September 25 – October 4, 2020

Group #829993

Day 3: Monday, September 26, 2022: Explore Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.”  Enjoy a walking tour of the Alstadt (Old Town) and discover the hidden treasures of the city.  Lucerne has more than 800 years of history.  Explore such medieval treasures as the covered Chapel Bridge; 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, perhaps you will take an optional excursion to nearby Mt. Pilatus, where you can see as far as Italy on a clear day.  (B)

Day 4: Tuesday, September 27, 2022: 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.  (B, D)

Day 5: Wednesday, September 28, 2022: Enjoy a leisurely morning before departing Switzerland for Austria.  En route, 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.  This afternoon arrive in Innsbruck, capital of the Alps.  (B) 

Day 6: Thursday, September 29, 2022: 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: Friday, September 30, 2022: 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: Saturday, October 1, 2022: 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 Years’ 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 of this once-in-a-decade event 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: Sunday, October 2, 2022: 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 only 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)