The stunning Alpine mountain range stretches across the borders of several European countries, and this vacation gives you the opportunity to see the best of the region as well as one of Italy’s gems—fabulous Venice. Begin in Bavaria’s capital, Munich, and see how the landscape changes from flatland to gentle hills to magnificent mountains. Visit Linderhof Castle, King Ludwig’s rococo palace set in a spectacular valley. Then, cross the border into Austria and overnight in Innsbruck, host to the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. From Tyrol, travel via Vorarlberg to Vaduz, Liechtenstein’s capital, and continue to Lake Lucerne in Switzerland. Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s finest cities, is nestled amid Switzerland’s snow-capped mountains and offers impressive city walls, a covered wooden bridge, ornate patrician houses lining cobblestone streets, and the Lion Monument—a masterful stone sculpture in honor of the heroic Swiss Guard of Louis XVI. Visit Stans and Berne, capital of Switzerland. On to the main sights of Geneva and then a visit to famous Chillon Castle on the lake. Depart for two overnights in the pure mountain air of Zermatt, one of Switzerland’s best-known winter and summer resorts, located at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn. Next, enjoy the highlight of the tour: superb panoramic views on the Glacier Express train ride to Andermatt. Marvel at the mountain forests, Alpine meadows, rushing streams, and picture-postcards villages. Descend the St. Gotthard pass to Lake Lugano and drive through the splendid Po Valley—experiencing beauty that prepares you for exquisite Venice. Enjoy a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and time at leisure to marvel at this unique floating city. Journey into the splendid scenery of the Dolomites, cross into Austria, and head to Mozart’s Salzburg. Take a fascinating tour of Salzburg and marvel at its magnificent Domplatz Cathedral, Festival Hall, and medieval Getreidegasse, the cobbled street housing the building where Mozart was born. Travel to Oberammergau in the Bavarian Alps. Surrounded by majestic mountains and picturesque meadows, Oberammergau is famous for its Passion Play performed by locals just once a decade to fulfill the town’s promise to God in exchange for protection from the Black Death. Your tour ends back in Munich. This vacation featuring Switzerland and the stunning Alpine mountain range will leave you with memories that you’ll cherish forever.
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