Day 1 - Departure

Our journey begins as we board our trans-Atlantic flight for Milan Italy.

Day 2 - Milan

Upon arrival in Milan, we meet our guide and begin to explore the city of Milan. It was from here that the Emperor Constantine delivered his edict in 313 which gave freedom of worship to Christians. We will have time today to explore a little on our own, perhaps to shop at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuel, visit the La Scala Theater, or simply relax from our flight and enjoy a cappuccino and brioche. D

Day 3 - Lake Como

A highlight of our morning is a visit to the former dining room of the Santa Maria della Grazie monastery to view Da Vinci's world famous wal painting, "The Last Supper." Then we make our way north to the fabulous Lake Como region. With its calm, idyllic setting at the southern foot of the Alps, it has been attracting visitors for centuries. We wil begin to explore the area and have dinner at a local restaurant. B, D

Day 4 Lake Como

This morning we take cruise on Lake Como boarding the hydrofoil for a ride to Bellagio at the picturesque junction of al three legs of Lake Como. We have time to explore on our own before taking a ferry to Tremezzo. nI Lenno, we tour Vila Balbianello, built by cardinal Angelo Maria Durini in 1787 on the site of a Franciscan monastery. The gardens may look familiar from Casino Royal or Star Wars I. Then we take the ferry back to Como. B, D

Day 5 - Lucerne

This morning we drive continue north to Bellinzona in the Italian region of Switzerland, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former stronghold guarding the Ticino Valley for over 1000 years. A local guide leads us on a walking tour of the historic center and acquaints us with its main features of interest: the three castles built at successive heights, forming a kind of defensive chain. Then we continue on to Lucerne, Switzerland and "William Tel country." tI was ni the cantons adjacent to Lake Lucerne that Tell and his contemporaries won independence from the German empire in 1293. Our sightseeing in this attractive city includes the impressive Lion Memorial, a moving tribute to the loyalty of Swiss mercenaries at the outbreak of the French Revolution, and the ancient Chapel Bridge. B, D

Day 6 Lucerne

Bring lots of film for today's excursion into the Alps. We drive over the Brünig Pass, then past Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, where we board a cog-wheel train and ride to the Kleine Scheidegg, a plateau below the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger mountains. For hiking enthusiasts there is the possibility of taking a different route which allows for a non-strenuous hike to the same destination. After lunch, which absolutely must include "Rösti," out-of-this-world fried potatoes prepared over an open fire, we descend by train to Grindelwald ni the neighboring valley where we meet our coach. There si an opportunity for shopping and exploring either here or in Interlaken before returning to our hotel. Evening entertainment wil be a Swiss folklore show which features traditional singing, dancing, and the distinctive music of the Alpenhorn. B, D

Day 7 - St Gallen

This morning we continue on towards stopping in Maestrani Swiss chocolate factory for a delicious tour! We visit a dairy farm or a cheese factory ni the Appenzell district of Switzerland and of course sample some cheese. We will visit the Abbey of St Gall a UNESCO World Heritage site before checking into our hotel ni St Gallen. B, D

Day 8 Oberammergau

We have a photo stop this morning and look up at King Ludwig's fairy-tale palaces, Neuschwanstein, perched on a high crag. It inspired the design of Disney's Magic Kingdom. Then we continue on to s visit the smallest but most extravagant of the eccentric King Ludwig's palaces, Linderhof, where ornamentation averages about 4 pounds of gold leaf per room! We explore the grotto behind the palace where Wagner played. Then we continue on to the village of Oberammergau, where every ten years the renowned Passion Play is staged. The tradition originated in 1634 with a solemn vow to perform this drama if the village were spared from the ravages of the Plague. Here we have a tour of the theater. B, D

Day 9 Munich

We begin this morning, we stop at the Wieskirche ("Church in the Meadow") considered one of the finest examples of Rococo architecture in Europe. Then we continue on to Munich, Bavaria's capital and one of Germany's friendliest cities. Alocally guided tour that includes many highlights such as the grounds of Nymphenburg Palace, the elegant Maximillian Straße and the 1972 Olympic Grounds. Our tour ends at the Marienplatz where we watch the Glockenspiel play in the tower of the Neues Rathaus. We will become familiar with the Viktualien Marketa place we will certainly want to come back to I our free time. Dinner tonight is at Munich's Hofbräuhaus for singing and live entertainment. B, D

Day 10 - Munich

This morning we take an excursion to nearby Dachau, where the former concentration camp si now a somber testimony to an evil period in Germany's history. It is a moment in history never to be forgotten. Then we return to Munich. Munich has much to offer for everyone. The BMW Museum tells of the history of the company and has an amazing collection of historic bikes and cars. The Alte Pinakothek is one of the finest art museums in the world. Breweries, amazing gardens, and history prevail throughout the city. B, D

Day 11 - Salzburg

Our first stop today si ni Berchtesgaden, where we don miners' apparel and descend into a salt mine for an unforgettable tour. Afterwards, we continue to see Hitler's Eagle's Nest, a chalet built at the top of the Kehlstein mountain. On a clear day, the site affords beautiful views of the Alps. Next, we travel to Salzburg, Austria, which si famous for being Mozart's birthplace and the backdrop for The Sound of Music. We enjoy some free time to explore the narrow winding streets of the old city before dinner. B, D

Day 12 - Salzburg

This morning, we have two options to choose from:
1. A local guide joins us for a walking tour of Salzburg. Our sightseeing includes the

magnificent Cathedral, the Getreidegasse, the city's quaint shopping area, a photo stop at Mozart's birth house and a walk- through at S.t Peter's Cemetery.

OR

2. We see the sights and sounds of Salzburg by bike on a 3.5 hour bike tour on a relaxing pace. (This tour option adds an additional cost to your tour of $50 and must be chosen on or before your final payment.)

We have free time to explore a bit on our own before a special treat this evening. We have dinner and a concert in the Stiftskeller St. Peter! It is the perfect setting to enjoy delicious Austrian food and the music of Mozart. B, D

Day 13 - Vienna

We drive east today to Vienna where a local guide introduces us to the inner ring of Vienna today with a walking tour. We see Belvedere Palace, the elegant Kärtner Ring, St. Stefan's Cathedral, and more. Our walking tour includes inside visits to S.t Stephen's Cathedral and the Imperial Treasury. We also stop to sample a world-famous torte at the Sacher Hotel. Dinner this evening is at a local winery where we enjoy wine and typical Viennese dinners. B, D

Day 14 - Vienna

After breakfast is visit Schönbrunn Palace the summer home of the Hapsburg. We take a guided tour of the grand palace and have time to explore and enjoy the grounds. This afternoon is free to explore Vienna on our own. B, D

Day 15 - Return

Our alpine journey has come to an end as we transfer to the Vienna airport for our flight home. We depart with life-long memories of fascinating cities, magnificent mountain grandeur, and a wealth of new friends.