Tuesday, September 23
Minneapolis Departure
Today we board our flight in Minneapolis for our transatlantic journey to Frankfurt, enjoying superior in flight meal service and entertainment en route.

Wednesday, September 24
Frankfurt/Heidelberg
"Guten Tag!" Upon arrival in Frankfurt, we are met by our European guide and begin our leisurely drive south. We travel to Heidelberg, where we'll enjoy a city tour of this University town. This evening we'll enjoy a "Get Acquainted Dinner" at our hotel.
Dinner is included.

Thursday, September 25
Ulm, Germany
After breakfast, we depart to travel through the hills and valleys of the magnificent Black Forest. We’ll stop for lunch on your own at Triberg, well known for its cuckoo, mantel and grandfather clock production. Our stay for the next two nights will be the charming city of Ulm, the birthplace of Albert Einstein and sister city of New Ulm, Minnesota.
Breakfast and dinner are included.

Friday, September 26
Ulm, Germany
This morning we enjoy an escorted walking tour of Ulm. We visit the famed 14th century Munster Cathedral, whose magnificent steeple is the tallest spire in the world. We'll see Ulm's medieval city walls and enjoy a reception at the Rathaus in Ulm before enjoying an afternoon at leisure.
Breakfast is included.

Saturday, September 27
Brunnen, Switzerland
We cross picturesque German countryside to Meersburg, on the shores of the Bodensee for our ferry ride to Switzerland. Our scenic drive continues to exquisite Lake Lucerne, encircled by the magnificent peaks of the Swiss Alps. We soon arrive at our charming lakeside hotel in the resort village of Brunnen.
Breakfast and dinner are included.

Sunday, September 28
Brunnen, Switzerland
A scenic lakeshore drive takes us to Lucerne, an 800-year-old walled city, serenely situated on Lake Lucerne's west end at the foot of the mountain slopes. Our first stop will be a church constructed out of alabaster in Megan. We'll see the famous Dying Lion sculpture hewn out of the cliff side and our guide will take us on a guided walking tour of Lucerne. Sites included will be the ornate Jesuit Church,and the old covered Chapel Bridge, featuring centuries-old paintings on its roof timbers. We continue through to old market squares, have time for lunch on your own, and the afternoon is free to explore Lucerne on your own.
Breakfast and dinner are included.

Monday, September 29
Seefeld, Austria
Breathtaking scenery awaits us as we drive through wooded mountains ablaze with autumn colors. We stop in tiny Liechtenstein, famous for Alpine charm, beautiful scenery and attractive postage stamps. Then we cross over the lofty and scenic Alberg Pass into Austria's Tyrolean Alps to the quaint alpine village of Seefeld.
Breakfast and dinner are included.

Tuesday, September 30
Seefeld, Austria
This morning we take a leisurely trip routed along a scenic old Roman road to Vipiteno, Italy, known for its leather products. After lunch on your own, we’ll return to Austria via the Brenner Pass, an incredibly scenic route between the mountains. We then have a city tour of Innsbruck including the site of the 1976 XII Winter Olympic Games and the Old Town Pedestrian Zone, where the Golden Dachl, the Golden Roof is located.
Breakfast and dinner are included.  

Wednesday, October 1
Oberammergau, Germany
Passing at the foot of Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze, we further explore the majestic Bavarian Alps. This morning we'll tour King Ludwig's ornate Linderhof Castle and then the Ettal Basilica. We arrive in Oberammergau this afternoon for lunch on your own. We then check into our hotel and later this afternoon have a guided tour of this city, known for its production of the world famous Passion Play. We return to our hotel and enjoy an included dinner before retiring.
Breakfast and dinner are included.

Thursday, October 2
Ruhpolding, Germany
Today our route takes us through the deeply slashed valley of the Inn River, dotted with mountainside villages. We'll stop in medieval Rattenberg to visit a fine local crystal factory and then continue on to Kufstein, Austria for lunch on your own. We then continue on to Ruhpolding where our hotel awaits us in the foothills of the Alps.
Breakfast is included.

 
Friday, October 3
Ruhpolding Germany
We venture into Austria to the captivating city of Salzburg, setting for the movie "Sound of Music". We’ll enjoy a guided city walking tour, including the impressive Cathedral, view areas where the “Sound of Music” was filmed, see Mozart's Square and birthplace and enjoy time to browse in the winding streets of Old Town. Lunch is on your own and you will have time to explore this magnificent city on your own. Perhaps you’ll want to take a cable car up to the imposing Salzburg Fortress. This afternoon we visit the delightful village of Oberndorf where the beloved carol "Silent Night" was authored and first performed on Christmas Eve back in 1818. Tonight we enjoy a special Tyrolean dinner and evening of entertainment high up in the Bavarian Alps.
Breakfast and dinner are included.

Saturday, October 4
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
We follow the autobahn northwest to Munich, Bavaria's capital and "City of Gemuetlichkeit". We proceed to the Marienplatz for a performance of the world famous Glockenspiel. You have free time for lunch and to explore Munich on your own. Perhaps you’ll want to visit the famous beer hall, the Hofabrauhaus.Later, we depart for the medieval walled city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber via the Romantic Road. Upon arrival we check into our hotel and enjoy a delicious included dinner.
Breakfast and dinner are included.

Sunday, October 5
Rothenberg ob der Tauber, Germany
After breakfast this morning we’ll enjoy a walking tour of this city. Perhaps you’ll want to attend church services on your own. The afternoon is at leisure. You may want to walk the city wall around the city or just explore the interesting shops located on the cobble stoned, narrow streets.
Breakfast and dinner are included.

Monday, October 6
Rudesheim, Germany
Today we continue along the famous “Romantische Strasse”, the Romantic Road, so named for the poets and romantics that traveled this route in the Middle Ages. We stop for lunch on your own and then continue to Rudesheim, situated in the heart of wine country on the banks of the Rhine River. This evening is at leisure to explore this enchanting village.
Breakfast is included.

Tuesday, October 7
Rudesheim, Germany
This morning is at leisure to shop or take a cable car ride to see the "Niederwald", Germania, overlooking the Rhine river. This afternoon we enjoy a cruise on the Rhine, sailing past medieval castles, vast lush vineyards and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Tonight we'll celebrate with a special “Farewell Dinner.”complete with entertainment and dancing.
Breakfast and dinner are included.

Wednesday, October 8
Home
We leave Rudesheim this morning for the Frankfurt airport where we board our flight homeward. We have many wonderful memories of the hospitality and “Gemutlichkite” we enjoyed on “Autumn in the Alps.”
Breakfast is included.