Tours Details

Day 1: Day 1

ARRIVE IN MUNICH, GERMANY Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this delightful Bavarian capital. This evening, meet up with your Tour Director and travel companions.

Day 2: Day 2

MUNICH–LINDERHOF CASTLE–INNSBRUCK AREA, AUSTRIA Enjoy a fascinating itinerary today. First, see Munich’s most famous square, Marienplatz, then head south to visit Linderhof Castle—the smallest of the three Bavarian fairytale palaces commissioned by King Ludwig II and inspired by Louis XIV’s Versailles. The rococo-style Linderhof is surrounded by splendid Italian Renaissance gardens. Continue into Austria through the scenic Inn Valley to Innsbruck to admire its fascinating town center and historic Golden Roof. (B,D)

Day 3: Day 3

INNSBRUCK AREA–NOVACELLA, ITALY–BRUNICO–CORTINA D’AMPEZZO As you cross from the Austrian to the Italian Tyrol, witness glorious Alpine landscapes as you head to visit Novacella Abbey, a Baroque masterpiece still inhabited by Augustinian monks. Also stop in Brunico, a picturesque town combining international flair with Alpine traditions. Feast on breathtaking views as you travel through the splendid Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the celebrated winter resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo. (B)

Day 4: Day 4

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO–LAKE CAREZZA–TRENTO This morning, travel through the spectacular Dolomites, then over Falzarego and Pordoi Passes. Stop at enchanting Lake Carezza to admire its brilliant rainbow hues. Search for the beautiful mermaid who, according to legend, hid here from the romantic pursuits of a powerful wizard. On to Trento, home to one of Italy’s top universities. (B)

Day 5: Day 5

AT LEISURE IN TRENTO Enjoy a leisurely day in Trento. Maybe go for a walk in the historic centre or try Trentodoc sparkling wine accompanied by some local specialties. Alternatively, choose one of our optional excursions to enhance your free time. (B)

Day 6: Day 6

TRENTO–GLORENZA–ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND Enjoy the visit to Glorenza, the smallest fortified city in Tyrol and ideally situated where Switzerland, Austria, and Italy meet. Via Tubre Pass, descend into Engadine National Park’s 66 square miles of unspoiled nature with deep blue lakes, airy larch forests that turn golden in the fall, 12,000-foot-high peaks, and quaint villages with characteristic Grisons-style homes. Continue to glamorous St. Moritz, the oldest and most famous winter resort in the world. (B,D)

Day 7: Day 7

ST. MORITZ– BERNINA EXPRESS TO TIRANO, ITALY Today, experience a memorable trip aboard the Bernina Express train. Crossing the Alps to Tirano in Italy, this spectacular rail journey takes you to altitudes greater than 7,000 feet. Later, rejoin your motorcoach, head back to St. Moritz, and enjoy some free time on your own. (B)

Day 8: Day 8

ST. MORITZ–GLACIER EXPRESS TRAIN–ZERMATT AREA Today, another highlight of your tour: the world-renowned Glacier Express train. Board Switzerland’s most famous mountain railway, which passes over hundreds of bridges and through dozens of tunnels to give unique panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and surrounding valleys, forests, Alpine meadows, rushing streams, and picture-perfect villages. (B,L)

Day 9: Day 9

ZERMATT AREA–EXCURSION TO ZERMATT Spend the entire day in the well-known mountain resort of Zermatt, situated in the shadow of the legendary Matterhorn. Stroll along the narrow, traffic-free streets lined with a variety of shops, cafés, and bars. Take your day higher with a breath of fresh air on an optional cog-railway ride on the Gornergrat Bahn, lifting you and your spirits up to 10,132 ft for stunning views of the Matterhorn. (B,D)

Day 10: Day 10

ZERMATT AREA–INTERLAKEN-LUCERNE AREA Travel through the spectacular Matter Valley, where traditional Alpine villages, wooden chalets, and mountain streams set the tone for a truly Swiss experience. Arrive in Interlaken, the famous resort town nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Continue your scenic coach ride along the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz, then climb over the picturesque Brünig Pass and arrive in Lucerne, where medieval architecture meets stunning natural beauty. (B)

Day 11: Day 11

LUCERNE AREA–ZURICH Today, sit back and enjoy a leisurely drive through the heart of central Switzerland. Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, and a lively hub of culture, shopping, and history. (B)

Day 12: Day 12

ZURICH Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)