Day 1 - MUNICH
Welcome to fun-loving Bavaria! Airport transfers leave Munich Airport for the tour hotel at 10:00 & 13:00. Later your orientation tour shows you the Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, English Garden, Hofbräuhaus, St Peter’s Church and famous Marienplatz. This evening, get together with your Tour Director for a Welcome reception with drink and a light meal.
Hotel: Westin Grand
Meals: Welcome Reception
Day 2 - BAVARIAN ALPS EXCURSION
Witness the beautiful mountain scenery of the German Alps today! First visit Oberammergau, home since 1634 of the Passion Play; see the immense theatre and colourful chalets. Continue along the German Alpine Road to the Wieskirche, a masterpiece of Bavarian rococo. View King Ludwig’s castle of Hohenschwangau before visiting his ultimate folly Neuschwanstein. Return to Munich where you are at leisure.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 3 - MUNICH - BERCHTESGADEN - SALZBURG
Ascend to the resort of Berchtesgaden in the shadow of Hitler’s infamous ‘Eagle’s Nest’. A short drive over the Austrian border leads to Salzburg, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Sightseeing with a local guide shows you the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace, the imposing fortress, the cathedral in the Old Town and Mozart’s Birthplace.
Hotel: Castellani Park Hotel
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 4 - SALZBURG - DANUBE VALLEY - VIENNA
First stop this morning is Mondsee to see the ‘Sound of Music’ church. Then in the shadow of the great Monastery of Melk, join a scenic cruise along the River Danube through the Wachau Valley, where vineyards cover hillsides overlooked by ruined castles. Alight in Dürnstein, a medieval gem of towers and ramparts. Finally head for Austria’s great Imperial capital, Vienna. Tonight, for your dining pleasure, enjoy a range of cuisine from our selection of restaurants.
Hotel: Hilton
Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dine Around
Day 5 - VIENNA SIGHTSEEING
Join a local guide for a tour of Schönbrunn Palace, full of frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers, huge mirrors and gilded ornaments. Spend some time in the formal gardens before going on to view the St Charles’ Church, imperial Hofburg Palace, the Parliament and State Opera House. The afternoon is at leisure Cafés are an institution in Vienna; round off your tour with an explanation of the history and important role they play in local culture.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 6 - VIENNA - KLAGENFURT
Take a delightful drive through ‘undiscovered’ Austria – the pine forests and sleepy towns of Styria and Carinthia. Climb the dramatic Semmering Pass and stop in Kindberg with its colourful maypole. Continue to Friesach, still encircled by its moat. Stay tonight in the old city centre of Klagenfurt, close to the town’s famous dragon (Lindwurm) in the Neuer Platz.
Hotel: Arcotel Moser Verdino
Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dinner
Day 7 - KLAGENFURT - CORTINA - INNSBRUCK
Head for the distinctive rugged peaks of the Dolomites. Enter Italy by way of Lago di Misurina and the Tre Croci Pass to pause in the fashionable ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Cross back into Austria and continue to Innsbruck, set in a valley of snow-capped mountain peaks. Relax among the cafés of the Old Quarter, with its narrow arcades and gabled shop fronts.
Hotel: Hilton
Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dinner
Day 8 - INNSBRUCK - ST MORITZ
On this morning’s orientation tour see the Triumph Arch, the lovely Golden Roof of Emperor Maximilian and the Royal Palace. Then enter Switzerland and drive along the beautiful Engadine Valley to the chic Alpine resort of St Moritz. To help you make the most of your stay, Insight has arranged a mountain railways pass providing free travel on all cable cars, funiculars and chairlifts (if open) in Engadin St. Moritz. Enjoy!
Hotel: Monopol
Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dinner
Day 9 - BERNINA EXPRESS EXCURSION
Board the panoramic viewing carriages of the Bernina Express for one of Europe’s outstanding train journeys. Enjoy a visual feast of glaciers, lakes and forest as you ride this roller-coaster route up the Bernina Pass, only to descend via a series of sharp zigzags and tortuous loops. Alight in the Italianate town of Poschiavo where an authentic two course lunch has been arranged. After your meal, return to your hotel by coach for time at leisure.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch
Day 10 - ST MORITZ - GLACIER EXPRESS - LUCERNE
An unforgettable journey begins the day as ice-capped mountains, stone-built villages and lush meadows slip by the windows of your Glacier Express train. Ascend through the spiral tunnels of the Albula Pass and cross the Landwasser Viaduct before heading down through the Oberalp Valley to rejoin the coach at Andermatt. Continue north to lovely Lucerne.
Hotel: Renaissance Lucerne
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 11 - LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING
See the sorrowful sculpture of the dying lion, hewn out of a limestone cliff to commemorate those Swiss Guards who died at the Battle of the Tuileries. Ascend Mount Pilatus by cog-wheel train and cable-car. From the summit, enjoy some of the best views of the Swiss Alps. Back in Lucerne, stroll across the Chapel Bridge to the Jesuit Church, before using your free time to shop. Tonight join your friends for a farewell Celebration Dinner with wine.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner
Day 12 - LUCERNE - ZURICH AIRPORT
Your departure transfer arrives at Zurich Airport at 08:00. Please do not schedule any flights before 10:00am.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast