Exploring the Alpine Countries and Oberammergau Passion Play

Air 1: Overnight Flight
Welcome to Collette's Alpine Countries tour -a visit to three of Europe’s most picturesque countries: Austria, Germany (Bavaria), and Switzerland.

Day 2: Vienna, Austria - Tour Begins
You arrive in the grand city of Vienna, the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Tonight, in the picturesque wine-making village of Grinzing, you will join your fellow travelers at one of the local restaurants for a delightful welcome dinner, complete with local wines and traditional entertainment.

Hotel De France Austria
Amenities: Air Conditioned Room, Bar, Coffee/Tea Maker, Elevator, Hairdryer, Internet Access, Refrigerator, Restaurant, Room Service, Safe, Smoking Rooms, Telephone, Television, Triple Rooms w Cot, Alarm Clock, Fitness Center, Maximum Room Occupancy, Wake Up Call,

Day 3: Vienna
Your Imperial Vienna tour highlights the baroque marvels of Schoenbrunn or Belvedere Palace. Touring Vienna’s city center, you view St. Stephan's Cathedral, beautiful baroque architecture, parks and gothic spires of a by-gone age. The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening you are invited to dinner at a popular local restaurant.

Hotel De France Austria
Amenities: Air Conditioned Room, Bar, Coffee/Tea Maker, Elevator, Hairdryer, Internet Access, Refrigerator, Restaurant, Room Service, Safe, Smoking Rooms, Telephone, Television, Triple Rooms w Cot, Alarm Clock, Fitness Center, Maximum Room Occupancy, Wake Up Call

Day 4: Vienna - Danube River Cruise - Melk - Salzburg
Depart Vienna and travel along the banks of the Danube to the medieval town of Durnstein. Embark on a cruise on the Danube River, gliding through the historic Wachau Valley, one of the most beautiful stretches of river in the world. Later you visit the Benedictine Abbey in Melk, before continuing to the “City of Music”, Salzburg.

Renaissance Salzburg Austria
Amenities: Air Conditioned Room, Bar, Elevator, Hairdryer, Internet Access, Irons, Laundry, Pool, Refrigerator, Restaurant, Room Service, Smoking Rooms, Telephone, Television, Triple Rooms w Cot, Alarm Clock, Business Center, Fitness Center, Handicap Rooms with Hand Grips, Maximum Room Occupancy, Wake Up Call

Day 5: Salzburg - Mozart Dinner Concert
Enjoy a walking tour of the Altstadt (Old Town) highlighting the Cathedral, Mozart's Birthplace and Mirabell Gardens. You will not be able to miss recognizable locations from the "Sound of Music". Your afternoon is at leisure. The evening includes a memorable Mozart Dinner Concert at the centuries-old St. Peter's Restaurant. In the stylish ambiance of the historic Baroque Hall, you will enjoy a traditional candlelight dinner (featuring recipes from the 17th & 18th centuries) while you listen to some of Mozart’s most popular compositions performed by local artists in colorful, historic costumes.

Renaissance Salzburg Austria
Amenities: Air Conditioned Room, Bar, Elevator, Hairdryer, Internet Access, Irons, Laundry, Pool, Refrigerator, Restaurant, Room Service, Smoking Rooms, Telephone, Television, Triple Rooms w Cot, Alarm Clock, Business Center, Fitness Center, Handicap Rooms with Hand Grips, Maximum Room Occupancy, Wake Up Call

Day 6: Salzburg - Munich, Germany - Oberammergau
Travel through the picturesque landscape of Austria to neighboring Germany. Your destination is Munich, the beautiful capital of the state of Bavaria. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour featuring the Olympic Park, Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel. Next, depart for the quaint village of Oberammergau, nestled in the Bavarian Alps.

Oberammergau Hotel, Germany
Garmisch Hotel, Germany

Day 7: Oberammergau - Passion Play
Enjoy a performance of the Passion Play which originally took place in 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. This is truly an unforgettable event.

Oberammergau Hotel,Germany
Garmisch Hotel,Germany

Day 8: Oberammergau - Rhine Falls - Black Forest
Today you visit Wies Church, proclaimed as a World Heritage site. You then view perhaps the most famous castle in Bavaria - Neuschwanstein - with its turrets and pinnacles. Continuing on the scenic route, you traverse southern Germany, skirting the northern shores of Lake Constance to the Rhine Falls, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. You then proceed to the mysterious Black Forest - setting of legends and stories of yore! Don’t forget to shop for authentic cuckoo clocks, Hummels, and wood carvings!

