DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Germany
Depart for Frankfurt, Germany

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Frankfurt
Arrive in Frankfurt and transfer to your hotel in nearby Mainz. The remainder of the day is on your own to rest and relax. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a light dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Mainz
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday - Rhine River Cruise & Heidelberg City Tour
The morning begins with a cruise on the scenic Rhine. See stunning vistas of hilltop castles, terraced vineyards and villages of timber-framed houses along the course of the river. Pass the mighty Lorelei rock rising vertically from the waters named for the siren "Lorelei" who bewitched sailors passing by. In Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany, view the imposing red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle originally built in the 12th century. This hilltop Gothic masterpiece has encountered turbulent times but still stands as a dominant symbol of the city. Balance of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Heidelberg
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Sunday - Black Forest
Head south on a scenic drive through the Black Forest region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its dense forests of thick pine trees. Nestled in the forest, you will see some of the charming traditional homes with their long sloping roofs. Continue on a drive to Schaffhausen, surrounded by vineyards. Here, you will see the thunderous Rhine Waterfalls; one of Europe's largest and most powerful. Then, on to beautiful Lucerne, with its pristine lakeside setting and gorgeous mountainous panorama. Spend two relaxing nights here in the center of the Swiss Alps
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Monday - Full Day in Lucerne
A full day to explore the heart of central Switzerland. Begin the day at the inspiring Lion Monument, one of the best-known monuments in the country, created in remembrance of the heroic death of Swiss guard killed in 1792. Continue to the 14th century medieval Chapel Bridge one of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe, forming the centerpiece of Lucerne's townscape. Afterwards, there is an opportunity to join the exciting optional tour to Mount Pilatus. Ascend the world's steepest cogwheel railway* which winds up through lush meadows and sparkling mountain streams to the summit of Mt. Pilatus at nearly 7000 feet. After admiring the splendid panorama, descend by aerial cableway. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure*For Apr 25 departure, due to maintenance repairs, Mount Pilatus won't be accessible.
Optional: Mount Pilatus Tour (AM)
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Tuesday - Neuschwanstein Castle
This morning drive through glorious Alpine scenery to visit Bavaria's "Mad" King Ludwig's fantasy castle of Neuschwanstein perched high above the valley below. This is one of the most visited castles in Germany and a symbol of idealized romantic architecture. Among the castle's finest rooms are two magnificent halls with extravagant decorations dazzling in gold and blue. Cross into Austria via the mighty Fern Pass and journey to Innsbruck, the Tyrolean "capital" of the Austrian Alps
Overnight: Innsbruck
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Wednesday - Full Day in Innsbruck
Steeped in centuries of colorful history, Innsbruck features fine examples of Imperial splendor. Journey back in time with an array of splendid architectural gems from the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical period. On your orientation tour, stop at the Golden Roof, overlooking a bustling square in the heart of historic Innsbruck and the St. James Cathedral, a spectacular example of Baroque architecture. Innsbruck has also hosted two Olympic Winter Games (1964 and 1976). See the famous ski jump used in the Winter Olympics. Join the afternoon optional tour to charming Seefeld with Carriage Ride. Tonight, experience an authentic Tyrolean evening on the optional tour featuring a varied entertainment program including folk music, Tyrolean dances and yodeling
Optional: Seefeld with Carriage Ride (PM)
Optional: Tyrolean Evening with drinks (PM)
Overnight: Innsbruck
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Thursday - Salzburg City Tour
After breakfast, travel to Salzburg. This Baroque jewel was the 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 for the singing von Trapp family and the setting for the film, The Sound of Music. More time to explore charming Salzburg, or participate in the optional excursion into the surrounding countryside to the ruins of Obersalzberg, once a mountain retreat for senior Nazi SS officers. Then, transfer to special motor coaches adapted for the scenic mountain climb and ascend to Hitler's notorious "Eagle's Nest."**The Eagle's Nest Tour operates from May 12-Oct 31 and Austrian Alps & Sound of Music Tour operates the rest of the time.
Optional: Eagle's Nest Tour (PM)
Optional: Austrian Alps & Sound of Music Tour (PM)
Overnight: Salzburg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Friday - Explore Munich
This morning, continue to Munich. Arrive at Marienplatz square, cultural center of the city, dominated by the gothic New Town Hall housing Munich's world-famous Glockenspiel, which dates back to 1908. This colorful mechanical clock has life-size figures that dance to music with shows several times a day. In the afternoon, a guided city tour takes you past the Olympic Stadium situated in the heart of Olympia Park in northern Munich built as the main venue for the 1972 Summer Olympics. Then, visit the stunning Nymphenburg Palace with its gorgeous Baroque facade, once summer residence of Bavarian rulers. Driving through the city, you see countless museums, galleries, palaces and impressive historic monuments. A free evening perhaps to visit one of the famous beer halls!
Overnight: Munich
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Saturday - Full Day in Munich
A full day to enjoy Munich with its plethora of shops and restaurants and to explore at leisure. Perhaps, venture to the mountains on the optional tour to visit Linderhof Palace and Oberammergau, world-famous for its Passion Play. Tonight, toast your final night in Munich with dinner
Optional: Linderhof & Oberammergau Tour (AM)
Overnight: Munich
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Sunday - Depart Germany
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast