Day 1 : Fly to Europe

Our wonderful vacation begins with an overnight flight to Germany.

Day 2 : Romantic Road

Our expert European guide and driver greet us upon arrival in Frankfurt. We kick off our adventure with a drive to the Baroque city of Wurzburg for lunch and exploration at leisure. Next, take in spectacular scenery traveling along the famous Romantic Road, dotted with picturesque villages, rolling vineyards, lush forests, and mountain peaks. Later, we check in to our accommodations for the next two evenings in Rothenburg, one of Germany’s most well-preserved medieval cities, and get to know fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner.

Day 3 : Rothenburg

Enjoy a European breakfast buffet before beginning each day. This morning, we learn the fascinating story of Rothenburg, from its origins as a stronghold at the crossroads of important trade routes to its downfall during the Thirty Years’ War. Our local guides joins us for a walking tour of this magical town, known for its half-timbered houses, cobblestone pathways, and preserved 16th-century towers, walls, and gateways. Tonight, our journey through the Middle Ages continues with dinner at a medieval restaurant and an evening stroll with a Night Watchman.

Day 4 : Munich

Today, we travel to Munich, Bavaria’s capital and the birthplace of Oktoberfest. Enjoy a guided walking tour to see centuries-old buildings and the famous Rathaus-Glockenspiel animated clock in Marienplatz Square. Our tour ends at Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s famous farmers market and beer garden, with time to grab lunch. This afternoon, our scenery changes from rolling green hills to the dramatic foothills of the Alps as we reach the 700-year-old village of Füssen, where we stay for the next two nights.

Day 5 : Neuschwanstein Castle

We’re transported to a fairytale world this morning at Neuschwanstein Castle, situated high above the village of Hohenschwangau. Enjoy a guided tour to see the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and admire the opulent designs throughout. Afterwards, we return to Fussen for an afternoon at leisure to grab lunch or explore during our last day on the Romantic Road. Later, a local guide shares interesting history with us during a walking tour of this charming town.

Day 6 : Salzburg & Mozart Dinner Concert

Our day begins with crossing the border into Salzburg, Austria, a city best known as the setting of The Sound of Music. The beautiful architecture charms us during a guided walking tour featuring Mirabell Gardens and Mozart’s birthplace in Alstadt, the historic city center. Enjoy some time at leisure for lunch and individual exploration before we check in to our local accommodations. This evening, we’re treated to a special private dinner at St. Peter’s Stiftskeller, the oldest restaurant in Europe. Savor a gourmet three-course dinner as we fall under the spell of classical Mozart selections, performed by a string quartet.

Day 7 : Innsbruck

Today, we travel winding roads within the pristine Austrian and Swiss Alps to our next destination, Rattenberg. Famous for its Austrian crystal, this small city on the Inn River offers historical art treasures and great shopping for us to enjoy during a leisurely stop. Our journey through Alpine beauty continues to the ski resort town of Innsbruck, where we view the Imperial Palace, former Olympic sites, and the iconic Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) during a guided tour. Tonight, we check in to our local hotel and savor a delicious dinner together.

Day 8 : Switzerland

We’re off to soak up the beauty of Switzerland this morning! On the way, we make a stop in Liechtenstein, Europe’s smallest principality, for time at leisure in Vaduz. This is the perfect opportunity to purchase the famous Roy Liechtenstein stamps. Upon arriving in Vitznau, Switzerland, we ascend 6,000-foot Mount Rigi on a historic cogwheel train ride. Breathtaking panoramic views of the Swiss Mittelland unfold at the highest point, Rigi Kulm. After descending by cable car, our travels take us along the shores of Lake Lucerne to the resort city of Lucerne, where we enjoy dinner and settle in for a two-night stay.

Day 9 : Lucerne

A local guide joins us for a walking tour to explore Lucerne’s world-famous sights today, such as Chapel Bridge with the adjoining 13th-century water tower, Jesuit Church, and the Lion Monument. Next, we enjoy an authentic Swiss lunch at Stadtkeller Restaurant, featuring a folklore show with yodeling and Alpine Horns. The rest of the day is yours to explore or shop for local handicrafts, such as wood carvings, clocks, and watches.

Day 10 : The Black Forest & Baden-Baden

We say ade to Switzerland this morning and drive back across the German border into the legendary Black Forest. Take in sights of mountains, quaint villages, and evergreen trees as far as the eye can see. We stop in Hofgut Sternen to see some of the area’s handcrafted cuckoo clocks and admire the impressive craftsmanship. Our journey continues to the spa town of Baden-Baden, where we check in to our accommodations and have an evening at leisure to enjoy the city’s artisanal springs and thermal baths that have attracted visitors since the Roman Empire.

Day 11 : Rhine River Cruise

Our morning begins with a drive to Rudesheim, a winemaking town in the Rhine Gorge. After a walking tour with a local guide, enjoy free time to eat lunch and explore on your own. This afternoon, we relax on a scenic cruise down the enchanting Rhine River. Have your camera ready to capture gorgeous vistas of vineyards on rolling hills, castles, and the famous Lorelei Rock. We disembark in St. Goar and drive to our accommodations in Weisbaden, then relive memories of our European vacation at a Farewell Dinner.

Day 12 : Fly Home

We drive to the Frankfurt Airport this morning and board our flight home, returning with lasting memories of our time exploring Central Europe.