Alpine Europe - Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Italy
Program Dates: Session 1: June 19 - 30, 2025
Book by December 1st and SAVE $300 with discount code: BLACKFRIDAY
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Board your overnight flight bound for Frankfurt, Germany
Day 2 - Heidelberg
Arrive in Frankfurt, meet your Travel Director and transfer to Heidelberg, Germany. Start exploring on an orientation walk around one of Germany’s more iconic university town. Later, check into your hotel and get ready to attend your welcome dinner!
Day 3 - Heidelberg
This morning enjoy a visit to the centuries-old Heidelberg Castle, which towers over the town. You will see the castle's courtyard, the German Pharmacy Museum, the 50,000-gallon wine barrel and the gardens which were once considered the Eighth Wonder of the World. In the afternoon hike on the banks of the Neckar River along the “Philosopher’s Walk” and take in the incredible views of the town and castle.
Day 4 - Lucerne
Depart Germany and head to Colmar, France, the town that is said to be the inspiration for the setting of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Colmar is renowned for its well-preserved medival, colorful half-timbered houses, and charming cobblestone streets. Take a walking tour of the town, and spend some free time shopping at Marché Couvert! Later, this afternoon, continue on to Lucerne, Switzerland.
Day 5 - Lucerne
This morning, travel by cable car and on the world’s steepest cog railway up to the 7,000-foot-tall Mount Pilatus. From the top, on a clear day you can see up to 73 mountain peaks in the surrounding Alps. You’ll have the opportunity to take part in a real alpine adventure, where you will climb, balance, and ride zip lines through the woods, and ride Fräkigaudi, the longest Alpine toboggan run in Switzerland! Later this afternoon, take a walking tour of old town Lucerne, visit the Lion Monument and Kapellbrucke, two of Lucerne’s most iconic landmarks, and take some time to shop the local markets and shops.
Day 6 - Munich
Depart Switzerland and travel to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. This afternoon, take a guide bike tour through lively Marienplatz and the Schwabing student district, then visit the Hofbräuhaus beer hall and see Hitler's former headquarters, then head to the scenic English Garden, and check out the local’s who go surfing in the river.
Day 7 - Munich
This morning, learn the sobering history of World War II on a visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp and Memorial Site. Opened in 1933, the camp was intended for political prisoners and became the model for all later camps. Later, this afternoon return to Munich, and visit Viktualienmarkt, the city's largest and most famous outdoor marketplace.
Day 8 - Salzburg
After breakfast, continue to Salzburg, Austria. Take a walking tour of the old city, including the Mirabell gardens, the Getreidegasse and Mozart’s birthplace, University Square, and the Old Market. You will also visit Residence Square and Fountain, the Cathedral, the Cemetery of St. Peter and Kapitel Square at the foot of the Fortress Hohensalzburg. This afternoon, learn how to make traditional apple strudel during an interactive cooking class!
Day 9 - Verona
This morning travel from Austria to Italy. Along the way, stop in Innsbruck, the host city of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympic Games. Take a walking tour of the old city, and have lunch in this beautiful alpine city. Later, continue to Verona, a charming city in northern Italy’s Veneto region, and home of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet!
Day 10 - Verona
Take a walking tour of Verona, visit the Arena de Verona, a Roman amphitheater that dates back to the 1st century, and is considered one of the best preserved ancient amphitheaters in the world. Continue on to visit Verona Cathedral, Castelvecchio, Juliet’s House, and later wander through Piazza delle Erbe, Verona’s lively market square!
Day 11 - Milan
This morning, depart for Milan, the capital of northern Italy’s Lombardy region. Take a walking tour of this iconic city, and learn about it’s history, culture and modernity. Visit the Milan Cathedral, known for it’s stunning Gothic architecture, and panoramic views from it’s rooftop (be prepared for the climb up!), then visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls and one of Milan’s most famous attractions. Tonight, join your group’s farewell dinner!
Day 12 - Departure Day
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
What’s Included:
Roundtrip Airfare
Accommodations
Teacher Leaders
Full Time Local Program Director
Transportation to Included Activities
Breakfast and Dinner Daily
All Attractions and Activities
Guided Sightseeing by Local Expert Guides
All Tips and Gratuities
24-Hour Support
All Taxes and Fees
Global Citizen Certificate
Pre-Travel Preparation Meetings and Seminars