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  Switzerland & Austria Tour |   One Week in Italy

TOUR OF SWITZERLAND AND AUSTRIA - A Group Tour For Women

Consider adding the tours of Geneva (July 10 - 13, 2012) & Prague (July 21 - 24, 2012)

For Geneva and Prague itineraries, go to bottom of the page. These tours are available even if not doing the main tour.

Rates & Dates    •    Tour Overview    •    Includes    •    Itinerary    •    Information Request    •    Reservation Form

CLICK HERE FOR RATES & DATES » SWITZERLAND AND AUSTRIA TOUR July 13 - 21, 2012 A Women's Tour Limited to 14  Main Destinations:  Bern, Lucerne, Mount Pilatus, Salzburg, Vienna Highlights:  Old Town & Markets in Bern, Mount Pilatus, Mozart's Residence, Vienna's Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Apartments, The Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Treasury, Einstein House, Salzburg (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Shopping - markets, boutiques, antique shops, Viennesse Patries Optional Tour of Geneva before the main tour Main Destinations: Geneva, Montreux, Gruyères and Broc Highlights: Patek Philippe Museum, tour of Chateau Chillon, cheese & chocolate factory visits with tastings, excursion to medieval Gruyeres and its Castle Optional Tour of Prague after the main tour Highlights:  Old Town, Charles Bridge, Jewish Quarter & Its Old-New Synogogue and Jewish museum, Prazsky Hrad Castle, Mucha Museum. SWITZERLAND AND AUSTRIA TOUR Tour Overview: Join Well Arranged Travel's women only small group tour of Switzerland and Austria.  Our women's tours of Switzerland and Austria will take you to classical cities such as Vienna, Salzburg and Luzern. Tour with us and experience the highlights of the beautiful alpine country of Austria and Switzerland, enjoying breathtaking views through the lush green valleys and snow-capped Alps. You will learn about the history, arts and culture of the countries that gave birth to artistic genius like Paul Klee, and Ludwig Mozart while touring cities like Lucerne, Salzburg and Vienna, learning about the interesting and quirky lives of the Hapsburgs in the former. A women's tour to Switzerland and Austria also includes some free time to do as you please. Enjoy fabulous shopping opportunities in high-fashion boutiques, antique shops, open markets, and have plenty of time to relax and soak up the scenic views and charming cities like Lucerne.  Consider joining our optional pre-tour of Geneva and discover its 2000 year old history as you stroll the old town.  Geneva is home to international organizations, and charming squares and alleys that are fun to explore.  Charming neighborhoods and You may also end your adventure in the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague (Praha in Czech), one of the most beautiful and still unspoiled cities in Europe.  Arrival Airport:  Bern, Switzerland unless you are joining us in our pre-tour of Geneva.  Speak with us before making your travel arrangements. Departure Airport: Vienna or Prague if joining our post-tour extension VIEW Rates & Dates »     Scroll way down for the detailed itineraries of main tour, pre-tour option and post-tour option.

Main Tour Includes: Nine days' land tour covering the highlights of both Switzerland and Austria Beautiful & elegant accommodations in centrally located hotels Two dinners and two lunches Breakfast daily Services of your professional Tour Manager throughout the tour Guided tour of Bern Tour of Lucerne Excursion to Mount Pilatus Guided tours of Salzburg and Vienna Hohensalzburg Castle Tour of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna Tour of Vienna Opera House, Hofburg's Imperial Apartments and Hofburg's Treasury Transportation to all planned activities Entrance fees to all scheduled museums and sights Gratuity to all local guides Not Included: Gratuity to your tour manager Gratuity to hotel porters Airport transfers to Bern on arrival, if not joining the pre-tour of Geneva Airport transfer on departure days unless joining the post-tour of Prague. We will coordinate sharing transportation with other participants. Geneva Optional Pre-Tour Inclusions: NOTE: Available even if not doing the main tour of Switzerland and Austria. 4 days of touring Elegant accommodations at centrally located boutique hotel Welcome Dinner with wine Tour of the city of Geneva Excursion to Montreux & Chateau Chillon Excursion to Broc and Gruyeres Visit of Castle in Gruyeres Chocolate and Cheese Factory tours Chocolate and Cheese Tasting Entrance tickets to Patek Philippe Museum Transportation to all planned activities Services of your Tour Manager Gratuities to local tour guides Airport transfer from Geneva airport to hotel Not Included: Airport Transfer on departure day if not joining the next tour Gratuity to Tour Manager Gratuity to hotel porter, hotel chambermaid Prague Optional Post-Tour Inclusions: NOTE: Available even if not doing the main tour of Switzerland and Austria. 4 days of touring Accommodations at an exquisitely designed 5 Star luxury hotel in the historic center Train tickets from Salzburg to Prague Exquisite Dinner Guided tours of Prague Entrance tickets to sites we plan to visit as outlined in the itinerary Airport Transfers on Arrival & Departure days Gratuities to local tour guides Services of your Tour Manager Not Included: Gratuity to Tour Manager Gratuity to hotel porter, airport transfer drivers hotel chambermaid

INFORMATION REQUEST FORM ›        •        RESERVATION FORM ›

Switzerland & Austria Tour - Women Only

July 13 - 21, 2012

(B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

Touring:  Bern, Lucerne, Pilatus, Salzburg, Vienna

Highlights:  Old Town & Markets in Bern, Mount Pilatus, Mozart's Residence, Vienna's Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Apartments, Hofburg Treasury, Salzburg (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Hohensalzburg Fortress, Shopping - designer boutiques to antiques, Viennesse Coffe Houses & Pastries

Go to the bottom of this page for the Itineraries of the Optional Tours

ITINERARYOF MAIN TOUR
Note:  Activities or order of activities are subject to change due to unforeseen closures, schedule changes by museums, etc.  We reserve the right to replace an activity.
(B = Breakfast, L = Lunch,  D = Dinner)

Day 1 - Fri., July 13:

Arrival in Bern, Escorted City Tour, Overnight in Bern

NOTE:  Fly directly to Bern airport if you are not joining the optional tour in Geneva.  Speak with us before purchasing your airline tickets.

After checking into our contemporary-styled, four-star hotel, you will enjoy an escorted tour of historic Bern, whose medieval town center is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. We will sync our watches to the Zytglogge, an elaborate medieval clock tower with moving puppets, and perhaps stop in on Bern’s impressive 15th century Gothic cathedral, the Münster. From its meandering cobbled streets to its miles of covered shopping arcades, historic Bern is a treasure to explore. We will enjoy a welcome dinner together this evening. (D)

Day 2 - Sat., July 14:

Market Day, Einstein House, Overnight in Bern

We'll spend the morning at Bern's renowned outdoor markets, where you can feast your senses on everything from fruits, flowers, meats and cheeses to arts, crafts, and antiques.

Later we'll visit the famous Einstein Haus - small but of enormous historical significance. It was there that Nobel prize winner, Albert Einstein, developed his Theory of Relativity.  Free time later to explore on your own or with the other ladies in the group.  Your tour manager is also available for a meal or a stroll around town. You may visit one of the great museums in the city, such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the Paul Klee Museum.  (B, L)

Day 3 - Sun., July 15:

Day Trip to Lucerne & Mount Pilatus, Overnight in Bern

Today we will take a day trip to picturesque Lucerne (Luzern), with a thrilling trip up Mount Pilatus, which towers over the town. Situated on Lake Lucerne, the historic town is lushly set in the panoramic mountains. We will visit Lucerne’s main sights, to include the medieval Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe. Another key landmark we’ll visit is the Museggmauer (Musegg Wall), ancient ramparts whose nine towers helped keep intruders at bay. We will stroll the town, taking note of the historic homes adorned with frescoes lining the town squares and the many charming churches dotting the car-free old town.

In the afternoon, we will head for misty Mount Pilatus, nearly 7,000 feet tall. We'll take the gondola up to the 7,000-foot peak, taking in the spectacular panoramic view of the alpine ranges, the Black Forest, and Lake Lucerne. We’ll descend on the world’s steepest cog railway, a truly unforgettable ride. (B)

Day 4 - Mon., July 16:
Travel to Salzburg, Explore Salzburg, Overnight in Salzburg

We'll leave Bern early to travel by train to Salzburg, the beautiful and historic birthplace of Mozart and another UNESCO World Heritage site.  We'll arrive in the afternoon. After we check into our elegant hotel, we will take the tram up to the 12th-century Hohensalzburg Fortress that sits on a rock high above the city for a fantastic view and visit inside.

Day 5 - Tues., July 17:

Guided Tour of Salzburg, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mozart's Residence in Salzburg, Leisure Time in Salzburg, Overnight in Salzburg

This morning a local expert guide will lead us on a tour of Salzburg. The sights we may visit here include the Salzburg Museum, the early Baroque Salzburg Cathedral, and Hohensalzburg Fortress, the largest preserved fortress in central Europe. We will enjoy exploring this pedestrian-friendly city, traversing the Salzach River by one of its many footbridges. Group lunch is planned.

We will also visit a reconstruction of Mozart's home, the most informative Mozart site in the city. You'll get fascinating insight into the life and music of this prolific and revolutionary 17^th century composer.  The museum displays Mozart’s personal belongings, to include his clavichord and handwritten sheet music, as well as original furniture and other family artifacts. (B, L)

Day 6 - Wed., July 18:

Travel to Vienna, Viennese Coffee House, Afternoon Guided Tour of Vienna, Overnight in Vienna

Today we will travel to Vienna and arrive after lunch.  An afternoon stroll in the town center is planned after we check into our hotel.  Vienna, the capital of Austria, is one of the great cities known for classical music and opera.  Boasting 2,500-year history, Vienna became one of Europe's cultural capitals, home to famous composers, philosophers, architects and painters.

Vienna is famous for its coffeehouses, part of Viennese culture since the Turks invaded the town in 1683.  We'll head to one such café for a Sachertorte, a traditional chocolate cake topped with apricot jam, and Viennese-style coffee in the afternoon. ( B)

Day 7 - Thurs., July 19:

Vienna's Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Apartments & Hofburg Treasury, Overnight in Vienna

This morning we will tour the world-renowned Vienna Opera House, a 19th century Neo-Renaissance wonder. This famous stage offers a different program every day. We will also visit the Hapsburg Imperial Apartments (Kaiserappartements), which were home to the Hapsburg family ruling Austria for over a century. These decadent apartments are adorned with beautiful period tapestries and include original artifacts such as Franz Joseph’s iron bed. In addition to the luxurious apartments, the complex also houses three museums dedicated to porcelain, silver and the tragic Empress “Sisi.” Franz Joseph was slated to marry Sisi’s sister, but instead he fell in love with the 15-year-old Sisi at first glance. Sisi was obsessed with her physical appearance, spending hours a day exercising and caring for her heel-length hair. Sisi was tortured by many tragedies throughout her life, ended prematurely by an anarchist assassin who plunged a file in her heart. You’ll get to glimpse Sisi’s beauty recipes, her death mask and the actual file used in her assassination among hundreds of other artifacts here.

We’ll also visit the Hofburg's Treasury, home to some of the world's most stunning collections of jewels and royal regalia, from scepters, swords and crowns to orbs, robes, and gem-studded bangles. Featured treasures include the crown of Holy Roman Emperor; Charlemagne's saber; and an eight-foot-tall, 500-year-old “unicorn” horn thought to have magic powers. (B)

Day 8 - Fri., July 20:

The Hapsburgs' Schönbrunn Palace, Farewell Dinner, Overnight in Vienna

Today you will have a leisure day to enjoy and explore Vienna as you please.  You may visit the Hapsburgs’ magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, a massive complex including the palace itself, a giant park with fountains and statues, and the world’s oldest zoo. A tour of the palace will take you on a journey through the centuries, hearing about the history of Vienna and the lives of the rulers who lived in the palace.  You may also wish to visit the Kunsthistoriches Museum to view the Hapsburgs fantastic art collection. The building itself, a palace crowned with an octagonal dome, is a treasure to behold. You may also visit the Lipizzaner Riding School. Let us know ahead of time if you are interested in this.  Farewell Dinner is planned tonight. (B, D)

Day 9 - Sat., July 21:

Departure for Home or Travel to Prague

Prepare for your departure for the airport, located 12 miles from the city center, or continue onto Prague for our post-tour option.  See details below. (B)

Optional Tour: Geneva With Montreux, Gruyères and Broc

July 10 - 13, 2012

Touring: Geneva, Montreux, Gruyères and Broc

Highlights: Patek Philippe Museum, tour of Chateau Chillon, Gruyeres Town & Castle, Cheese & Chocolate Factory Tours & Tastings

Day 1 - Tues., July 10:

Arrival in Geneva, Patek Philippe Museum, Overnight in Geneva 

After checking into our four-star boutique hotel, our tour manager will lead our exploration of Geneva, the center of world peacemaking. Located on the banks of Lake Geneva and the foot of the Alps, Geneva is one of most beautiful cities in Europe. We'll also visit the Patek Philippe Museum which houses centuries of antique timepieces as well as the prestigious creations of Patek Philippe & Co., the Geneva-based firm of master watchmakers founded in 1839. Tonight our group will celebrate the start of our time in Switzerland over our welcome dinner. (D)

Day 2 - Wed., July 11:

Broc & Gruyères for Chocolates & Cheese, Overnight in Geneva

A visit to Switzerland is not complete without sampling its fine chocolate and cheese. Today, we will visit the charming medieval town of Gruyères.  A local guide will present this picturesque town and its castle.  We will also have a tour and cheese tasting at a local cheese factory, La Maison du Gruyère.  We’ll finish this delicious day with a trip to Broc to tour Maison Cailler, a Nestlé-owned chocolate factory where you will discover the secrets behind the making of this sweet treat. (B)

Day 3 - Thurs., July 12:

Morning Day Trip to Montreux & Chateau Chillon, Leisure Time in Geneva, Overnight in Geneva

Today, we will take the train from Geneva to Montreux (75 minutes).  Here, we’ll tour Chateau Chillon, a historic castle set against the breathtaking backdrop of Montreux’s vineyards, Lake Geneva’s shores and the snow-covered Alps. We'll have time to enjoy the city before we head back to Geneva.  Free time in Geneva for some self-exploration or shopping. Your tour manager is available, if you want company. (B)

Day 4 - July 13:

End of Geneva tour option. 

Those who are joining us for the Switzerland & Austria tour will travel with our tour manager to Bern where the tour begins. 

Optional Prague Tour

 July 21 - 24, 2012

Highlights: Historic Mala Strana, Old Town, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle (Prazsky Hrad) & Old Royal Palace, Mucha Museum, Jewish Quarter: Museum, Synagogues, Cemetery

Day 1 - Sat., July 21:

Afternoon Arrival in Prague, Orientation Tour of Prague, Overnight in Prague

You will travel by train from Vienna to Prague, where we will check into a beautiful five-star hotel with a great restaurant. Praha or Prague as we know it, is full of treasures. A local expert guide will show us around this fabulous city, which only gained its freedom from communist rule two decades ago. We’ll start in the Little Quarter (Mala Stana) with its fantastic Baroque palaces and gardens, and head towards the famous Charles Bridge, a medieval pedestrian bridge constantly abuzz with street vendors and musicians. (B)

Day 2 - Sun., July 22:

Old Town Square & New Town, Prague Castle (Prazsky Hrad) - Old Royal Palace (Stary Kralovsky), Basilica & Convent of St. George, Golden Lane, Overnight in Prague

This morning, our guide will continue to show us Prague's many treasures in Old Town and New Town.  Among the sites we will likely visit are the Old Town Square, dating from the 11th century, and the 14th-century Old Town Hall, famous for its astronomical clock. 

In the afternoon after lunch, our local expert guide will take us to the Castle Quarter. We will visit to Prazsky Hrad, said to be the world's biggest castle built in 9th century with a turbulent history. The castle’s buildings, which include Gothic St Vitus Cathedral, Romanesque Basilica of St. George, a monastery and several palaces, gardens and defense towers, represent virtually every architectural style of the last millennium. The castle now houses several museums, palaces and galleries including the National Gallery collection of Bohemian art and an exhibition documenting Czechoslovakia’s rich history.  We will visit the Old Royal Palace, once the seat of the Bohemian princes, and the Golden Lane, a street with old buildings which originally housed goldsmiths.  (B)

Day 3 - Mon., July 23:

Jewish Quater: Jewish Museum, Klaus Synagogue, Old-New Synagogue, Mucha Museum, Farewell Dinner, Overnight in Prague

Our final day together our local expert guide will conduct a morning tour to the Jewish Quarter and in the afternoon we'll pop into delightful Mucha museum.

The Jewish Quarter, wedged between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River, has a tumultuous history dating back to the 13th century, when Prague’s Jews were ordered to vacate their homes elsewhere to settle in this confined area. The quarter’s buildings, to include six synagogues, comprise the best preserved complex of Jewish historical monuments in Europe.  We'll visit the Jewish museum, Klaus synagogue and the Old-New synagogue.

In the afternoon, we'll pop into one of Europe's most important enjoyable museum, Mucha museum.  Alfons Mucha was a founding father of Art Nouveau movement. We'll enjoy the museum's displays of posters and photographs. 

You will have leisure time to explore on your own or do some shopping after our walking tours of these intriguing historic neighborhoods.  Farewell Dinner is planned tonight.  (B, D)

Day 4 - Tues., July 24:

Departure for Home

Prepare for your flight home.  (B)

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