In college, I would watch Rick Steves' Europe episodes on PBS, telling myself, "one day I'll get to see those places, too." When I saw the itinerary for this tour, I felt that college girl from 20 years ago leap out of her chair and yell, "YES! Let's go have some serious fun."
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Last winter, I went to see Rick Steves collaborate with the MN Orchestra on his Symphonic Journey tour. I met him in the skyway and we chatted briefly, a bucket list moment! From that time, I knew it was time to cross the pond!
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"One lives but once in the world." --Goethe
A note on the Heidebloem (nice name!) coach rides: they're awesome! I wrote in my trip diary and reviewed the guidebook en route to our next stop. Henri was the best driver around. There's plenty of fun to be had on our rest stops,too, like the imfamous Rosenberger. Be aware of colored cows along the way! Oh, and keep that recently exchanged change handy for the rest room.
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Day 1: Welcome to Salzburg
Welcome to Austria's charming city of Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. We'll rendezvous at our hotel at 5 p.m. for a group get-together. Your tour manager will give an overview of the days ahead, answer your questions, and offer a quick orientation to our neighborhood. Then you're free for dinner on your own, and maybe an evening stroll around Salzburg's delightful, pedestrian-friendly Old Town*.
No bus. Sleep in Salzburg.
Day 2: All Day in Salzburg
Today is all yours for savoring Salzburg. Begin or end your day with a climb up to the fortress and its sweeping view of the city and surrounding mountains. You can also enjoy exploring the town's Baroque churches, playful fountains, and colorful markets. Rent a bike for an easy ride and picnic along the Salzach River, try your hand at "Do-Re-Mi" by joining a Sound of Music bus tour, or take an excursion out to nearby Berchtesgaden to see Hitler's infamous Eagle's Nest retreat (r).
No bus. Sleep in Salzburg.
Day 3: Dolomites Drive to Italy
We'll spend this morning enjoying breathtaking views as we drive into Italy, where the forested Austrian Alps give way to the chiseled 10,000-foot peaks of the Italian Dolomites. After a mid-day stop for lunch, we'll reach our cozy mountain retreat nestled at the foot of Europe's largest (and arguably most beautiful) alpine meadow, the Alpe di Siusi. Dotted with farms and crowned by towering granite cliffs, this high-altitude plateau offers hundreds of miles of trails with an array of challenging hikes and easy walks to suit everyone's pace. Grab an evening aperitivo and toast to nature's splendor as the setting sun paints the mountains pink.
Bus: 5 hours. Sleep near the Alpe di Siusi area.
Day 4: All Day in the Alpe di Siusi
Today your options are as wide-ranging as the surrounding mountains. Chairlifts abound, providing springboards for the day's adventures. Take a leisurely stroll through rolling green pastures and befriend a free-roaming cow or two, and duck into a hut café to rub elbows with locals and sample traditionally prepared South Tirolean treats. For those with more energy, ridge trails get the heart pumping and provide unforgettable vistas with every step. Feeling a little more cosmopolitan? At Bolzano, the gateway to the region, cobbled lanes pave the way to a colorful street market and the impressive South Tirol Museum of Archaeology, home to 5,300-year-old Ötzi the Iceman.
No bus. Sleep near the Alpe di Siusi area.
Day 5: To the Zugspitze and Bavaria
This morning we'll head northwest into Austria's Tirol country. On the way, you'll have some free time (weather permitting) to ride a gondola lift to Germany's highest point, the 9,700-foot Zugspitze. At the top, you'll stand with one foot in Germany and the other in Austria, enjoying vistas of each. Then we're off to the charming riverside village of Füssen in beautiful Bavaria. Follow Rick's walking tour around the old town, or maybe take an afternoon bike ride across the Lech River to mountain-ringed meadows. This evening is perfect for sitting in an outdoor beer garden and hoisting a liter-size mug with new friends. Prost!
Bus: 4 hours. Sleep in or near Füssen
Day 6: Bikes, Hikes and Castles
King Ludwig's fairy-tale Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles (r) are less than an hour's walk or quick bus, bike, or taxi ride, away. The Bavarian countryside is laced with wonderful bike paths, so you might rent a bike and ride to the nearby castles in Schwangau, to Tegelberg for a luge ride (or cable-car ride up to hiking trails), or over the border into Austria to explore the Ehrenberg Castle ruins in nearby Reutte. Be sure to break for coffee (or a cold eiscafe) with cake at a café along the way.
No bus. Sleep in or near Füssen.
Day 7: On to the Best of Switzerland
Today we'll drive across Bavaria and climb high into the heart of the Swiss Alps. By dinner time we'll be in the Berner Oberland's magnificent Lauterbrunnen Valley, flanked by vertical, waterfall-laced cliffs and crowned by a trio of Switzerland's most formidable alps: the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. After settling into our creaky old chalet, you'll find hearty dinner options and spectacular views just a short walk away.
Bus: 6 hours. Sleep in the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Day 8: All Day to Explore the Swiss Alps
This morning you'll wake up in one of the most beautiful spots on Earth. Take off on a mountain excursion that combines the local cog railway, a gondola lift up to Männlichen, and a spectacular alpine walk above the tree line, surrounded by a vista of snow-white peaks. You can also book a seat on the Jungfraujoch train, which leads to Europe's best glacier panorama. You'll have one more full day in this alpine paradise, so there's plenty of time to stop and smell the wildflowers.
No bus. Sleep in the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Day 9: Another Day of Swiss Adventures
Today is all yours to explore the opposite side of the valley and beyond: Ride a gondola lift to the top of the 10,000-foot Schilthorn, take in the 360-degree panoramic view, and hike back down. For a more restful day, stroll the valley floor and visit thundering Trümmelbach Falls, a unique set of roaring waterfalls carved deep into the mountainside. Finish your Swiss adventures with the region's hot and hearty specialty, rösti.
No bus. Sleep in the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Day 10: To the French Alps
This morning we'll head west toward France and our final alpine destination: the resort town of Chamonix, site of the first Winter Olympics. Spend the afternoon soaking in the French Alps ambience at the foot of western Europe's highest peak (15,780 feet), the mighty Mont Blanc. Consider taking the gondola lift to Le Brévent for a spectacular view, and ending your day enjoying a traditional dinner of raclette or fondue.
Bus: 4 hours. Sleep in Chamonix.
Day 11: Aiguille du Midi Dreamin'
Today is your day to enjoy the wonders of the French Alps. You can choose between several great hiking trails with stunning views of Mont Blanc and a supporting cast of Alps that seem to stretch forever. For one of Europe's great alpine thrills (weather permitting), take Europe's longest vertical gondola ride up to the 12,600-foot Aiguille du Midi viewpoint. From there, mini-gondolas take travelers over the snowfields and on to Italy (and back!). Or, if you prefer, simply find a café table with a view in Chamonix, and take the day off in après-ski style.
No bus. Sleep in Chamonix.
Day 12: Tour Over After Breakfast
From Chamonix, you can book a convenient two-hour shuttle bus ride to Geneva's airport. Your tour manager will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Au revoir!