10 Days Tour
Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Mainz, Black Forest, Lucerne, Innsbruck, Vienna
From $1499 (Land only) or $2139 (Air & Land)
Highlights
• Cruise the Rhine in Mainz with stunning vistas of hilltop castles and villages
• Wine tasting at a local winery in the Rheinhessen Valley
• In Heidelberg, view the ruins of 12th century Heidelberg Castle
• Drive through the Black Forest, dense with hills of dark forests of thick pine trees
• Travel to the Alsatian city of Strasbourg, home of the European Parliament
• In sparkling Lucerne, in the heart of the Swiss Alps, visit the inspiring Lion Monument
• Tour magical Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music
• Tour Vienna, the Imperial city on the Danube; walk along the Ringstrasse
Itinerary
DAY 1, Friday - Depart for Germany
Depart for Frankfurt, Germany
DAY 2, Saturday - Arrive in Frankfurt, Transfer to Mainz
Arrive in Frankfurt; transfer to your hotel in nearby Mainz with a history of almost 2000 years, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Main Rivers. The rest of the day is yours to get acquainted with this lively city on your own dominated by the majestic Mainz Cathedral and the Gutenberg Museum that houses the very first printed Bible. Tonight at approximately 6 pm, an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager on the scenic journey that lies ahead, followed by a Welcome Drink and Dinner with your fellow travelers. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4 pm on Day 2 of the itinerary, or earlier if possible
Overnight: Mainz
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Sunday - Rhine River Cruise, Wine Tasting
The day begins with a cruise on the Rhine River. Enjoy the stunning vistas of hilltop castles, terraced vineyards and villages of timber-framed houses as the ship sails along the course of the river. Pass the mighty Lorelei rock rising vertically from the waters, named for the siren Lorelei who bewitched sailors as they passed by. In the afternoon, drive through the vineyards of the Rheinhessen Region and stop at a local winery for a wine tasting before returning to Mainz. Tonight, enjoy time at leisure in this delightful city
Overnight: Mainz
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Monday - Heidelberg City Tour, Black Forest
Today, head to Heidelberg, often described as Germany's most beautiful city, home to the oldest and most famous university in Germany. As you arrive, view the ruins of 12th century Heidelberg Castle towering over the city; its turbulent history inspired the German Romantic movement two centuries ago. Discover the winding alleyways of the Old City with its small gardens, bustling shops, and enchanting architecture. Then, drive south through the natural beauty of the Black Forest, dense with hills of dark pine trees
Overnight: Black Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Tuesday - Alsatian Strasbourg
Cross the German-French border and travel to the picturesque City of Strasbourg, home of the European Parliament. Upon arrival, stop at the stunning Gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame, an exquisite example of late Gothic architecture housing one of the finest astronomical clocks in existence. The walking tour takes you to the magical La Petite France district, home to quaint shops and charming bistros and to Place Kleber, a large historic square. This afternoon, drive to sparkling Lucerne nestled between pristine lakes and gorgeous mountainous panoramas in the heart of the Swiss Alps
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6, Wednesday - Lakeside Lucerne
The exploration of the city begins at the inspiring Lion Monument, created in remembrance of the heroic death of Swiss guards killed in 1792. Walk to the 14th century medieval Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe, forming the centerpiece of Lucerne's townscape. Don’t miss the exciting optional visit to Mount Pilatus, including a cable car ride to the summit at nearly 7,000 feet; a perfect opportunity to admire the spectacular views of the Bernese Oberland and snowcapped Swiss Peaks. It’s a great adventure! Later, time to shop for chocolate, watches and the world-famous Swiss and German cuckoo clocks
Optional: Mount Pilatus Tour
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Thursday - Tiny Liechtenstein, Afternoon in Innsbruck
The day begins in the tiny storybook Principality of Liechtenstein, the sixth smallest country in the world that lies in the heart of the Alps, sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria. Its capital city of Vaduz is a proud remnant of feudal Europe, still governed by one of the oldest noble families. Enjoy the breathtaking Alpine scenery as you cross into Austria and journey to Innsbruck, the Tyrolean capital of the Austrian Alps, arriving this afternoon for leisure time
Overnight: Innsbruck
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Friday - Magical Salzburg, Austrian Capital of Vienna
Morning drive to magical Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. The guided walking tour takes you to view the house where Mozart was born, as well as to the squares and gardens of this beautiful city, crowned by the 11th century Hohensalzburg Fortress. The city is also known as the home of the singing Von Trapp family and as the setting for the film, The Sound of Music. Time to walk the lovely lanes filled with delightful shops and cafes before heading east to the grand Austrian capital of Vienna. Tonight, experience a not to be missed optional classical Viennese concert performance of the masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss, two of Vienna's most famous citizens
Optional: Mozart & Strauss concert
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Saturday - Tour Imperial Vienna
This sparkling city on the Danube has captivated travelers for years with its elegant shops, world-class museums, beautiful parks and gardens. Begin today's tour with a drive along the famous Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard. View the Empress Maria Theresia Monument, Votive Church, City Hall and Parliament. Next, walk through the Hofburg courtyards to the State Opera House. The rest of the day is at leisure, or join the optional tour to Schonbrunn Palace, once summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Visit the gorgeous baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens. Be sure to stop at a café to sample the famous Viennese Sacher Torte before returning to the hotel. Tonight, attend the optional and share dinner with your travel companions at a unique Viennese Tavern
Optional: Schonbrunn Palace Tour
Optional: Dinner in an Austrian Wine Tavern
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Sunday - Depart Austria
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast