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Itinerary
DAY 1 - Overnight Flight to Europe.
Today brings the beginning of a new
adventure . . . anticipation heightens as
you realize that your trip of a lifetime is
about to begin! Refer to 'Preparing for
your Departure' in your Trip Documents
for easy check-in procedures. Take time
to relax on your trans-Atlantic flight
with the assurance that Image Tours has
taken care of all the details.
DAY 2 - Arrival at Frankfurt Airport - Heidelberg - Schriesheim.
As morning
arrives, the European coastline comes
into view and your plane soon touches
down at the Frankfurt 'Rhein-Main'
Airport. Disembark, clear passport
control, claim your suitcase, and pass
through customs. Communicating is
no problem, as English is widely spoken.
Refer to your 'Arrival Instructions' page
in your Trip Documents for directions
on where and when to meet your tour
manager. Board your deluxe motor
coach for a pleasant drive through the
countryside of central Germany, to
your hotel in the village of Schriesheim.
One German word you must learn is 'gemuetlichkeit' which expresses the
feeling of comfort, coziness, and leisure
that you will experience in the days
ahead. This afternoon, the tour manager
will invite you on a visit to the renowned
university town of Heidelberg, idyllically
situated on the Neckar River and
dominated by the ruins of Heidelberg
Castle. This historic university town is
considered by many to embody the
spirit of Germany. This evening, enjoy
the 'Welcome to Europe/Get-acquainted'
dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)
DAY 3 - GERMANY . . Medieval Rothenburg - Romantic Road - Adelsried.
This morning, enjoy a
leisurely, scenic ride to the storybook
town of Rothenburg; a beautifully preserved,
medieval village surrounded
by the original town walls and without a
single modern building in sight. You will
feel like you are walking into a fairy tale
when you see the narrow cobblestone
streets, historic
inns, and quaint shop
fronts. During your free
time, climb to the top of
the 'Rathaus' Bell Tower for a
bird's-eye view of the city, walk
atop the old city walls surrounding
the town, check out the Medieval
Criminal Museum which exhibits tools
of punishment from more draconian
times, or stroll through the castle
gardens overlooking the River Tauber.
Delightful shopping awaits you at Käthe
Wohlfahrt's Weihnachtsdorf , a sprawling,
year-round Christmas shop. Your
afternoon journey leads south on the 'Romantic Road'. This area is rich in unspoiled
countryside, historic castles, and
medieval villages. Enjoy dinner tonight,
enlivened by accordion music, at your
hotel in Adelsried. Try a stein of 'Paulaner
Pilsner', a glass of 'Liebfrau Milch'
(wine), or a refreshing glass of 'Apfelsaft'
(apple juice). (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4 - GERMANY . . Munich & AUSTRIA . . Imperial City of Innsbruck
- Stubaital Valley.
Munich, the elegant
capital of Bavaria, lies 60 kilometers
(37½ miles) east. You will enter the
city via the Olympic Village, the
Bohemian district of Schwabing, and
Karlsplatz. Step out for free time at the 'Marienplatz' (square), a pedestrianonly
zone where historic buildings are
cleverly interspersed with modern store
fronts. The focal point of the square
is the Rathaus (Town Hall) with its
captivating Glockenspiel clock tower.
For lunch, consider the 'Hofbräuhaus', a one-of-a-kind beer hall, which exudes
an 'Oktoberfest' atmosphere year-round.
After lunch, head south to the Austrian
border and travel along the Inn River as
it winds its way through the Austrian
Alps to the Imperial City of Innsbruck,
capital of Tyrol and two-time host of
the Winter Olympics. Bisected by the
Inn River and surrounded by mountains,
Innsbruck is a stunning setting.
See the Imperial Church, the Golden
Roof (built in 1500 for royalty to view
entertainment in the square below)
the Maria Theresia Boulevard, and the
Triumphal Gate. Innsbruck owes its architectural beauty to Maximilian I,
who ruled 500 years ago (and became
Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire).
A short distance from Innsbruck lies the
Stubaital Valley, where you will spend
the next two nights in a chalet-style
hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 5 - AUSTRIA . . Alpine Resort
Village in the Stubaital Valley near Innsbruck.
The Stubaital Valley provides the perfect location for a relaxing day. Dotted along the valley are the resort villages of Telfes, Fulpmes, and Neustift all leading to the impressive Stubai Glacier. A scenic tram ride offers easy and direct access into Innsbruck. Another choice for the day is the optional 'Bavarian Palace' excursion. Try a local restaurant for your independent dinner or join the optional 'Tyrolean Show & Dinner' for an evening of authentic Austrian folklore, music and dancing. (Breakfast)
DAY 6 - ITALY . . Brenner Pass -
Dolomite Mountains - Lake Garda -
Verona - Bussolengo.
It's only a short distance to the Italian border. Enter Italy via the 'Europa Bruecke' (Bridge), a remarkable feat of mountain highway engineering through the alluring 'Dolomites', a mountain range that is known for its reddish appearance. Italy is the cradle of European civilization, art, architecture and music. It remains one of the most romantic countries in the world, leaving visitors brimming with grandiose impressions. After the customary morning break, you are in for a special treat, as you descend to Lake Garda. In some places, the rocky shores seem to rise straight up from the lake. Its sheltered location gives the area a subtropical climate, rich in vegetation, including colorful oleander bushes, olive groves, fruit trees, and grape vines which produce some of the famous Italian wines. An extended stop affords ample opportunity to stroll along the lake front, browse through the quaint markets, and enjoy an Italian ice cream (gelato). From here, it's a short ride to the legendary city of Verona, made famous by Shakespeare's tragic story of 'Romeo and Juliet'. See Juliet's balcony and experience an authentic Italian meal during independent dinner in Verona, before transferring to your hotel in nearby Bussolengo. (Breakfast)
DAY 7 - ITALY . . Bussolengo near
Verona.
If yesterday's stop on Lake Garda enchanted you and you have visions of relaxing under a Cinzano umbrella sipping a Campari or Capuccino, or if you would like to spend the entire day studying the fascinating architecture and browsing the fashionable shops and historical sights of Verona, this day is yours to do as you please. Ask the hotel concierge where to catch the buses to Verona and Lake Garda. Another choice for today is to join the optional excursion to Venice, famous for its canals and bridges, colorful gondoliers, magnificent St. Mark's Square, and engaging outdoor vendors. The 'Venice' excursion includes dinner at a characteristic Venetian restaurant. After a memorable day of sightseeing, return to Bussolengo to spend the night. (Breakfast)
DAY 8 - SWITZERLAND . . Lake Lugano
- Gotthard Pass - Lake Lucerne Region.
Travel north towards the unsurpassed splendor of the Italian and Swiss lake districts. As you enter Switzerland, snow-capped mountains emerge in the distance while palm tree-lined streets greet you along Lake Lugano. Often referred to as the 'Rio de Janeiro of the Old Continent', Lugano is the perfect spot for a lunch break. In the afternoon, the 11-milelong St. Gotthard Tunnel takes you from the Italian section of Switzerland into the German section. Traveling through William Tell country, you descend upon Lake Lucerne. The soaring peaks of Rigi, Stanserhorn and Pilatus, standing guard over this vast water basin, create one of the most imposing sights in Europe. Your hotel resides in one of the scenic villages in the Lake Lucerne Region. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 9 - SWITZERLAND . . Village of
Stans - Lucerne - Lake Lucerne Region.
Today's first stop is the old mountain village of Stans with an option to take a funicular up 'Mount Stanserhorn' (see 'Swiss Mountain' excursion) for thrilling panoramic views of the Swiss Lake District. Next, motor along the lake to the city of Lucerne, where you will see the Old Town Wall and the famous Lion Monument. This inspiring stone carving, hewn out of natural rock, commemorates the heroic death of Swiss soldiers who defended Louis the XVI during the French Revolution. The rest of the day is yours to explore the old town, visit the Swiss Transport Museum (the largest of its type in Europe), relax on one of the lovely lake shore promenades, or take the optional 'Swiss Lake Boat Ride' excursion. Lucerne is also a shopper's paradise. You will enjoy browsing through displays of wood-carved music boxes, delicate Swiss lace, delicious chocolates and . . . Switzerland's world famous watches.Return to your cozy Lake Dristrict hotel for an included Swiss dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 10 - FRANCE . . Burgundy Wine
Region - Beaune - Auxerre.
The church bells usher in another glorious
day. Follow the Swiss Autobahn
to Basel, strategically located where
Switzerland, Germany, and France meet
and where the Rhine River becomes
navigable. The mountains give way
to hilltop villages and rustic vineyards.
Visit Beaune, center of Burgundy wine
country and one of the best preserved
medieval cities in this area. Take time
for independent lunch, browse the
local wine shops, or visit the intriguing
'Hospices Museum'. Built in the 15th
century as a hospital for the destitute,
the museum houses items used in
hospitals in the Middle Ages, as well as
an impressive collection of furniture,
pottery, paintings and tapestries, and is
also known for its striking architecture.
Following the extended visit to Beaune,
continue to Auxerre, conveniently
located for minimum travel time to Paris
the next morning. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 11 - FRANCE. . Paris.
By midmorning,
you will reach Paris, 'La Ville
Lumiere' (The City of Light). What a
thrill it is to enter this vivacious city,
rich in history, art and architecture.
A brief acclimation will bring you to the
Statue of Joan of Arc, adjacent to the
Louvre and the Place de la Concorde.
Your tour manager will tell you about
the location of the principal sights
and stores, such as Notre Dame
Cathedral, Eiffel Tower,
the Opera, the
famous 'Galleries
Lafayette' department
store, and the even more
famous Champs Elysées.
Before beginning your free
time, we suggest joining your tour
manager for the optional 'Seine River Cruise' excursion for
unsurpassed views of some of the city's
major sights. This afternoon provides
time to sightsee on your own; visiting
museums (the Louvre Museum is open
every day except Tuesday), exploring
the interior of Notre Dame Cathedral, or
shopping. At 4:30 p.m. transfer to the
hotel. Spend this evening on your own
or consider the optional 'Paris Evening' excursion, with dinner at a
characteristic French bistro in the heart
of Paris. Your brief taste of Paris is meant
as an introduction to one of the great
cities of the world and will certainly
make a lasting impression. (Breakfast)
DAY 12 - BELGIUM . . Antwerp &
HOLLAND . . Lelystad.
Travel North
from Paris to the French/Belgian border.
Entering Belgium, the French language
will stay with you for another
hour or so until you
enter the Belgian province
of Flanders where
Flemish, similar to
Dutch, is spoken.
Enjoy a visit to
the Flemish
capital of Antwerp, known for its convivial
atmosphere and outdoor cafes. It is
also the world's third busiest seaport.
Join a short orientation walk and
explore the old city center. Try
irresistible Belgian waffles and
chocolates. Shop for fine lace
in the quaint streets surrounding
the city's distinctive Grand
Square. This afternoon, enter
The Netherlands or 'Holland', a
country with very strong historical
ties to the United States. The
western part of Holland was 'wrestled' from the sea, and still
today lies below sea level, protected
from flooding by an intricate system of
dikes and pumps. You will see examples
of canals, bridges, and windmills on the
way to your hotel in Lelystad, which itself
is situated on reclaimed land known
as a 'Polder'. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 13 - HOLLAND . . Country Stay in
Lelystad.
This day is all yours to
spend as you like. Many people in
Holland are proficient in English,
making it easy for you to get around.
Consider taking advantage of Holland's
efficient bus and railway network to a
myriad of interesting places, many of
them less than an hour away. Bikes are
available for rent in many cities. There's
also a full-day optional 'Grand Holland' excursion, featuring a
kaleidoscopic overview of Holland, including the unique countryside,
a picturesque Dutch village, and an
afternoon in Amsterdam, one of the
great cities of the world. Renowned
for its impressive architecture and
world famous museums that offer
a window to the past, Amsterdam
is also a vibrant, modern city with
a wide range of shopping and
food venues to suit every taste
and pocketbook. In the evening,
return to your hotel for dinner.
(Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 14 - GERMANY . . Rhine River Cruise
- Frankfurt Airport Area.
After a Dutch
breakfast, you will travel via Arnhem,
immortalized by the World War II movie 'A Bridge Too Far' to Germany's booming
cultural and industrial region,
comprised of Düsseldorf, Cologne, and
Bonn. In Koblenz, where the Rhine and
Mosel rivers converge, you will exit the
German 'Autobahn' and follow the Rhine
River to Boppard. Here, you will board a
pleasure boat for an upstream cruise on
one of western Europe's most important
waterways. On your cruise, you will
glide past endearing villages, medieval
fortresses, and hillside vineyards known
for producing the distinctive Rhine
wines. Near the end of your cruise, you
will pass by the Loreley Rock. Legend
has it that the bewitching chant of a
fair maiden sent boatmen crashing into
the rock. Your hotel is located in the
wine village of Rüdesheim. Known for
its festive atmosphere, this is a fitting
location for tonight's 'Farewell Dinner'.
(Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 15 - Daytime flight across the
Atlantic, back to the U.S.A.
Your journey
of Europe's scenic, cultural, and
historic highlights has come full circle.
You will forever remember the many
sights, sounds, and tastes from your
adventure, as well as your newly-made
friends. Transfer to the Frankfurt 'Rhein-Main' Airport for your return
flight to the U.S.A. We sincerely hope
that you will return and experience
more of Europe's treasures with Image
Tours. Until then, Auf Wiedersehen!!!
(Breakfast)
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