DAY 1: Departure from the USA. Overnight flight to Europe.

DAY 2: GERMANY... Frankfurt Airport - Nuremberg.
Upon arrival at Frankfurt Airport, claim your luggage, clear customs, and meet your tour manager. Then, settle back in your comfortable motor coach for a ride through the Main Valley and into the heart of the Franconian Wine Region on the way to Nuremberg. After check-in, freshen up and relax a bit before the 'Welcome/Get Acquainted' dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)

DAY 3: GERMANY... Nuremberg.
You may spend this day on your own and at your own pace, exploring the many historic sights of Nuremberg. Hitler staged his propaganda rallies here, and, after his fall, Nuremberg was chosen as the site of the famous War Trials. For further study of the Third Reich, visit the Dokumentation Center at the sight of the Nazi Party Rally Grounds. If you prefer a lighter topic, enter the Toy Museum, celebrating Nuremberg's tradition as the city of toys. Or, you may join the full-day optional 'Nuremberg-Rothenburg Circle Tour & Dinner' excursion. (Breakfast)

DAY 4: GERMANY... Munich - Fieberbrunn.
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. Enjoy free time in the pedestrian only 'old town' where modern department stores have been skillfully grafted amidst the old city gates and historic buildings. For your independent lunch you may consider the world's most famous beer hall; the 'Hofbraühaus' where you can celebrate Oktoberfest year 'round. Departing Munich, cross the border into Austria. As you drive through the PillerseeTal, a valley in northeast Tyrol, immerse yourself in the beautiful Alpine views with mountain-fed rivers, flower laden meadows, and lovely resort towns. Arrive by mid-afternoon in the mountain village of Fieberbrunn with time for a walk on one of the captivating paths leading just outside the village before enjoying dinner at the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 5: AUSTRIA ... Fieberbrunn in the Tyrolean Alps.
The day is at leisure to do as you wish. If you enjoy walking, hiking or biking, this is your chance. There are mountain paths all around. Or, just relax amidst the boundless majesty of the imposing Alps. If your interests are culture and history, consider joining the optional 'Salzburg & Berchtesgaden with Dinner' excursion. While in Berchtesgaden, also consider the optional 'Eagle's Nest' excursion. (Breakfast)

DAY 6: AUSTRIA... Kitzbühl - Innsbruck & GERMANY... Oberammergau.
Stop to admire the brightly colored buildings of Kitzbühl. Then, follow the Inn River upstream to Tyrol's principal town and capital, Innsbruck (Inn bridge). This imperial city is known for its Golden Roof, built in 1500 with 1399 gilded tiles as a royal box to view entertainment in the square below. You will have time to explore the beautiful old city center, and enjoy lunch in one of the outdoor cafes or restaurants. In the late afternoon, the Seefeld Pass offers incredible views as you travel from the Austrian to the Bavarian Alps. Make a stop in the famous, violin-making village of Mittenwald before reaching Oberammergau. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 7: GERMANY... Oberammergau.
The day is devoted to the Bavarian village of Oberammergau, known throughout the world for its Passion Play. In 1634, the citizens of Oberammergau vowed to perform a Passion Play if their town would be spared from the Black Plague. Performed every 10 years, the next performance is in 2010. View the Passion Play Theatre and, as you walk through the village, admire the buildings with their ornate paintings depicting fairy tales and biblical scenes. Local wood carvers can be observed at work, as many studios are located in the shop itself. You will also see the works of local painters, potters, sculptors, goldsmiths and silversmiths. To learn more about the local history, visit the Oberammergau Museum with exhibits dedicated to the art and history of the area. Another possibility for today is the optional 'Bavarian Castles Circle Tour' excursion. For your independent dinner, the family-owned restaurants in Oberammergau are just the place to partake in traditional Bavarian cooking. (Breakfast)

DAY 8: LIECHTENSTEIN... Vaduz & SWITZERLAND... Swiss Lake District.
This morning features more of the natural beauty of the Austrian Alps. Feast your eyes on the majestic mountains all around you. Depending on the weather and road conditions, travel via the breathtaking Silvretta High Alpine Pass or through the engineering masterpiece of the Arlberg Tunnel. Either way, the destination is the enchanting, tiny principality of Liechtenstein, an independent state wedged between Austria and Switzerland. Enjoy a leisurely visit to the capital of Liechtenstein, Vaduz. High atop a mountain hill sits Vaduz Castle, residence of the ruling Prince of Liechtenstein. For souvenirs of your visit, you may purchase postage stamps of Liechtenstein as well as have your passport stamped right at the Vaduz post office. From Vaduz, cross the border into Switzerland, and travel into the Swiss Lake District. Dine at your hotel where you will spend the next two nights amidst a setting of mountains and lakes. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 9: SWITZERLAND... Lucerne - Swiss Lake District.
Begin the day with a scenic drive around Lake Lucerne. Pause briefly in Altdorf to admire the statue of William Tell. A little further along the lake is the lovely city of Lucerne, where you will have a full afternoon to explore its covered bridge and many other special treasures. While in Lucerne, consider the optional 'Swiss Folklore Lunch' and 'Swiss Mountain' excursions. For your independent dinner, dine early in Lucerne or wait until you return to your cozy, Swiss Lake District hotel. (Breakfast)

DAY 10: SWITZERLAND... Einsiedeln - Schaffhausen Rhine Falls & GERMANY... Black Forest.
After a nice Swiss breakfast, we will make a stop in the pilgrimage town of Einsiedeln, with its serenely captivating Abbey. From Einsiedeln travel north to see the impressive and powerful Rhine River Falls, Europe's largest, near the town of Schaffhausen. Your journey will then take you back into Germany to visit the renowned Black Forest region. A mid-afternoon arrival in Breitnau (near Titisee) allows for a stroll through the town center. We will spend the next two nights in Breitnau. Tonight, indulge in the local cuisine on your own, or join the optional 'Black Forest Hot Rock Dinner' excursion. (Breakfast)

DAY 11: GERMANY... Black Forest.
This is one of those days that has been reserved for a little rest and relaxation, walking, hiking, or other individual pursuits. This is the perfect place to escape from modern life's hectic pace, traffic noise, and mega malls. Drink in the natural beauty of this pristine Black Forest resort town and dream away the day in the fairy tale village of Titisee. Today, the choice is yours . . . free time or join the optional 'Freiburg and a Taste of France' excursion. Whichever you choose, dinner will be waiting for you at your hotel tonight. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 12: GERMANY... Heidelberg - Rüdesheim.
Travel through the northern part of the Black Forest and reach historic Heidelberg in time for independent lunch. Idyllically situated in the Neckar Valley, Heidelberg is famous for its university and immortalized in the operetta 'The Student Prince'. Ruins of the red sandstone Castle loom above the city. Walk through the old town of Heidelberg before heading 60 miles north to the delightful wine town of Rüdesheim on the Rhine River. While dining at your hotel tonight, indulge in a delicious glass of Rhine wine. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 13: GERMANY... Rüdesheim.
Rüdesheim lies on the right bank of the River Rhine, one of the most important waterways in the world. Rüdesheim's location in the center of the famous Rhine Wine culture has contributed to the town's festive appearance and lifestyle. Sometime today, you'll want to take a walk on the promenade along the Rhine River. You may also wish to join the optional 'Rhine Cruise & Cable Car' excursion. Tonight, conclude your enchanting journey of German, Austrian, and Swiss highlights with a festive Farewell Dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 14: Daytime flight from Frankfurt Airport back to the USA. (Breakfast)

Germany, Austria & Switzerland Map