13 Day Northern Italy, Switzerland & Austria from $2,749

WHAT’S INCLUDED

      • 11 nights first class accommodations
      • Hotel porterage
      • All transfers
      • 17 meals
      • Sightseeing per itinerary
Explore italy, switzerland & Austria in 13 days

Discover the history and culture of three of the most intriguing countries in Europe. Arrive in Italy, in the beautiful city of Milan. Embark on a scenic cruise on the shores of Lake Como into the village of Bellagio. Discover the heart of central Switzerland as you wander through the lively streets and along the picturesque lakeshore. Shop to your heart’s content for chocolates, watches, the famous Swiss and German cuckoo clocks, or sip coffee at a cafe. Visit the tiny storybook Principality of Liechtenstein nestled between Switzerland and Austria. Take a tour of “Mad” King Ludwig’s fantasy castle of Neuschwanstein. Travel the scenic and winding Fern Pass in Austria’s Tyrolean Alps to pristine Innsbruck. Tour Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for the classic movie “The Sound of Music”. Take a walking tour of romantic Venice including St. Mark’s Square & the marble Doge’s Palace. Visit Milan, the Italian Capitol of fashion. If you have ever wanted to explore Europe, this is the perfect vacation for you!

 


VIEW ITINERARY

 

DAY 1: Depart for Italy
Depart for Italy

DAY 2: Arrive in Milan, Lake Como
Welcome to Italy! Arrive in Milan and transfer to your hotel on the southern shore of spectacular Lake Como, one of the world’s most romantic destinations. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful new surroundings. Tonight, a briefing with your Tour Manager about the delightful journey that lies ahead, followed by a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Lecco, Lake Como
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3: Village of Bellagio
Begin the day in this paradise with a scenic morning cruise on Lake Como to the exquisite village of Bellagio, named “The Pearl” of Lake Como. Nestled amidst cypress groves, its earthy colored buildings climb up from the lakeside promenade. Wander along the narrow streets and alleyways, lined with craft shops, boutiques and cafés; or visit some of the gorgeous gardens with manicured lawns and fountains at Villa Melzi or Villa Serbelloni. Upon return, time at leisure to experience your lakeside town with its spectacular mountain views, wonderful restaurants, and shops
Overnight: Lecco, Lake Como
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4: Lake Lugano, St. Gotthard Tunnel, Lucerne’s Old City
Travel this morning to Lugano in southern Switzerland’s Italian-speaking Ticino region on the northern shore of glacial Lake Lugano. Its Swiss-Mediterranean mix of cultures is similar to Italy’s northern Lombardy region and reflected in its architecture and cuisine. The palm trees give way to Alpine peaks and glaciers as you continue heading north traversing through the St. Gotthard Tunnel built under the Swiss Alps. On your journey to Lucerne, pass magnificent Alpine scenery, roaring waterfalls and running rivers. In the stunning lakeside Swiss city of Lucerne, get acquainted with the city on your walking tour to the sentimental Lion Monument, the 14th Century Chapel Bridge and the cobbled streets of the well-preserved medieval Altstadt (Old Town). Tonight, dinner together in Lucerne
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5: At Leisure in Lucerne
The day is yours to independently discover this heart of central Switzerland. Wander through the lively streets, over bridges and along the picturesque lakeshore. Shop to your heart’s content for chocolates, watches, the famous Swiss and German cuckoo clocks, or sip coffee at an outdoor café and just “people-watch”. Perhaps, join the exciting optional tour to the summit of Mt. Pilatus. Ascend the world’s steepest cogwheel railway that winds up through lush meadows and sparkling mountain streams to nearly 7,000 feet. After time to admire the splendid panoramic views, descend by aerial cableway. Evening at leisure to discover some of Lucerne’s fine restaurants and cafes featuring endless selections of superb international cuisine
Optional: Mount Pilatus Tour
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6:  Neuschwanstein Castle, Innsbruck
Today visit the tiny storybook Principality of Liechtenstein and its capital Vaduz, a proud remnant of feudal Europe, sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria. Next, a drive through the glorious mountain scenery into Bavaria to visit “Mad” King Ludwig’s fantasy castle of Neuschwanstein perched high above the valley below. This castle, one of the most visited in Germany, is a symbol of idealized romantic architecture. View the magnificent halls with extravagant decorations dazzling in gold and blue. After travel via the scenic Fern Pass in Austria’s Tyrolean Alps with a lot of twists and turns to Innsbruck, “capital” of the Austrian Alps with its grand Hapsburg Palace, Golden Roof baroque Cathedral and famous Olympic ski jump. Tonight, a dinner at your hotel
Overnight: Innsbruck
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7: Salzburg Tour, Mozart’s Home, Sound of Music Locations
