Collette > Exploring the Alpine Countries

Exploring the Alpine Countries
13 Days starting from $2,049

Countries Visited:
Austria, Germany, Switzerland

 

Length: 13 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Europe Tour
Operator: Collette
Tour Code: 3406
   
 
About This Tour


Explore three of Europe's most picturesque countries: Austria, Germany (Bavaria) and Switzerland. Austria's stunning vistas, Alpine splendor, sophisticated shopping, classical culture and culinary adventure makes it ideally suited for every style and taste. On a tour showcasing Vienna's architectural marvels, you will see the historic Schoenbrunn Palace and St. Stephan's Cathedral. Enjoy a lovely cruise along the Danube River and visit the Benedictine Melk Abbey before continuing to Salzburg. While in Salzburg, birthplace to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, enjoy a walking tour of Old Town and visit Mirabell Gardens. Munich, Germany, the capital of Bavaria since 1503, features museums and a vibrant art scene. At its center lies an open expanse of cafes and shops called Marienplatz. The Glockenspiel chimes away at noon and draws masses to the city hall. One of the most spectacular sights on this tour is Neuschwanstein Castle, epitomizing the fairytale landscape of Bavaria. This stunning castle sits perched high atop the mountain range. From the stunning Black Forest of Germany, you're off to Switzerland! A tour of the city of Bern, one of Europe's loveliest capitals, reveals one of the few medieval cities that has been preserved intact and in its entirety. Selected by UNESCO for its list of World Cultural Heritage sites, the city has great charm. Finally, you'll be riveted by the tranquil shimmering waters of Lake Geneva where you'll tour the Castle of Chillon before heading off to the Alpine village of Zermatt and the picturesque city of Lucerne.
 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • Additional Details

Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip.

Meals
11 Breakfast(s), 8 Dinner(s)

Hotel Accommodations:
Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

VIENNAHotel De France
SALZBURGRenaissance Hotel
OBERAMMERGAUHotel Wittelsbach<
BLACK FORESTHofgut Sternen Hotel
ZERMATTHotel Schweizerhof or similar
LUCERNEAstoria Hotel
br>On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling.
Sightseeing
Private transportation via a deluxe, climate-controlled motorcoach
Day 1
Overnight Flight
Half timber houses, vineyards, yodelers and the world''s finest classical music await you. You''ll explore Europe''s most picturesque countries: Austria, Germany (Bavaria), and Switzerland following your overnight flight.

Day 2
Arrive Vienna, Austria
Your tour begins in Vienna. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a special welcome dinner, complete with local entertainers, in the quaint wine making village of Grinzing.

Day 3
Vienna
You''ll get to know Vienna this morning during a special tour that showcases its architectural marvels. You will visit the incredible Schoenbrunn Palace and see impressive St. Stephan''s Cathedral. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore - stroll the streets or even visit a museum.

Day 4
Vienna - Salzburg
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Enjoy a lovely cruise along the Danube, one of the most picturesque waterways in Europe. Later, visit the Benedictine Melk Abbey before continuing to the “City of Music,” Salzburg. Tonight, enjoy a Mozart Dinner Concert at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant.

Day 5
Salzburg
Discover the splendor of Salzburg with a leisurely-paced walking tour of the Old Town. Some of the amazing sights you will see include the Cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace and Mirabell Gardens.

Day 6
Salzburg - Munich, Germany - Oberammergau
Today you travel to Germany. In Munich, you’ll feel the energy of this lively and fascinating city during a tour that highlights Olympic Park, the world-famous Glockenspiel, and Marienplatz, a beautiful square surrounded by shops, restaurants and cafes. Later in the day you’ll arrive at your home for the next two nights - the quaint village of Oberammergau, renowned for wood carvings and the Passion Play.

Day 7
Oberammergau - Innsbruck, Austria - Oberammergau
Today you’ll enjoy the scenery of the spectacular Bavarian Alps en route to enchanting Innsbruck. You’ll walk through the charming pedestrian streets and see landmarks such as The Golden Roof with your local guide. You may find it easy to understand why this city, during the 14th century, was the center of European culture and politics as you wind through the narrow cobblestone streets.

Day 8
Oberammergau - Black Forest
Today fairy tales come to life with a picture stop at Bavaria’s most famous castle, Neuschwanstein. Next, you are off to Titisee, located in the heart of the stunning Black Forest. Don’t forget to shop for authentic cuckoo clocks, Hummels and wood carvings!

Day 9
Black Forest - Bern, Switzerland - Zermatt
Welcome to Switzerland! During your first stop you will take a panoramic tour of Bern where Albert Einstein worked out the details of his theory of relativity. Later, visit one of the most photographed castles in the world, the Chateau de Chillon, located on serene Lake Geneva. Your day ends in the relaxing village of Zermatt in the Swiss Alps. Take a stroll and breathe in the fresh Alpine air.

Day 10
Zermatt
After an orientation tour of this mountain resort village, the remainder of your day is at leisure. Get an up-close look at the famed Matterhorn or just relax at your hotel.

