15 Day Germany, Austria & Switzerland Tour

DAY 1 - Overnight flight to Europe. The Trip Documents will provide guidance for airport check-in and for your arrival in Europe. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.

DAY 2 - GERMANY . . Arrival at Frankfurt Airport – Franconian Wine Region. Upon arrival at Frankfurt Airport, disembark, clear passport control and collect your luggage. Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” in the Trip Documents for directions on where and when to meet your tour manager. Settle into your comfortable motor coach for a ride through the Main River Valley on the way to your hotel in the Franconian Wine Region. Get acquainted with your fellow tour participants during the “Welcome to Europe” dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)

DAY 3 - GERMANY . . Nuremberg – Rothenburg – Franconian Wine Region. Your bus transfer into the city center introduces you to the history of Nuremberg. Hitler staged his propaganda rallies here, and after his fall, Nuremberg was chosen as the location for the War Trials. For further information, visit the Documentation Center at the site of the Nazi Party Rally Grounds (€6 admission fee). If you prefer a lighter subject, enter the Toy Museum (€6 admission fee), celebrating Nuremberg’s tradition as the “city of toys.” Transfer to the enchanting, medieval village of Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber for the afternoon. When you see the well-preserved walls, cobblestone streets, distinctive inns, and Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Weihnachtsdorf (a whimsical Christmas shop), it feels as if you are walking into a fairy tale. Return to your hotel for an authentic German dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 4 - GERMANY . . Munich & AUSTRIA . . Filzmoos. Travel to the Bavarian capital of Munich for a panoramic city tour, including views of the Olympic Village, the Bohemian district of Schwabing and the Königsplatz. Walk through the pedestrian-only Marienplatz (main square) with the Rathaus (Town Hall) and its captivating Glockenspiel (clock tower). In late September, spend the majority of your free time experiencing the festivities of Oktoberfest at the fairgrounds. After lunch, as you cross the border into Austria and drive through the province of Salzburg, admire the mountain-fed rivers and flower-laden meadows. Arrive in the village of Filzmoos, and enjoy Austrian hospitality during dinner at the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 5 - AUSTRIA . . Salzburg & Filzmoos. The entire day focuses on the province of Salzburg with special attention to the sites made famous by the “Sound of Music.” Visit Mondsee to see the church where they filmed the wedding of Maria and Captain Von Trapp. In the city of Salzburg, stop at the gazebo that was used to film Liesl singing “16 going on 17” and Mirabell Gardens where several “Do Re Mi” scenes were filmed. The walking tour includes Residenz Square where Maria sings “I Have Confidence in Me.” Spend the afternoon shopping in the charming pedestrian-only area of the Old Town, exploring the Salzburg High Fortress, or visiting Mozart’s Birthplace (€11 admission fee). You can also walk through Saint Peter's Abbey and Cemetery where, in the movie, the Von Trapp family hides from the Nazis. After an independent dinner, return to your hotel in Filzmoos. (Breakfast)

DAY 6 - AUSTRIA . . Filzmoos. The day is at your leisure. Choose from an abundance of mountain paths for an exhilarating hike or bike ride with awe-inspiring panoramas. Or, simply relax in your Austrian village surrounded by the boundless splendor of the Alps. This afternoon, your tour manager will invite you for an optional Eagle’s Nest excursion to Hitler’s former mountain hideaway. Rejoin your group for a traditional Austrian dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 7 - AUSTRIA . . Innsbruck – Tyrolean Village. Admire the glorious scenery during your drive to Innsbruck, capital of Tyrol. The Golden Roof, the symbol of Innsbruck, is decorated with 2657 copper shingles. Completed in 1500, Maximillian l had this covered balcony built to celebrate his wedding and used it as a royal box to view the entertainment in the square below. You will have time to shop for the famed Swarovski Crystal and to explore the old city center with the Maria Theresien Boulevard, Triumphal Arch and the exquisite Imperial Church. Your chalet-style hotel for the next two nights is located in a Tyrolean Village a short distance form Innsbruck. Choose a local restaurant for your independent dinner or join the optional Tyrolean Show & Dinner excursion for a light-hearted presentation of Austrian folklore, music and dancing. (Breakfast)

