Compare Hiking the Hillsides: Switzerland & Austria With Your Grandchild by Road Scholar vs Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland & Austria - Small Group, 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland & Austria - Small Group, 2022 Small Group
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Insight Vacations
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 3,899 | $ 4,975 |
| Price Per Day | $ 390 | $ 452 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Description | Explore an ancient castle, ride a historic train and witness some of Europe’s most spectacular views as you and your grandchild walk and discover the alpine wonders of Switzerland. | From the famed beer taverns of Munich to the Disney-inspiring turrets of Neuschwanstein Castle among the Alps, this 11-day tour will delight and awe. In Switzerland, a funicular transports you from the scenic shores of Lake Lucerne to a mountaintop Stanserhorn Dinner, at the roof of Europe. Enjoy a delicious meal at 6,000 feet, with stunning views from the Drehrestaurant Rondorama, which slowly rotates to ensure you don’t miss a thing. In Austria, explore Vienna with a unique Insight Choice to tour the many treasures contained within the Schönbrunn Palace, or a stroll through the immense grounds and gardens—with unique insights from a Local Expert. A journey aboard the Glacier Express offers vistas of ice capped mountains, dramatic valleys and frozen waterfalls. |
Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
Day 2
Arrivals in Switzerland
Location: Pontresina Meal: D Hotel: Sporthotel Pontresina
Activity note: Hotel check in is at 3:00 PM.
Afternoon: Meet your group by 12:00 PM, at the Zurich Airport, for the group transfer to Pontresina (approx. 2.5 hours). Pontresina enjoys a sunny, sheltered location at the entrance to the Val Bernina (Berninatal) on a southwest facing terrace just 7 miles from St. Moritz. The charm of this medium-sized resort lies in the architectural blend of fine old Engadine houses with their typical “sgraffito” (decorated walls) from the 17th and 18th centuries and the elegant hotels in Belle Époque style. Before dinner, attend a welcome orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel. Water is included in the program cost at all meals. Unless otherwise noted dinners on this program are typically a three course set menu.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 3
Alpine Cheese Dairy, Diavolezza
Location: Pontresina Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Sporthotel Pontresina
Activity note: Approximately 2 miles of walking, for 1.5 hours, on mountain trails.
Breakfast: On this program, breakfasts will offer a typical European style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.
Morning: On the Alp Nuova, high above Pontresina, cheese is once again being made by hand according to traditional methods. Sixty years ago, the last cheese wheel left the dairy on the Alp Nuova in Morteratsch; the dairy was shut down, and a small enterprise with a big history fell silent. However, the traditional craft of cheese making has recently been revived. With extensive historical knowledge and even more passion, cheesemaker Peter enjoys teaching how to make cheese--and everyone is encouraged to try their hand at making cheese themselves.Taste some typical Swiss cheese! Then take a short train ride by famous Bernina Express and by cable car up to Diavolezza.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Diavolezza is the best vantage point for viewing one of the most beautiful panoramas in the Alps. It offers stunning views of the Pers and Morteratsch Glaciers, Piz Palü, Piz Bellavista and Piz Bernina - the last of which is, at 13,284 feet, the highest mountain in the Eastern Alps. Learn more about the glaciers of the surrounding area from your Group Leader. Afterwards, return by cable car and train back to the hotel for some free time.
Dinner: At the hotel.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 4
Muottas Muragl
Location: Pontresina Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Sporthotel Pontresina
Activity note: Approximately 4 miles of walking, for 3 hours, on mountain trails.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: A funicular railway takes you up to the peak of Muottas Muragl (8045 feet). The trail leads down to Alp Langard (7642 feet) and offers spectacular views. Learn about alpine farming during a field lecture.
Lunch: Picnic on the trail.
Afternoon: From the Alp Luangard, we take the chairlift down to Pontresina and return to the hotel. Enjoy some free time in Pontresina and relax.
Dinner: At the hotel.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 5
St. Moritz, Piz Nair and High Ropes Park
Location: Pontresina Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Sporthotel Pontresina
Activity note: Approximately 4 miles of walking, for 3 hours, on mountain trails.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: After a short ride by public bus, arrive in St. Moritz. By funicular and gondela, travel up to Piz Nair, a summit overlooking St. Moritz. Enjoy the spectacular view. Return by gondela and funicular to Chantarella. From here, hike to the Heidi hut and take take in a field lecture on the Heidi lodge.
Lunch: Picnic en route.
