26 Day Grand Alpine Tour & Jewels of Europe River Cruise

Zurich to Amsterdam

Overview

DAY 1: Zurich
Welcome to Zurich. You are met at the airport and transferred* to your centrally located hotel. Time to relax before meeting up this evening with your fellow travellers and Tour Director over a welcome drink.
Overnight Stay: Zurich

DAY 2: Zurich – Montreux (FB,D)
A guided walking tour of Zurich reveals a contrast between the luxury designer shops and modern buildings on the Bahnhofstrasse and the imposing Romanesque Cathedral which dominates the old town with its twin towers. We leave the financial hub of Switzerland to visit its capital city, Bern. The old city is snugly positioned on a bend of the river Aare and features some beautiful squares and fine examples of decorated facades amongst its cobblestone streets. We head into the Fribourg Alps to the picturesque village of Gruyères to see how the tasty cheese, named after the town, is created. Our final scenic drive takes us to our destination for tonight, Montreux, which features breathtaking views over Lake Geneva towards the French Alps.
Overnight Special Stay: Montreux

DAY 3: Montreux – Zermatt (FB,D)
We start today soaking in the views of terraced vineyards and towering mountain peaks onboard our leisurely cruise on Lake Geneva. We make the short journey along the lake for a visit to Chillon where we enjoy a guided tour of the castle and its chilling dungeon. The Castle, nearly 1,000 years old, was home to the Counts of Savoy and made popular by Lord Byron’s poem, the Prisoner of Chillon. We journey along the Rhône valley passing the town of Sion and acres of vineyards before heading into the mountains as we climb the winding road to the village of Tasch. Here we board our cog-wheel train for our final ascent to the traffic-free ski resort of Zermatt, situated in the shadows of the famous Matterhorn, nearly two kilometres above sea level.
Two Night Stay: Zermatt

DAY 4: Zermatt (FB,D)
Zermatt is located at the north end of a hanging valley with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. SCENIC FREECHOICE choose from: (1) a train ride to Gornergrat which offers spectacular views of the Matterhorn and 29 other Alpine peaks in three countries; or (2) enjoy a serene journey through stunning Swiss mountain scenery on a horse-driven carriage.

DAY 5: Zermatt – St. Moritz (FB,D)
This morning we farewell Zermatt and continue along the scenic Simplon Pass into Italy. We reach Lake Maggiore to savour the spectacular views of its tranquil waters and the Borromean Islands from gorgeous Stresa. There is time to wander the lakeside resort amongst stunning villas and colourful gardens. We wind our way along the shores of Lake Como and climb back into the Swiss Alps, entering the renowned Majola Pass en-route to the Engadine valley, protected on all sides by towering mountains and famous for its sunny climate. Crossing the Engadine plateau with its numerous lakes, we arrive in St. Moritz. Initially known for its curative mineral springs, St. Moritz is now a chic and exclusive international resort.
Overnight Stay: St. Moritz

DAY 6: St. Moritz – Lucerne (FB,HD)
After breakfast we board the Glacier Express for possibly the world’s most breathtaking mountain rail journey. We journey past towering peaks with green valleys far below through the Albula Pass and over the impressive Landwasser viaduct to Andermatt where we join our coach and driver. Then it’s only a short drive along the banks of Lake Lucerne to the picturesque city of the same name, located within sight of the towering peaks of Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus. With our local guide we stroll to the famous Lion Monument, a haunting memorial to the gallant Swiss Guard, who was defeated while defending the Tuilieries Palace in Paris during the French Revolution in 1792. Then we enjoy a walking tour of the old town and cross the medieval Chapel Bridge to the ornate Jesuit Church. Tonight we enjoy a traditional folklore show as we savour a highlight meal of traditional Swiss fondue.
Two Night Stay: Lucerne

DAY 7: Lucerne (FB,D)
Today we have some free time before enjoying a guided cruise on Lucerne’s gorgeous lake en-route to the quaint village of Vitznau. Here we join the oldest cogwheel train in Switzerland for a breathtaking ascent of Mount Rigi, known as ‘the Queen of the Mountains’. Savour the incredible scenery from the summit where you have a breathtaking panoramic view of the Alps.

