THE HIGHLIGHTS OF GERMANY,
SWITZERLAND & ITALY
(Frankfurt in / Milan out - 14 days)
Your Day By Day Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive at FRANKFURT Airport – ORIENTATION TOUR - transfer to
your hotel near HEIDELBERG, surrounded by a beautiful landscape.
A warm welcome awaits all group members upon arrival airport by your
Tour Director who will be with you from now on throughout land. – A
brief orientation drive will show you first the lively city center of
Frankfurt and its financial district. - Of further interest will be the
“Roemer”, a complex of eight buildings, dating back to the 15th and 18th
C, including the City Hall, the Gothic Church St Leonard of the 14th C
and the city´s Historical Museum. – Some later, an about one hour motor
coach drive takes you to your first-class hotel near Mannheim and
Heidelberg for a welcome reception and for dinner this evening. (D)
Day 02: Excursion to HEIDELBERG - to RUEDESHEIM for a
RIVER CRUISE and to KOBLENZ.
RHINE
Following a tasty breakfast this morning, we leave for a sightseeing tour of Heidelberg, an ancient university
town celebrated in songs and poetry and described as the “German Heart of
Romanticism”. –The tour will take you first to the city´s Church Of The Holy
Spirit, an example of late Gothic architecture. You will be visiting the old market
square, the City Hall and its glorious Knight Mansion that was built during the late
16th C. – Driving up the castle hill and walking to its terrace you will be rewarded
by a wonderful view of Heidelberg and its river Neckar. Then, visit the old Castle
Museum to admire its Great Vat holding a capacity of nearly 50.000 gallons. –
Some later and from here, our today´s excursion leads to quaint town of
Ruedesheim, where the vinyards of the “Rheingau” cease at the beginning of the
Rhine Gorge. You will enjoy the picturesque streets and alleys, especially the
“Drosselgasse” lined with a number of ornate wine bars inviting visitors for a local
wine tasting. – Some later and according to schedule, you are booked on a leisurely Rhine river cruise past
castles crowning hills, vineyards, medieval towns and the legendary Loreley Rock where mermaids are said to
have lured sailors to their death ….. – You disembark at St Goarshausen and continue with your motor coach to
the city of Koblenz at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers where Romans have established an
encampment already in the 9th C. – From the fortress “Ehrenbreitstein” above the right bank of the Rhine river
there are excellent views of the city with its church towers of the “Liebfrauenkirche”, 12th C and the “St
Kastorkirche” of the 18th C. – But a most striking view of all is the hallowed piece of ground on the promontory
at the confluence called the “Deutsches Eck” (German Corner), so named because here in 1216 the Teutonic
Knights established their first base. – During the later afternoon we return to our hotel in time for freshen up and
for dinner. (B & D)
Day 03: Excursion to ROTHENBURG/ ROMANTIC
ROAD and to NUREMBERG
Leaving our hotel this morning for our route further east travelling on
Germany´s Romantic Road to Rothenburg. - Hardly any other town casts such a
spell on visitors as this architectural gem. A short walking tour reveals half
timbered houses, medieval turrets, gates and towers, almost untouched in its
original architecture since the Thirty Years War. Enjoy its beautiful painted Old
Town Hall of both Gothic and Renaissance style and admire the outstanding “Baumeister-Haus”, an ancient
restaurant building of 1596. – On the north side of this square you won´t miss the former “Ratstrinkstube”, an
old tavern whose clock jacks enact several times a day the famous bumper of a wine legend representing a
“master draught” which took place here in 1631. - Then, you will be visiting St James Church with its famous
high altar, known as the “Last Supper of the Holy Blood”, a 16th C masterpiece of woodcarver Tilman
Riemenschneider. – Time will be left in charming Rothenburg to do as you please before our route leads further
east to historic Nuremberg, Germany´s imperial capital during the Middle Ages. The city tour will show you
first its old town quarter surrounded by an almost intact city wall with numerous towers. The Museum Bridge,
that spans the Pegnitz river will lead you to the bustling market place and to its 14th C “Beautiful Fountain” of
Gothic architecture. On the east side of this square overlooked by the Church Of Our Lady, where mechanical
figures perform their noon time rituals. Across the Old and New City Hall, St Sebaldus Church comes in sight,
built during the 13th C with a magnificent Gothic choir and tomb, an outstanding example of brass art including a
sarcophagus of the late 14th C. – Remaining time will be yours to explore this delightful city on your own before
we return to our hotel for dinner. (B & D)
Day 04: Excursion to BADEN-BADEN, to STRASBOURG in
FRANCE and to TITISEE in the BLACK FOREST.
