Tripology

Commercial Flight

Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

On arrival at the Frankfurt airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Sightseeing

Later, an orien­tation tour including the medieval Römer­platz.

Food and Dining

A welcome Drink with your Tour Direc­tor and fellow traveling companions.

Hotel

Stay at Sheraton (F) in Offenbach.

River or Barge Cruise

Enjoy a scenic drive this morning through the Rhine Valley. At St. Goar, embark on a Rhine River cruise with vistas of ancient castles and terraced vineyards as you sail downstream to Boppard.

Hotel

Stay at Best Western Hofgut Sternen (F) in Breitnau.

Sightseeing

Then head to Heidelberg for a walking tour of the Castle courtyards. On through the spa town Baden-Baden to see its pretty gardens and elegant casino before arriving in the Black Forest. (B,D)

Sightseeing

Fairy tale images are evoked on your drive through the Black Forest. Visit Lake Titi­see and con­tinue to the Swiss border, view­ing the mighty Rhine Falls along the way.

Hotel

The next two nights are spent in the ski resort of Engelberg. (B,D) Stay at Schweizerhof (F).

Bus

It’s a short drive this morning to lakeside Lucerne.

Sightseeing

An orientation tour includes the Lion Monument and medieval Old Town. Then there’s time for inde­pen­dent activities.

Performing Arts

Optional outings include a cable car ride up a nearby mountain or a Swiss folklore performance. (B,D)

Sightseeing

Begin your journey this morning with a scenic drive over the Brünig Pass to the alpine resort of Interlaken.

Sightseeing

Next, admire the mighty Jungfrau before arriving in Geneva, where an orientation and walking tour highlight the United Nations Building, Jet d'Eau Fountain and the Reformation Monument in the Old Town. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Chavannes-de-Bogis (F).

Small Ship or Yacht Cruise

Free time this morning to shop or to take an optional cruise on Lake Geneva.

Sightseeing

Then continue through alpine France to view spectacular Mont Blanc, Europe's highest mountain.

Bus

Next, back in to Switzerland through the Rhône Valley and then ascend by electric mini-bus and taxi to Zermatt. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Albana Real (F).

Sightseeing

Enjoy a full free day in Europe's most charming moun­tain resort. The streets are traffic-free and the views of the Matterhorn are stunning.

Train

Perhaps take an optional ride on the incredible Gornergrat Mountain Railway for lunch and memorable vistas. (B)

Sightseeing

Descend to Tasch and cross Simplon Pass into Italy. Stop in the pretty resort of Stresa on Lake Maggiore, before continuing on to Lake Como in the heart of the Italian Lakes district.

Bus

Then head back into Switzerland to elegant St. Moritz, the Alps’ most fashionable resort. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Soldanella (F).

Sightseeing

Enjoy a scenic drive to Switzerland's Inn Valley and the Austrian frontier. Continue to Inns­bruck, where an orientation tour features the Golden Roof, Wilten Basilica, Hofburg Palace and the Olympic Ski Jump.

Food and Dining

Tonight, sample Tyrolean specialties in a local restaurant. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Grauer Baer (F).

Sightseeing

A beau­tiful drive this morning takes in alpine scenery, ancient castles and tiny churches.

Bus

Enter Germany and the Bavarian Alps before arriving in imperial Vienna. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Hilton Danube (SF).

Sightseeing

A guided sightseeing tour highlights the Opera, Hofburg, Parliament, St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Imperial Boulevards.

Historical and Educational Tours

Then take a walking tour to the most historic section of the city, “Am Hof.”

Food and Dining

This evening, perhaps head out to a nearby village and dine at lively Heurige (inn) or attend a Viennese Waltz concert. (B)

Sightseeing

Drive along the Danube Valley and see Richard the Lionheart's Castle at Dürnstein. Continue past the historic Melk Abbey to the fairy tale city of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and the locale in the classic movie The Sound of Music. A walking tour explores the most important sites. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Europa (F).

Sightseeing

Travel back into Germany alongside Chiemsee Lake, where King Ludwig II built Herrenchiemsee Castle. Upon arrival in Munich, an orientation tour features the Olympic Stadium, Marienplatz and Hofbrauhaus. Later ascend into the Bavarian Alps, past picturesque wooden farmhouses and baroque churches to arrive in charming Oberammergau. A tour here highlights the Passion Play Theatre and the frescoed houses. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Wittelsbach (F).

Sightseeing

Follow the Romantic Road traveling to the historic Rothenburg, reminiscent of a Grimm’s fairy tale. The charm of this preserved city is revealed on a walking tour.

Food and Dining

Later, return to Frankfurt for a Farewell Dinner with new friends. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Sheraton (F) in Offenbach.

Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)