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

Castles & Flowers of the Tyrolean Alps and Switzerland

The Tyrolean Alps

encompass some of the world's most beautiful scenery. The Tyrolean area of Europe, lies in the heart of the Alps! Your Castles & Flowers tour of Germany, Austria, Lichtenstein and Switzerland will be an unforgettable vacation experience!

The scenery of the Tyrolean Alps, is truly stunning. From her majestic snow-capped mountain peaks, picturesque valleys, alpine meadows alive with wildflowers, glaciers and and tranquil lakes, to her awesome castles, you will be constantly amazed. The depth of colors of the flowers of the Alps has always taken my breath. The variety and creative talents of the local residents, reflects their pride of having some of the world's most beautiful blooms, vines, and plants. Their yards and gardens, walkways and window boxes come alive with mixtures of colors you will never forget.

A few of the highlights of this tour include time spent in the Southern Bavarian area of Germany, Linderhof Castle, Oberammergau (home of the Passion Play), Neuschwanstein and Hohenzollern Castles, Innsbruck, Austria, folklore show with dinner, tours of Munich and Innsbruck, a lunch stop in Lichtenstein, and then it's on our way to Interlaken, Switzerland.

Are you intrigued by images in your mind of Kings and Queens in their castles, wizards, sorcerers, knights in armor on horseback, in a jousting contest? It is fascinating to walk in the same places that you have read and heard about since youth. You can almost feel their presence under the canopied tree lined country lane that leads us to Schwangau, home to Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, two of King Ludwig's most famous castles.

King Ludwig's Linderhof Castle

is the smallest of the 3 royal castles and was originally built as a hunting lodge. This opulent white and gold rococo castle, features the Blue Grotto, where he could sail undisturbed, while relaxing to his favorite operas by Wagner. The Mirror Room seems to go on and on forever, the King's bedroom, famous for its natural air conditioning and the magnificent peacock throne in the Moorish kiosk is not to be missed. The royal gardens that adorn the castle, show off a myriad of statues and fountains.

Neuschwanstein Castle

is perhaps the most magical and famous of all the castles in Europe. The model for Walt Disneys castle, Neuschwanstein sits perched high above the small village of Fussen, in the Bavarian Alps. We will have a self-guided tour of this magnificent palace of King Ludwig II.

The castle is a tribute to Germany's knights, and represents the fusion of dreams and the wealth of King Ludwig of Bavaria, and the artistic vision of the composer Richard Wagner.

Traveling through the Alps of Switzerland by rail

is the best way to see places and sights, such as traffic-free mountain villages like Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn, which is not accessible to motor coaches or cars. We travel to high mountain summits, with the Eiger, Monch (Mönch) and Jungfrau so close you could almost reach out and touch them. Have lunch in the revolving restaurant, used in one of the James Bond movies. Have a turn blowing the alpen horns while enjoying a chocolate fondue after dinner one night. Cruise across aqua colored snow melt lakes, while enjoying the vistas of mountains all around us. Flowers beyond your imagination!

Explore Murren (Mürren) and the Schilthorn, Kleine Scheidegg at the North face of the Eiger, Lake Brienz and the awesome ride up the Rothorn, the magnificent Berner Oberland regions of Interlaken, Grindlewald and the waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen, the capitol of Bern, and fascinating Lucerne with a visit to the Lion Monument and the Saturday morning farmer's market outside our hotel.

Make this year's vacation the journey of a lifetime!

(BOOK EARLY BEFORE BALCONY ROOMS SELL OUT!)

• Private motor coach and English speaking guide through Germany and Austria
• Buffet breakfast each morning
• 1 night accommodations with private bath in Munich
• Tour of Munich with licensed guide
• Orientation dinner at our hotel in Munich
• Excursion to beautiful Oberammergau, the home of the Passion Play
• Entrance and guided tour of Linderhof Castle
• 1 night accommodations with private bath in Innsbruck
• Entrance and guided tour of Neuschwanstein Castle
• transportation to/from the Castle from the village
• Tour of Innsbruck with licensed guide
• Optional Austrian folklore dinner and show
• Lunch stop in Vaduz, Lichtenstein, home of the world famous stamps
• Afternoon arrival in Interlaken, Switzerland
  • 3 nights accommodations in our charming chalet style hotel
  • reserve early for room with balcony facing the Alps
  • Free time.. shop, or take a horse & carriage ride, visit the casino
  • Admire the beautiful homes with their gardens and flowers along the rivers
  • Special orientation dinner tonight
  • Private tour to an organic dairy farm with wine and cheese (weather and cows permitting)
  • Fun night with Alpen Horns contest and Chocolate Fondue
• 4 Day unlimited Swiss Rail Pass (2nd class)
  • 1st Class upgrade only $94 per person, highly recommended
• Stunning vistas of the Berner Oberland's Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains
• See 200 peaks from the Schilthorn, time for lunch in the revolving restaurant
• Exciting day trip to Zermatt and the Matterhorn, picnic on train back to Interlaken
• Private rail journey to Kleine Scheidegg, stunning scenery
• Free time in Kleine Scheidegg to enjoy the great outdoor grill and bakery
• Feast on kraut N wieners, new potatoes or Rosti
• Try one of their homemade apfel desserts or croissants with warm vanilla sauce
• Free time in Lucerne after checking into our Historical hotel
• Located on the edge of the picturesque Old Town's cobbled stone streets and shopping area
• 2 nights accommodations with private bath in Lucerne
• Our hotel is located right on the River Ruess
• Indoor and outdoor restaurant and lounge
• Join me as we visit the world famous Lion Monument
• Join me for a lunch to remember,(optional)at the world-famous, 400-year old Old Swiss House
• Saturday morning farmers market lines the banks of the river outside our hotel
• Free day and half to explore this beautiful and historical city, great shopping
• Explore Zurich or Basel, or even France or Germany
• Venture to Mt. Pilatus for an unforgettable excursion
• Play in the snow at Mt. Titlis
• Your Swiss Pass covers transportation for the buses and boats on the lake
• Enjoy a ride on a lake steamer, ride aboard the William Tell
• Train ticket to Zurich airport for our return flights home
• Luggage service and taxes on hotels included---tips to guides and driver, hotel staff not included
• Free Swiss Journey Back Pack- Great for Carry on bag! Makes traveling easier, eliminates purses and camera bags!

Daily Itinerary with Photos