Peaks of Europe:The Alps toThe Dolomites

Postcard-perfect vistas and storybook villages. Rolling hills and the crisp scent of fresh mountain air. There is nothing in this world quite like the Alps. You’re on your way to explore Europe’s iconic peaks and valleys on an invigorating journey through France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria and Italy.
Hotel Name: La Folie Douce Hotel

Say bonjour to Chamonix – the perennial ski-hub nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc. Take the afternoon to wander the pedestrian-friendly streets of this quaint town steeped in hundreds of years of history. Tonight, join with new friends and toast to the beginning of your alpine adventure.
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Chamonix

Journey to one of France’s most picturesque cities, Annecy – often called the “Venice of the Alps” due to its storybook charm. Join a local guide on a walking tour through an old medieval town featuring canals, crisscrossing bridges, and pastel colored houses. Take advantage of some free time to explore the town’s vibrant outdoor market. This afternoon, we return to Chamonix where the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Annecy

Today, decide how to explore the legendary Mont Blanc – the birthplace of mountaineering – because it’s your choice! Ascend the Aiguille du Midi by cable car to an elevation of over 12,600 feet (3,842 meters).* This is the closest you can get to the summit of Europe’s tallest peak -OR- relax aboard the Tramway du Mont Blanc rack-railway taking in its vintage charm and the impressive views from the Eagle’s Nest, located 7,782 feet above sea level (2,372 meters). This afternoon, enjoy a stroll through the woods in the bottom of the valley.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Golf Hotel Le Hauts de Gstaad

Visit Area: Mont Blanc

Bid Chamonix and France adieu and set out for Switzerland. During today’s Impact Moment, get to know the pups of Barryland, a local foundation that promotes and protects the heritage of the St. Bernard, the official dog of Switzerland. An afternoon train ride on the GoldenPass whisks you through the pastoral Swiss landscape en route to Gtsaad. Check in to your hotel before relaxing over dinner.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Sunstar Alpine Hotel

Admittance: Choice on Tour: Aiugille Du Midi Cable Car or Tramway du Mont Blanc
In Chamonix, you have the choice between 2 activities. Explore the legendary Mont Blanc – Europe's tallest peak and birthplace of mountaineering – your way. Your first choice is to ascend the Aiguille du Midi by cable car to an elevation of over 12,600 feet (3,842 meters).* This is the closest you can get to the summit of Europe’s tallest peak. Your second choice is to relax aboard the Tramway du Mont Blanc rack-railway, taking in its vintage charm and the impressive views from the Eagle’s Nest, located 7,782 feet above sea level (2,372 meters). Aiguille du Midi Cable Car Activity Level: 4 The Aiguille du Midi is the name of the cable car system, buildings and teraces that brings people to the base of Mont Blanc for 360° views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. After a 20-minute cable car ride, passengers will be at an elevation of 12,605 feet or 3842 meters! It may be summer at the base of the mountain but it is COLD up top. Temperatures reach a high of about 40°F in the summer, and only dip from there, so guests should be prepared with warm clothing - a lightweight thermal jacket, hat and gloves. There are buildings at the summit, so it is possible to escape the cold by going inside. Please note, we have other mountain experiences on this tour, so the jackets will come in handy throughout the trip. Guests choosing this option will return to Chamonix by cable car with the Tour Manager. Tramway du Mont Blanc Activity Level: 2 Travelers picking this choice have the possibility of still viewing the Mont Blanc without having to ascend the 12,600 feet (3,900 meters) to the Aiguille du Midi peak which is just below the summit. The tramway ride takes place in a vintage rack-railway and leads to the Nid d'Aigle viewpoint offering views over the Mont Blanc glacier. The Eagle’s Nest (Nid d'Aigle) is located 7,782 feet above sea level (2,372 meters).