This morning travelling south by way of Baden-Baden with an orientation tour, one of
Europe´s most luxurious spa resort that has seen visitors such as the King of Prussia,
Napoleon III and Queen Victoria. - Enjoy an easy walk through the inviting
“Kurgarten” showing an elegant Casino of 1838 which has made Baden-Baden a
meeting place of the fashionable world and the summer capital of Europe. – A few
miles further south we cross the Rhine river and arrive at Strasbourg in France,
headquarter of the Council of Europe. The following city tour will show you “La
Petite France”, one of the best preserved quarters of the old city. Admire here a
number of timber-framed houses reflected in the canal which covers bridges and the “Vauban Dam” from where
you may enjoy magnificent views. Another highlight of Strasbourg will its landmark and Cathedral Notre Dame,
a splendid masterpiece of sandstone, constructed during the 12th C. You will enjoy its central portal illustrates the
“Passion Of Christ” and the inside displays the “Pillar of the Angeles” and a “Last Judgement” of the 13th C. –
Not to be missed should be an astronomical clock, attracting visitors every day. – Leaving France again for
Germany and soon will enter the fabled Black Forest, attracted by its dark coniferous woodland. Travelling
now through picturesque valleys, health resorts and arrive at small town of Titisee where handicrafts symbolize
the area´s rustic charme, situated right next to a quaint lake of natural beauty. Time is on your own and why not
shop here for a hand-made cuckoo-clock or just relax on the lake watching colourful sailing boats passing by. –
Then it´s on for our return and for another delicious dinner at the hotel. (B & D)
Day 05: Excursion to TRIER on the Mosel River and to LUXEMBOURG.
The morning route leads you today to the western Palatinate Forest, an almost unbroken wooded massif and
nature reserve. The Palatinate means also a most extensive wine growing
region of Germany and produces almost one-third of the total output. –
Arriving at Trier, 2.000 years ago the capital of the Holy Roman
Empire, your city tour includes the Porta Nigra, an imposing gateway of a fine
Roman relic. You will admire the fortress-like Cathedral with its square
towers and turrets, the Old Roman Basilica and the Imperial Baths,
constructed under the Roman Constantine. – Soon after, we cross border for
the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, first to discover its scenic region with a
lush, green and rugged landscape. One of the area´s most picturesque spots is
the “Mullerthal” with a waterfall and piles of sandstone rock. – The city tour will show you its ancient
fortification and casemates, a remarkable complex of tunnels and fortresses. You visit Eglise St-Michel, a
beautiful church of Gothic style with a great altar, a masterpiece of the 17th C and displaying an impressive
Baroque organ. – Travelling on Chemin de la Corniche road with beautiful views, past elegant turrets which
flank the façade of the Grand Ducal Palace and decorated with low-relief geometrically designed sculptures. –
Ample time will be yours before we return to our hotel for dinner. (B & D)
Day 06: Excursion to STUTTGART, to visit its MERCEDES-BENZ-MUSEUM.
Today´s excursion leads you further into the district of Baden-Wuerttemberg and to
its capital Stuttgart. Beyond an encircling belt of trees overlooking by a densely
wooded plateau where houses
climb up the surrounding slopes and where the Mercedes star lights up the city sky
during the evenings. – By way of the castle gardens, the State Theatre and Gallery
you will see also its “Schlossplatz”, a vast square surrounded by a complex of
buildings including the old castle of the 16th C. – Adjacent the two towered church
Stiftskirche, founded in the 12th C and rebuilt in late Gothic style during the 15th C. –
Then, your tour continues some further south to one of the city´s landmark and
Television Tower, a slender concrete pillar, over 700 ft high. On the top and at its tower bar you be invited for a
cocktail while enjoying a wonderful panorama of the city and its river Neckar. – Afterwards, you are scheduled
to visit its famous Mercedes-Benz Museum that evokes the history of motor vehicle and its engine produced by
this manufacturer. You will follow the progress made in this field from the first Benz car patented in 1886 up to
the latest model. - Experience a display of about 160 automobiles and a number of special exhibition pieces. The
tour will lead you through a series of theme-based collections spanning various eras in different halls. Moreover, you will participate in a private and guided factory tour of Mercedes-Benz, a major assembly plant
where engines, transmissions, axles, etc. are made. – Following this visit, some time is left and will be spent at
“Koenigstrasse”, Stuttgart´s main business and car-free shopping street – before we head back to our hotel in
time for dinner. (B & D)
Day 07: A day at leisure – later this afternoon join for a CHURCH SERVICE.
