Germany, Austria, Switzerland: Castles and Flowers May 23-31, 2009

Day 1: Depart for Munich, Germany

Depart Atlanta, GA (or other pre-arranged gateway) for our overnight flight to Munich, Germany, arriving Sunday morning.

Day 2: Munich-Bavarian Alps-Linderhof Castle

Upon our arrival in Munich, we will meet our local English speaking guide, board our private motor coach and transfer to our hotel, or depending on flight arrival time, transfer to our hotel on your own. After lunch (on your own) and check in, we will meet our licensed Guide and start our afternoon excursion to Linderhof Castle, including entrance to the Palace.

Linderhof Castle is King Ludwig's gold and white rococo style castle, Linderhof, originally built to be a hunting lodge. (included tour and guide). The gardens adorning the castle are filled with statues and fountains. Inside, the King's bedroom is famous for the natural air conditioning, the Moorish kiosk with the peacock throne is a one of a kind, the Hall of Mirrors is a very special area of the castle as well as the Blue Grotto, where he would sail in private, while listening to his favorite composer, Wagner.

In the late afternoon, we return to Munich, for a local sightseeing tour of of Bavaria's capital. Dinner at our hotel.

Day 3: Munich - Neuschwanstein Castle - Oberammergau - Innsbruck, Austria

After check out this morning, we embark on a full day excursion through Germany's Alps. Our first stop will be at Neuschwanstein Castle, for our included tour inside this World-famous Castle. This is the castle that Disney modeled his fairy tale castle in Orlando from. Also see Hohenschwangau Castle, home of King Ludwig II's parents nearby.

This is a memory you will treasure for the rest of your life. Walk through the great halls, ballrooms, dinning rooms, and bedrooms of this magnificent castle. See the hall of pictures of ancestors, and family. You can imagine being at a formal ball with ladies in their glamours gowns, and know they walked through these same halls. Feel the presence of knights of old, walking through the castle and gardens.

Our next stop is Oberammergau, home of The Passion Play. We will have some time to look around at the homes painted with frescoes and look in some of the quaint shops, and time for lunch on your own.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

In the afternoon, we arrive in Innsbruck. After check in, we have the rest of the day at leisure to explore this beautiful city. This evening, we will enjoy a dinner with a typical Austrian Folklore show (optional).

Day 4: Innsbruck, Austria - Vaduz, Lichtenstein - Interlaken, Switzerland

After breakfast, we depart the Tyrolean Alps region, as we head toward the Swiss Alps. We will stop in world famous Vaduz, Lichtenstein, where we will have time for lunch (on own), and don't miss checking out the famous stamps of Lichtenstein. Sit in an outdoor cafe, and write post cards back home.

Mid afternoon, we will arrive in Interlaken, Switzerland, our home for the next 3 nights, at The Post Hardermannli. I have been bringing groups to this precious rustic Swiss chalet style hotel for almost 20 years. See why everyone falls in love with its charm, the moment they enter.

Beautiful flowers in the Church yard in Zermatt

Free time to explore this fascinating village, with the spectacular vistas of the Eiger, Monch (Mönch) and Jungfrau mountains. Perhaps take a romantic horse and carriage ride around the area, find some treasures in the souvenir and gift shops, try your hand at the Casino, take the funicular up to the top of the Hardermannli, or one of my favorites, just enjoy the beauty of the flowers, lawns and waterways of Interlaken.

Enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many restaurants in Interlaken. After dinner, take a stroll downtown, the sights and sounds of night, transform this village into a quaint stroll back in time. Back at our hotel, enjoy a drink or cup of coffee by the fireplace.

View the daily itinerary: Days 5-6, Days 7-9, Next >>