Day 9: Black Forest - Chateau de Chillon, Lake Geneva, Switzerland - Zermatt
Today enjoy a visit to the Chateau de Chillon, beautifully situated on Lake Geneva. Your travels continue through the wine-growing region of the Rhone Valley before beginning the ascent into the fabulous Swiss Alps. Upon arrival in Tasch, board a local train for the short ride to the spectacular Alpine village of Zermatt.

Hotel Schweizerhof-Zermatt, Switzerland
Amenities: Air Conditioned Room, Bar, Elevator, Hairdryer, Internet Access, Laundry, Pool, Refrigerator, Restaurant, Shuttle, Smoking Rooms, Telephone, Television, Triple Rooms w Cot, Alarm Clock, Fitness Center, Handicap Rooms with Hand Grips, Maximum Room Occupancy, Wake Up Call

Day 10: Zermatt
Begin your day with an orientation tour of the village. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore this charming village, savor pastries at a local café or just relax.

Hotel Schweizerhof-Zermatt, Switzerland

Amenities: Air Conditioned Room, Bar, Elevator, Hairdryer, Internet Access, Laundry, Pool, Refrigerator, Restaurant, Shuttle, Smoking Rooms, Telephone, Television, Triple Rooms w Cot, Alarm Clock, Fitness Center, Handicap Rooms with Hand Grips, Maximum Room Occupancy, Wake Up Call

Day 11: Zermatt -Lucerne - Bern
This morning travel to the beautiful medieval city of Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake”. Enjoy a leisurely-paced Alstadt (Old Town) walking tour exploring the hidden treasures of the city. In addition to its natural charm and tranquility, Lucerne has more than 800 years of history. Explore such medieval treasures as the covered Chapel Bridge (1833); the famous Water Tower which has served as a prison, watchtower and treasury; the Renaissance-style Town Hall; the baroque Jesuit Church; and the Lion Monument, carved from natural rock to commemorate the heroic Swiss Guard. This afternoon, travel to the Swiss capital of Bern.

Hotel Bristol Bern, Switzerland

Amenities: Bar, Coffee/Tea Maker, Elevator, Hairdryer, Internet Access, Laundry, Refrigerator, Restaurant, Room Service, Safe, Smoking Rooms, Telephone, Television, Triple Rooms w Cot, Alarm Clock, Fan, Maximum Room Occupancy, Wake Up Call

Day 12: Bern
Today, explore delightful Bern on a panoramic sightseeing tour featuring the Bundeshaus (the Swiss Parliament), the famous Bear Pit, the Rose Gardens, and the gothic cathedral which dominates the Old Town skyline. This evening, join your fellow travelers in celebrating the end of a marvelous trip with a farewell dinner.

Hotel Bristol Bern, Switzerland

Amenities: Bar, Coffee/Tea Maker, Elevator, Hairdryer, Internet Access, Laundry, Refrigerator, Restaurant, Room Service, Safe, Smoking Rooms, Telephone, Television, Triple Rooms w Cot, Alarm Clock, Fan, Maximum Room Occupancy, Wake Up Call.

Day 13: Bern - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Bern.

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Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Vienna, Danube Cruise, Salzburg, Mozart Dinner Concert, Munich, Oberammergau Passion Play, Neuschwanstein Castle, Black Forest, Zermatt, Lucerne, Bern

MEALS ON TOUR:As specified in each itinerary. Meals are based on the hotel's or restaurant's buffet or set menu. In general, beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Delicious welcome and farewell dinners featuring local cuisine.

SIGHTSEEING: Expert local guides who give insightful, personalized tours as only locals can. Private Transportation via deluxe, climate controlled motor coach.

BAGGAGE: Although every effort is made to handle passengers’ luggage as carefully as possible, the tour company is not responsible for and does not assume liability or accept claims for loss of or damage to luggage due to breakage, theft or wear and tear through hotel and group carrier handling.

It is recommended for your own self interest and protection that you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Check with your sales agent for low cost insurance to cover these risks.

TOUR RATES All rates on foreign tours are subject to fluctuations of currency and may be changed when necessary without advance notice prior to deposit.

All rates published are per person as indicated and are based on double occupancy when only one rate is shown. Reservations will be accepted subject to availability at the time of a request and will be considered confirmed only upon receipt of a minimum deposit. Child rates are available upon request. Please call for details.

ITINERARY AND HOTEL AMENDMENTS: Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, due to unforeseen circumstances the local Tour Operator and/or Hotel(s) may have to make last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, in the sequence of the tour and/or hotels. We therefore reserve the right to adjust the sequence and/or substitute any hotels with others of similar category. In such cases there will be no cost adjustment.

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