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European Escorted Rail Tours

Tauck World Discovery, The Alps of Switzerland, Italy and Austria
 luxury escorted rail tour, 13 days

     
  Full Itinerary


1. Arrive Zurich / Interlaken

Tour departs: Zurich Airport one hour after the arrival of our selected flight(s). Travel along the scenic Swiss freeways to Bern, capital of Switzerland, for lunch; see the famous clock tower, then continue on to Interlaken. Attractively set between two lakes, this city and its majestic surroundings have been a haven for visitors for over two hundred years. Your alpine experience begins with two nights at one of Europe's most renowned hotels. Enjoy a special welcome reception and dinner. Meals LD

2. Jungfraujoch / Interlaken
The Alps of Switzerland...
Travel to the delightful town of Grindelwald, featuring wood-timbered houses. Your fascinating journey into the Alps begins by cogwheel train to Kleine Scheidegg, with magnificent views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Ascend to the Jungfraujoch, one of Europe's highest accessible peaks. The view is extraordinary; you are surrounded by glaciers, snow-covered mountains and breathtaking valleys. Descend through lovely flower-filled meadows to Lauterbrunnen; return to Interlaken and spend the evening at your leisure. Meals B

3. Liechtenstein / Tannheimertal

Sparkling lakes, majestic mountains and charming villages abound as you travel through the heart of Switzerland. Legendary William Tell, the heroic archer who helped free his country from foreign rule, made this region famous. Travel to picturesque Liechtenstein, the smallest sovereign state in the world, nestled between the borders of Switzerland and Austria. Continue on to Tannheimertal for a one-night stay at one of Austria's leading resort hotels located near beautiful Lake Haldensee. Meals BD

4. Neuschwanstein / Innsbruck

Set atop a hill in a lush forest, King Ludwig II's Neuschwanstein is truly every visitor's image of the perfect fairy tale castle - it even inspired Disney's Fantasyland castle. Take a horse-drawn carriage to the castle for a private tour; King Ludwig's flamboyant style is evident throughout. Note: the carriage does not travel into the main castle entrance; guests must walk a significant distance on steep terrain to enter. Travel to Oberammergau, renowned for its centuries-old trade of woodcarving, before arriving in delightful Innsbruck for a two-night stay. Meals BD

5. Explore Innsbruck
The ALps of Switzerland...
A morning sightseeing tour of lovely Innsbruck provides a view of the famous Goldenes Dachl, whose "golden roof" is lined with 2,657 gilded copper tiles. Enjoy lunch at the popular Café Sacher, renowned as the home of the famous "Sacher-Torte" which was concocted in 1832 by Franz Sacher in the court of Prince Mettemich. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at your leisure to explore; Innsbruck's sights include castles, unique museums and centuries-old architecture. Meals BL

6. The Dolomites / Lienz

Austria and Italy intertwine today as you weave your way through both countries. To many, the Dolomites are the most impressive range in the Alps. Standing like sentinels in the sky, their sheer rock walls are distinctive landmarks which can be seen for miles. Today is dedicated to viewing spectacular scenery as you travel through this corner of Italy. Enjoy an Italian lunch in a rustic setting before you travel along the "Yellow Roads" through small villages to Lienz. Your hotel is at the center of the old town square, with cafés and shops just outside your door. Meals BLD

7. Grossglockner / Salzburg
The Alps of Switzerland...
The Grossglockner is considered the highest peak in Austria, and your travels on the Grossglockner- Hochalpenstrasse take you on one of the most famous roads in Europe. As you ascend from the valley floor, pastoral scenes surround you; weathered wooden barns and picture-perfect chalets with colorful flower boxes all in an alpine setting of green meadows cut by silver streams. The greenery gives way to granite walls with the peaks of majestic mountains soaring above. Descend into Zell am See for lunch before arriving in charming Salzburg. Meals BLD

8. Sightsee Salzburg

Salzburg is a picturesque city that nestles between the Salzach River and the towering Hohensalzburg Fortress. Its skyline is a symphony of Baroque church towers, cupolas and steeples. Your walking tour with a local guide includes a visit to the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg's most famous son. Attend an evening of classical music, where you will enjoy a taste of Mozart's legacy as celebrated by music festivals. Meals B

9. Rail to Vienna

Travel by train from Salzburg to Vienna; upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, where sights include the monumental buildings of the famous Ringstrasse, the Four Danubes, the Hunderwasser Haus and magnificent Baroque and Art Nouveau treasures of Imperial Vienna. The afternoon is free to explore this intriguing "Imperial" city, where noble palaces, broad avenues, lovely parks and some of Europe's finest museums await discovery. Meals B

10. Sightsee Vienna

A Viennese guide takes you on a walking tour of Vienna this morning, exploring the heart of the city. Walk through the grounds of the Hofburg, Imperial Residence of Habsburgs; visit the extraordinary Kunsthistorisches (Museum of Fine Arts), where a great collection of art treasures from all over Europe is displayed. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure pursuing your own special interests. Join us this evening for a farewell dinner and reception. Meals BD

11. Journey Home

Tour Ends: Vienna International Airport 2 1/2 hours before the departure of our selected flight(s). Persons departing at other times should secure their own transportation. Taxi is approximately €50 Euros (US $50).
Meals B

 

 
Journeys to Central Europe
 

 

 


2003 Departure Dates
  11 Days / 10 Nights

Begins Zurich
Jun
2, 16, 30
Jul 28
Aug 25
Sep 8

Additional dates may become available as these sell out.


 
 


2003 Prices
  Price Per Person

Twin $2990
Single $3490
Triple $2830

20 Meals Included.

Transatlantic air is additional.


Special Airfares -
Tauck offers special fares in coach or business class on select carriers departing various cities the evening prior to departure dates listed above (subject to availability). Persons taking these flights will be met by the Tauck Director outside customs at Zurich Airport. Persons arriving on other flights can use local transportation to the first hotel; prices range from US $60 - $100.
 
 


Overnight Accommodations
 
Night 1,2
Grand Hotel Victoria Jungfrau

Interlaken, Switzerland

Night 3
...liebes Rot Flüh

Tannheimertal, Austria

Night 4,5
Hotel Europa Tyrol

Innsbruck, Austria

Night 6
Hotel Traube

Lienz, Austria

Night 7,8
Hotel Goldener Hirsch

Salzburg, Austria

Night 9,10*
Hotel Bristol
Vienna, Austria

* Tour of Jun 16 may use an alternate hotel.
 
 


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