Exploring the Alpine Countries April 16, 2009 to April 28, 2009 Explore three of Europe's most picturesque countries: Austria, Germany (Bavaria) and Switzerland. Austria's stunning vistas, Alpine splendor, sophisticated shopping, classical culture and culinary adventure makes it ideally suited for every style and taste. Day One Half timber houses, vineyards, yodelers and the world's finest classical music await you. You'll explore Europe's most picturesque countries: Austria, Germany (Bavaria), and Switzerland following your overnight flight. Day Two Your tour begins in Vienna. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a special welcome dinner at the historic Altes Presshaus Restaurant, located in the quaint wine making village of Grinzing. Dinner is included today. Day Three You'll get to know Vienna this morning during a special tour that showcases its architectural marvels. You will visit the incredible Schoenbrunn Palace and see impressive St. Stephan's Cathedral. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore - stroll the streets or even visit a museum. Breakfast is included today. Day Four LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Enjoy a lovely cruise along the Danube, one of the most picturesque waterways in Europe. Later, visit the Benedictine Melk Abbey before continuing to the “City of Music,” Salzburg. Tonight, enjoy a Mozart Dinner Concert at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant. Breakfast and Dinner are included today. Day Five Discover the splendor of Salzburg with a leisurely-paced walking tour of the Old Town. Some of the amazing sights you will see include the Cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace and Mirabell Gardens. Breakfast is included today. Day Six Today you travel to Germany. In Munich, you’ll feel the energy of this lively and fascinating city during a tour that highlights Olympic Park, the world-famous Glockenspiel, and Marienplatz, a beautiful square surrounded by shops, restaurants and cafes. Later in the day you’ll arrive at your home for the next two nights - the quaint village of Oberammergau, renowned for wood carvings and the Passion Play. Breakfast and Dinner are included today. Day Seven Today you’ll enjoy the scenery of the spectacular Bavarian Alps en route to enchanting Innsbruck. You’ll walk through the charming pedestrian streets and see landmarks such as The Golden Roof with your local guide. You may find it easy to understand why this city, during the 14th century, was the center of European culture and politics as you wind through the narrow cobblestone streets. Breakfast and Dinner are included today. Day Eight Today fairy tales come to life with a picture stop at Bavaria’s most famous castle, Neuschwanstein. Next, you are off to Titisee, located in the heart of the stunning Black Forest. Don’t forget to shop for authentic cuckoo clocks, Hummels and wood carvings! Breakfast and Dinner are included today. Day Nine Welcome to Switzerland! During your first stop you will take a panoramic tour of Bern where Albert Einstein worked out the details of his theory of relativity. Later, visit one of the most photographed castles in the world, the Chateau de Chillon, located on serene Lake Geneva. Your day ends in the relaxing village of Zermatt in the Swiss Alps. Take a stroll and breathe in the fresh Alpine air. Breakfast and Dinner are included today. Day Ten After an orientation tour of this mountain resort village, the remainder of your day is at leisure. Get an up-close look at the famed Matterhorn or just relax at your hotel. Breakfast and Dinner are included today. Day Eleven Views of glaciers, crystal clear rivers and snow-capped mountains will invigorate you as you travel through the spectacular scenery of the Grimsel Pass. Your final destination is the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake,” the city of Lucerne. Breakfast is included today. Day Twelve This morning, embark on a scenic walking tour of this picturesque town, including a stroll through the romantic old town. This afternoon enjoy a relaxing cruise on beautiful Lake Lucerne. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner, toasting the end of an incredible tour. Breakfast and Dinner is included today. Day Thirteen Your tour ends today in Lucerne. Breakfast is included today. TOUR INCLUDES: 19 Meals (11 Breakfasts, 8 Dinners); Roundtrip Air from Bismarck, ND; Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges; Hotel Transfers; Optional Air available from Fargo, ND for an additional $50.

