DAY 1: September 17, 2024
Depart Halifax NS
Meet Marion and your fellow travellers as your European adventure takes you on a trans-Atlantic flight from Halifax to Munich, Germany.
DAY 2: September 18, 2024
Arrive Munich, Germany
Welcome to Germany! Your tour begins at Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial to pay respect to those who were imprisoned and died there during the Second World War. Next, continue into the heart of Munich, Bavaria’s Big Apple, for lunch at the world’s most famous tavern - the Hofbräuhaus. Afterwards, enjoy a guided tour of the city, including the Olympic grounds, the historic Glockenspiel, the English Gardens, and the pedestrian zone. Later, check in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. (Lunch)
DAY 3: September 19, 2024
Munich, Germany to Salzburg, Austria
Today, travel to Salzburg, well-known as the setting for the “Sound of Music” and the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Enroute, cruise on Lake Chiemsee, have lunch, and visit the Fraueninsel (Women’s Island). On arrival in Salzburg, stop at the Augustiner-Bräu for a tour of the brewery started by Augustinan monks around 500 years ago. After a taste of their refreshing and popular malt beverage, meet your local guide for an orientation tour of the city. Stroll through Old Salzburg, and picturesque Mirabell Gardens, to reach the Getreidegasse. Walk past Mozart’s birth house, visit St Peter’s Cemetery, and see the catacombs. The remainder of the day is free to relax in this beautiful city, trying local pastries, coffee, and other delights. (Breakfast, Lunch)
DAY 4: September 20, 2024
Salzburg, Austria to Berchtesgaden, Germany
Another fantastic day of mystical scenery awaits! First, embark on an unforgettable voyage on the Königsee (the King’s Lake). Listen to nature and world-famous echoes, feel the breeze on your face, and appreciate the peaceful surroundings as you float past breathtaking beauty. Near Obersalzberg, board a smaller bus and traverse narrow roads up Kehlstein Mountain. A walk through a tunnel into the mountain and then an elevator ride to the summit takes you to the tea house known as the “Eagle’s Nest”. The view from here on a clear day is magnificent! (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 5: September 21, 2024
Berchtesgaden, Germany Touring
Today, don miner’s gear to explore the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines. Learn about 500 years of salt mining including “wet mining” and be amazed at the secrets hidden 300 meters below the floor of the valley. Next, take a schnapps break at Grassl’s Gentian Schnapps Distillery, distilled here since 1692. Spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring the viewpoints and vistas in this National Park area, which is famous for its gorges, waterfalls, flowering mountain meadow, rugged peaks, and untouched nature. (Breakfast)
Note: Those who wish may hike the Almbach Gorge: even at only three kms, it will challenge hikers with its rocky paths and uphill climb but the scenery is worth it! Others may choose to stay in Berchtesgaden for some leisurely shopping, walking and exploring on their own.
DAY 6: September 22, 2024
Berchtesgaden, Germany to Innsbruck, Austria
Drive to Innsbruck, Austria, the capital of Austria’s state of Tyrol. Nestled amidst majestic peaks, it is known as a destination for outdoor sports. Enjoy a tour of Innsbruck, including the Wilten Basilica, the Golden Roof and Court Church and see where imperial elegance meets natural beauty. Next, stop at the Bergisel Ski Jump, which stands proudly over its Olympic city. After a quick elevator ride to the top, be amazed by the city’s architecture and views. While at the top, pause for cake and coffee and ponder the daring of the athletes who have jumped off the ramp. The remainder of the day is free for shopping at Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store or other amusements. (Breakfast)
DAY 7: September 23, 2024
Innsbruck, Austria to Merano, Italy
Make your way further south and cross into Italian Tyrol to Merano in the heart of the Italian alps. Life is a little slower here and you have time to stop and smell the roses and other lovely flowers as you meander through the area. Merano is known for its spas, art nouveau buildings, elegant, terraced gardens, and alpine views. Take a cable car to the top one of the nearby peaks for a view that cannot be missed. Later, check in at your resort hotel for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 8: September 24, 2024
Merano, Italy Touring
After breakfast it is a full day’s excursion to the Italian Lakes region to explore Lake Garda and enjoy its temperate climate and crystal-clear water. Highlights of your day include the Olive Oil Museum in Cisano, Rocca Scaligero, a fortress in Sirmione with magnificent harbour views, and a wine tasting in Bardolino. (Breakfast)
DAY 9: September 25, 2024
Merano, Italy to Garmisch area, Germany
This morning , drive in the direction of Garmisch and stop in Füssen to visit and tour Neuschwanstein Castle, the most famous of King Ludwig’s royal castles. Perched majestically on a mountainside, this was the king’s fantasy of a medieval fortress and is often referred to as the “Disney Castle.” Also stop at the Pilgrimage Church of Wies (the Wieskirche), an important rococo church built in the 1740s and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This oval church is colorful, cheerful and well preserved and sits in the beautiful setting of an Alpine valley. Spend two nights in the Garmisch area. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 10: September 26, 2024
Garmisch area, Germany Touring
Spend a relaxed day in the area enjoying the Bavarian ambiance. There are options to visit nearby attractions including Lake Eib at the base of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain or go up to the top by cable car. Or explore other wonderful sights on your own. (Breakfast)
DAY 11: September 27, 2024
Garmisch area, Germany to Munich, Germany
Your first stop today is in Andechs, a miniature Bavaria, sandwiched between two large German lakes. Visit the hilltop Benedictine monastery and church and learn of this ancient pilgrimage site and its sacred relics. Afterwards, tour the monastery brewery, one of the last to be run by a religious community and partake in lunch and a tasting of beer that has matured into a “pleasure for body and soul.” Proceeds from your visit fund various activities like helping the homeless in Munich. Spend the tour’s final afternoon in Munich with free time for last minute shopping or enjoy the activities of the world-famous Oktoberfest. (Breakfast, Lunch)
DAY 12: September 28, 2024
Munich, Germany to Halifax NS
Regretfully, it is now time to say Auf Wiederseh’n (Goodbye) and transfer to the airport. Return to Canada with memories of historic towns and sites, breathtaking alpine landscapes, Italian hospitality, and a wealth of new friends. (Breakfast)
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