DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Italy
Depart for Italy

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Milan, Transfer to Lecco
Welcome to Italy! Arrive in Milan and transfer to your hotel in the town of Lecco, with views over the exquisite Lake Como. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a light dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Lecco
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday - Cross Lake Como to the Village of Bellagio
Today, embark on a scenic morning cruise on the lake to the charming village of Bellagio, "The Pearl" of Lake Como. Nestled amidst cypress groves, its earthy-colored buildings climb up from the lakeside promenade. Wander along the narrow streets and alleyways, lined with craft shops, boutiques and cafés. Or, visit some of the gorgeous gardens with manicured lawns and fountains at Villa Melzi or Villa Serbelloni. Return back to Lecco with time to experience the delights of this lakeside town with its spectacular mountain views
Overnight: Lecco
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Sunday - Lake Lugano, St. Gotthard Tunnel, Lucerne's Old City
Travel this morning to Lugano in southern Switzerland's Italian-speaking Ticino region, on the northern shore of glacial Lake Lugano. Its Swiss-Mediterranean mix of cultures is similar to Italy's northern Lombardy region and reflected in its architecture. The palm trees give way to Alpine peaks and glaciers as you continue heading north traversing through the St. Gotthard Tunnel built under the Swiss Alps. On arrival in Lucerne, get acquainted with the lakeside Swiss city, on your walking tour to the sentimental Lion Monument, the 14th century Chapel Bridge and the cobbled streets of the well-preserved medieval Altstadt (Old Town). Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Monday - Full Day in Lucerne
The day is yours to independently discover Lucerne, in the heart of central Switzerland. Wander through the lively streets, and along the picturesque lakeshore, or shop for chocolates, and famous Swiss watches. Perhaps, join the optional tour to the summit of Mt. Pilatus. Ascend the world's steepest cogwheel railway that winds up through lush meadows and mountain streams to nearly 7,000 feet. After time to admire the splendid panoramic views, descend by aerial cableway. Afternoon is at leisure to discover some of Lucerne's fine shops and cafes
Optional: Mount Pilatus Tour
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Tuesday - Liechtenstein en route to Innsbruck
Today on your way to Innsbruck, view the tiny storybook Principality of Liechtenstein and its capital Vaduz, a proud remnant of feudal Europe, sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria. Brief stop in Vaduz with free time. Afterward, continue to Innsbruck, capital of the Austrian Alps and check into the hotel. On the city tour this afternoon, stop at the Golden Roof, in the heart of historic Innsbruck and St. James Cathedral, a spectacular example of Baroque architecture. View the grand Imperial Palace, and famous Olympic ski jump. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Innsbruck
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Wednesday - Salzburg City Tour
Head to the city of Salzburg, nestled in the foothills of the Alps, surrounded by graceful domes. This Baroque jewel is celebrated as the birthplace of Mozart and well-known as the setting of the movie, The Sound of Music. A guided walking tour takes you to the house where Mozart was born as well as to the city's charming squares and Mirabell gardens. The remainder of the day is free, or join the optional excursion into the surrounding countryside to the ruins of Obersalzberg, once a mountain retreat for senior Nazi SS officers. Then, ascend to Hitler's notorious "Eagle's Nest" hideaway**The Eagle's Nest Tour operates from May 12-Oct 31 and Austrian Alps & Sound of Music Tour operates the rest of the time
Optional: Eagle's Nest Tour (PM)
Optional: Austrian Alps & Sound of Music Tour (PM)
Overnight: Salzburg
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Thursday - Full Day in Salzburg
Spend the day at leisure in beautiful Salzburg to further explore the city. Perhaps, head to Hohensalzburg Fortress located on top of the Festungsberg Hill, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area, or shop for souvenirs in famous Getreidegasse. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant
Overnight: Salzburg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Friday - Travel to Imperial Vienna
Today, travel to Vienna, the magnificent Austrian capital and former center of the Habsburg Empire. This sparkling city on the Danube has captivated travelers for years with its elegant shops, world-class museums, beautiful parks and gardens. Arrive in Vienna in the afternoon and check into your hotel. Tonight, savor dinner at a unique Viennese tavern
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Saturday - Explore Vienna
Begin today's tour at the impressive Schonbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg emperors. Visit the opulent Baroque apartments and stroll through the manicured gardens. Continue with a drive along Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard. View the Empress Maria Theresa Monument, Votive Church, City Hall, Parliament, Hofburg Palace and the State Opera House. Balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight, experience a not to be missed optional Classical Viennese Recital performance of the masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss
Optional: Mozart and Strauss Recital (PM)
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Sunday - Graz, Ljubljana City Tour
Depart Vienna this morning, and travel south towards Ljubljana. Along the way, visit the city of Graz, capital of Styria. During your walk through the Old Town, view Hauptplatz Square, Opera House, Clock Tower and Graz Cathedral. Afterward, spend some free time before crossing into Slovenia this afternoon. Arrive in Ljubljana and embark on a city tour. View its open-air market, the Baroque Venetian inspired City Hall, Robba Fountain, the Triple Bridge, which connects the old and new cities and the Parliament. Later, check into your hotel
Overnight: Ljubljana
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Monday - Visit Bled Island & Bled Castle
Begin the day with a drive to the resort town of Bled. Head to the lake to board a pletna, a traditional rowing boat for a visit to Bled Island and its church, home to a wonderful art collection. Later, explore the imposing 11th century Bled Castle, perched on a steep cliff high above the lake, creating a dramatic backdrop to the city. Stroll through the castle grounds and visit the museum to gain insight into the history of the castle and the surrounding area. In the afternoon, return to Ljubljana. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Slovenian dinner and bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Ljubljana
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13, Tuesday - Depart Slovenia
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast