Itinerary at a Glance
DAY 1: U.S.A. - EUROPE
Overnight flight to Europe
The day of departure has arrived. Keep your airline ticket, passport, and 'Departure Instructions' handy, and proceed to the check-in counter of your designated airline.
DAY 2: GERMANY
Frankfurt Airport - Franconian Wine Region
Arrive at Frankfurt Airport, claim your luggage, clear customs and meet your tour manager. Proceed through the main valley and into the heart of the Franconian Wine Region. This evening become acquainted with the other tour participants over a welcome dinner at your hotel. (Dinner)
DAY 3: GERMANY - AUSTRIA
Nuremberg - Munich - Fieberbrunn
Spend the morning in Nuremberg. Hitler staged his propaganda rallies here, and, after Hitler's fall, Nuremberg was chosen as the site of the famous War Trials. For further study of the Third Reich, visit the Dokumentation Center at the sight of the Nazi Party Rally Grounds. Another way to use your time is to stroll through the pedestrian area where shops will be selling Nuremberg's traditional version of gingerbread cookies, called Lebkuchen. Travel to the Bavarian capital of Munich for a panoramic city tour, including views of the Olympic Village, the Bohemian district of Schwabing, and the Königsplatz. Enjoy free time to explore the pedestrian only 'old town' where modern department stores have been skillfully grafted amidst the old city gates and historic buildings. For your independent lunch you may consider the world's most famous beer hall; the 'Hofbraühaus' where you can celebrate Oktoberfest year 'round. This afternoon continue south through the mountains to the largest village in the PillerseeTal valley, Fieberbrunn. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4, 5 & 6: AUSTRIA
Fieberbrunn
These next three days in the PillerseeTal are yours to explore the beautiful Austrian countryside. The PillerseeTal is a mountain valley situated in the North East of Tyrol. It borders the Austrian province of Salzburg and the German province of Bavaria. The five villages of Fieberbrunn, Hochfilzen, St. Jakob in Haus, St. Ulrich am Pillersee and Waidring have joined together to become an all-year-round holiday region with the Pillersee at the center. In short, this is a diverse destination providing endless options for activities for the day, breakfast will be available at the hotel. Dinners will be independent to allow you a flexible schedule with the optional day trips which may include 'Salzburg & Berchtesgaden with Dinner', 'Glaciers & Grossglockner', and 'Krimmler Waterfall'. Excursions may vary, and a precise listing of the excursions available during your tour will be included with your Final Trip Documents Packet. Maps of hiking and biking trails, as well as mountain bike rentals are readily available in the village of Fieberbrunn. The tour host and the local tourist office can make arrangements for mountain climbing guides, white water rafting excursions, glacier skiing and golf. Your stay can be as active or relaxing as you like. Whatever activities you choose, your faithful panorama will be the captivating and majestic Alpine scenery. (Breakfast daily)
DAY 7: AUSTRIA - GERMANY
Kitzbühl - Innsbruck - Oberammergau
Stop to admire the brightly colored buildings of Kitzbühl. Then, follow the Inn River upstream to Tyrol's principal town and capital, Innsbruck (Inn Bridge). Acclimate by joining the tour manager for a brief walking tour of the old town, including the Imperial Church, the Golden Roof - built in 1500 as a royal box to view entertainment in the square below and consisting of 1,399 gilded tiles - the Maria Theresien Boulevard, and the Triumphal Gate. You will have time to explore the beautiful old city center, and enjoy lunch in one of the outdoor cafes or restaurants. In the late afternoon, the Seefeld Pass offers incredible views as you travel from the Austrian to the Bavarian Alps. Make a stop in the famous, violin-making village of Mittenwald before reaching Oberammergau, famous for its Passion Play. In 1634 when the Black Plaque was devastating entire European communities, the citizens of Oberammergau vowed to perform a Passion Play, the story of Christ's suffering, if their town would be spared from further casualties. The first performance took place in the church yard and is now performed every decade in a theater designed specifically for this purpose. Enjoy dinner this evening at your Oberammergau hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 8: GERMANY
Oberammergau
The day is yours to explore Oberammergau and the many studios, workshops, and stores of the local artisans of this area. Woodcarving is a highly regarded and honed skill in this region. Local wood carvers can be observed at work as many studios are located in the shop itself. In addition to the wood carvers you will see the works of local painters, potters, sculptors, goldsmiths and silversmiths. As you walk through the village, admire the buildings with their ornate paintings depicting fairy tales and biblical scenes. To learn about the local history you may wish to visit the Oberammergau Museum with exhibits dedicated to the art and history of the area. Your tour manager will also offer a full day optional 'Bavarian Castles Circle Tour' excursion. For your independent dinner, the family-owned restaurants in Oberammergau are just the place to partake in traditional Bavarian cooking. (Breakfast)
DAY 9: GERMANY
Heidelberg - Frankfurt Airport area
Depart Oberammergau and arrive in the Ulm in time for lunch. Ulm is home to the tallest cathedral spire in the world. Construction on the massive Münster Cathedral began in 1377. If you're a good walker, consider climbing to the third gallery (768 steps) for a magnificent view. After lunch continure to the university town of Heidelberg. Ruins of the red sandstone castle loom above the city idyllically situated in the Neckar River Valley. Walk through the old town of Heidelberg before heading to your Frankfurt Airport hotel where dinner will be included as you enjoy your final evening in Europe. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 10: GERMANY - DAYTIME FLIGHT BACK TO THE USA
Frankfurt Airport Transfer this morning to the Frankfurt Airport for the return flight home. (Breakfast)
