Sample schedule:
GERMANY, ITALY & SWITZERLAND / 2016 SAMPLE TOUR SCHEDULE
Day 1: Overnight flight to Europe
Depart North America on an overnight flight to Europe. Day 2: Arrive in Frankfurt | Transfer to Rothenburg
Upon arrival at the airport the group should be prepared to wait up to 2 hours for consolidated groups to arrive. The Tour Director may offer the Night Watchman tour (for an additional
cost). Day 3: Transfer to Munich via Neuschwanstein | Walking tour in Munich
Morning: Depart from the hotel and travel to Neuschwanstein (2hrs). Upon arrival, groups will walk one mile up the steep hill
to the castle (30mins) included is a guided tour of Neuschwanstein Castle (40mins). Afternoon: Free time for lunch and further exploration. Transfer to Munich (2hrs) for a Tour Director led walking tour of
Munich, beginning and ending at Marienplatz (1hr)
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Day 4: Guided sightseeing of Munich | Dachau | Optional Munich Bike Tour
Morning: Depart the hotel by bus and pick up local guide for the guided bus tour of Munich (2hrs). During the guided tour
there will be a photo stop at Nymphenberg Palace. The final part of guided tour is by foot (20min). Tour ends in Marienplatz
for Glockenspiel. Afternoon: Free time for lunch (1hr). Transfer by bus to Dachau (45mins). During the bus ride from Munich, the Tour Director
will speak to the group about the site and what to expect while visiting Dachau as the visit can be very moving. The group will
have a self-guided visit to the memorial site including the museum, memorials, and barracks (1hr30mins). The group may
have the option to attend an English-speaking film in the museum (22mins). The group should be aware that the film displays
graphic content and is not mandatory to view. Add this in-depth excursion: Munich Bike Tour (March-November)
Enjoy sightseeing highlights on two wheels during this optional excursion with Mike’s Bike Tours. Bike routes are isolated
from car traffic, and helmets are provided, making this two hour bike tour a fun, safe and unique way to discover all the
city has to offer. Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Day 5: Stop in Innsbruck on the way to Venice
Morning: Depart hotel for Innsbruck (2hrs30mins). Arrive in Innsbruck and Tour Director will orient group and allow free time
for lunch and further exploration. Afternoon: Depart Innsbruck and transfer to Venice by bus (5hrs). Evening: Due to the hotel location, the group will not see Venice today. Day 6: Venice Sightseeing
Morning: Early transfer by bus to the water taxi (30-45mins) and then water taxi transfer into the city of Venice from Punta
Sabbioni or Tronchetto (30 min). Meet the local guide in central Venice for walking tour (1hr30mins). The walk will cover
some of the area around St. Mark’s and ends under the clock tower in the square. The group will walk by the Rialto Bridge,
Grand Canal and the Bridge of Sighs. Either before or after the walking tour, the group will also see a glassblowing
demonstration (15mins) teaching them the history and tradition of Venetian glass. After this the group can enter the Doges’
*DISCLAIMER: The above is an example of how this tour may run. All times and durations are subject to change, and the
order of activities may be switched or substituted as needed based on availability. Tipping amounts are an estimate and do not include optional excursions. Palace for a self-guided visit (30mins). The ticket also gives the group access to Museo Correr and the Archeological
Museum, both located in St. Mark’s square. Afternoon: Free time to explore Venice. Note that Venice is an extremely complicated place to find your way around, even
with maps. The group should be told to follow the yellow signs on the sides of buildings: “Per Rialto” and “Per San Marco” to
find their way back to the designated meeting point. Late afternoon transfer back to the hotel via water-taxi (30mins) and bus
(45mins). Evening: Dinner at the hotel. Day 7: Stop in Verona on the way to Lucerne Region
Morning: Depart hotel and transfer to Verona (2hrs). Arrive in Verona where the Tour Director will lead the group to see
Juliette’s balcony, made famous from the Shakespearean play, Romeo and Juliet. The group will then have free time for
further exploration (45mins-1hr). Afternoon: Continue by bus to Lucerne (4hrs) Group will have lunch at a motorway service station. Evening: Due to hotel location, the group will not see Lucerne today. Day 8: Walking tour of Lucerne | Optional to Mount Pilatus | Optional Swiss Folklore Evening
Morning: Depart hotel and transfer to central Lucerne (1hr). The Tour Director will lead group on a walking tour to see the
Lion Monument (20min) followed by tour of central Lucerne (45min). Free time for early lunch and further exploration. Afternoon:
Add this in-depth excursion: Mount Pilatus
Venture to the top of Mount Pilatus, the majestic 6,387-foot peak that towers over Lucerne. In the summer, take a boat
across Lake Lucerne and then ride the Pilatus cog railway—the steepest in the world—to the top. During other seasons,
take a motor coach to the base and a 45-minute cable car ride to the top, where you’ll enjoy splendid views. (Note:
Warm clothes and appropriate shoes recommended.) Those not participating in the optional will have free time.]
