Itinerary at a Glance
DAY 1 - Departure from the U.S
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. Once on board you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your overnight flight across
the Atlantic Ocean.
DAY 2 - GERMANY
Frankfurt . . Franconian Wine Region
Upon arrival at Frankfurt Airport, claim your luggage, clear customs, meet your tour manager, and board your deluxe motor
coach for the short ride to Frankfurt, strategically located in the center of Germany as its vibrant commercial and
financial hub. The drive into Frankfurt will give you a feel of this lively city, which was rebuilt after 70% of the city
was destroyed during WW II. Today, modern architecture and high-rise construction hug the scant historic sites that were
spared from the allied bombings. There will be time to browse the famous Roemer Square, with the beautifully restored City
Hall and other historic buildings. Lunch time offers plenty of enticing food booths that sell the renowned, succulent
German sausages, complete with mustard, hard rolls, and Frankfurter apple wine. And, how about a piece of delicious Apfel
Kuche? After your visit to Frankfurt, settle back in your comfortable motor coach for a two-hour ride through the Main
Valley and into the heart of the Franconian wine growing region. After check-in, freshen up, take a walk, or just relax a
bit before the welcome dinner at the hotel.
DAY 3 - GERMANY
Franconian Wine Region
You may spend this day on your own and at your own pace--exploring, walking/hiking, and relaxing in the quaint villages or
scenic surroundings of this region. Or, you may join the full-day optional 'Nuremberg-Würzburg Circle Tour & Dinner'
excursion.
DAY 4 - GERMANY
Romantic Road . . Ulm . . Oberammergau
Follow the fabled 'Romantische Strasse' to the delightful medieval town of Dinkelsbuehl, where we will make our customary
morning stop. Take time to admire the old City Gates, Town Hall, half-timbered houses, and irresistible store fronts as you
mingle with the lively pedestrian hustle. Near lunch time, we will arrive in Ulm, which boasts the tallest cathedral spire
in the world. Construction of the massive Münster Cathedral began in 1377. Amazingly, the Ulm Cathedral was not badly
damaged during World War II. If you're a good walker, consider climbing to the third gallery (768 steps) for a magnificent
view. From Ulm, it's less than an hour to the medieval city of Memmingen. From here it is only another 75 miles to the
renowned 'Passion Play' town of Oberammergau, situated in the scenically diverse, southernmost pocket of Bavaria. You will
pass Fuessen with a photo view of the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, said to have inspired the Disney Castle. Just before
arriving at your hotel in Oberammergau, where dinner awaits you, make a special stop to see the famous 'Church in the
Meadow', a pilgrimage church built in 1746 in extravagant Rococo style.
DAY 5 - GERMANY
Oberammergau
The day is devoted to the lovely and historic town of Oberammergau, known throughout the world for its Passion Play. In
1634 when the Black Plague was devastating entire European communities, the citizens of Oberammergau vowed to perform a
Passion Play, the story of Christs suffering, if their town would be spared. The first performance took place in the
churchyard and it is now performed every decade in a theater designed just for this purpose. The next performances will be
in 2010. View the Passion Play theater, admire the beautifully frescoed buildings, and browse the woodcarving shops for
which this region is well known. For the afternoon and evening, we offer an optional 'Munich & Dinner in Kochel' excursion.
DAY 6 - GERMANY & AUSTRIA
Bad Wiessee . . Achenpass . . Kufstein . . St. Johann . . Fieberbrunn
This day will highlight more of the delightful scenery of Lower Bavaria and the Austrian Tyrol. Actual distance today will
be only about 120 miles, but we will go very leisurely, with plenty of stops to fully enjoy the gorgeous lakes and
mountains. The first stop will be in Bad Wiessee, a lovely lake resort town. Then, you will cross the Achenpass, a
strikingly scenic, forested passage from Germany into Austria. Following a relaxed lunch stop on the Austrian side of the
pass, continue to the interesting town of Kufstein. The focal point of the town is a medieval tower, which contains a
large, historic organ that still plays every day. A visit to the quaint tavern underneath the organ tower is a must. The
short but scenic ride from Kufstein, via St. Johann to Fieberbrunn is a mere 25 miles, making for a nice early arrival in
Fieberbrunn, with time for a walk before dinner at the hotel. Indeed, this is one of the most leisurely, beautiful and
memorable days of the tour! But . . . there's much more to come!
DAY 7 - AUSTRIA
Fieberbrunn in the Tyrolean Alps
The day is at leisure to do as you wish. If you enjoy walking and hiking, this is your chance. There are mountain paths all
around. Or, just relax amidst the boundless majesty of the imposing Alps. If your interests are culture and history,
consider joining the optional 'Salzburg with Dinner in Berchtesgaden' excursion. While in Salzburg, also consider the
'Eagle's Nest' optional excursion.