DAY 8: Lucerne – Innsbruck (FB,D)
Our first destination today is Vaduz, capital of the tiny tax haven of Liechtenstein, bordered entirely by Switzerland and Austria and just 160 square kilometres in size. We drive through the Arlberg region, home of Alpine skiing, to the pretty Austrian town of Seefeld, SCENICENRICH where  we enjoy a horse-drawn carriage trip amongst the woods and meadows after indulging in apple strudel and coffee at a local inn. We make the short trip to Innsbruck, capital of the Austrian Tyrol. This delightful town on the Inn River is sandwiched between towering mountain ranges to the north and south and prospered due to its strategic position at the head of the Brenner Pass to Italy. We visit the impressive baroque Wilten Basilica, the recently built ski-jump and of course the old town including the famous Golden Roof, built to cover the Emperor in 1500.
Overnight Stay: Innsbruck

DAY 9: Innsbruck – Munich (FB,HD)
A morning of astonishing scenery awaits as we drive through towering peaks into Bavarian Germany, arriving in Schwangau to see the majestic spires of Neuschwanstein Castle piercing through woods on the nearby mountainside. We board our horse and carriage and are driven up to the Castle entrance, where we enjoy a guided tour of the ornately carved and decorated apartments of ‘Mad’ King Ludwig. Descending the mountain, there is time to enjoy Schwangau before we pass beautifully painted chalets and alpine pastures en-route to the village of Oberammergau, site of the Passion Play which has taken place every 10 years since 1634. We continue along the famous Romantic road before reaching the Bavarian capital, Munich. SCENICENRICH This evening we say ‘prost’ as we dine at the Brauhaus Zum Franziskaner, the oldest privately owned brewery in Munich, in operation since 1363.
Two Night Stay: Munich

DAY 10: Munich (FB)
On our guided walking tour we visit the heart of old Munich, the Marienplatz, a large open square with the Marien column in the centre, where we see the famous Glockenspiel on the Town Hall play. Radiating from the Marienplatz are gorgeous examples of Romanesque and Baroque churches including the Peterskirche and Frauenkirche. At the nearby victuals market, which has been operating for 100 years, local delicacies and souvenirs are available. This afternoon enjoy your Scenic FreeChoice activity at no extra cost. SCENIC FREECHOICE choose from: (1) a visit to a local brewery to see how the production process takes place, with a chance to sample the final product; or (2) visit the world’s largest museum of technology, the Deutsches Museum, which features permanent exhibitions covering science, materials, energy, transport and communication; or (3) head to nearby Dachau concentration camp for chilling reminders of the events of World War II.

DAY 11: Munich – Salzburg (FB,HD)
On our morning drive we visit Hitler’s favourite summer resort, perched atop a mountain in the Berchtesgaden National Park. The scenery from the terrace of his Eagles Nest is simply stunning. We continue our journey to Salzburg, famous for its onion shaped domes and charming courtyards all dwarfed by the imposing fortress perched on the rocky outcrop above. The history and sights of this baroque city are revealed during a guided walking tour of the atmospheric old town which will include the mighty cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace and many of the locations used during the filming of ‘The Sound of Music’, such as the Mirabell Palace and gardens.  Tonight we celebrate a Highlight Dinner at the famous Stiftkeller St Peter. Established by Benedictine Monks in AD 803, it is the oldest restaurant in Austria and has had guests such as Charlemagne and Christopher Columbus dine here throughout history.
Overnight Stay: Salzburg

DAY 12: Salzburg – Budapest (FB,D)
Journey through the Salzkammergut, with its high meadows and crystal-clear lakes. Enjoy a stop in Mondsee to take pictures of the church where Maria was married to Captain Von Trapp in ‘The Sound of Music’. Follow the Danube Valley through vineyards and woods before reaching Hungary and its capital, Budapest. This afternoon, a warm welcome awaits you from your crew as you board your luxury Scenic Tours “Space-Ship”.

DAY 13: Budapest (FB,L,D)
Nearly 2,500 years old, Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s most ancient yet cosmopolitan cities. Your morning tour will visit the Parliament Building, Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion and the medieval town on Castle Hill. In the afternoon enjoy free time to explore more on your own or shop for local crafts. This evening, be entertained by folklore music on board.

DAY 14: Vienna (FB,L,D)
This morning we explore the famous sights of Vienna, including the Ringstrasse and the Hofburg Palace. Whether it’s strolling Vienna’s famous shopping street ‘Kärtnerstrasse’ or visiting one of the many museums on offer, lose yourself in the marvel of Vienna with an opportunity to explore this magnificent city on your own. Your Cruise Director is on hand to enhance your experience and help you make the most of your time in this history steeped Austrian capital. SCENICENRICH This evening enjoy a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, followed by a private Viennese concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.

