SWITZERLAND TO OBERAMMERGAU
Day 1 - Depart USA for Zurich Day 2 - Zurich
Arrive in Zurich today. Zurich was home to Huldrich Zwingli, a contemporary of Luther and Calvin, who led the call for Reformation. Zwingli served as pastor of the Grossmünster (Great Church) in the 1520’s. Two other churches here deserve attention. The Fraumünster (Our Lady’s Church) has portions of architecture dating to the 13th century, and boasts stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. Finally St. Peter’s Church has the largest church clockface in the world. Check in to your hotel for overnight. Day 3 - Lucerne Travel to beautiful Lucerne where you will arrive as a stranger and leave as a friend. The 14th century city wall, boasting nine different watchtowers, is one of the best preserved and longest fortifications in Europe. The colorful painted panels of Lucerne’s famous wooden Kappel Bridge depict the city’s history. See the twin-towered Jesuit Church, which is one of the most handsome baroque buildings in Switzerland. For comparison visit the Hofkirche, built in the Renaissance style, and the Franciscan Church, which was built in the high Gothic style. We will also view the sad and famous Lion Monument of Lucerne, which Mark Twain called the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world. Carved out of a sheer sandstone cliff it depicts a dying lion with its chin sagging on its shield. Dinner is on own this evening. Day 4 - Interlaken This morning travel to Interlaken, the heart of Switzerland. Flower-lined streets and the surrounding mountains will be familiar postcard images to you. Also familiar will be the towering nearby peaks of the Jungfrau, Eiger and Monch. Enjoy free time to wander, shop, and explore this town between two lakes. Travel across incredible Swiss mountain ranges, catch glimpses of glaciers and travel through breathtaking mountains. Day 5 - Zermatt and the Matterhorn Today travel to the mountain town Zermatt, where only horse-drawn vehicles are permitted. Explore the village and enjoy its magnificent view of the Matterhorn. Take an Optional cog-wheel train ride up the Gornergrat mountain (additional cost) for breath-taking, up-close views. Day 6 - Gruyere and Lausanne Take time to explore the medieval stronghold of Gruyere, a charming hilltop town surrounded by a wall and dominated by a castle. You can sample the local cheese and learn how it is made. Continue to Lausanne, a beautiful city settled along the north shores of Lake Geneva. While touring the city of Lausanne you will see the beautiful 18th century architecture, as well Today journey to Bern, the capital of Switzerland. The city centre of Bern is a recognized UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site. Bern is known for its largely medieval city centre and its famous Zytglogge, an elaborate medieval clock tower with moving puppets. In the old city is the Münster, a 15th century Gothic cathedral. Continue on to your Alps village to check in to your hotel for the evening. Day 8 - Ettal, Oberammergau & Passion Play This morning you will visit the beautiful Abbey of Ettal. Continue to Oberammergau to experience the Passion Play. After the Black Plague that was rampant in Europe left their small village, the grateful people of Oberammergau promised God that they would show their gratitude by putting on a Passion Play. Over 380 years later you will get to enjoy this one-of-a-kind, six hour musical and dramatic performance. You will have reserved seats, a guided tour of the town and motorcoach transfers to and from the play’s theater. Dinner is included in Oberammergau tonight. Day 9 - Innsbruck The capital of Austria’s Tyrol region, Innsbruck is famous as the site of two winter Olympics. Follow your guide on your half-day, morning tour through the quaint medieval streets of Old Town to the sparkling Golden Roof. The glittering sloping roof has been an opulent landmark since the 15th- century. You’ll view Maria Theresa’s Imperial Palace, Triumphal Arch and visit the Hofkirche. Plus, you’ll have time to explore the medieval city on your own. Day 10 - Return to USA as the 13th century Lausanne Cathedral. Day 7 - Bern & Travel to Oberammergau
ITINERARY
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