Day 11
Zermatt - Grimsel Pass - Lucerne
Views of glaciers, crystal clear rivers and snow-capped mountains will invigorate you as you travel through the spectacular scenery of the Grimsel Pass. Your final destination is the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake,” the city of Lucerne.

Day 12
Lucerne
This morning, embark on a scenic walking tour of this picturesque town, including a stroll through the romantic old town. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the best Lucerne has to offer. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a lovely local restaurant, toasting the end of an incredible tour.

Day 13
Lucerne - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Lucerne.

Day 1
Overnight Flight
Half timber houses, vineyards, yodelers and the world''s finest classical music await you. You''ll explore Europe''s most picturesque countries: Austria, Germany (Bavaria), and Switzerland following your overnight flight.

Day 2
Arrive Vienna, Austria
Your tour begins in Vienna. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a special welcome dinner, complete with local entertainers, in the quaint wine making village of Grinzing.

Day 3
Vienna
You''ll get to know Vienna this morning during a special tour that showcases its architectural marvels. You will visit the incredible Schoenbrunn Palace and see impressive St. Stephan''s Cathedral. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore - stroll the streets or even visit a museum.

Day 4
Vienna - Salzburg
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Enjoy a lovely cruise along the Danube, one of the most picturesque waterways in Europe. Later, visit the Benedictine Melk Abbey before continuing to the “City of Music,” Salzburg. Tonight, enjoy a Mozart Dinner Concert at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant.

Day 5
Salzburg
Discover the splendor of Salzburg with a leisurely-paced walking tour of the Old Town. Some of the amazing sights you will see include the Cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace and Mirabell Gardens.

Day 6
Salzburg - Munich, Germany - Oberammergau
Today you travel to Germany. In Munich, you’ll feel the energy of this lively and fascinating city during a tour that highlights Olympic Park, the world-famous Glockenspiel, and Marienplatz, a beautiful square surrounded by shops, restaurants and cafes. Later in the day you’ll arrive at your home for the next two nights - the quaint village of Oberammergau, renowned for wood carvings and the Passion Play.

Day 7
Oberammergau - Innsbruck, Austria - Oberammergau
Today you’ll enjoy the scenery of the spectacular Bavarian Alps en route to enchanting Innsbruck. You’ll walk through the charming pedestrian streets and see landmarks such as The Golden Roof with your local guide. You may find it easy to understand why this city, during the 14th century, was the center of European culture and politics as you wind through the narrow cobblestone streets.

Day 8
Oberammergau - Black Forest
Today fairy tales come to life with a picture stop at Bavaria’s most famous castle, Neuschwanstein. Next, you are off to Titisee, located in the heart of the stunning Black Forest. Don’t forget to shop for authentic cuckoo clocks, Hummels and wood carvings!

Day 9
Black Forest - Bern, Switzerland - Zermatt
Welcome to Switzerland! During your first stop you will take a panoramic tour of Bern where Albert Einstein worked out the details of his theory of relativity. Later, visit one of the most photographed castles in the world, the Chateau de Chillon, located on serene Lake Geneva. Your day ends in the relaxing village of Zermatt in the Swiss Alps. Take a stroll and breathe in the fresh Alpine air.

Day 10
Zermatt - Gornergrat Railway
After an orientation tour of this mountain resort village you will travel on the famous Gornergrat Railway which offers an incredible view of the famed Matterhorn. The balance of the day is yours to relax or shop the many stores in the village.

Day 11
Zermatt - Grimsel Pass - Lucerne
Views of glaciers, crystal clear rivers and snow-capped mountains will invigorate you as you travel through the spectacular scenery of the Grimsel Pass. Your final destination is the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake,” the city of Lucerne.

Day 12
Lucerne
This morning, embark on a scenic walking tour of this picturesque town, including a stroll through the romantic old town. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the best Lucerne has to offer. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a lovely local restaurant, toasting the end of an incredible tour.

Day 13
Lucerne - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Lucerne.

Day 1
Overnight Flight
Half timber houses, vineyards, yodelers and the world''s finest classical music await you. You''ll explore Europe''s most picturesque countries: Austria, Germany (Bavaria), and Switzerland following your overnight flight.

Day 2
Arrive Vienna, Austria
Your tour begins in Vienna. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a special welcome dinner, complete with local entertainers, in the quaint wine making village of Grinzing.

Day 3
Vienna
You''ll get to know Vienna this morning during a special tour that showcases its architectural marvels. You will visit the incredible Schoenbrunn Palace and see impressive St. Stephan''s Cathedral. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore - stroll the streets or even visit a museum.

Day 4
Vienna - Salzburg
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Enjoy a lovely cruise along the Danube, one of the most picturesque waterways in Europe. Later, visit the Benedictine Melk Abbey before continuing to the “City of Music,” Salzburg. Tonight, enjoy a Mozart Dinner Concert at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant.

Day 5
Salzburg
Discover the splendor of Salzburg with a leisurely-paced walking tour of the Old Town. Some of the amazing sights you will see include the Cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace and Mirabell Gardens.

