every direction.
Zermatt
Gornergrat Mountain and Lunch • $90.00
A Swiss experience that is not-to-be-missed. First travel up Gornergrat Mountain, via the Cog Railway, Europe's highest mountain railway (10,132 feet). The train crosses impressive bridges and goes through tunnels in the midst of idyllic forests and Alpine meadows for a scenic view of the Matterhorn. Nestled in the heart of the Alps, you will be able to see the majestic mountains of Italy in the distance as you are surrounded by glaciers and snowcapped mountains in every direction. Next, enjoy a wonderful lunch at a local restaurant.

CANCELLATION WAIVER:

Worry-Free Cancelation
Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travelers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.

Plus, you're covered on tour.
Our cancellation waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.

Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is just $350 per person.

Click here for complete details.


TRAVEL TIPS:
Alpine Explorer
Listed below is important information to assist you in preparing for your upcoming trip. This information provided will help you have a more enjoyable experience while you are on your tour.
Electricity
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. Voltage for Europe is 220.
Helpful Hints
Bring a camera, memory cards, film, and batteries and be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring an extra battery, plus proper recharging equipment. Due to security screening, we recommend storing your equipment in your carry-on luggage. Bring a travel alarm clock, travel sewing kit and an alcohol based gel hand sanitizer when soap and water is not accessible. Pack items that may leak in plastic bags. Do not pack any articles of value in your checked luggage. As a precaution, we suggest that you divide the contents of your suitcase with your traveling companion. Avoid over packing and leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home.
Contact your travel clinic or personal physician for specific details and inoculations that may be required or recommended to participate on this tour. Fly in comfortable clothing and shoes. Since temperatures can vary when flying, it is advisable to bring a sweater on flights. Drink plenty of water and juice on the long-haul segments of your trip. You may want to avoid alcoholic beverages during the flight, as they are dehydrating. Exercise on board the aircraft. Bring books, magazines and snacks for your flight(s). Bring a copy of your passport/identification and pack it separately from the original. Leave a copy of your tour itinerary at home with your emergency contact as well as a copy of your passport.
Reading List
Interested in reading about your destination before you depart? Collette has pre-selected travel guides, novels and books on history, nature and art to help enhance your total vacation experience. You can access the complete list by typing the following into your web browser. Select the region of the world to find your tour: http://www.collettevacations.com/travel-books.cfm
Seat Belts
The European Union (EU) has adopted a directive (2003/20EU) regarding the compulsory wearing of seatbelts while traveling on your vehicle when equipped. Failure to comply could result in a PERSONAL fine of up to Euro 750. Collette Vacations will NOT issue refunds to passengers who may be fined for non-compliance. Our tour managers will remind you again while on tour, but we feel that advising you in advance is beneficial.
Time Zone
Alpine region is 6 hours ahead Eastern Standard Time.