Lucerne, St. Moritz, Innsbruck, Linderhof, Salzburg, Vienna,
Welcome to Lucerne!
After a warm and friendly greeting, transfers depart Zürich Airport at 09:30 and 13:30. Later, join your Tour Director for a
Welcome Reception and an opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.
(Welcome Reception and Dinner)
Lovely Lucerne
After a restful night’s sleep, sightseeing shows you the stirring Lion Monument, Old Town Hall, the Weinmarkt (a quaint square
with a Renaissance fountain), the covered bridge Spreuerbrücke with its paintings under the roof, and the Kapellbrücke. Then
embark on a refreshing cruise on the serene lake, surrounded by some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Alps.
Ascend by the steepest cogwheel railway in the world to the summit of Mount Pilatus, offering a shining view of Lucerne, the
lake and surrounding peaks. Descend by cablecar over mountain crags and pine forests back to terra firma, where there is time
set aside to shop for prestigious watches, stylish accessories or delicious chocolate. On your Dine-Around evening, choose
your own ambience and cuisine, offered at a handpicked selection of local restaurants.(Buffet Breakfast / Dine Around)
All Aboard the Glacier Express to St. Moritz
Admire the scenery as you drive around Lake Lucerne and take the road south via Altdorf (of William Tell fame). In the town
of Andermatt, board the world-famous Glacier Express for a spectacular roller-coaster rail journey through the heart of the
Swiss Alps. Ascend the icy Oberalp Pass (2,033m), while picturesque landscapes of ice-capped mountains and chalet-style
houses slip past. The huge panoramic windows and glass skylights of your First Class viewing car means you won’t miss a
thing. After snaking along the rock-strewn river valley, dotted with castles and stone-built villages, your train leaps across the
soaring Landwasser Viaduct. A steady climb through a series of tortuous spiral tunnels brings you to the ‘jet-set’ resort of St
Moritz. Mingle with the millionaires this afternoon as the majestic Grisons Alps tower above.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Chic St. Moritz and the Rosegg Valley
A short drive brings you to the historic mountain village of Pontresina. Take a delightful horse drawn carriage ride through the
beautiful larch woods and romantic wilderness of the Rosegg Valley for spectacular views of the peaks and glaciers of the
Bernina range. Back in St. Moritz, you are free to relax in the clear mountain air, pamper yourself in the private spa or browse
in the elegant boutiques.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Head through the Engadine and Inn Valleys to Innsbruck
The clear skies of the Engadine Valley provide incomparable scenery as you follow the River Inn to Austria. In the mountainringed
city of Innsbruck, see the Golden Roof of Emperor Maximilian and the Royal Palace. Then enjoy some time to relax
among the typical Austrian cafes of the Old Quarter, with its narrow arcades and gabled shop fronts or shop for fine crystal at
one of the largest Swarovski boutiques in the world. Tonight, whether you prefer a gourmet restaurant or a typical traditional
Tyrolean tavern, your Freestyle evening offers you the ultimate in dining choices!(Buffet Breakfast / Freestyle Dinner)
Linderhof and Oberammergau Experience
Drive into the beautiful Bavarian Alps and the picturesque village of Oberammergau, where the famous Passion Play is
performed every ten years as thanksgiving for the end of the Black Death. See the immense theatre and chalets decorated
with hand-painted murals before continuing to the Rococo jewel of Linderhof – an incredibly ornate palace set amid formal
gardens. Here ‘Mad’ King Ludwig hid himself away, avoiding even his servants by the use of a mechanised table, rising from
the kitchens. With a local expert, visit the many salons, beautiful gardens and fountains. Now drive through typical Alpine
meadows, for a view of the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein, perched on a spectacular Alpine mountainside. Return over the
Austrian border to Innsbruck where you are free until this evening’s excursion to the charming town of Hall in Tirol. Boasting
one of Austria’s best-preserved historic centres, soak up the unique atmosphere in a 700 year old building and pamper your
palate with a Medieval banquet.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
To Salzburg, City of Mozart
Follow the Inn Valley, past the Wilde Kaiser mountain range before crossing the border into Germany. Continue to
Obersalzberg, which served as a summer playground for top Nazi brass. Transfer to special coaches for the twisting climb up
the mountain to Hitler’s notorious “Eagles Nest”. Now on to Salzburg, where a local expert introduces you to Mozart’s home
city. In the Cathedral Square, view the domed cathedral and splendid Residenz Fountain. Stroll through the old town’s narrow
lanes to see Mozart’s birthplace on the Getreidegasse, a lively shopping street lined with attractive wrought iron signs. Cross
the river to the formal gardens of the Mirabell Palace where there is a great chance to photograph the city skyline crowned by
the castle heights. Tonight, drive into the pretty Austrian countryside for a special evening in a typical Austrian chalet. Meet
the owners and learn about rural life over a homemade dinner in this cosy family home, which also doubles as a dairy farm.
(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
The Wines of the Wachau and on to Vienna
As you journey by the lakes and mountains of the Salzkammergut, stop in Mondsee for a photo of the wedding church from
the Sound of Music. Cross the rich farmlands of eastern Austria, past the impressive Benedictine monastery of Melk before
driving through the Wachau Valley, where the Danube meanders below forested cliffs and precipitous vineyards. Call in at the
tiny village of Dürnstein, nestled below the ruined castle where the crusader King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. The
area is renowned for its intense, peppery Grüner Veltliner and rich, steely Rieslings, so visit a critically acclaimed cellar for
a tasting of some of the best white wines in the world. Finally, head for Austria’s great Imperial capital of Vienna. Dinner is
followed by an extraordinary concert of Viennese classical music where the best-loved works of Johann Strauss and Mozart
are performed by highly acclaimed soloists and dancers.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Stately Vienna & the Habsburgs
Vienna owes much of its present day charm to the long reign of the Habsburgs, so in the morning, acquaint yourself with
Europe’s greatest ruling dynasty at Maria Theresa’s Schönbrunn Palace. Next, join your local expert for a drive around the
famous ring road. This grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, show-cases many of the capital’s architectural
masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament Building. In a typical
“Heuriger” village tavern, you are treated to a superb Celebration Dinner with wine – a fitting finalé to your tour.(Buffet Breakfast /
Celebration Dinner)
Depart Vienna
Departure transfers arrive at Vienna Airport at 07:00 & 09:00.(Buffet Breakfast)