Alpine Explorer
with the Glacier Express and Oberammergau's Passion Play
May 11-21, 2010
Highlights:
Stresa, Lago Maggiore, Lugano, Zermatt, Glacier Express Train Ride,
St. Moritz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, St. Peter's Restaurant, Munich,
Oberammergau Passion Play
$5,619 per person (double occupancy)
Price includes:
Accomodations for 10 evenings, 16 meals (9 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 6 dinners), Round trip air from Richmond, air taxes & fees/surcharges of $400 (subject to increase until paid in full)
Detailed Itinerary:
| Day 1 | Overnight Flight
Begin your tour with an overnight flight to Europe.
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| Day 2 | Stresa, Lago Maggiore, Italy - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in picturesque Stresa on Lago Maggiore. Tonight you are transported by boat to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the most characteristic islands of the Borromeo Gulf. Enjoy a delicious meal while surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Today dinner is included. |
| Day 3 | Stresa - Lugano, Switzerland - Stresa, Italy
Today, drive through the beautiful Lake District of Italy, cross into Switzerland and the lakeside resort of Lugano. Here you will enjoy beautiful views of Lake Lugano and excellent shopping opportunities. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the lake area.
Today breakfast is included. |
| Day 4 | Stresa - Zermatt, Switzerland
Depart Stresa for a scenic motorcoach ride into the heart of the Alpine mountains. The breathtaking views of the Italian and Swiss Alps will leave a lasting impression on you. Upon arrival in Taesch, board a local train for the short ride to the spectacular Alpine village of Zermatt.
Today breakfast and dinner are included. 
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| Day 5 | Zermatt
Following an orientation tour of the village, the balance of the day is at leisure. Get an up-close look at the famed Matterhorn, enjoy some fine shopping or just relax at your hotel.
Today breakfast is included. 
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| Day 6 | Zermatt - Glacier Express - St. Moritz
Today you board the famous Glacier Express. Be prepared for an unforgettable train ride on the world’s most exciting narrow-gauge railway. You travel through a series of tunnels and bridges as you traverse some of the most spectacular Alpine scenery in the world: majestic mountains, verdant valleys, picturesque canyons, glistening glaciers and snowcapped peaks. Your destination is St. Moritz, playground of the rich and famous.
Today breakfast and dinner are included. |
| Day 7 | St. Moritz - Innsbruck, Austria
Enjoy your drive through the picturesque Engadine Valley. Shortly, you cross into Austria and continue along the scenic Inn Valley. Arriving in the capital of the Austrian Tyrol, Innsbruck, time is allowed for lunch, independent sightseeing and shopping. Be sure not to miss the famous Golden Roof.
Today breakfast is included. |
| Day 8 | Innsbruck - Salzburg - Innsbruck
Drive through the Austrian countryside to historic Salzburg, one of Europe's most beautiful and romantic spots. Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Salzburg’s historic “Old Town” - The Altstadt. Your sightseeing includes such highlights as the Cathedral, Mozart's birthplace and Mirabell Gardens. You will not be able to miss locations from the "Sound of Music". The afternoon will be at leisure. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant.
Today breakfast and dinner are included. 
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| Day 9 | Innsbruck - Munich, Germany - Oberammergau
You drive a short distance to the frontier of Germany, crossing the border into Bavaria. Soon you arrive in the Bavarian capital of Munich where you have a walking tour featuring the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel and the Olympic Park. Next, depart for the quaint village of Oberammergau, nestled in the Bavarian Alps.
Today breakfast and dinner are included. 
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| Day 10 | Oberammergau - Passion Play
This afternoon, witness a performance of the Passion Play. The original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, the village of Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the villagers vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the life of Christ. The performers are native Oberammergauers. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast start to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers. During the break of the performance, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip.
Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. |
| Day 11 | Oberammergau - Tour Ends
Depart for home with many fond memories of your Alpine adventure!
Today breakfast is included. |