Italy's Treasures: Art, Food & Wind of Italy April 17, 2009 to April 28, 2009 Travel with just 24 passengers on this Explorations tour where a smaller group setting means a more personalized vacation. Day One From the majestic Italian lake region and the relaxed ambiance of the Riviera, to the rolling Tuscan hills and the romantic canals of Venice, experience the richness of Italian art, culture, food and fine wine. Day Two Your tour begins in Stresa, on the shore of Largo Maggiore. Tonight you are transported by boat to your welcome dinner on Isola Bella, the largest of the Borromean Island - a wonderful opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers. Dinner is included today. Day Three This morning, travel on the breathtaking Centovalli Express Train. This train offers you an unforgettable journey across one of the most wild and scenic areas in the region as you travel along the shores of the lake and cross the border into Switzerland to visit the town of Locarno. This lovely old town has a glorious location...it is nestled on a sweeping curve of the bay and is known for having the most sunshine of anywhere in Switzerland! Explore the piazzas of the town center with flower lined alleys, cobblestone streets, lakeside promenades and historic buildings boasting Renaissance facades. Return to Stresa, where the evening is at leisure to experience the best of this picturesque region. Stroll the shores of the lake, sample one of the region's fine restaurants, or perhaps just sit back in a cafe, sip an espresso and enjoy La Dolce Vita. Breakfast is included today. Day Four Today your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the Italian language you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Next, depart Italy's lake region for one of the most picturesque spots of the Ligurian coast, Santa Margherita Ligure. En route, stop at Lake Orta, one of Italy's hidden treasures. Upon arrival you will take a boat ride to Isola de San Giulio, where you will visit the church, walk the grounds of this gorgeous and still working convent, and enjoy a typical Italian lunch along the shores of the lake. Take time to experience this enchanting seaside resort with its many outdoor cafes and shops before continuing on to the Italian Riviera. Breakfast and Lunch are included today. Day Five This morning join us on a scenic boat ride to the glamorous town of Portofino. Known as a getaway for the wealthy, the town's colorful harbor has fishing boats dotted amongst mega yachts against a backdrop of Cypress trees and pastel-colored buildings. Next, continue your travels to the lovely Cinque Terre. Board a train for a spectacular journey through the villages of Cinque Terre. This rugged coastal area is an Italian treasure with terraced vineyards and a nearly inaccessible string of fishing villages tucked between the mountains and the azure beauty of the Mediterranean. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring these magical villages at leisure. Breakfast is included today. Day Six Begin your journey with a drive to the city of Lucca. Encircled by 16th century Renaissance walls originally built to defend the town, Lucca's charming piazza is nestled in the center. Enjoy a walking tour with a local expert and visit the 14th century Cathedral of San Martino, Lucca's medieval streets, Piazza S. Michele in Foro and Piazza Napoleone. Continue to the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa, where you explore the Piazza Dei Miracoli, most famous for the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Your day ends in the Etruscan town of Cortona, steeped in the uniquely beautiful Tuscan countryside, where you will enjoy a relaxing four-night stay. Breakfast and Dinner are included today. Day Seven Spend time exploring Florence, the cradle of Italy's Renissance. To begin, your Tuscan cooking lesson awaits! Start your morning with a walk through the local market and learn about some of the fresh ingredients used in Tuscn recipes. Next, meet the chef at one of Florence's restaurants for a lesson on Tuscan cooking. Afterwards, enjoy the delicious lunch you have created, expertly paired with wine from the area. Following lunch, a walking tour highlights many of the city's treasures, including the Academia and the Statue of the David, the Piazza del Duomo, center of religious life in medieval Florence, and the Piazza della Signoria with its many sculptures. Continue with a visit to the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. Breakfast and Lunch are included today. Day Eight Today, travel to the rose-hued medievel city of Siena. Join a local expert for a walking tour through narrow Gothic streets and visit the dramatic cathedral. You will next arrive at the hilltop town of Gimignano, punctuated by tall medieval towers, affording spectacular views of the Tuscan hills below. Breakfast and Dinner are included today. Day Nine Today you will visit a winery in the heart of Tuscany. Upon arrival, enjoy a walk on a nice Chianti road deep in the countryside, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards on the way to the historical oil mill. Visit the wine cellar and learn how they produce their wines before beginning your wine tasting. End your experience with a delicious typical Tuscan lunch. Upon your return to the Villa this afternoon, you are at leisure to relax or perhaps enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Villa's beautiful park or partake in one of their spa services. Breakfast and Lunch are included today. Day Ten En route to Venice, stop in Bologna, rich in history and culinary tradition and surrounded by hills. The center of this city is virtually untouched since the Renaissance. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic center, including its historic buildings and specialty food shops, where you may have the opportunity to sample some of their wares. Continue your travels toward the truly unique city of Venice, built on 117 islands with 150 canals and 400 bridges. Breakfast is included today. Day Eleven This morning enjoy a boat trip (weather permitting) to Murano Island for a fascinating glass-blowing demonstration. Return to charming St. Mark's Square, the hub of Venetian city life. A local expert will take you on a walking tour feturing the Clock Tower with its famous Moors, St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the legendary Bridge of Sighs. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a ferewell dinner celebrating the end of a marvelous trip to Italy. Breakfast and Dinner are included today. Day Twelve Depart for Home. Breakfast is included today. TOUR INCLUDES: 17 Meals (10 Buffet Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners); Roundtrip airfare from Bismarck, ND; Airline/Fuel Surcharges; Transfers; Taxes; Professional Tour Manager.

Overammergau Passion Play 2010 May 25, 2010 to June 3, 2010 Explore the wonder of old world castles and carillons, three of Europe's most spellbinding cities and a seat at this decade's only performance of Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany. Come follow in the footsteps of this centuries-old tradition! Day One Depart from the United States Day Two Arrive in Munich, Germany with included group transfers to your hotel An included afternoon city tour of Munich Two nights in Munich Day Three Breakfast at your hotel Enjoy an included full day Bavarian Castles excursion with a visit to the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein Welcome dinner in Munich Day Four Breakfast at your hotel Drive from Munich to Oberammergau Lunch and dinner in Oberammergau Attend a performance of the famous 41st Passion Play Overnight in Oberammergau Day Five Breakfast at your hotel Morning at leisure in Oberammergau Scenic drive from Oberammergau to Salzburg, Austria Three nights in Salzburg Day Six Breakfast at your hotel An included morning excursion of Mozart's Salzburg Afternoon at leisure or participane in an optional Sound of Music excursion Day Seven Breakfast at your hotel An included full day scenic excursion including lunch to Berchtesganden with a cruise on Lake Konigssee Day Eight Breakfast at your hotel Full day scenic transfer from Salzburg to Bienna via Melk and with a visit to the famous Benedictine Abby Two nights in Vienna Day Nine Breakfast at your hotel An included morning city tour of Vienna Afternoon at leisure or participate in an optional excursion to Schonbrunn Palace and the Vienna Woods Farewell dinner Day Ten Breakfast at your hotel Group transfer to Vienna Airport for flights home TOUR INCLUDES: 13 Meals (3 Dinners, 2 Lunches, and 8 Breakfasts); Roundtrip airport transfers; Services of a professional Tour Manager; $50 in Mayflower Money

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