Afternoon: We continue our hike down to St. Moritz. This is one of the most famous holiday villages in the world and was the first place in Switzerland which offered winter holidays. St. Moritz has already hosted the Olympic winter games twice. Today besides the mountains, hiking, and skiing, St. Moritz is well known for international events such as the white turf races or world championship in skiing and also for its exclusively shopping and accommodation possibilities. Enjoy a visit of St. Moritz. By train we travel back to Pontresina to test our skills on the high-rope park. Various levels of difficulty ensure challenges for everyone. The facility is suitable for children of 4 years of age and over, adults, families, and other groups – in short, for everyone who takes pleasure in the joy of exercise
Dinner: At the hotel.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 6
The Story of Heidi, Transfer to Scoul
Location: Scuol Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Hotel Bellaval
Activity note: Approximately 5 miles of walking, for 2.5 hour, on mountain trails.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: Your luggage will be transferred to the next hotel in Scuol. Travel to Celerina and explore the barefoot trail in the Staz forest. The undergrowth alternates between water, meadow, and forest path. Every family member will appreciate and benefit from the tactile sensation resulting from hiking barefoot.
Lunch: At a food truck next to the lake.
Afternoon: If the weather is good you can jump into the lake. Then continue walking to Punt Muragl. By train travel to Scuol. Around the innovative holiday and spa resort of Scuol – where mineral water bubbles from the village fountain – stretches an unspoiled landscape of national-park quality. The authentic Engadine holiday villages have managed to retain their traditional identity and are proud to show guests their rich Romansh culture. The valley may lie at the end of the railway line and far from day-tripper traffic, but it has also frequently been a pioneer of new ideas.
Dinner: At the hotel.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 7
Schellen Ursli Path
Location: Scuol Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Hotel Bellaval
Activity note: Approximately 3 miles of walking, for 1.5 hours, on mountain trails.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: An adventure for people of all ages, the Schellen Ursli Path (Via Uorsin) starts at Guarda, the home of Schellen Ursli, and tells the story of the boy while also teaching you about the local flora and fauna. Along the way, several signposts tell the story of the Engadine boy with the cowbell. Take in a field lecture on the Schellen Ursli Path.
Lunch: Picnic at the lake.
Afternoon: Enjoy some free time. One option is to visit the aquatic center and swimming pool landscape (for a fee).
Dinner: At the hotel.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 8
Castle Tarasp, Organic Farm, and Trotti-Bike Fun
Location: Scuol Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Hotel Bellaval
Activity note: Approximate walking time: 2 miles for 1 hour on a paved road and at the farm and castle.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: Visit the Castle Tarasp. This landmark of the lower Engadine is a picture book castle built in the 11th century on a 300 foot high rock that dominates the landscape. Then visit an organic farm and experience and learn how people nowadays live on a Swiss farm.
Lunch: Picnic on the trail.
Afternoon: Ride the gondola up Motta Mountain (6724 feet) and embark on a biking adventure. Each participant will have a Trottinet, a bike specially designed for riding on natural dirt paths. No special knowledge is required for riding a Trottinet. After a small walk, experience the wonderful downhill ride to Scuol via a well-marked trail that leads past Prui and through Ftan.
Dinner: At the hotel.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 9
Innsbruck
Location: Innsbruck Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Hotel Sailer
Activity note: Approximate walking time: 3 hours of city walking.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: Transfer via private coach to Innsbruck. Explore the ski jump tower of Innsbruck. From the stylish restaurant, there are uninterrupted panoramic views of the lofty surrounding peaks of Patscherkofel, Nordkette, Hohe Munde, and Serles. Afterwards, explore the heart of the city on a walking excursion. See the famous Golden Roof, the recently renovated Imperial Palace, the newly remodeled Museum of Tyrolean Folk Art, and enjoy a stroll through the “Hofgarten” park. Learn about all of these places during a field lecture.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Check in to the hotel and enjoy from free time.
Dinner: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 10
Departures
Location: In Flight Meal: B
Breakfast: At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning: Transfer to the airport for departures. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures.
Day 1: Welcome to Fun-Loving Munich
Transfers to your hotel leave Munich airport at 10:00 and 13:00. Join your Travel Director at 15:30 for an orientation tour of the city. See the Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the English Garden, the Hofbräuhaus, St. Peter's Church and the famous Marienplatz. Join your fellow guests for a drink and enjoy a pleasant Welcome Dinner at Donisl restaurant.