The picture-perfect city of Salzburg is nestled on the Salzach River, surrounded by graceful domes, sky reaching spires and the colossal 11th century Hohensalzburg Fortress. This baroque jewel is celebrated as the birthplace of Mozart and well-known as the setting for the singing Trapp family’s film, The Sound of Music. A guided walking tour takes you to the house where Mozart was born as well as to the city’s charming squares and bountiful Mirabel gardens. Linger on your own; there’s so much to see!
Overnight: Salzburg
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8:  Morning at Leisure in Salzburg, Arrive in Vienna
Time for independent explorations in Salzburg this morning or, join the optional excursion into the surrounding countryside to Obersalzberg, once a mountain retreat for senior Nazi SS officers. In motor coaches specially adapted for the mountain climb, ascend to Hitler’s notorious “Eagle’s Nest” hideaway. Later, on to Vienna, the magnificent Austrian capital. Tonight, experience a not-to-be-missed optional Classical Viennese Concert performance of the masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss, two of Vienna’s most famous citizens
Optional: Eagle’s Nest Tour (AM)
Optional: Mozart and Strauss Concert (PM)
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9: Tour Vienna
This sparkling city on the Danube has captivated travelers for years with its elegant shops, world-class museums, beautiful parks and gardens. Begin today’s tour at the impressive Schonbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Hapsburg emperors. Visit the opulent baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens. Continue with a drive along the Ringstrasse, Vienna’s main boulevard. View the Empress Maria Theresa Monument, Votive Church, City Hall and Parliament. After a walk through the Hofburg courtyards to the State Opera House, the rest of the day is at leisure or, participate in the optional Imperial Highlights Tour with guided visits to the Vienna State Opera House and Imperial crypt. Tonight, dinner with your travel companions at a unique Viennese Tavern
Optional: Vienna State Opera House & Imperial Crypt
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10: Arrive in Venice
Gorgeous scenery awaits you at every turn in the lush Austrian countryside as you travel over the legendary Semmering Pass. Enjoy breath-taking views of forests and tranquil meadows dotted with tiny villages huddled around baroque churches. After Udine, the lofty mountains give way to the flat and fertile Padana plain. Dinner is included tonight at your hotel in Venice-Mestre
Overnight: Venice-Mestre
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11: Boat Ride to Murano, Tour of Venice
The day begins in Venice with a boat ride to the Island of Murano, known for its artistic and colorful glassware. Afterwards, to St. Mark’s Square where the guided walking tour of this romantic city takes you to the Golden Basilica of San Marco, built over several centuries in a fusion of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian architecture. Walk via the Bridge of Sighs, created at the beginning of the 17th century to serve as a link between prisons. Then, to the pink marble Doge’s Palace, the official residence of the Venetian ruler. Its facade is highlighted by a massive late-Gothic gate known as the Porta della Carta. The rest of the day is yours to explore Venice independently or, participate in the optional Gondola Ride with music – it’s definitely one of the highlights of any Italian holiday!
Optional: Gondola Ride with Music (PM)
Overnight: Venice-Mestre
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12: Travel to Milan, Milan City Tour
After breakfast, you set out for Milano, the Italian Capitol of Fashion. Upon arrival enjoy a panoramic tour starting at Sforza Castle, then proceed to Duomo Square and walk the Victor Emmanuel Galleria, a pedestrian mall build in the 1800s featuring a large arched glass ceiling. Bid a fond farewell to Italy at tonight’s Farewell Dinner with your new-found friends. Arrivederci!
Overnight: Milan
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13: Depart Italy
Transfer to the airport in Milan for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

 

 

Pricing & Departures

Apr 18; May 2; Jun 6, 2016 $2,849
Jun 20 – Aug 29, 2016 $2,749
Sep 19, 26, 2016 $2,799
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Book by December 18, 2015; this deal sells out quickly!!!

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Notes:
  • Land only package, easily add international airfare
  • Prices are per person based on double occupancy
  • Prices are subject to availability
  • All airline taxes and fees are included
  • Prices in US dollars unless otherwise noted
  • We have limited space on this package and it is subject to availability and prior sale
  • All package prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted
  • Prices reflect cash discount
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  • Information, including prices are subject to change without notice
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