Evening:
Add this in-depth excursion: Swiss Folklore Event
Opt to join us for a bit of Swiss tradition. You’ll enjoy a delicious meal, including the chance to try fondue—the Swiss
National Dish! Afterwards, watch a show, complete with yodeling, traditional dancing, and Alpine horns. Note: Groups
traveling from October to mid-April will enjoy Swiss music during their meal instead of the show.
[Those not participating in the optional will return to hotel for dinner (1hr).]
Day 9: Travel to Heidelberg via Rhine Falls and Black Forest |Tour of Heidelberg
Morning: Depart hotel and transfer to Rhine Falls (2hrs) for photo stop (30min) Transfer to the Black Forest (1hr30min) for
lunch and further exploration. Usually groups will stop at Hofgut Sternen, a family run shop where the group will see a
cuckoo-clock demonstration. Afternoon: Transfer to Heidelberg (3hrs). The bus will drop the group off at Heidelberg Castle wine barrel for a walking tour
led by the Tour Director (45min). The Tour Director will walk the group into old town (20min) for free time (45min). Evening: Transfer to the hotel (45min) and check in before dinner at the hotel. Day 10: Flight home
Transfer to the Frankfurt airport for flight home.
3-Day Extension
Day 10: Transfer to Strasbourg | Sightseeing of Strasbourg | Train to Paris
Morning: Depart hotel, transfer to Strasbourg (2hrs) Meet local guide in Strasbourg for sightseeing (2hrs). The guide will offer
a short tour on the bus and then a walking tour in the old town, including the cathedral. After the tour, group will have free
time for lunch. Afternoon: Transfer to train station for TGV train to Paris (4hrs). Luggage space is limited on trains; please pack lightly and
*DISCLAIMER: The above is an example of how this tour may run. have passport available for check-in. Upon arrival in Paris, transport by bus to the hotel to drop off luggage. Evening: The Tour Director will take the group into the city by public transportation for dinner. After dinner, return to the hotel
using public transportation. Day 11: Sightseeing of Paris | Sightseeing of Versailles
Morning: Meet the local guide for the sightseeing tour of Paris. The tour will include driving by the major sights in the city. There will be a photo stop at the Eiffel Tower and the tour will end near the Opera or Arc de Triomphe. Afternoon: The bus and guide will continue with the group to Versailles for the included visit. The tour of Versailles includes
the interior visit of the chateau (1hr). The group will have time to visit the gardens and have lunch (2hrs). Transfer by bus
from Versailles to the city center. Evening: Dinner in central Paris. Use public transportation to return to hotel. Day 12: Walking tour of Paris| Visit Notre Dame | Visit Louvre
Morning: Transfer into the city for a walking tour led by the Tour Director along the Seine River. Self-guided visits to Notre
Dame Cathedral (30-45mins) and the Louvre (1-2hrs). Day 13: Transfer to Paris airport
Transfer to the Paris airport for flight home. TIPPING
Tour Director: 9 days * $6/day = $54/participant (add $12 for extension)
Bus Driver: 9 days * $3/day = $27/participant (add $9 for extension)
Local Guides: 2 guides * $2/guide = $4/participant (add $6 for extension)
Total recommended per traveler = $85 ($112 for extension)
