Experience the grand cities of Europe’s Alpine country. You’ll marvel at the architectural beauty and rich history of Vienna on a city tour. Embark on a cruise along the Danube River through the historic Wachau Valley, visit the Benedictine Abbey in Melk, and enjoy a Mozart dinner concert at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant in Salzburg. During your two-night stay in this city, Collette takes you on a walking tour, highlighting Mozart’s birthplace, Mirabell Gardens, and recognizable sights from the “Sound of Music.” This tour takes you to Munich, capital of the state of Bavaria, before continuing to Oberammergau, home of the famous Passion Play performed every ten years since 1634. As Collette’s guests, you’ll enjoy a full day performance of the play that depicts the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ in the impressive 5,000-seat theatre with its open air stage. You’ll view the picturesque pinnacles and turrets of Neuschwanstein Castle, and then overnight in Bavaria’s mysterious Black Forest, where popular souvenirs include authentic cuckoo clocks and wood carvings. In Switzerland, you’ll spend two nights in Zermatt in the Swiss Alps, and two nights in Bern, the capital city. Highlights in Switzerland include a visit to the Chateau de Chillon on lovely Lake Geneva; a walking tour in Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake” that boasts 800 years of history; and Bern’s famous Bear Pit and Rose Gardens. A farewell dinner with your fellow travellers is the perfect end to this memorable tour.
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Welcome to the Alpine Countries tour - a visit to three of Europe's most picturesque countries: Austria, Germany (Bavaria), and Switzerland. Your tour begins with a flight to Vienna.
Day 2: Vienna, Austria
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 travellers at one of the local restaurants for a delightful welcome dinner, complete with local wines and traditional entertainment. (D)
Day 3: Vienna
Your Imperial Vienna tour highlights the baroque marvels of Schoenbrunn or Belvedere Palace. Touring Vienna's city centre, 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. (B, D)
Day 4: 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. (B)
Day 5: 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 colourful, historic costumes. (B, D)
Day 6: Salzburg - Munich, Germany - Oberammergau
Travel through the picturesque landscape of Austria to neighbouring 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. (B, D)
Day 7: 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 honour 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. This is truly an unforgettable event. (B, L, D)
Day 8: 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! (B)
Day 9: 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. (B, D)
Day 10: Zermatt
Begin your day with an orientation tour of the village. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore this charming village, savour pastries at a local café or just relax. (B)
Day 11: 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. (B)
Day 12: 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 travellers in celebrating the end of a marvellous trip with a farewell dinner.
(B, D)
Day 13: Bern - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Bern. (B)
