| Starts | Milan, Italy |
|---|---|
| Ends | Munich, Germany |
| Region | Europe |
| Duration | 10 days |
| Tour Operator | Peregrine |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Milan & Finishing: Milan
Arrive in Milan at any time, you will be met by a Peregrine representative and transferred to your hotel. Meet your trip leader and your fellow companions at the welcome meeting. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner in one of the traditional restaurants near the hotel. After dinner, the rest of the evening is free for you to explore the town, or to rest up in preparation for tomorrow's early start.
Day 2 - Starting: Milan - Stresa (Lake Maggiore) & Finishing: Milan - Stresa (Lake Maggiore)
Discover Milan, Italy's second largest city, an interesting mix of glamour and industry. Take an orientation walk and see the main sights, including the Duomo (the Gothic cathedral in the centre of town). Later, board the train to Stresa for the first leg of your journey (approximately 1 hour). This small town is situated on the banks of beautiful Lake Maggiore. The three tiny Borromean Islands here, known for their terraced gardens and aristocratic villas, are well worth visiting. Perhaps reach one of them on an afternoon ferry stroll across Lake Maggiore. You'll catch your first views of the Alps in the background.
Day 3 - Starting: Stresa – Zermatt & Finishing: Stresa – Zermatt
Today you will take another train journey, reaching further in to the Alps. Arrive at the famous mountain resort of Zermatt. On the way, yet more scenic views of the Alps reveal themselves. Continue to Zermatt, a place famed for its mountaineering and excellent skiing. The views of the Swiss Alps are excellent from here. At over 1,600 metres above sea level, with the mighty Matterhorn looming above, you might feel you have reached the heart of the Alps. Enjoy the included picnic lunch and listen to the stories of various attempts at the summit; some tragic, some successful, but all fascinating and truly adventurous. Balance of the day is free for you to stroll around town.
Day 4 - Starting: Zermatt – Lucerne & Finishing: Zermatt – Lucerne
After a hearty breakfast at the foot of Matterhorn, it's time for a scenic train ride across the alps. The Glacier Express Train will take you from Zermatt through Andermatt to Chur (approximately 6 hours). This is a fascinating journey through scores of tunnels and bridges and over the Oberalp Pass (2,033 m). The train is a narrow-gauge train, known to be one of the slowest in the country. Sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery, which is only made better by the panoramic sightseeing windows on board. There will be lunch on the train – perhaps enjoy it with a glass of crisp Swiss white wine. On arrival to Chur, you will change trains and then continue to Lucerne, where the remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy.
Day 5 - Starting: Lucerne & Finishing: Lucerne
This morning is a leisurely one, as you take another epic train to the top of Mount Pilatus via the famous Golden Circle route. Firstly you will take a short boat ride on Lake Lucerne, then board the world’s steepest cog railway to the top of the mountain. On some sections of the trip you may be exposed to the sheer drops and high bridges. Those prone to vertigo might want to refrain from looking down. Luckily the scenery is as gorgeous as it is dramatic. Once at the top, you will have the chance to try yet another culinary delight of Switzerland. Enjoy panoramic views of the Alps before taking the aerial cableway and gondolas down to Kriens, from where you will take a short drive back to Lucerne. An orientation walk in Lucerne on arrival will give you some ideas for where to dine this evening, but before that, you will enjoy a classy, private chocolate making show. Mixing a passion for chocolate with a pantry full of natural ingredients, a team of chocolate-making magicians will demonstrates their skills exclusively to our group.
Day 6 - Starting: Lucerne - Zurich - Munich & Finishing: Lucerne - Zurich - Munich
Rise early this morning for another train trip. This time you will stop over in Zurich. An orientation walk around town will introduce you to some of its main sites. There will be plenty of time for you to have lunch in one of Zurich's great eateries (ask your leader for a recommendation). Carry on to Munich in the afternoon, arriving in the early evening to check into your hotel. The night is free for you to explore the Bavarian capital or simply relax.
Day 7 - Starting: Munich & Finishing: Munich
After breakfast, embark on an orientation walk around Munich. You'll learn a thing or two about the city's interesting medieval history. While here, you might enjoy visiting the Marianplatz, the Neues Rathaus (the New Town Hall), or perhaps the medieval city gates that still remain standing. Another must see is the Englischer Garten, one of the biggest urban parks in the world. In the afternoon, perhaps discover Munich’s culinary wonders, strolling around the streets and sampling some of the best foods. As this city is well known for world famous Oktoberfest, why not try one or two of the famous Bavarian lagers?
Day 8 - Starting: Munich - Neuschwanstein Castle & Finishing: Munich - Neuschwanstein Castle
Early this morning, take a short train trip to Schloss Neuschwanstein, a 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace situated on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau. This spectacular castle was built by the King Ludwig II, who was known to be very shy. It was built so he could hide from the public. In 1886, only seven weeks after the death of Ludwig II, the palace was opened to the public, and it continues to receive vast numbers of visitors each year. Learn about its history and soak up the atmosphere of the place. You'll spend most of the day here. There's the chance to enjoy a lunch in castle’s restaurant. If you fancy feeling like a King or a Queen, perhaps try the horse and carriage ride around the palace. You should arrive back in Munich well in time for dinner.
Day 9 - Starting: Munich & Finishing: Munich
Enjoy free time in Munich today. Perhaps see some of the sights you haven't got around to yet. A cycling tour is a great way to see the city from a different angle. Sports fans can take a tour of the historic stadium, Olympiapark. Alternatively, head to Alte Pinakothek, a museum which houses a world-class collection of Old European Masters. As it's your last night of the trip, you'll enjoy dinner with your travel companions to bid them farewell (your leader will advise of the exact time and location).
Day 10 - Starting: Munich & Finishing: Munich
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. There are no further activities planned and you are free to depart at any time.
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