Alpine Mountains and Lakes

Dates: July 14 – 22, 2008

Day 1 - Departure / Zürich, Switzerland
Depart for Zürich, Switzerland. (Flight provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)

Day 2 - Konstanz, Germany
Upon arrival, transfer to Konstanz, Germany and the Hotel Halm. (Transfer provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.) After settling in, take a tour of the highlights of Konstanz, including the Romanesque basilica, begun in 1052. This evening, attend a Welcome Reception and Dinner.

Day 3 - Stein am Rhine/Rhine Falls
This morning we visit Arenenberg Castle, boyhood home of Emperor Napoleon III, and its Napoleonic museum, before touring the Swiss town of Stein am Rhine with its charming half-timbered houses. Here we’ll have a special lesson on the making of the traditional rösti, a fried potato cake. After lunch at a local restaurant, our path leads to the grandeur of Switzerland’s Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe, with time for independent exploration.

Day 4 - Mainau Island/Reichenau Island
Islands are the theme of today’s exploration: Mainau Island, the "flower island," is famous for its tropical plants, flowers and trees. After time for independent exploration of the gardens, we continue to historic Reichenau Island, with its monastic architecture, and visit a fruit and vegetable farm.

Day 5 - Lindau, Germany/Bregenz, Austria
Today we visit towns in two countries: Lindau, Germany and Bregenz, Austria. We begin in charming Lindau, with a walking tour showcasing the town’s storybook architecture. After lunch at a restaurant overlooking the harbor, there will be time for independent exploration.

Next up is Bregenz, Austria, where we will ride the cable-car railway up impressive Mt. Pfänder, for captivating vistas of the region. This evening, a barbecue on the hotel terrace features bratwurst and beer!

Day 6 – St. Gallen, Switzerland/Appenzell, Switzerland/Liechtenstein
Switzerland and Liechtenstein are our destinations today; in the Swiss village of St. Gallen we will visit Abbey District of St. Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important Medieval knowledge centers north of the Alps, before continuing to Appenzell to tour a cheese dairy. After a fondue lunch in Appenzell at a mountaintop restaurant, we head for Vaduz, capital city of the principality of Liechtenstein, for a walking tour and a private tour of the Princely Wine Cellars.

Day 7 - Meersburg/Birnau, Germany
This morning is free for independent exploration, or to simply relax. In the afternoon, we’ll travel by ferry to the picturesque town of Meersburg, before visiting the elegant Cistercian basilica in Birnau.

Day 8 - Konstanz
Today is free for the pursuit of individual interests. Tonight, attend a farewell reception and dinner at the hotel, featuring a demonstration on the making of spaetzle, traditional German noodles.

Day 9 - Return Home
Transfer to the Zürich airport for the return flight home. (Transfer and flight provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)

This itinerary is preliminary and subject to change. An updated itinerary will be sent with final documents.

Back to 2008 destination list