Behold spectacular Alpine vistas and enjoy a performance of the famed Oberammergau Passion Play on this journey through Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. After a drive through Italy's Lake District, cross over to Switzerland for views of Lake Lugano or a chance to peruse the shops. In Zermatt, climb aboard the Glacier Express for an unforgettable train ride through the Alpine scenery of majestic mountains, verdant valleys, picturesque canyons, glistening glaciers and snowcapped peaks. The birthplace of Mozart and Mirabell Gardens are featured during your leisurely walking tour of Salzburg, Austria, before treating your taste buds to a scrumptious dinner at the centuries-old St. Peter's Restaurant. You'll cross the border into Germany and the Bavarian capital of Munich, where a walking tour includes the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel and the Olympic Park. Your final destination finds you in Oberammergau, a quaint village nestled in the Bavarian Alps. Here, you'll witness a performance of the world-renowned Passion Play, whose origins date back to 1634, when the villagers of Oberammergau vowed to perform a play every ten years in honor of Christ's life if they were spared from the Black Plague.

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Day 1: Overnight Flight

Begin your tour with an overnight flight to Europe.

Day 2: Stresa, Lago Maggiore, Italy - Tour Begins

Your tour begins in picturesque Stresa on Lago Maggiore. Tonight you are transported by boat to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the most characteristic islands of the Borromeo Gulf. Enjoy a delicious meal while surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Day 3: Stresa - Lugano, Switzerland - Stresa, Italy

Today, drive through the beautiful Lake District of Italy, cross into Switzerland and the lakeside resort of Lugano. Here you will enjoy beautiful views of Lake Lugano and excellent shopping opportunities. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the lake area.

Day 4: Stresa - Zermatt, Switzerland

Depart Stresa for a scenic motorcoach ride into the heart of the Alpine mountains. The breathtaking views of the Italian and Swiss Alps will leave a lasting impression on you. Upon arrival in Taesch, board a local train for the short ride to the spectacular Alpine village of Zermatt.

Day 5: Zermatt

Following an orientation tour of the village, the balance of the day is at leisure. Get an up-close look at the famed Matterhorn, enjoy some fine shopping or just relax at your hotel.

Day 6: Zermatt - Glacier Express - St. Moritz

Today you board the famous Glacier Express. Be prepared for an unforgettable train ride on the world's most exciting narrow-gauge railway. You travel through a series of tunnels and bridges as you traverse some of the most spectacular Alpine scenery in the world: majestic mountains, verdant valleys, picturesque canyons, glistening glaciers and snowcapped peaks. Your destination is St. Moritz, playground of the rich and famous.

Day 7: St. Moritz - Innsbruck, Austria

Enjoy your drive through the picturesque Engadine Valley. Shortly, you cross into Austria and continue along the scenic Inn Valley. Arriving in the capital of the Austrian Tyrol, Innsbruck, time is allowed for lunch, independent sightseeing and shopping. Be sure not to miss the famous Golden Roof.

Day 8: Innsbruck - Salzburg - Innsbruck

Drive through the Austrian countryside to historic Salzburg, one of Europe's most beautiful and romantic spots. Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Salzburg's historic “Old Town” - The Altstadt. Your sightseeing includes such highlights as the Cathedral, Mozart's birthplace and Mirabell Gardens. You will not be able to miss locations from the "Sound of Music". The afternoon will be at leisure. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the centuries-old St. Peter's Restaurant.

Day 9: Innsbruck - Munich, Germany - Oberammergau

You drive a short distance to the frontier of Germany, crossing the border into Bavaria. Soon you arrive in the Bavarian capital of Munich where you have a walking tour featuring the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel and the Olympic Park. Next, depart for the quaint village of Oberammergau, nestled in the Bavarian Alps.

Day 10: Oberammergau - Passion Play

This afternoon, witness a performance of the Passion Play. The original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, the village of Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the villagers vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the life of Christ. The performers are native Oberammergauers. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast start to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers. During the break of the performance, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip.

Day 11: Oberammergau - Tour Ends

Depart for home with many fond memories of your Alpine adventure!

PRICING

$3,599

Prices are per person based on double occupancy with transfers and DO NOT include airfare, taxes and fees (Airfare will be available in September 2009). A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is due no later than July 30, 2008. A second deposit of $1,000 per person is due July 6, 2009. Final payment is due February 17, 2010. BOOK EARLY - 2010 DATES ARE STARTING TO SELL-OUT!

Hotel Information:

• Stresa, Italy

• Hotel Alex in Zermatt, Switzerland

• Hotel Monopol in St. Moritz, Switzerland

• Hotel Innsbruck in Innsbruck, Austria

• Oberammergau or Garmisch-Partenkirchen

*Alternate hotels may be used