Travel through the alpine meadows of the Bernese Oberland, an area renowned for its cheese production. Visit an artisanal creamery producing raclette cheese and taste the local produce during brunch on the farm. Continue on to Trümmelbach, a complex of waterfalls located inside a cavern in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. This afternoon, head on to Grindelwald, nestled at the base of legendary Mount Eiger. Settle in for a 2-night stay in this charming alpine village.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Admittance: GoldenPass Train

A short cogwheel train ride brings you to Jungfraujoch (UNESCO), known as the “Top of Europe.” Take your time to explore this eternal winter wonderland with impressive views of the imposing triple peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Wander the frosty halls of the Ice Palace to see works of icy art carved by local artists or stand next to the Swiss flag to capture your time above it all. Tonight is yours to do as you please.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Seelos Hotel NIKO

Visit Area: Gstaad
This world-famous ski resort in the canton of Bern is one of many “jet set” destinations in the Swiss Alps. There are about 140 miles/225 km of ski slopes here making it one of the largest resorts in Switzerland. The town is a shopping paradise, with all of the major labels such as Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Prada, and has been home to people like Julie Andrews, Roger Moore, Roman Polanski, Elizabeth Taylor and Prince Rainier and Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco. Gstaad was one of the locations for the movie “Return of the Pink Panther."

Before departing Switzerland, spend some time to learn for yourself why the lakeside city of Lucerne is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. Make your way through Liechtenstein, the only country to lie entirely within the Alps on your way to Austria. This evening is yours to relax and to get to know your home in Seefeld for the next 2 nights.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Jungfrau

This morning explore the idyllic town of Seefeld in a horse-drawn carriage, pausing to take in the unspoiled beauty of the Tyrolean mountains and forests. This afternoon cross into Germany on an optional tour of Oberammergau, the world-renowned home of the Passion Play. This Bavarian village of traditionally painted houses comes together every 10 years** to perform a marathon 10-hour folk theatre rendition of the Passion in thanksgiving for escaping the plague of 1633. After visiting the theatre site and town, indulge in homemade Tyrolean cuisine at a local restaurant before returning to Seefeld.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Hotel Post Bruneck

Visit Area: Lucerne
This city of 80,000 people is in north-central Switzerland in the canton of Lucerne and sits on the shores of Lake Lucerne. The town began with a Benedictine monastery in the 8th century and gained importance from its location on trade routes. The most famous sights in Lucerne are the wooden Kapellbrucke (Chapel Bridge) across the Reuss River, the Hofkirche (Church of St. Leodegar) and the Swiss Museum of Transport. The city celebrates Carnival every year beginning the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. Mt Pilatus, with the world’s steepest cog railway, is visible from Lucerne.

Take in the scenery of the spectacular Bavarian Alps en route to enchanting Innsbruck. Walk the charming streets, discover the historic old town, and take in landmarks such as the Golden Roof. Depart Austria for Italy to witness the unique jagged limestone peaks of the Dolomites. Arrive in Brunico, a historic town dating back to the 1200s, and your home for the next two nights.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Alpine Walks & Nature Experiences

Journey into the Dolomites (UNESCO) mountain range and discover natural beauty and local traditions. During a walk in the Val Badia valley, learn about the centuries old Ladin culture. Stop at a nearby maso – an alpine farm – for a taste of local Landin fare. After lunch, a cable car ride brings you to Rifugio Lagazuoi*** for a feast of stunning views of the Dolomites. The evening is yours to explore Brunico as you wish.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Hotel Name: Hotel Villa Condulmer, Mogliano Veneto

Visit Area: Innsbruck
This is the capital of the state of Tyrol in the Alps of western Austria. Innsbruck is famous as a winter sports center and was the site of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. It is beautifully situated in the valley of the Inn River, and its most famous sights are the Golden Roof (a structure made from 2,800 gilded copper tiles that was added in 1500 to a building to celebrate the marriage of Emperor Maximilian I), the beautifully preserved city center with buildings covered in traditional Christmas decorations in the season, and the surrounding mountains.

Discover the charm of Cortina, a ski town encircled by the scenic backdrop of sky-skimming Dolomite peaks. The rolling hills of Italy’s Prosecco region bring you to a local vineyard where you’ll taste the region’s sparkling specialty. This evening, explore the frescoed halls and grounds of your historic countryside villa before you gather for dinner and toast to new friends, fond memories, and unforgettable scenery.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Dolomites

Your alpine adventure comes to a close today.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Cortina