An almost full day at leisure to do as you please. – During the later afternoon you are invited for a private church
service including organ music of famous composer Bach. - We then join for a festive farewell dinner with wine
at the hotel. - As a surprise there will be a drawing of valuable gifts with everyone is winning. - We wish this last
evening in Germany to be a most enjoyable one of your first week stay. (B & D)
Day 08: Leaving GERMANY today for INTERLAKEN in SWITZERLAND.
Leaving our hotel this morning travelling south by way of Freiburg with a stop, right at the fabled Black
Forest. Dominated by the impressive Cathedral Minster, built between the 13th and 16th C
which represents one of Germany´s greatest masterpieces of Gothic architecture. The
beautiful interior shows many works of art, stained glass of the 14th C and high altar
paintings of the 16th C. - On the plain square you may climb the stairs of its Tower, a pierced
octagonal belfry surmounted by an openwork spire of stone and completed during the 14th C.
From its top, you may enjoy a magnificent panorama of Freiburg, its squares, the Town Hall
with a remarkable carillon, the old Merchant House of 1532, flanked by watch-towers of the
Middle Age and behind the wooded hills of the Black Forest. - Just a few miles south we
cross border for Switzerland and will stop again at Zurich. - An orientation drive will show
you first the highlights of this city which straddles the banks of the Limmat river on the
northern shore of Lake Zurich. You will travel along the quays to the Church of
Frauenmuenster, built during the 12th and 15th C with a pointed vaulting in the nave and with stained glass
windows by Marc Chagall. On its south side and worth-seeing remains of a Romanesque cloister ornamented
with frescoes representing the legend of the foundation of this abbey. – Close by, we drive up the hill to
“Lindenhof”, a shady esplanade of plane trees which marks this summit with a terrace overlooking the crossing
of the Limmat and the old quarters of Zurich rising in tiers on the right bank. – Some further north we stop at
"Bahnhofstrasse", the fanciest shopping street in the country, loaded with jewelry, watches and boutiques. - Or
why not take a ten minutes walk to the south end of the old town for a rest at the “Utoquai”, a nice place for a
refreshment with views of the lake. – Then, its on to leave for Interlaken and to your hotel for the next 2 days. A welcome reception is waiting before we later join for dinner this evening. (B & D)
Day 09: Excursion to GRUYERES and to MONTREUX & CHILLON CASTLE
Today´s journey leads us first over the Jaun Pass, one of Switzerland´s most mountainous roads to the fortified
and picturesque town of Gruyeres lined with old houses, with twin windows and wide eaves. The main street
slopes down to the town fountain before rising up again toward the old castle of former Counts, most of it dates
back to the 15th C. The heraldic crane of the Counts of Gruyeres can be seen in many places, over doors and in
stained glass windows. – Following this site you are invited to a typical Cheese Dairy for a tasting on the ground
floor and viewing a cellar and storage area. From the second floor and its galleries you can overlook the
demonstration area where the manufacturing of Gruyere cheese in wheels of up to almost 80 lbs is made. – After
this interesting stop we motor down the Jaun Pass to the resort of Montreux on
Lake Geneva, stretches along the shore of a great bay facing south and rises in tiers
to heights covered with woods or vineyards which shelter it from the north and
east winds. – On the lake shores you may enjoy fig, almond and mulberry trees and
even cypresses, magnolias and palm trees flourishing in a truly Mediterranean
climate. – Among other international festivals held in Montreux are the Golden
Rose Television Festival and the famous Jazz Festival taking place in spring and
summer. – From the terrace of the old parish church experience a beautiful view
now of the city, the lake with its Chillon Castle, the mountains of the Savoy
Chablais and the sparkling Dents du Midi are clearly visible. – Following a break we soon arrive at Chillon
Castle, occupies an attractive site and is framed by the lake and Alps. The origins of this castle date back to the
9th C and was extended during the 12th C by the Counts of Savoy. - The moat has to be crossed on a 18th C bridge
which took the place of an earlier drawbridge. The inside shows a Knights´Hall and several salons, remarkably
decorated and furnished. Like the Great Hall with a magnificent ceiling, an imposing 15th C fireplace, a fine set
of Savoyard furniture and a large collection of pewter. The former Banqueting Hall is adorned with a timber roof
in the shape of an inverted ship´s hull and a collection of rare silver coins is displayed in the Domus Clericorum
Hall. – The castle´s dungeons have served as a state prison on several occasions over this period. The most
famous prisoner De Bonivard, who was arrested here in the 16th C by the Duke of Savoy and chained to one of
the pillars. The English poet Byron commemorated the captivity of Bonivard in a poem after his visit in the year
of 1816 which helped to make the castle the most popular monument in Switzerland. - From the castle enjoy
some last fine views of Montreux, its lake and the Alps and then return to your hotel in Interlaken for another
tasty dinner. (B & D)
Day 10: Leaving INTERLAKEN for LAKE COMO in ITALY.
