Highlights…Vienna • Danube Cruise
Salzburg • Mozart Dinner Concert
Munich • Oberammergau Passion Play Neuschwanstein Castle • Black Forest
Zermatt • Lucerne • Bern
Day 1: Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Overnight Flight
Welcome to Collette’s Alpine Countries tour - a visit to three of Europe’s most picturesque countries: Austria, Germany (Bavaria), and Switzerland.
Day 2: Thursday, September 2, 2010
Vienna, Austria - Tour Begins
You arrive in the grand city of Vienna, the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Tonight, in the picturesque wine-making village of Grinzing, you will join your fellow travelers at one of the local restaurants for a delightful welcome dinner, complete with local wines and traditional entertainment. Today dinner will be included.
Day 3: Friday, September 3, 2010
Vienna
Your Imperial Vienna tour highlights the baroque marvels of Schoenbrunn or Belvedere Palace. Touring Vienna’s city center, you view St. Stephan’s Cathedral, beautiful baroque architecture, parks and gothic spires of a by-gone age. The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening you are invited to dinner at a popular local restaurant. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 4: Saturday, September 4, 2010
Vienna - Danube River Cruise - Melk - Salzburg
Depart Vienna and travel along the banks of the Danube to the medieval town of Durnstein. Embark on a cruise on the Danube River, gliding through the historic Wachau Valley, one of the most beautiful stretches of river in the world. Later you visit the Benedictine Abbey in Melk, before continuing to the “City of Music”, Salzburg. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 5: Sunday, September 5, 2010
Salzburg - Mozart Dinner Concert
Enjoy a walking tour of the Altstadt (Old Town) highlighting the Cathedral, Mozart’s Birthplace and Mirabell Gardens. You will not be able to miss recognizable locations from the “Sound of Music”. Your afternoon is at leisure. The evening includes a memorable Mozart Dinner Concert at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant. In the stylish ambiance of the historic Baroque Hall, you will enjoy a traditional candlelight dinner (featuring recipes from the 17th & 18th centuries) while you listen to some of Mozart’s most popular compositions performed by local artists in colorful, historic costumes. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 6: Monday, September 6, 2010
Salzburg - Munich, Germany - Oberammergau
Travel through the picturesque landscape of Austria to neighboring Germany. Your destination is Munich, the beautiful capital of the state of Bavaria. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour featuring the Olympic Park, Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel. Next, depart for the quaint village of Oberammergau, nestled in the Bavarian Alps. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 7: Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Oberammergau - Passion Play
Enjoy a performance of the Passion Play which originally took place in 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. Their long hair and beards are natural as they start to grow it a year or more in advance, and their costumes are made by local villagers. This is truly an unforgettable event. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 8: Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Oberammergau - Rhine Falls - Black Forest
Today you visit Wies Church, proclaimed as a World Heritage site. You then view perhaps the most famous castle in Bavaria - Neuschwanstein - with its turrets and pinnacles. Continuing on the scenic route, you traverse southern Germany, skirting the northern shores of Lake Constance to the Rhine Falls, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. You then proceed to the mysterious Black Forest - setting of legends and stories of yore! Don’t forget to shop for authentic cuckoo clocks, Hummels, and wood carvings! Today breakfast will be included.
Day 9: Thursday, September 9, 2010
Black Forest - Chateau de Chillon, Lake Geneva, Switzerland - Zermatt
Today enjoy a visit to the Chateau de Chillon, beautifully situated on Lake Geneva. Your travels continue through the wine-growing region of the Rhone Valley before beginning the ascent into the fabulous Swiss Alps. Upon arrival in Tasch, board a local train for the short ride to the spectacular Alpine village of Zermatt. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 10: Friday, September 10, 2010
Zermatt
Begin your day with an orientation tour of the village. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore this charming village, savor pastries at a local café or just relax. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 11: Saturday, September 11, 2010
Zermatt -Lucerne - Bern
This morning travel to the beautiful medieval city of Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake”. Enjoy a leisurely-paced Alstadt (Old Town) walking tour exploring the hidden treasures of the city. In addition to its natural charm and tranquility, 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 afternoon, travel to the Swiss capital of Bern. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 12: Sunday, September 12, 2010
Bern
Today, explore 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 the Old Town skyline. This evening, join your fellow travelers in celebrating the end of a marvelous trip with a farewell dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 13: Monday, September 13, 2010
Bern - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Bern. Today breakfast will be included. |
May 21 - June 2, 2010
and
September 1 - 13, 2010
13 days • 19 meals
Per person rates*:
Double $5,699
|
