Catholic Central Europe
Germany, Austria and Switzerland in 9 days
Day 1 Arrival Munich
Upon arrival at the Munich airport meet and greet your English-speaking tour manager. On your way to the hotel, enjoy a first look at the Bavarian capital on a panoramic sightseeing tour. In the evening indulge in a delicious Welcome Dinner at the Hofbräuhaus.
Day 2 Munich – Neuschwanstein Castle – Füssen
After a good night’s sleep, it is time to explore the city of Munich. Visit the historic center with all its wonderful sights, including the masterful Old City Hall, the 1,000-foot TV Tower, the old St. Peter’s Church, the culinary center Viktualienmarkt, and the two-towered Frauenkirche,
Munich’s landmark. A scenic drive through the Bavarian landscape takes you to the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle. This fairy tale castle, built by King Ludwig II., was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s famous “Sleeping Beauty” castle. After a short drive you arrive in Füssen, a picturesque little town by the Lerch river and the Forggen lake. Overnight in Füssen.
Day 3 Steingaden – Ettal
Today relax a bit in the former monastery town of Steingaden. Explore the UNESCO listed Wies church and the Welfen monastery with its tremendous art collection. Set in the beautiful landscape of lower Bavaria, with its dreamy greenery, towering mountains and sparkling lakes, Steingaden is the perfect place to rest and recreate. Through the outskirts of the Ettaler forest make your way to Ettal. This small community’s joy and pride is the stunning Benedictine monastery with its massive
cathedral dome. The huge complex houses not only the Benedictine monks, but also a brewery, a liqueur manufactory and a hotel. Overnight in Ettal.
Day 4 Innsbruck – Einsiedeln – Lucerne
A breathtaking drive through the Tyrolean Alps leads to Innsbruck. Take a refreshing walk through the slim medieval streets, marvel at the colorful houses and take a picture of the Golden Roof, a late-gothic emperor house in the old town. Crossing the border into Switzerland, visit the Benedictine Abbey Of Our Lady in Einsiedeln, famous for its “Black Madonna” and
fantastic baroque architecture. Overnight in Lucerne.
Day 5 Lucerne – Schaffhausen
On a walking tour relish in the beauty of Lucerne, cultural center of central Switzerland. Notice the fine details on the Lion’s Monument, dedicated to the Swiss Guard, who protected the Royal House of France during the French Revolution. Stroll across the beautiful Chapel bridge and enjoy the magnificent view of the patrician houses. The Jesuit church with its onion-domed towers was built during the rise of Evangelism and is one of the main reasons why Lucerne remained Catholic. The last stop for today is the medieval town of Schaffhausen, charmingly set in the Swiss wine country. Overnight in Schaffhausen.
Day 6 Schaffhausen – Black Forest – Eifel
Start the day with a visit to one of Europe’s biggest waterfalls, the Rhine Falls. A tremendous wonder of nature, breathtaking and magical. Crossing the border back into Germany venture into the Black Forest to participate in a wood carving demonstration. Maybe you even want to purchase one of the famous cuckoo clocks. As you drive through this thick evergreen forest into the Eifel area, keep careful watch. Maybe you’ll see some of the mystical creatures, that inspired the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales. Overnight in the Eifel area.
Day 7 Trier – Aachen – Cologne
Today visit one of the oldest cities north of the Alps, the charming Trier. Step through the historical Porta Nigra, a big Roman gate, to enter the city. Explore the High Cathedral of St. Peter and admire the unique Dreikönigenhaus. Through the green scenery of the Eifel make your way to Aachen, Germany’s westernmost city. Visit the Aachen cathedral, Northern Europe’s oldest cathedral, burial place of Charlemagne and former coronation sight of German kings and queens for 600 years.
Overnight in Cologne.
Day 8 Cologne – The Rhine Valley – Rüdesheim
In the heart of Cologne towers the world-famous cathedral, an UNESCO World Heritage site. The city’s water front is the perfect example of how new and old co-exist in this metropolis. A beautiful cruise on the river Rhine will take you past all the scenic sights of this lovely valley. After your arrival in Rüdesheim, enjoy a delightful wine-tasting in the capital of the Riesling wine. Overnight in Rüdesheim.
Day 9 Departure Frankfurt
The time has come to say farewell to Germany and all its beauty. We hope you will travel with us again soon and wish you a safe flight home!
Tour information
