Germany, Austria, Switzerland

Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” for directions on where and when to meet your Tour Manager. Settle into your comfortable motor coach for a ride through the Main River Valley and the Franconian Wine Region on the way to your hotel in the scenic and festive state of Bavaria. Get acquainted with your fellow tour participants during the “Welcome to Europe” dinner at the hotel.

Your bus transfer into the city center introduces you to the history of Nuremberg. Hitler staged his propaganda rallies here, and after his fall, Nuremberg was chosen as the location for the War Trials. For additional insight, visit the Documentation Center at the site of the Nazi Party Rally Grounds (admission fee). If you prefer a lighter subject, enter the Toy Museum (admission fee), celebrating Nuremberg’s tradition as the “City of Toys.” Spend the afternoon in the enchanting medieval village of Rothenburg. When you see the well-preserved walls, cobblestone streets, distinctive inns, and Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Weihnachtsdorf (a whimsical Christmas shop), it feels as if you are walking into a fairy tale. Return to your hotel for an authentic German dinner.

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. Walk through the pedestrian-only Marienplatz (main square) with the Rathaus (Town Hall) and its captivating Glockenspiel (clock tower). For those traveling in late September, spend the majority of your free time experiencing the festivities of Oktoberfest at the fairgrounds. This afternoon, as you cross into Austria and drive through the province of Salzburg, admire the mountain-fed rivers and flower-laden meadows. Arrive in the village of Filzmoos, and enjoy Austrian hospitality during dinner at the hotel.

The entire day focuses on the province of Salzburg with special attention to the sites made famous by the “Sound of Music.” Visit Mondsee to see the church where they filmed the wedding of Maria and Captain Von Trapp. In the city of Salzburg, stop at the gazebo that was used to film Liesl singing “16 going on 17” and Mirabell Gardens where several “Do Re Mi” scenes were filmed. The walking tour includes Residenz Square where Maria sings “I Have Confidence in Me.” Spend the afternoon shopping in the charming pedestrian-only area of the Old Town, exploring the Salzburg High Fortress, or visiting Mozart’s Birthplace (admission fee). Take a stroll through Saint Peter's Abbey and Cemetery where, in the movie, the Von Trapp family hides from the Nazis. After an independent dinner, return to your hotel in Filzmoos.

The day is at your leisure. Choose from an abundance of mountain paths for an exhilarating hike or bike ride with awe-inspiring panoramas. Or, simply relax in your Austrian village surrounded by the boundless splendor of the Alps. This afternoon, your tour manager will invite you for an optional Eagle’s Nest excursion, combining history with incredible views. Rejoin your group for a traditional Austrian dinner at your hotel.

Admire the glorious scenery during your drive to Innsbruck, capital of Tyrol. The Golden Roof, the symbol of Innsbruck, is decorated with 2,657 copper shingles. Completed in 1500, Maximillian I commissioned the building of this covered balcony to celebrate his wedding and used it as a royal box to view the entertainment in the square below. You will have time to shop for the famed Swarovski Crystal and to explore the old city center with the Maria Theresien Boulevard, Triumphal Arch and exquisite Imperial Church. Your chalet-style hotel for the next two nights is located in a Tyrolean Village a short distance from Innsbruck. Choose a local restaurant for your independent dinner or join the optional Tyrolean Show & Dinner excursion for a light-hearted presentation of Austrian folklore, music and dancing.

Tucked into the valleys around Innsbruck, the peaceful Tyrolean villages are the perfect location for a relaxing day. Frescoed and flower-adorned chalets create an idyllic alpine atmosphere as you walk through town. Viewed from an outdoor café or along one of the numerous hiking paths, the Tyrolean Alps present breathtaking scenery. If you wish to return to Innsbruck, hotel staff can advise on local transportation, or you can choose the full-day optional Neuschwanstein & Linderhof excursion. At the end of the day, return to your Tyrolean hotel for dinner.

Depending on the weather, depart Austria by way of the Arlberg Pass or through the engineering masterpiece of the Arlberg Tunnel. Following a stop in Vaduz, the capital city of Liechtenstein, cross the border into Switzerland. For the next two nights you will stay in a cozy village surrounded by the Swiss Alps.

Stop in the old mountain village of Stans for the optional Swiss Mountain excursion, offering thrilling panoramic views by funicular and cable car. You will have a full afternoon to discover Lucerne’s picturesque covered bridge, famous Lion Monument and other special treasures. The soaring mountain peaks of Rigi and Pilatus standing guard over Lake Lucerne, creating one of the most imposing sights in Europe. Before returning to your hotel for dinner, consider joining your tour manager for an optional Swiss Lake Boat Ride excursion.

After a Swiss breakfast, travel north to the impressive and powerful Rhine River Falls, near the town of Schaffhausen. An extended visit allows time for an independent lunch and to see the falls by boat (admission fee) or from viewing platforms accessible on foot by paths and stairways. Return to Germany for a two-night stay in the renowned Black Forest. Dinner will be served at your hotel this evening.

Escape modern life and behold the natural beauty of the rustic villages nestled between the thickly wooded mountains. The history of the Black Forest come to life while visiting some of the region’s treasured highlights. See the waterfall of Triberg, the Schwarzwaldmuseum (Black Forest Museum), and the clock shop of a local artisan. This is your chance to examine authentic hand-carved and hand-detailed Black Forest cuckoo clocks. During an independent dinner, become better acquainted with this lovely area.

Winding past peaceful villages and farmhouses, depart the Black Forest on the way to historic Heidelberg, situated in the Neckar Valley. This famous university town is immortalized in the operetta “The Student Prince.” Walk through the Old Town or take the funicular (admission fee) for a close-up look at the ruins of Heidelberg’s red sandstone castle. Continue to your hotel in Rüdesheim. Located among the vineyards of the Rhine wine region, Rüdesheim is known for its festive atmosphere. An independent dinner presents the chance to try Federweisser (feather wine) with Zwiebelkuchen (onion cake) while enjoying Rüdesheim’s tradition of live music and merriment.

A full day in Rüdesheim provides the opportunity to walk along the attractive Rhine River promenade and the enchanting Drosselgasse, the main shopping street. You may wish to join the optional Rhine Cruise & Cable Car excursion, offering magnificent views of the Rhine River Valley. During tonight’s “Farewell Dinner,” celebrate the highlights of your journey with your fellow passengers.

Transfer to the Frankfurt Airport for your return flight home.