14 Day Oberammergau with Northern Italy, Switzerland and Austria

Itinerary

DAY 1, Friday - Depart for Italy
Depart for Italy

DAY 2, Saturday - Arrive in Milan, Transfer to Lecco
Welcome to Italy! Arrive in Milan and transfer to your hotel in the town of Lecco, with views over the exquisite Lake Como it is one of Italy's most romantic destinations. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting at approximately 6 PM (exact time will be advised on tour arrival day) with your Tour Manager to discuss the upcoming journey that awaits you, followed by a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Lecco, Lake Como
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Sunday - Village of Bellagio
Begin the day in this paradise with a scenic morning cruise on Lake Como to the exquisite village of Bellagio, named "The Pearl" of Lake Como. Nestled amid cypress groves, its earthy colored buildings climb up from the lakeside promenade. Wander along the narrow streets and alleyways, lined with craft shops, boutiques and cafés; or visit some of the gorgeous gardens with manicured lawns and fountains at Villa Melzi or Villa Serbelloni. Upon return, time at leisure to experience your lakeside village with its spectacular mountain views, restaurants, and shops
Overnight: Lecco, Lake Como
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Monday - Lake Lugano, St. Gotthard Tunnel, Lucerne's Old City
Travel this morning to Lugano in southern Switzerland's Italian-speaking Ticino region on the northern shore of glacial Lake Lugano. Its Swiss-Mediterranean mix of cultures is similar to Italy's northern Lombardy region and reflected in its architecture. The palm trees give way to Alpine peaks and glaciers as you continue heading north traversing through the St. Gotthard Tunnel built under the Swiss Alps. On your journey to Lucerne, pass magnificent Alpine scenery, roaring waterfalls and running rivers. In the stunning lakeside Swiss city of Lucerne, get acquainted with the city on your walking tour to the sentimental Lion Monument, the 14th century Chapel Bridge and the cobbled streets of the well-preserved medieval Altstadt (Old Town). Tonight, enjoy dinner together in Lucerne
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Tuesday - Full Day in Lucerne
The day is yours to independently discover Lucerne, in the heart of central Switzerland. Wander through the lively streets, over bridges and along the picturesque lakeshore. Shop to your heart's content for chocolates, watches, the famous Swiss and German cuckoo clocks, or sip coffee at an outdoor café and just "people-watch". Perhaps, join the exciting optional tour to the summit of Mt. Pilatus. Ascend the world's steepest cogwheel railway that winds up through lush meadows and sparkling mountain streams to nearly 7,000 feet. After time to admire the splendid panoramic views, descend by aerial cableway. Evening is at leisure to discover some of Lucerne's fine restaurants and cafes featuring endless selections of superb international cuisine
Optional: Mount Pilatus Tour
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Wednesday - Neuschwanstein Castle, Travel to Oberammergau
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. Later, travel to your Oberammergau region hotel for overnight
Overnight: Oberammergau region
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Thursday - World-Renowned Passion Play
This morning, enjoy time at leisure. This afternoon, attend a moving performance of the world-famous Passion Play that dates back to 1634. This epic play is held every 10 years and performed by the inhabitants of Oberammergau. During the break, join your travel companions for dinner before witnessing the stirring second half of the Passion Play performance. Afterwards, return to your hotel
Overnight: Oberammergau region
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Friday - Salzburg Tour, Mozart's Home, Sound of Music Locations
The picture-perfect city of Salzburg is nestled on the Salzach River, surrounded by graceful domes, sky reaching spires and the colossal 11th century Hohensalzburg Fortress. This baroque jewel is celebrated as the birthplace of Mozart and well-known as the setting for the singing von Trapp family's film, The Sound of Music. A guided walking tour takes you to the house where Mozart was born as well as to the city's charming squares and bountiful Mirabell gardens. This afternoon is free for independent explorations in Salzburg
Overnight: Salzburg
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Saturday - Imperial Vienna
This morning, join the optional excursion into the surrounding countryside to Obersalzberg, once a mountain retreat for senior Nazi SS officers. In motor coaches specially adapted for the mountain climb, ascend to Hitler's notorious "Eagle's Nest" hideaway. Afterward, continue to Vienna, the magnificent Austrian capital, arriving in the late afternoon. This sparkling city on the Danube has captivated travelers for years with its world-class museums, beautiful parks and gardens. Tonight, dinner with your travel companions at a unique Viennese Tavern
Optional: Eagle's Nest Tour (AM)
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Sunday - Tour Vienna
Begin today's tour at the impressive Schonbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg emperors. Visit the opulent baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens. Continue with a drive along the Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard. View the Empress Maria Theresa Monument, Votive Church, City Hall, Parliament, Hofburg Palace and the State Opera House. Balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight, experience a not to be missed optional Classical Viennese Concert performance of the masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss, two of Vienna's most famous citizens
Optional: Mozart and Strauss Concert (PM)
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Monday - Scenic Drive to Italy
A long drive today. Depart Vienna in the morning, enjoying spectacular scenery as you drive through the lush Austrian countryside. After Udine, the lofty mountains give way to the flat and fertile plain. Arrive in Venice in the late afternoon for dinner
Overnight: Venice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Tuesday - Boat Ride to Murano, Tour of Venice
The discovery of Venice begins with a boat ride to the Island of Murano, known for its artistic and colorful glassware. While here, visit a local factory to witness the art of glassblowing. Afterward, continue to the main Venice Island and take a walking tour with your local guide through the maze of narrow alleyways and bridges before reaching St. Mark's Square. Upon reaching the square, stop to view its most prominent monuments, the pink marble Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs, and golden Basilica of San Marco. The Doge's Palace was the official residence of the Venetian ruler. The Bridge of Sighs offers one of the most notable scenes of this Romantic city. Marvel at the golden Basilica of San Marco, that is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. It was built over several centuries in a fusion of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian architecture. The rest of the day is yours to explore Venice independently, or participate in this afternoon's optional Gondola Ride, offering a different perspective of this unique city built on water
Optional: Gondola Ride (PM)
Overnight: Venice
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13, Wednesday - Travel to Milan, Milan City Tour
After breakfast, set out for Milan, the Italian capital of fashion and design. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic tour starting at Sforza Castle, then proceed to Duomo Square and walk the Victor Emmanuel Galleria, a pedestrian mall build in the 1800s featuring a large arched glass ceiling. Bid a fond farewell to Italy at tonight's Farewell Dinner with your Tour Manager and newfound friends. Arrivederci!
Overnight: Milan
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Thursday - Depart Italy
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast