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This
wonderful program takes begins in Vienna and
wanders south to Salzburg and Innsbruck
before taking in the Passion Play.
Afterwards, we visit Munich where September
visitors can enjoy the wonderful Oktoberfest
before traversing the Swiss Alps in
finishing with four nights in Alpine
Switzerland.
Day 1 - DEPART
USA - Today, we depart our home city to connect with our
transatlantic overnight flight to Vienna aboard a wide-bodied jet. We are
served complementary beverages, in-flight movies, dinner and breakfast aloft.
Day 2 - VIENNA - Upon arrival in Vienna, we are
met and transfer to the hotel with free time to rest before dinner.
Day 3 - VIENNA - This morning, we drive to the
Hofburg, visit the Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral and the 17th century Capuchin
Church containing the Imperial Vaults. We also pass by City Hall, the
Burg Theater, Houses of Parliament, two State Museums, the Opera and visit the
Schonbrunn Castle with its vast French Park. This afternoon, we have an
excursion to the historic Vienna Woods, driving past Liechtenstein Castle to
the ancient Heiligenkreuz Cistercian Abbey and on to Mayerling, the former
Imperial Hunting Lodge. On our return to Vienna for dinner and overnight,
we pass the famous Spa of Baden.
Day 4 - VIENNA/SALZBURG - Today we motor to
Salzburg, ancient seat of the Archbishop and the location for the "Sound of
Music." We arrive in time for city sightseeing. See the Castle of
Hellbrunn, Residenz Fountain and Tower, and enjoy the unusual architecture,
which lends much to the character and charm of the city. See the colorful old
section with narrow streets, the Cathedral and Mozart's birthplace before going
to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 - SALZBURG /INNSBRUCK -
This morning we leave Salzburg and travel through the Tyrol to Innsbruck.
We begin our city tour in Tyrol's Olympic City, where we view the "Golden Roof"
and Hofburg Palace. Then we visit the famous Olympic village and enjoy
the beauty of this lovely city tucked deep within the Alps. We then
proceed to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 6 - INNSBRUCK /OBERAMMERGAU
- This morning, we have a scenic drive on our way to Oberammergau. We
visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle and the Linderhof Castle, which were
both built by mad King Ludwig. We stop at the Monastery in Ettal before
continuing to Oberammergau. We check into our accommodations for dinner
and overnight.
Day 7 - OBERAMMERGAU/PASSION PLAY - Every 10
years this beautiful Bavarian village of craftsmen becomes world famous by
hosting a Passion Festival. After a black plague epidemic in 1634 that
miraculously was cut short, the inhabitants vowed to produce the festival. With
inner conviction the amateur actors, all from the village, again present the
life and sufferings of Our Lord. The play shows the story of Christ's Passion,
beginning with the entry into Jerusalem and ending with the resurrection and
transfiguration. The structure of the play is living pictures from the Old
Testament and acted scenes from the New Testament. The Play employs a large
choir and orchestra. Our performance begins at 9:00 AM and concludes at
5:30 PM following a three-hour lunch break. Afterwards, we return to our
hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 8 - MUNICH - This morning drive North
to Munich where our tour passes the University, St. Paul's Church, German
Museum, the 'Frauenkirche,' the Obelisk, Theatinir Church, Feldherrnhalle,
English Gardens, Schwabing Artists Colony, Buergerbrau Kellar, and concludes
with a visit to Nymphenburg Palace. The rest of the day is yours for
personal adventure, to shop or just relax. Dinner and overnight at the
hotel. (September Pilgrims can enjoy
Munich's famous Oktoberfest).
Day 9 - MUNICH/LUCERNE - Today we travel
through the peaceful countryside of Bavaria via Starnberg to Lake Constance's
Island Resort, Lindau. We then continue through Switzerland to Einsiedeln
and visit the Shrine of the Black Madonna. Our drive continues through a
picture book Swiss Alpine setting to Lucerne, another lovely lakeside
town. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 10 - LUCERNE - Today we have a full day
sightseeing tour of Mount Rigi and Lucerne. We ascend by cable car to
Rigi Kaltbad. We then continue by cogwheel train to the top, Rigi Kulm
(6000 feet) to enjoy a panoramic view of the Alps. This afternoon, we
visit Lucerne and the beautiful Lake. We see the Chapel Bridge, the Lion
Monument, Glacier Garden, Hofkirche, the Musegg Towers and Weinmarket
Fountain. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 11 - LUCERNE/INTERLAKEN/GRINDELWALD - Today
we see the Bernese Oberland. We skirt Lake Brienz with beautiful mountain
scenery on the way to Interlaken, where William Tell made this area
famous. This afternoon, we continue to Grindelwald. A beautiful
village nestled in the Alps. We continue to our hotel for dinner and
overnight.
Day 12 - GRINDELWALD - Today you have the
entire day free to explore the town, take any private sightseeing excursions
you may desire, shop or just relax. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 13 - GRINDELWALD/ZURICH/NEWARK - We
continue our journey home to the Sates today remembering the good times we had
and happy for the new friends we made. Upon arrival in New York, you are
transferred to your domestic airline for the flight home.
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