September 25 – October 4, 2020

Group #829993

Day 2: Saturday, September 26, 2020: Your tour opens in Bern, the capital of Switzerland and a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the Swiss countryside.  The cobbled Old Town section is so well preserved that residents who lived here 500 years ago would still find it familiar today.  This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring local cuisine such as traditional cheese fondue.  (D)

Day 3: Sunday, September 27, 2020: Explore Bern on a panoramic sightseeing tour featuring the Bundeshaus (the Swiss Parliament), the Bear Pit, the Rose Gardens, and the Gothic cathedral which dominates Old Town’s skyline.  The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore independently.  Perhaps you will take the funicular ride up Gurten Mountain which affords beautiful views of Bern.  (B)

Day 4: Monday, September 28, 2020: Travel along the shores of Lake Geneva to the legendary medieval Château de Chillon.  This princely residence faces the lake, but puts forth the image of an imposing fortress from the mountains.  Later, enjoy inspiring Alpine views with a ride on the GoldenPass Panoramic Train from Montreux to Gstaad.  Discover the delightful ambience of this world-famous Alpine ski resort with its numerous traditional wood chalets.  This evening’s dinner is included at one of Bern’s great restaurants.  (B, D)

Day 5: Tuesday, September 29, 2020: Set out for Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.”  Enjoy a leisurely paced Altstadt (Old Town) walking tour, and discover the hidden treasures of the city.  Lucerne has more than 800 years of history.  Explore such treasures as the covered Chapel Bridge (1833); the famous medieval 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.  En route to Innsbruck, we make our way through Liechtenstein, the smallest and richest German-speaking country in the world and the only country to lie entirely within the Alps.  (B)

Day 6: Wednesday, September 30, 2020: This morning, it’s your choice.  Choose one of two leisurely walking tours: join a local guide as you discover the city’s history, culture, and popular attractions including Maria Theresien Strasse, the Hofburg, and the Golden Roof; or, you may embark on a tour focusing on Innsbruck’s unique architectural structures including the famous ski jump.  (B)

Day 7: Thursday, October 1, 2020: Travel through the picturesque Austrian countryside to Salzburg.  Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely paced walking tour featuring Mirabell Gardens (seen in The Sound of Music); the quaint Getreidegasse (birthplace of Mozart); and many other highlights of this beautiful city.  Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to independently explore and enjoy Salzburg’s fabulous sights.  Complete your day with a delightful dinner at the 1,200-year-old St. Peter’s Restaurant, the oldest in Austria and still owned by the monks.  (B, D)

Day 8: Friday, October 2, 2020: Cross the border into Bavaria, Germany to the quaint village of Oberammergau.  This afternoon, witness a performance of the epic Passion Play.  The original performance dates back to 1634.  During the Thirty Year War, Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the citizens vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the last days in the life of Christ.  The performers are all native to the village.  To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast starts to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance.  During a break in the performance, join your fellow travelers for dinner before returning for the remainder of your Passion Play performance.  (B, L, D)

Day 9: Saturday, October 3, 2020: Begin your day with a visit to Linderhof Palace, one of the most artistic and stylistically complex ensembles of the 19^th century.  It is the olny palace King Ludwig II of Bavaria was able to complete.  Behind the Baroque façade is a Rococo world, rich in abundant ornamentation, with many sculptural elements showing workmanship of an incomparable artistic quality.  Next, enjoy free time to explore medieval Fussen, the romantic town in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps.  Make a special picture stop at Neuschwanstein Castle before gathering for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip.  (B, D)