DAY 8 - AUSTRIA . . Tyrolean Village near Innsbruck. The peaceful villages, tucked in the valleys around Innsbruck, are the perfect location for a relaxing day. Frescoed and flower-adorned chalets create an idyllic atmosphere as you walk through town. Viewed from an outdoor café or along one of the numerous hiking paths, the Tyrolean Alps present breathtaking scenery. If you wish to return to Innsbruck, hotel staff can advise on local transportation. Another choice is the full-day optional Neuschwanstein & Linderhof excursion. At the end of the day, return to your Tyrolean hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 9 - LIECHTENSTEIN . . Vaduz & SWITZERLAND . . Swiss Alps. Depending on the weather, depart Austria by way of the Arlberg Pass or through the engineering masterpiece of the Arlberg Tunnel. Following a stop in Valduz, the capital city of Liechtenstein's tiny principality, cross the border into Switzerland. For the next two nights you will stay in a hotel amid the mountains and lakes of the Swiss Alps. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 10 - SWITZERLAND . . Stans – Lucerne – Swiss Alps. Stop in the old mountain village of Stans for the optional Swiss Mountain excursion, offering thrilling panoramic views by funicular and cable car. You will have a full afternoon to discover Lucerne’s picturesque covered bridges, famous Lion Monument and other special treasures. The soaring mountain peaks of Rigi and Pilatus standing guard over Lake Lucerne create one of the most imposing sights in Europe. Before returning to your hotel for dinner, consider joining your tour manager for an optional Swiss Lake Boat Ride excursion. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 11 - SWITZERLAND . . Schaffhausen Rhine Falls & GERMANY . . Black Forest. After your Swiss breakfast, travel north to the impressive and powerful Rhine River Falls, near the town of Schaffhausen. An extended visit allows time for an independent lunch and to see the falls by boat (approximately €10.00) or from viewing platforms accessible on foot by paths and stairways. Return to Germany for a two-night stay in the renowned Black Forest. Dinner will be served at your hotel this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 12 - GERMANY . . Black Forest. Escape modern life and behold the natural beauty in the rustic villages nestled between the thickly wooded mountains. The landscape and history of the Black Forest come to life while visiting some of the region’s treasured highlights such as the waterfall of Triberg, the Schwarzwaldmuseum (Black Forest Museum), and a local artisan’s clock shop. This is your chance to examine authentic hand-carved and hand-detailed Black Forest cuckoo clocks. During an independent dinner, become better acquainted with this lovely area. (Breakfast)

DAY 13 - GERMANY. . Heidelberg – Rüdesheim. Winding past peaceful villages and farmhouses, depart the Black Forest on the way to historic Heidelberg, situated in the Neckar Valley. This famous university town is immortalized in the operetta “The Student Prince.” Walk through the Old Town or take the funicular (€7.00) for a close-up look at the ruins of Heidelberg’s red sandstone castle. Continue to your hotel in Rüdesheim. Located among the vineyards of the Rhine wine region, Rüdesheim is known for its festive atmosphere. An independent dinner presents the chance to try Federweisser (feather wine) with Zwiebelkuchen (onion cake) while experiencing Rüdesheim’s tradition of live music and merriment. (Breakfast)

DAY 14 - GERMANY . . Rüdesheim. A full day in Rüdesheim provides the opportunity to walk along the picturesque Rhine River promenade and the enchanting Drosselgasse, the main shopping street. You may wish to join the optional Rhine Cruise & Cable Car excursion presenting magnificent views of the Rhine River Valley. During tonight’s “Farewell Dinner,” celebrate the highlights of your journey. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 15 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A. Transfer to the Frankfurt Airport for the return flight home. (Breakfast)