Overview
This fascinating exploration of
the history and natural treasures of Germany and
Switzerland features a panoramic Rhine cruise to
gorgeous Rüdesheim tasting fine wines and a
luxurious castle lunch, the mystique of lovely
Heidelburg, one of Germany’s best known and most
romantic cities, the attractive heart of Munich, a
thought-provoking tour of the memorial site at
Dachau concentration camp, a spectacular scenic
drive through Alpine splendour to magical Lucerne,
the ‘city of lights’, a stunning journey up to the
highest railway station in Europe at 3,400 metres,
from where the views are breathtaking, the
magnificent sparkling Lake Lugano and finally a
brief stop to see the best of romantic Milan.
Itinerary
Touring: Frankfurt -
Rüdesheim - Heidelberg - Munich - Dachau -
Neuschwanstein - Füssen - Pilatus - Jungfraujoch -
Interlaken - Lugano - Milan
Day 1: Frankfurt
Arrival at Frankfurt Airport, transfer to your first-class
hotel, sightseeing tour of Frankfurt, with an
imposing gothic cathedral, quaint city hall and, of
course, the highest skyscrapers in Europe. (D,O)
Day 2: Frankfurt - Rüdesheim
After a good breakfast we set out on the Rhine coach
tour. At St Goarshausen, the mighty Rhine winds
through an attractive gorge, famous for the mighty
Lorelei rock. Here we enjoy a relaxing panoramic
boat cruise to picturesque Rüdesheim, with wine
tasting and lunch at Rüdesheimer Castle, then return
to Frankfurt. (B,D,O)
Day 3: Frankfurt - Heidelberg
A coach visit to lovely Heidelberg, one of Germany’s
most beautiful cities, dominated by its historic old
bridge, enchanting architecture and brooding castle
on a wooded hill. Full sightseeing tour, then return
to Frankfurt. (B,L,D,O)
Day 4: Frankfurt - Munich
Check out and depart for Munich, the Bavarian
capital. An afternoon sightseeing tour of the old
heart of the city, featuring many remarkable baroque,
neo-classical and renaissance style buildings and
grand avenues. (B,L,D,O)
Day 5: Munich - Dachau
After breakfast, we set off for a half day tour to
Dachau to visit the Dachau Concentration Camp
Memorial and see its tragic story at first hand. The
afternoon is free for further sightseeing or
shopping in Munich. (B,D,O)
Day 6: Munich
A day to either relax and enjoy your stay in Munich
or take advantage of a optional trip to the vast,
peaceful Lake Chiemsee, known as ‘the Bavarian Sea’,
with a boat trip and visit to the famous
Heerenchiemsee castle and Frauenchiemsee Monastery.
(B,L,D,O)
Day 7: Munich - Passau
Leave Munich for beautiful Passau, known as the ‘City
of Three Rivers’ as it’s here that the mighty Danube
is joined by the Inn and the Ilz. It’s also notable
for its lovely gothic and baroque architecture.
(B,D,O)
Day 8: Passau – Füssen -
Neuschwanstein
After breakfast, departure to the some loveliest
places in southern Germany. First we drive to
Oberammergau, home of the centuries-old passion play,
then onward to Füssen and incredible Neuschwanstein,
one of the world’s most famous castles. (B,L,D,O)
Day 9: Füssen - Lucerne
After breakfast we travel through perfect Alpine
scenery via Bodensee, crossing into Austria and then
Switzerland, passing some of Switzerland’s most
picturesque places, arriving late afternoon in
wonderful Lucerne, the ‘City of Lights’. (B,L,D,O)
Day 10: Lucerne - Pilatus
After breakfast, a whole-day excursion to Pilatus
Mountain, taking the steepest cog railway in the
world to the top, 2132m above sea level to see the
breathtaking panorama of mountain peaks, with a
typical Swiss dinner in the evening. (B,D,O)
Day 11: Lucerne - Interlaken
After breakfast, drive to Interlaken to enjoy the
stunning views of the majestic Swiss Alps, with the
picturesque Höheweg valley, peaceful Lake Thun and
the majestic Jungfrau, at 4,152m the highest peak in
the area. (B,L,D,O)
Day 12: Interlaken -
Jungfraujoch Top of the Europe
After breakfast, a full day excursion to
Jungfraujoch, where a cog railway runs inside the
mountain, up to a station that at 3,454m is the
highest in Europe. After enjoying the unforgettable
views, we have a live evening folklore show.
(B,L,D,O)
Day 13: Interlaken - Lugano
After breakfast, our tour goes on to breathtaking
Lugano lake, whose incredible beauty cradled between
tall, green mountains has a dramatic quality. Its
calm mirror-like waters change in colour and mood
through the day and through the seasons. (B,D,O)
Day 14: Lugano
After breakfast, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the
pretty lakeside parks, churches and villas of Lugano,
where Swiss elegance meets Italian joie de vivre. In
the afternoon there is a fabulous panoramic boat
tour of Lake Lugano. (B,D,O)
Day 15: Lugano
A free day in Lugano, an opportunity to pick up some
gifts and souvenirs in its small shops, wander
around the attractive streets with numerous cafes
and restaurants, and, of course, to enjoy a nice
lunch and cup of cappuccino or glass of wine.
(B,D,O)
Day 16: Lugano - Milan
After breakfast, we drive to Milan, with a short
sightseeing tour of the best sights, such as the
Gothic masterpiece of Milan cathedral, the lovely
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II arcade and grand la
Scala opera house. Departure from Milan. (B)
B=Breakfast; L=Lunch, D=Dinner;
O=Overnight;