We leave Interlaken this morning and its beautiful Bernese Alps and travelling further south through the
impressive St Gotthard tunnel, journey along the lovely Ticino Valley by way of
Bellinzona, for almost a thousand years a stronghold guarding its surroundings
with a fortification resting on three castles connected by walls, a great part of
which can still be seen. – Then, past Lugano and its lake, framed between the
mountains Bré and Salvatore. - Toward evening arrive at Lake Como,
appreciated for its beautiful setting and opulent lakeside gardens, a great
favourite of its captivating landscape and scenery. – Following hotel check-in for
staying on the next 3 nights, you are invited for a special Italian dinner this
evening at the fine hotel restaurant. (B & D)
Day 11: Excursion to LUGANO, LOCARNO and to LAGO MAGGIORE.
Following breakfast this morning, our excursion takes us first on a short drive back to Switzerland and to
Lugano, shares it lake shores with Italy and is set among steep slopes of the Alps. Winding our way along the
lakeshore promenade past the municipality of Paradiso, a wonderful blend of nature and culture. You will see the
Cathedral of St Lawrence showing a fine decorated doorway of Renaissance, numerous buildings and
monuments in the Italian Lombardy architecture. – Then, our route leads further north to Locarno on the Swiss
side of Lago Maggiore and best known for its annual Film Festivals. An orientation drive will take us to the
city´s historical Castello Visconti and to its monastery Madonna del Sasso, a
pilgrim church overlooking Locarno from a hill in the hollow of a sunny bay. Following this stop we continue with our today´s excursion around Lago
Maggiore on the Italian side as far as Stresa which attracts many artists and
writers. – We board a ferry here that takes us over to Isola Bella, one of the
famous Borremean islands, named after the wife of Charles III. Here, you will
be visiting its palace of the former Princely family, built in Lombard Baroque
style, representing several state rooms, Napoleon´s apartment, a Ball Room
and a Hall of Mirrors. – Time is left to enjoy the colourful gardens, filled with
a variety of exotic plants which form an amazing Baroque composition. A truncated pyramid of ten terraces
ornamented with statues, beautiful fountains and a shell-shaped amphitheatre providing an extraordinary scenic
effect. – Back from its island we then return to our hotel on Lake Como for another delicious dinner and for
overnight. (B & D)
Day 12: Excursion via VERONA to VENICE.
Following breakfast your motor coach is waiting for your next excursion to take you some further east by way of
Italy´s largest lake Lago di Garda with a short stop before we continue with our drive to Verona, former home of
Romeo and Juliet, immortalized by Shakespeare. An orientation drive will show you delightful buildings of
Roman and Venetian architecture, the splendid and fortified castle Castelvecchio of the 14th C and the Arena,
largest amphitheatre in the former Roman World which can accommodate up to 25.000 spectators during the
annual opera season. – Then proceeding further east past ancient Padova which was one of the most prosperous
Roman cities about 2.000 years ago and arriving legendary Venice. From the boat station Piazzale Roma we take
a “Vaporetto” to St Mark´s Square gliding on Grand
Canal that winds through Venice past magnificent
palazzos and numerous footbridges like the famous one
of Ponte Realto. Founded 1.200 years ago and built on
117 little islands with a link to the sea, Venice´ beauty
still reflects an incomparable architecture of Byzantine
domes, palaces of Venetian-Gothic style, charming squares, dozens of silent canals and for centuries gondolas
which have been the traditional means of transport. – One of the city´s highlights will be a guided visit to the
Doges´ Palace, residence of the former rulers features a vast collection of art treasures, a symbol of Venetian
power and glory. Founded in the 12th C but completely transformed between the 13th and 16th C. Your tour will
start at the top of the Golden Staircase and will lead through a suite of rooms and halls like the Grand Council
Chamber of about 14.000 sq ft with paintings and portraits of over 70 doges, as well as Tintoretto´s famous
“Paradise”. - Following this visit ample time is yours now to stroll around, explore the city´s fascinating alleys,
shop for Venetian glass or discover the romance of this intriguing city of canals perhaps by a gondola ride and
experience the unique atmosphere that makes Venice one of the most attractive cities in the world. – To allow
more time today in Venice, dinner will be served way back en route this evening at a fine restaurant near Lago di
Garda with a later return at the hotel. (B & D)
Day 13: Leaving LAKE COMO for MILAN.
