SWITZERLAND AND AUSTRIA ITINERARY

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Day 1
Depart home city.

Day 2
Arrive in Zurich and transfer to your hotel.

Day 3
Glacier Express Route to St. Mortiz. * Today reveals a panorama to delight the eye. The majesty of Switzerland’s mountains and the beauty of her lakes are unmatched in all of Europe and on this trip you will see the best of both. Travel by road, and by rail on the famous Glacier Express train to areas impossible to reach by other means. Experience unspoiled mountain forests, silent Alpine pastures, rushing mountain streams and mountain villages rich in tradition. Arrive in St. Moritz, a popular spa in the Middle Ages and still one of Europe’s most fashionable resorts. Sightsee in this charming town, relax amid the beauty and peace of the mountains, stroll beside the lake or visit the glamorous shops.

Day 4
Lucerne City.* Set against a backdrop of majestic mountains, this beautiful city of medieval origin is truly a hidden gem. Crowned by Mount Pilatus, Lucerne's charm emanates from its picturesque covered bridges decorated with medieval paintings, historic monuments and delightful lakeside promenades. The River Reuss splits the town, flowing rapidly out of the northwestern end of the lake, and the river banks on both sides are clustered with medieval squares, frescoed houses, cobbled alleys, beautiful churches and ancient guildhalls. A stroll through Lucerne's well-preserved Old Town offers a wealth of interesting places to visit including the beautiful Baroque Jesuit Church; Chapel Bridge, Europe's oldest wooden bridge and the symbol of Lucerne; and the famous Lion Monument carved from a limestone cliff, which honors the memory of heroic Swiss Guards.

Day 5
Scenic Transfer. Today will be a day of breathtaking rugged mountain scenery of Austrian and Swiss countryside, with lonesome beauty of the mountain passes and picturesque villages nestling amongst the deep green forests and soft Alpine meadows. Our road will take us through Innsbruck, imperial capital of Tirol with time to enjoy the charming and historical Old Town.

Day 6
Highlights of Salzburg.* This morning experience Salzburg's rich history and natural beauty through this guided walking excursion of its medieval art and architecture, and historic monuments. Stroll through the Mirabell Gardens passing the Mirabell Palace, built by Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau for his mistress Salome Alt and where the mayor of Salzburg has had his office since 1950. Visit Mozart's birthplace where you will experience the fascinating world of this genius. Continue via St. Peter's Church to the Cathedral with its magnificent baroque architecture and join in the bustle of the Getreidegasse, the main road in the historical part of the city and a famous shopping street.

Day 7
Day at leisure.

Day 8
Castle Herrenchiemsee.* This morning your drive takes you to Lake Chiem (Chiemsee), the largest lake in Bavaria, situated just to the north of the Bavarian Alps. At the town of Prien, a short boat ride takes you to the Herreninsel (Gentlemens Island). On this, the largest of three islands on the lake, King Ludwig II of Bavaria built the Castle of Herrenchiemsee, the last and most impressive of the Bavarian Royal Castles. It is often called the "Bavarian Versailles" and has an outstanding location and elaborate interior. This fairytale castle is sure to enchant you!

Day 9
Return home.

*Excursions are optional, at an additional cost, and subject to change.