DAY 1: Depart for Germany
- Depart for Frankfurt, Germany
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DAY 2: Arrive in Frankfurt
- Arrive in Frankfurt and transfer to your hotel in nearby Mainz or Darmstadt. 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 flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
- Overnight: Mainz or Darmstadt
- Meal: Dinner
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DAY 3: 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 or Mannheim
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 4: 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 Europes 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
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DAY 5: 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 Lucernes townscape. Countinued with Mount Pilatus Tour, Ascend the worlds steepest cogwheel railway which winds up through lush meadows carpeted with Alpine flowers, past sparkling mountain streams and fascinating rock faces to Mt. Pilatus. After admiring splendid views of the Bernese Oberland and the snowcapped Swiss peaks from the summit at nearly 7000 feet, descend by aerial cableway and return to Lucerne. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure
- Overnight: Lucerne
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 6: Neuschwanstein Castle
- This morning drive through glorious Alpine scenery to visit Bavarias "Mad" King Ludwigs 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 castles 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
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DAY 7: 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. Countinued with Seefeld with Carriage Ride, Enjoy the spectacular alpine scenery as you travel by train high above the Inn Valley to Seefeld, the picturesque alpine village which hosted the skiing events of the Innsbruck Winter Olympics. Here the carriages await you for a leisurely ride through the town and around the lake. Afterwards, enjoy some time at leisure. Relax in the peaceful mountain atmosphere and sample some coffee and luscious "torte" cakes in one of the many sidewalk cafes. Tonight we will spend Tyrolean Evening with drinks, Enjoy a varied entertainment program including authentic folk music, Tyrolean dances and "shoe-slapping" as well as typical Tyrolean songs and "yodeling." Pick-up details to be advised locally.
- Overnight: Innsbruck
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 8: Salzburg City Tour, Eagles Nest Tour, Austrian Alps & Sound of Music 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, countinued with Eagles Nest Tour, Excursion into the surrounding countryside of Salzburg to the ruins of Obersalzberg, once an important mountain retreat for senior Nazi SS officers and top party members. Transfer to special motor coaches adapted for the scenic mountain climb to Hitler&rsquos notorious "Eagles Nest." Ascending with the original elevator to the Kehlsteinhaus, you&rsquoll see dramatic views of the snowcapped peaks. Then we will visit Austrian Alps & Sound of Music Tour, Enjoy one of the most breathtaking drives to the Bavarian Alps stopping at Obersalzberg. During the Nazi regime, this area around Hitlers Berghof became a second seat of government and headquarters besides Berlin. From your local expert you will hear about Hitler and the Eagles Nest. Then, continue with a drive on the famous Rossfeld panorama road offering spectacular views of the Bavarian and Austrian Alps. Afterwards, relive your favorite scenes from the Sound of Music movie with stops at various locations including the Anif Castle and Hellbrunn Palace, where the glass gazebo, setting for various scenes is located.
- Austrian Alps & Sound of Music Tour is offered when Eagles Nest Tour is not available during April, May, and November
- Overnight: Salzburg
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 9: Explore Munich
- This morning, continue to Munich. Arrive at Marienplatz square, cultural center of the city, dominated by the gothic New Town Hall housing Munichs 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
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 10: Full Day in Munich
- A full day to enjoy Munich with its plethora of shops and restaurants and venture to the mountains. Countinued with Linderhof & Oberammergau Tour, Two of the highlights of southern Bavaria are visited during this excursion to the high Alps. First, admire the artistically decorated castle Linderhof built by "Mad" King Ludwig II along with a guided tour of the palace. Proceed via the Ettal Monastery to Oberammergau, world-famous for its Passion Play, the woodcarvers and the richly painted houses (Luftl-paintings). Tonight, toast your final night in Munich with dinner at a local restaurant
- Overnight: Munich
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 11: Depart Germany
- Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
- Meal: Breakfast
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