Day 6
Salzburg - Munich, Germany - Oberammergau
Today you travel to Germany. In Munich, you’ll feel the energy of this lively and fascinating city during a tour that highlights Olympic Park, the world-famous Glockenspiel, and Marienplatz, a beautiful square surrounded by shops, restaurants and cafes. Later in the day you’ll arrive at your home for the next two nights - the quaint village of Oberammergau, renowned for wood carvings and the Passion Play.

Day 7
Oberammergau - Innsbruck, Austria - Oberammergau
Today you’ll enjoy the scenery of the spectacular Bavarian Alps en route to enchanting Innsbruck. You’ll walk through the charming pedestrian streets and see landmarks such as The Golden Roof with your local guide. You may find it easy to understand why this city, during the 14th century, was the center of European culture and politics as you wind through the narrow cobblestone streets.

Day 8
Oberammergau - Black Forest
Today fairy tales come to life with a picture stop at Bavaria’s most famous castle, Neuschwanstein. Next, you are off to Titisee, located in the heart of the stunning Black Forest. Don’t forget to shop for authentic cuckoo clocks, Hummels and wood carvings!

Day 9
Black Forest - Bern, Switzerland - Zermatt
Welcome to Switzerland! During your first stop you will take a panoramic tour of Bern where Albert Einstein worked out the details of his theory of relativity. Later, visit one of the most photographed castles in the world, the Chateau de Chillon, located on serene Lake Geneva. Your day ends in the relaxing village of Zermatt in the Swiss Alps. Take a stroll and breathe in the fresh Alpine air.

Day 10
Zermatt - Gornergrat Railway
After an orientation tour of this mountain resort village you will travel on the famous Gornergrat Railway which offers an incredible view of the famed Matterhorn. The balance of the day is yours to relax or shop the many stores in the village.

Day 11
Zermatt - Grimsel Pass - Lucerne
Views of glaciers, crystal clear rivers and snow-capped mountains will invigorate you as you travel through the spectacular scenery of the Grimsel Pass. Your final destination is the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake,” the city of Lucerne.

Day 12
Lucerne
This morning, embark on a scenic walking tour of this picturesque town, including a stroll through the romantic old town. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the best Lucerne has to offer. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a lovely local restaurant, toasting the end of an incredible tour.

Day 13
Lucerne - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Lucerne.


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
4/10/2008 - 4/22/2008
$2,049
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4/17/2008 - 4/29/2008
$2,049
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7/17/2008 - 7/29/2008
$2,249
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7/24/2008 - 8/5/2008
$2,249
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8/14/2008 - 8/26/2008
$2,249
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8/21/2008 - 9/2/2008
$2,249
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9/4/2008 - 9/16/2008
$2,249
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9/11/2008 - 9/23/2008
$2,299
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9/25/2008 - 10/7/2008
$2,299
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10/9/2008 - 10/21/2008
$2,249
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4/16/2009 - 4/28/2009
$2,249
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4/23/2009 - 5/5/2009
$2,249
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5/14/2009 - 5/26/2009
$2,599
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6/18/2009 - 6/30/2009
$2,599
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7/9/2009 - 7/21/2009
$2,549
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8/13/2009 - 8/25/2009
$2,549
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9/10/2009 - 9/22/2009
$2,649
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9/20/2009 - 10/2/2009
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Package Notes:
For your information, the Salzburg Summer Music Festival takes place during the month of August.
Please note that single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
Due to flight schedules, you may require an early morning departure from the hotel on the last day. Return flights should not be booked prior to 10:00 AM.
Danube River Cruise is available mid-April to mid-October.
Days of features are interchangeable.
Itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
If you have not purchased air through the tour operator and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times.
Air passengers will depart from the Zurich, Switzerland airport. All transfers from the tour company will depart Lucerne for Zurich.

Begin your vacation with a special dinner in the quaint wine-making village of Grinzing.

Shop for world-famous hand-carved cuckoo clocks when you overnight in Germany's beautiful Black Forest region.

Spend two nights in the Alpine village of Zermatt, Switzerland at the foot of the Majestic Matterhorn.

Special tour of Vienna that showcases architecture with visits to Schoenbrunn Palace and St. Stephan's Cathedral.

Language Discovery: Your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language you will experience on your tour. Learn key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the local people you meet.

Enjoy a Mozart Dinner Concert at St. Peter's Restaurant.

Two night stay in the quaint village of Oberammergau, renowned for wood carvings and the Passion Play that takes place every ten years.

Picture stop at the Neuschwanstein castle.

Visit Chateau de Chillon in Lake Geneva.

Cruise on Lake Lucerene.

Package Notes:
For your information, the Salzburg Summer Music Festival takes place during the month of August.
Please note that single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
Due to flight schedules, you may require an early morning departure from the hotel on the last day. Return flights should not be booked prior to 10:00 AM.
Danube River Cruise is available mid-April to mid-October.
Days of features are interchangeable.
Itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
If you have not purchased air through the tour operator and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times.
Air passengers will depart from the Zurich, Switzerland airport. All transfers from the tour company will depart Lucerne for Zurich.
   
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