Day 1, Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2, Fri. ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND.
Upon arrival, you will be met at the Zurich airport and transferred to your hotel. Later this afternoon, enjoy an orientation tour of Switzerland's financial capital including the grand Cathedral and Bahnhofstrasse with its many elegant stores. This evening, meet for a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director and traveling companions.
Day 3, Sat. ZURICH / ST. GALLEN / MUNICH, GERMANY / INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA.
Drive via Germany’s largest lake, Constance, enter Bavaria and take the “autobahn” to the lively capital of Munich. Here an orientation tour highlights the Marienplatz with its famous Glockenspiel, and the celebrated Hofbrauhaus. There is time to explore the bustling food market before continuing south through the snow-capped Alps to Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol. (B,D)
Day 4, Sun. INNSBRUCK.
This morning’s orientation tour features the Golden Roof and Hofburg Palace as well as the Wilten Basilica. This afternoon, perhaps join an optional outing to see one of Mad Ludwig’s fairy tale castles or simply enjoy the pastry and coffee shops in Old Town. (B)
Day 5, Mon. SALZBURG EXCURSION.
Make an early start this morning for the musical city of Salzburg. Drive along the scenic route past the Wilder Kaiser Mountains and through a small section of Germany to the enchanting city of Salzburg. A guided walking tour includes sites from The Sound of Music, the gardens of Mirabell Palace and Mozart's birthplace before ending at Mozart Square. There is plenty of time at leisure to perhaps take the funicular to the Castle Fortress or to just wander the historic streets. Return to Innsbruck where dinner tonight is Tyrolean cuisine at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 6, Tue. INNSBRUCK / VERONA, ITALY.
This morning, head over Brenner Pass into Italy and the beautiful landscape of the Dolomite Mountains. Next descend to the Veneto Plain to pretty Lake Garda. Drive along its scenic shores with a stop in Sirmione to see the ancient castle. Then on through the Bardolino Vineyards to Verona, the romantic city of star-crossed lovers. (B)
Day 7, Wed. VENICE EXCURSION.
Journey to the Adriatic Coast to the floating city of Venice. Cruise along the Giudecca Canal by private launch, seeing the Palladian Church of Christ the Redeemer, the island of St. George, the Doge's Palace and the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark's. Stop by the Bridge of Sighs on the way to St. Mark's Square. End your tour at a glassblowing workshop to watch a demonstration of this ancient craft. Then there is free time for independent exploration. You might want to take an optional outing to Burano Island for a fresh seafood lunch. (B,D)
Day 8, Thu. VERONA.
Discover one of Europe's secret jewels on a walking tour of Verona. Visit the 2,000-year-old Arena, built by the Romans and still in use today for opera performances. Also see Piazza Bra, Piazza delle Erbe, the tomb of the renowned Scaliger family and Juliet's balcony. Then there is time to shop on Via Mazzini with its boutiques and wine bars. (B)
Day 9, Fri. VERONA / LUGANO, SWITZERLAND / LUCERNE.
This morning drive past Brescia, Bergamo, Milan and Lake Como to Lugano in Switzerland. There is time to explore the old squares and pedestrian streets, and perhaps take a ride on a pedalo. Later this afternoon, head to Lucerne through the towering Gotthard Mountains. (B,D)
Day 10, Sat. LUCERNE.
An orientation tour around this medieval city highlights the Lion Monument, built in memory of Louis XVI’s Swiss Guard, and Chapel Bridge. Afterward there is plenty of time for independent activities. Perhaps take an optional excursion to into the nearby mountains for a cable car ride. You will find great shopping in Old Lucerne, where watches, cuckoo clocks and delicious Swiss chocolate can be found. Tonight, savor a Farewell Dinner with newfound friends. (B,D)
Day 11, Sun. LUCERNE / DEPART ZURICH.
Morning transfer to Zurich Airport in time for homebound flights leaving no earlier than 10 a.m. (B)
Arrive back from Europe with wonderful European Memories and a tour full of new friends
BB = Breakfast, D = Dinner