DAY 15: Vienna (FB,L,D)
SCENIC FREECHOICE Today choose from: (1) a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace; (2) visit the Opera House before enjoying coffee and cake in a famous Viennese café: or (3) a guided excursion to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava.

DAY 16: Dürnstein – Melk (FB,L,D)
This morning we awake in the picturesque town of Durnstein. The town is nestled below the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after the crusades in the 12th century. Enjoy leisure time to discover this treasure on your own. Back on board your cruise, sail through the spectacular wine region of the Wachau Valley to the town of Melk. Discover the magnificent Benedictine Abbey where SCENICENRICH during your visit inside the Abbey an exclusive short organ recital has been arranged.

DAY 17: Linz – Passau (FB,L,D)
Today you’ll have the choice of some great experiences.  Today SCENIC FREECHOICE choose from: (1) a guided tour of Passau; or (2) visit Salzburg, setting for ‘The Sound of Music’ and birthplace of Mozart; or (3) a full day excursion to the beautiful medieval town of Cesky Krumlov.

DAY 18: Regensburg (FB,L,D)
Dating back to settlement in 500 B.C., Regensburg is one of Germany’s finest preserved cities. Your guided walking tour visits the Old Chapel and the Thurn und Taxis Castle and includes the medieval stone bridge across the Danube which is a wonderful place to view the cityscape of red roofs, churches, towers, turrets and townhouses from the 12th to 14th centuries.

DAY 19: Nuremberg (FB,L,D)
Today, explore this lively 950 year old city with its medieval feel. Commence with a guided orientation tour including the old town. You’ll see the Justice Palace and Imperial Castle rising above the old quarter enclosed by thick walls punctuated with 80 towers. We dedicate this afternoon to the history of WWII with a visit to the Nuremberg Rallies and Trial sites. Later there’s free time to shop for traditional handicrafts, toys and metal work.

DAY 20: Bamberg (FB,L,D)
Explore this UNESCO World Heritage city with your guide and see some of the 2,400 listed buildings. The centre of town is the largest preserved old quarter in Europe. Admire hundreds of richly decorated and ornamented building facades including the iconic Old Town Hall, built in the middle of the Regnitz River. SCENICENRICH  Enjoy beer tasting at the Zehnthaus, a private brewery established in 1533, where we are greeted by the cellar master and taken to an underground vault to sample his selection of brews.

DAY 21: Würzburg (FB,L,D)
SCENIC FREECHOICE Today choose from:  (1) a guided walking tour of Würzburg and the magnificent Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace; or (2) a Romantic Road excursion to Rothenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site considered to be the best preserved medieval city in Europe.

DAY 22: Wertheim (FB,L,D)
Known for its glassworks, Franconian wine and friendly people, enjoy time today exploring this quaint medieval village with its half-timbered houses and cobble stoned streets.

DAY 23: Rüdesheim – Rhine Gorge (FB,L,D)
We continue our journey to Rüdesheim where we board the ‘Winzerexpress’ mini train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Board a cable car for the trip to the 125-foot Niederwald Monument, overlooking the river. Cruise this afternoon through the spectacular Rhine Gorge with its stunning castles and vine-covered slopes. Pass the infamous Lorelei Rock where sailors are said to have been lured to their doom by enchanted temptresses.

DAY 24: Coblenz – Cologne (FB,L,D)
This morning you can explore the 2,000-year-old town of Coblenz, situated on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Sail through breathtaking scenery en-route to Cologne where your guide awaits you. Explore the Old Town with its beautiful squares and historical monuments. Perhaps sample the region’s most famous beer, ‘Kölsch’.

DAY 25: Amsterdam (FB,L,D)
This afternoon you will arrive in Amsterdam, a fascinating and compact city of picturesque canals, world-class museums and cafés. SCENIC FREECHOICE Today choose from:  (1) a sightseeing canal cruise; (2) a guided bicycle tour of Amsterdam (limited availability); or (3) a visit to the windmills at Zaanse Schans.

DAY 26: Amsterdam (FB)
After breakfast, you will be transferred* to the airport for your flight and the end of an unforgettable journey.

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.