During the morning we leave our hotel and Lake Como for Milan on just about
one hour drive. - Arriving the lively capital of Italy´s district Lombardy,
following by our hotel check-in and a sightseeing tour that will take you first
to the city´s landmark and Cathedral presenting over 2.000 statues of marble and
saints keep a vigilant eye over the city from its spires. - You will view the
brick castle Castello Sforzesco of the 15th C which houses one of Italy´s most
important art collections. - In exchange you will be visiting Milan´s world
famous opera house La Scala, built 1778 and its museum to view from one of the
boxes of six levels the mighty auditorium with a seating for about 2.000
visitors. - Back to the heart of the city at Piazza del Duomo which leads you to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele,
time is yours to browse around at a place of political and social life where Milanese love to meet. - Later this
day, will pick you up again to join for a welcome reception at the hotel and for a special farewell dinner with
wine and local entertainment. - Aother highlight this evening will be a drawing again of valuable gifts with
everyone winning …..! (B & D)
Day 14: Last day of tour - and your flight departure from MILAN.
Following a tasty breakfast this morning your motor coach transfer is waiting to take you to Milan Malpensa
Airport for your flight back home. - At the airport it´s time to say “Buon Viaggio” to the Old World and goodbye to your driver and Tour Director before your flight takes off wishing all of you a happy return .....! (B)
(copyright by H. J. Ackermann & Bauer Reisen, with the exception of using our services)
What your land tour cost all includes
* 13 accommodations at first class hotels.
7 overnights inGrasellenbach near Heidelberg:
Hotel Siegfriedbrunnen - or similar.
2 overnights in Interlaken: Hotel Interlaken - or similar.
3 overnights on Lake Como: Clarion Collection Hotel - or similar.
1 overnight in Milan: Grand Hotel Plaza - or similar.
* 13 full buffet-style breakfasts.
* 13 four-courses dinners with choice of main-course; two evenings
with wine and local entertainment including one dinner on day 12
en route coming from Venice to allow more time this day for
sightseeing.
* Total: 26 Meals.
* Bag service in/ out at all hotels.
* 2 welcome receptions.
* Touring by a private and modern motor coach with all facilities,
such as air-condition, washroom and toilet, kitchen/ bar, reclining
seats, panorama windows, etc.
Airport transfers for Frankfurt and Milan, all excursions, side trips, boat
trips, sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary.
* Highlights:
° Orientation tour of Frankfurt .....
° Sightseeing tour of Heidelberg and entrance to its castle museum .....
° Excursion to Ruedesheim, Koblenz and a Rhine River Cruise .....
° Excursion to Rothenburg and Nuremberg with sightseeing .....
° Excursion to Baden-Baden, Strasbourg in France with sightseeing and
to the Black Forest .....
° Excursion to Trier on the Mosel river and to the Grand Duchy of
Luxembourg with sightseeing .....
° Excursion to Stuttgart including Mercedes-Benz Museum .....
° Private church service and an organ concert .....
° Transfer to Interlaken in Switzerland by way of Freiburg/ Black Forest
and Zurich with sightseeing .....
° Excursion to Gruyeres with a cheese tasting, to Montreux including
sightseeing and entrance to Chillon Castle …..
° Transfer to Lake Como, Italy with stops en route and sightseeing .....
° Excursion to Lugano and Locarno including sightseeing and
entrance to the island of Isola Bella, Lago Maggiore.
° Excursion to Verona and orientation drive and to Venice including
roundtrip boat transfer on Grand Canal, sightseeing and entrance
to the Doges´ Palace …..
° Transfer to Milan including sightseeing and entrance to La Scala .....
° A valuable gift to each member on day 07 and with last eve´s
farewell dinner in Milan .....
* An experienced motor coach driver and a professional English
speaking Tour Director throughout land.
Land tour cost per person sharing dbl/ twin-bedded room
25 – 30 paying persons = Euro
31 – 35 paying persons = Euro
36 – 40 paying persons = Euro
41 - up paying persons = Euro
Single supplement
Euro
p.p.
p.p.
p.p.
p.p.
2.390,-2.265,-2.180,-2.080,-520,--
* All rates net in Euro and not commissionable, valid 2012/ 2013.
* From 25 paying persons on – plus one person free of charge on land.
* Please select your own dep/ arvl dates in accordance with us.