DAY 8 - AUSTRIA
Innsbruck . . Landeck . . Brand
Follow the Inn River upstream to Tyrol's principal town and capital, Innsbruck (Inn bridge), which was twice host of the
Winter Olympics ('64 and '76). This imperial city is also known for its Golden Roof, built in 1500 with 1399 guilded tiles
as a royal box to view entertainment in the square below. Innsbruck owes its architectural beauty to Emperor Maximilian I,
who ruled 500 years ago, and who became Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. You will have at least three hours to explore the
beautiful old city center, and enjoy lunch in one of the outdoor cafes or restaurants. At 2:30 pm, we leave Innsbruck, and
will again follow the Inn River, through beautiful mountain scenery, to the town of Landeck. Here, depending on weather
conditions, the tour manager decides whether to continue through the Arlberg Tunnel, or take the Silvretta High Alpine
Road. Either way, the destination is the mountain village of Brand, where your hotel is preparing a delicious dinner for
you. This is the perfect place to escape from modern life's hectic pace, traffic noise, and mega malls. Drink in the
splendid beauty of the spectacular mountain majesty that is Austria.
DAY 9 - LIECHTENSTEIN & SWITZERLAND
Vaduz . . Einsiedeln . . Swiss Lake District
This morning features more of the natural beauty of the Austrian Alps. Feast your eyes on the majestic mountains all around
you. Soon after you leave Brand, you will reach the small town of Bludenz. The ancient part of this town has an attractive
old-world air, with narrow streets and tightly built houses. Next, look for a 12th-century castle, perched on a rocky hill.
This castle belongs to the centuries-old town of Feldkirch. A few more miles down the road, you will cross the border from
Austria into the enchanting, tiny principality of Liechtenstein, an independent state wedged between Austria and
Switzerland. Enjoy a leisurely visit to the capital of Liechtenstein, Vaduz. High atop a mountain hill sits Vaduz Castle,
residence of the ruling Prince of Liechtenstein. For souvenirs of your visit, you may purchase postage stamps of
Liechtenstein as well as have your passport stamped right at the Vaduz post office. At 1:00 pm, leave Vaduz, cross the
border into Switzerland, and travel along the shores of two beautiful Swiss lakes to the pilgrimage town of Einsiedeln,
with its serenely captivating Abbey. Dine at your hotel where you will spend the next two nights in the Swiss Lake
district, amidst a setting of mountains and lakes.
DAY 10 - SWITZERLAND
Swiss Lake District
This is one of those days that has been reserved for a little rest and relaxation, walking, hiking, or other individual
pursuit. Enjoy the Swiss Alps the way you like best. Spend the day shopping in nearby Zug, go hiking on the scenic mountain
paths, or relax along the lake. Consider the optional 'Swiss Mountain' excursion in the morning and the 'Swiss Lake Boat
Ride & Dinner' excursion in the evening.
DAY 11 - SWITZERLAND & GERMANY
Schaffhausen Rhine Falls . . Black Forest
After a nice Swiss breakfast, head North to see the impressive and powerful Rhine River Falls, Europe's largest, near the
town of Schaffhausen. Your journey will then take you back into Germany to visit the renowned Black Forest region. A
mid-afternoon arrival in Villingen-Schwenningen allows for a stroll through the medieval town center, complete with towers,
city gates and, of course, cuckoo clocks. We will spend the next two nights in Villingen. Tonight, explore the local
cuisine on your own, or join the optional 'Black Forest Hot Rock Dinner' excursion.
DAY 12 - GERMANY
Black Forest
For today, the choice is yours . . . free time or join the optional 'Black Forest and a Taste of France' excursion.
Whichever you choose, dinner will be waiting for you at your hotel tonight.
DAY 13 - GERMANY
Baden-Baden . . Heidelberg . . Rüedesheim/Assmannshausen
This morning, travel through the northern part of the Black Forest, making a short stop in Schonach, home to the world's
largest cuckoo clock. Just before leaving the Black Forest, the well-manicured parks of Baden-Baden provide a lovely spot
for your independent lunch. In the early afternoon, you will reach historic Heidelberg, famous for its university and
immortalized in the operetta, 'The Student Prince'. Ruins of the red sandstone Castle loom above the city of Heidelberg,
which is idyllically situated in the Neckar Valley. Inside the castle is a gigantic wine cask said to hold 49,000 gallons!
Walk through the old town of Heidelberg before heading 60 miles north to the delightful wine town of Ruedesheim on the
Rhine River. While dining at your hotel tonight, indulge in a delicious glass of Rhine wine.
DAY 14 - GERMANY
Rüedesheim/Assmannshausen
Rüedesheim lies on the right bank of the river. Day and night, seven days a week, there is a steady movement of river
barges, transporting goods between Basel, Switzerland, and Rotterdam, Holland. Indeed, the Rhine River is one of the
busiest and most important waterways in the world. It originates in Switzerland, becomes navigable in Basel, forms the
natural border between Germany and France, and runs about 600 kilometers through Germany. Then it enters the Netherlands
(Holland) where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean's 'North Sea', at Rotterdam--one of the world's largest ports.
Rüedesheim's location in the center of the famous Rhine Wine culture has contributed to the town's festive appearance and
lifestyle. Sometime today, you'll want to take a walk on the promenade along the Rhine River. You may also wish to join the
optional 'Rhine Cruise & Cable Car' excursion. Tonight, conclude your enchanting journey of German, Austrian, and Swiss
highlights with a festive Farewell Dinner.
DAY 15 - GERMANY
Frankfurt . . Daytime flight back to the U.S.A
Bid farewell to Europe as you transfer to Frankfurt Airport for your flight home.
