Overnight Flight
Board your overnight flight, bound for Europe.
Arrive in Venice
Welcome to Venice! You’ll start by staying on the mainland, with easy access to venture into the island of Venice, the renowned former naval power of Italy. The one-of-a-kind canals have to be seen to be appreciated. Watch the gondolas, browse the shops and eat the gelato until you can’t eat anymore. Then eat more.
Welcome Mixer
Get to know your fellow travelers at an authentic local spot over some drinks and light appetizers.
Sightseeing tour of Venice (local guide)
A local guide will lead you on foot through the narrow streets and open piazzas of Venice. Start at St. Mark’s Square and go inside the breathtaking Basilica. From there, you’ll see the top sites in Venice like the famous Grand Canal (and the Rialto bridge that crosses it), the spiraling Bovolo Staircase, and the 324-foot Campanile bell tower.
Travel to Munich via Innsbruck
En route to Germany, stop in Innsbruck, a cool little city located at the intersection of several Alpine passes. Innsbruck has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, and it’s the capital of Austria’s scenic Tyrol province. Have time to explore the town square and grab a bite to eat, maybe an Austrian sausage (a local favorite).
Introduction to Munich
Your tour director will take you on a quick walk so you can get to know the area. Munich is the capital of Germany’s Bavaria region. It still has strong ties to its folkloric traditions, so you’ll definitely see some lederhosen. This is quintessential Germany, including beer halls, art, music, beer, and beer.
Sightseeing tour of Munich (local guide)
Get an in-depth tour of Munich. You’ll see the Frauenkirche, a gothic-style church and one of Munich’s most identifiable landmarks. Wander through Marienplatz, Munich’s central square and transportation hub. No trip to Germany would be complete without a trip to Hofbrauhaus, the most famous beer hall in the world.
EXCURSION:
Dachau Extra Cost
Once a typical German town on the outskirts of Munich, Dachau served as the first Nazi concentration camp during World War II. Visit this somber site, which has since been transformed into a Holocaust memorial museum that serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. You’ll be accompanied by a private guide for a 90-minute tour. This excursion also includes transportation to and from the site.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, which was the model for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and also home to one of the weirdest kings in Europe’s history.
Travel to Lucerne Region
Behold the majestic Swiss Alps, where it’s all about the scenery and the chocolate. With Lake Lucerne, the surrounding mountains and a famous covered bridge, this is classic Switzerland at its best.
EXCURSION:
Trip up the Swiss Alps (extra cost)
Take an amazing trip to the top of a mountain in the Swiss Alps, the majestic mountains dominating the Lucerne skyline. Travel to the foot of the mountain by boat across Lake Lucerne, and then ride a cable car to the top. Take in the incredible panoramic views—see the city of Lucerne, its pristine lake, and the snow-capped Alps.
Highlights of Lucerne
Explore Lucerne with your tour director. Walk the narrow streets and take in the incredible mountain scenery. See the one-of-a-kind Löwendenkmal, a surprisingly impressive rock carving of a dying lion. Walk across the Kapellbrücke—this mural-lined covered bridge was originally built back in medieval times.
Travel to Frankfurt via Alsace, France
Board your coach to Frankfurt, your final stop. En route, you’ll cross another country off your list with a visit to the Alsace Region of France. Try some of the local wine, catch stunning views of the European countryside, and feel the je ne sais quoi of this charming and quintessential French town.
Introduction to Frankfurt
Your tour director will take you on a quick walk so you can get to know the area.
Sightseeing Tour of Heidelberg (local guide)
Your tour director will show you the highlights of the town. See Heidelberg’s 700-year-old castle, and take in the great views of the Neckar Valley. Walk the cobblestone streets to Marktplatz, where witches were burned at the stake back in the day. You’ll also see the castle’s 58,000-gallon wine cask (the world’s largest), which once kept the locals’ thirst very well-quenched.
Farewell Dinner
Share some last laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) at an included farewell dinner with the group.
Auf Wiedersehen, Freunde!
Translation: Goodbye, friends. Your next destination awaits—home. Before you head to the airport, enjoy your last few moments together. Take one more group photo. Grab that final drink. (Fine, maybe a couple of drinks.) But this isn’t goodbye. It’s “See you later.” The only question is, where?