Day 2: Jewels of the Bavarian Alps
Embark on an exciting visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, bristling with turrets and pinnacles and built as a retreat for the wildly eccentric King Ludwig II. See the extravagantly decorated apartments, including the Throne Room and Lohengrin Grotto. On your return to Munich, the rest of the day is free for you to explore Bavaria's capital city. Perhaps visit one of its many art galleries and museums, or relax and enjoy a coffee in the delightful Marienplatz?
Day 3: The City of Mozart and on to Vienna
Continue across the Austrian border to Salzburg, 'alive with the sound of music'. Join your Local Expert, who will show you the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace, Residenzplatz, the city's imposing fortress, the immense cathedral in the Old Town and Mozart’s birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse.Visit Mozart's birthplace. Enjoy a pianoforte demonstration and examine letters, memorabilia, and musical instruments of the great composer. Continue to the Austrian capital of Vienna.
Day 4: Vienna and the Habsburgs
Explore Vienna with Insight Choice. Choose to join a private tour of Maria Theresa's magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and its formal gardens. Be transported to a time of opulence and extravagance, as you marvel at the intricacies of gilded Rococo frames, frescoed ceilings and crystal chandeliers. Alternatively, join an exclusive MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, take to the floor in a Viennese Waltz dance workshop and support the visually impaired community. Dancing in the dark, in a specially designed sensory studio, will be a unique experience for all your senses. Then see the city's many highlights, including St. Charles' Church, the Hofburg Palace, Parliament and State Opera House. This evening, enjoy a Dine-Around experience from your choice of specially selected restaurants.
Day 5: Sleepy Austrian Byways to Villach
Take a delightful drive through undiscovered Austria. Climb the dramatic Semmering Pass and stop in Kindberg with its colourful maypole. Continue south to the border to arrive in historic Villach.
Day 6: The Dolomites to Innsbruck
Journey through the High Tauern mountains and see the Dolomites in the distance as you travel to the charming Alpine city of Innsbruck, set in a valley of snow-capped mountain peaks. Your Travel Director provides an orientation of the city to see its 14th century houses of the Old Town, the impressive Imperial Palace and the delightful Golden Roof. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a delightful dinner and wine.
Day 7: Beautiful Innsbruck Relaxed Start
Awake to the beautiful alpine town of Innsbruck, set in a valley of snow-capped mountain peaks. The day is free for you to enjoy the historic town as you wish. Later, consider taking a trip into the Alpine Peaks around Innsbruck for staggering mountain vistas.
Day 8: The Engadine Valley and Chic St. Moritz Relaxed Start
Take in the stunning views of the beautiful Engadine Valley, as you enter Switzerland headed for the chic Alpine resort of St. Moritz. Enjoy St. Moritz's marvellous scenery, fresh air and perhaps visit its many luxury boutiques. Perhaps step aboard the Bernina Express to experience one of Europe's most outstanding train journeys?
Day 9: All aboard the Glacier Express and on to Lucerne
Embark on an iconic train journey onboard the Glacier Express, as you take in vistas of ice-capped mountains, stone-built villages and lush meadows. Ascend through the spiral tunnels of the Albula Pass and cross the Landwasser Viaduct before heading down through the Oberalp Valley to rejoin the coach at Andermatt. Continue north, following the staggering Schollenen Gorge through William Tell country, to lovely lakeside Lucerne, one of Europe’s most popular cities set on the banks of Lake Lucerne. Join your Travel Director to see the sorrowful sculpture of the dying lion, cut out of a limestone cliff to commemorate the Swiss Guards who died at the Battle of the Tuileries.
Day 10: Dinner at the ‘Roof of Europe’ in Stanserhorn Relaxed Start
Enjoy the morning at your leisure to explore the city's 14th century covered wooden bridges, painted gables, old walls and watchtowers of the medieval fortifications. Stroll across the Chapel Bridge to the Jesuit Church, or use your free time to shop. Later, head to the town of Stans where you'll embark on a scenic journey by funicular railway and cable car, to the summit of the stunning Stanserhorn. On a clear day, there are views as far as Alsace in France and the Black Forest in Germany.Here amid true Alpine majesty, your journey literally peaks with an unforgettable Celebration Dinner, hosted in Drehrestaurant Rondorama, located atop the mountain. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and admire the stunning panoramic views as the restaurant slowly rotates throughout the evening, ensuring you don't miss a thing.
Day 11: Leave Lucerne for Zürich
Your Alpine adventures end this morning, with a transfer to Zürich airport arriving at 08:00.
