Day 1
TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT TO ZURICH:
Today we fly across the North Atlantic Ocean to begin our explorations in Switzerland. Germany, Austria and Switzerland make up this DACH region, which is nestled in the Alps made so famous by The Sound of Music and actress Julie Andrews.
Day 2
ZURICH • LION MONUMENT • WALKING TOUR OF LUCERNE
• WELCOME DINNER:
When we arrive in Zurich, we board
our motorcoach and meet our tour manager to travel a short
distance to Lucerne. Known for its medieval architecture, Lucerne sits amid snowcapped mountains on Lake Lucerne. We stop in Lucerne at the Lion Monument, a carving commem-
orating the French guards who were massacred in the French
Revolution. On our walking tour, we see its colorful Alstadt (Old Town), Museggmauer, a 14th century rampart, and the covered Kapellbrucke (Chapel Bridge). A delightful dinner is included this evening. (D)
Day 3
TRUMMELBACH WATERFALL WALK • LAUTERBRUNNEN COG-WHEEL TRAIN • KLEINE SCHEIDEGG • JUNGFRAUJOCH • INTERLAKEN:
Wear your comfy walking shoes
for our waterfall walk in Trummelbach. This unique excursion takes us behind and around and almost through the falls. Next we take a very short ride to Lauterbrunnen, climb aboard
the cog-wheel train for ride up the steep valley side to Klein
Scheidegg where we change trains for our ride to the mountain-
top and have an included lunch We arrive at Jungfraujoch -
Top of Europe. At 3454 meters above sea level, this is a different world. While here, you can step out on the longest glacier in the Alps, tour the Ice Palace, and shop at the highest
Lendt shop in the world. On our return, we descend to Grindelwald, a skiing hub in winter and base camp for mountain
climbers in summer. This village is so picturesque, it will remind you of a movie set. It’s been a beautiful and exciting day. It’s time to relax in our hotel this evening. (B, L)
Day 4
CROSS INTO GERMANY • WALKING TOUR OF LINDAU • FUSSEN:
We depart Switzerland this morning and begin a busy day as we cross into Bavaria, Germany. We visit the lakeside town of Lindau to enjoy a walking tour of this village viewing the 13th century lighthouse and the Bavarian lion statue, we will also have time for lunch and photos. Later this afternoon we arrive at the romantic old town of Fussen for our overnight stop. You’ll want explore this Bavarian town rich with history and beautiful architecture. (B)
Day 5
NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE • WIESKIRCHE • OBERAM-MERGAU • INNSBRUCK AUSTRIA:
This morning we travel a short distance into the countryside to Neuschwanstein Castle, or New Swan Stone. With its white limestone façade
and deep blue turrets, its rumored to have been the inspiration
for Disney’s famous castle. Also called the “castle of the fairy
tale king”, this Castle was built for eccentric, reclusive King
Ludwig II, yet is now the most visited castle in the world. We
arrive in the beautiful Alpine valley township of Steingaden, home to the Pilgrimage Church of Wies, or Wieskirche. With
its oval Rococo interior, the prominence of Wieskirche came
through a spiritual wonder when a farmer and his wife said
they saw tears in the eyes of the Savior during the evening
prayer time. Our next stop in the German town of Oberam-mergau, known for its once-in-a-decade performance of The Passion Play. The village is also known for its long tradition of woodcarving, which you will see as you explore the shops
in town. Finally, we are on to Innsbruck Austria, our overnight
destination. Easily recognizable as home to many winter sports competitions, Innsbruck has a long history of drawing people from all over the globe. Enjoy Innsbruck with a walking tour to see the main sights. (B)
Day 6
SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL WORLD • HITLER’S EAGLES NEST • LAKE CRUISE • MOZART MUSICAL CONCERT • DINNER:
Our day begins with lots of
gorgeous, shiny things in the little market
town of Wattens where we visit Swarovski
Crystal World. This is not just a shop but a unique and magical experience created by international artists, designers and
architects to demonstrate the wonder of
crystals. Traveling back in the Alps, we travel to the summit of the Kehlstein, a rocky outcrop that holds Kehlsteinhaus, better known as Hitler’s Eagles Nest. A
Nazi-constructed building used exclusively
by the Nazi party for government and social
gatherings and now a somber site providing
a look back in time. At Konigssee Lake we
take a sightseeing cruise experiencing the beauty of this
natural wonder located in Berchtesgaden National Park. We
travel to Salzburg, where we check into our hotel for a two
nights’ stay. Later tonight, we enjoy a very special experience.
Cast members perform a Mozart musical concert dressed in
period costume while we are treated to an elegant dinner. (B, D)
Day 7
TOUR OF SALZBURG • SOUND OF MUSIC SIGHTS •
ALPINE FARM & LUNCH • SOUND OF MUSIC TRAIL • THE
WEDDING AT MONDSEE:
One of the most popular movies of
all time, The Sound of Music, sets the stage for our sightseeing
today. We begin with a tour of the city of Salzburg and take
in some familiar sights where the film was made. Stop to
view Hellbrunn Castle before our visit to Mirabelle Gardens.
A visit to a local Alpine farm visit and included lunch are a
welcome sight! We walk the Sound of Music Trail to the small
market town of Werfen and make a stop at Mondsee to see
the church used in the wedding of Captain Von Trapp and
Maria. Wear your good walking shoes for this fun-filled day of movie memories. (B, L)
Day 8
PASSAU • CESKY KRUMLOV:
An early cross into Germany
brings us to the City of Three Rivers, Passau, where the
Danube is joined by the Inn and Ilz Rivers. We’ll have time to
explore this village and see the main sights. Traveling smaller roads north, we cross into the country of Czechia. Located in
the South Bohemia region of the Czech Republic, this city is
a delight to walk around in, with its delightfully cobble stone
Old Town, rare Baroque theater, and colorful 12th century castle. Our guide will lead us on a tour if this interesting and
amazing fairy-tale town, which feels lost in a time warp. It’s
compact and very photogenic, you’ll want to stop oft en to
take photos. We overnight inside the city of Cesky Krumlov. (B)
Day 9
CESKY KRUMLOV • PRAGUE • FAREWELL DINNER:
This morning you’ll have free time to explore the city before we head on to the capital city of Prague. Much of our tour of the City of a Hundred Spires is walking and includes the
medieval Astronomical Clock, which gives an animated
hourly show, the pedestrian Charles Bridge, lined with
Catholic saints, and the public areas of the Prague Castle,
enjoy its rich history as you walk along cobble-stoned alleys,
take photos of the medieval squares. A Farewell Dinner with
a folklore show is planned in our honor and provides an
exciting, and delicious, ending to our trip. (B, D)
Day 10
PRAGUE • FLIGHT HOME:
Prague is such an amazing
city. Today we are off to the airport for our flight home,
with the amazing thoughts overflowing with precious memories
of these past days. (B)
Tour arranged by:
Operation Europe & Christian Tours
