Rhine and Alpine Adventures in Germany and Switzerland

Morning to Afternoon

Cruise or Cycle Up The Rhine Gorge

Board a riverboat from the town of Rüdesheim and take a cruise northwards up the incomparable Rhine River Gorge wreathed on either side with vineyards groaning with Reisling and Pinot Noir grapes, and colonized with impossibly romantic chateaux and castle ruins. Alternatively, hire a bicycle and pedal up the gorge, stopping off at rustic villages along the way, before heading back for a well-earned glass of the local product.

8:55 AM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains depart from Frankfurt hbf (i.e. Frankfurt Main Station) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Guided Walk Tour of Historic Munich

Munich contains many reminders of a long and varied history but also encompasses the modern features of a strong and vibrant city. The insights of a local help make sense of the traditions, trends, and promises of Bavaria's Capital - sometimes referred to as the city of laptops and lederhosen. On this tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Munich and point out the many hidden treasures.

Early Morning to Late Afternoon

Excursion to Lake Chiemsee

Also known as the 'Bavarian Sea', the majestic Lake Chiemsee is the largest lake in Bavaria with three beautiful islands which all benefit from regular ferry connections to the mainland. King Ludwig II built yet another grand palace, Herrenchiemsee Palace (also known as the Bavarian Versailles), on Herrenchiemsee island, while Fraueninsel island has an 8th-century Benedictine convent with some of the best Bavarian restaurants around and Krautinsel island is uninhabited.

Morning

The Birth of Nazism: the Königsplatz & Documentation Center

Munich is the city where the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP), or Nazi Party, first took root. As the Nazis came into power, the Königsplatz was paved over and transformed into a perfect backdrop for staging their militaristic spectacles. Many of the physical changes they made to the space endure to this day. The history of the birth of German National Socialism to its horrific end in 1945 is brilliantly captured and displayed at the National Socialist Documentation Center which is located on the square.

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Private Walking Tour of Lucerne

During this 2 hour guided private tour you will take in all the major highlights of Lucerne including: Lion Monument, Chapel Bridge, the Old Town and the Jesuit Church. Your professional guide will tell you about the fascinating history of the town and why Lucerne is a favorite destination for the Swiss and foreign visitors alike. You will also enjoy stunning views around Lake Lucerne, especially of the city's mountain, Mount Pilatus.

Morning to Late Afternoon

Self Guided Excursion to Mount Pilatus by Cog-Wheel Train

Ride the steepest rack-railway in the world at a gradient of nearly 48 percent from Alpnachstad up the giant mountain of Mt Pilatus that looms over the city of Lucerne, or glide up the other side on a gondola from Kriens. The highest point, Tomlishorn, with superlative views of Lake Lucerne, is only 30min on foot from the hotels and restaurants near the top.

9:05 AM

Taxi Rail Drop-Off at Lucerne Rail Station

Lucerne taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. If you are picked up one hour prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train.

Early Morning to Late Afternoon

Self-Guided Excursion up Jungfrau

Journey directly through the famous Eiger Mountain to what the Swiss called "The Top of Europe", the icy, windswept gap in the mountain ridges known as Jungfraujoch at 3,454m/11,332ft just below the summit of Jungfrau. The train ride to the top is not cheap, but it's the highest train station in Europe and definitely an unforgettable experience.

Early Morning to Mid-Day

Lake Thun, Self-Guided

Surrounded by dazzling mountain scenery and a staccato of smart villages, Lake Thun is one of the two highly attractive waterways sandwiching the town of Interlaken that offers the opportunity of a relaxing boat ride from one end to the other. After disembarkation you can wander Thun's low-lying Old Town and its fairy-tale turreted castle before returning to Interlaken by train. Travel by boat and train is free with the Swiss Travel Pass included in your Full Itinerary.

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Privately Guided Walking Tour of Geneva

Your private guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you for a 2-hour walk through the center of Geneva. On this walk, you will visit Bastions Park where you’ll see the Reformation Wall, built in 1909 to celebrate religious reform in Europe. You'll discover special places related to people like Jean Calvin and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, or even presidents of the United States like Woodrow Wilson or Bill Clinton. You will also visit the peaceful Old Town with its majestic St. Peter’s Cathedral, the Jardin d’Anglais, to admire one of Patek Philippe’s most famous works, and the surprising, delightful Flower Clock. The tour will end at the Nations Park, where you will see the United Nations Organization Headquarters.

Morning to Late Afternoon

Self Guided Excursion to Chamonix

Chamonix is a city of superlatives perfectly situated at the base of the highest peak of not only the Alps but in all of Europe, Mont Blanc. This French town has much to offer outdoor enthusiasts. For those who wish to get up close and personal with the mighty mountain, take the highest vertical cable car to Aiguille du Midi to come face to face with Mont Blanc and Step into the Void. See the largest glacier in France, Mer de Glace and walk through ice caves that have been carved into the glacier. Then explore the town center filled with outdoor shops, high-end boutiques, and traditional restaurants.

To Be Determined

Taxi Dropoff at Geneva Airport

Geneva taxis are always reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 2.5 hours before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with a little over two hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen minutes or so.