Thu, Sep 9: Depart on an overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland.  

Fri, Sep 10: Arrive in Zurich in the morning and head for the Black Forest. Along the way stop in Freiburg, Germany, a former mining town that lies on the edge of the Eister and Ore Mountains. Visit the historic Cathedral with great organ and beautiful tall spire, market on the square with fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers for sale and enjoy lunch. Continue to Titisee, a popular summer retreat on the edge of the largest natural lake in the Black Forest. Check into your hotel for the next three nights and freshen up before a Welcome Dinner with the group. (Meals: Lunch, Dinner)

Sat, Sep 11: Depart after breakfast for a day of sightseeing in the region. First stop, the Guinness Book of World Records’ largest Cuckoo Clock—standing over 13 feet tall, before continuing to the storybook town of Triberg, where you’ll see Germany’s highest waterfalls! Walk along the falls into the adorable town center for free time and lunch on your own. Poke around in the unique shops for those one-of-a-kind Black Forest treasures. Later this afternoon, visit the childhood farmhouse of Othmar Grueninger, Michael’s father, for some fun history and local treats before returning to Titisee for an evening at leisure. (B,Snack)

Sun, Sep 12: Discover the art of cuckoo clock making at a local artisan’s shop this morning. These hand-carved works of art feature some of the most beautiful, intricate designs ever made and are considered a German icon! This afternoon, stop into an artisan bakery for a taste of Black Forest Cake and local Schnapps before a visit to Rothaus Brewery, where Michael’s great-great-grandfather was the singing Brewmeister for 50 years. It is now a large, modern operation where you’ll experience an informative tour with an English-speaking guide and sample the famous Tannenzaepfle beer with a pretzel or two! Cap off the day by enjoying dinner with the group. (B,D) 

Mon, Sep 13: After a leisurely breakfast, pack up and travel to the village of Grindelwald in the Bernese Alps, stopping in the popular town of Interlaken for lunch on your own. Check in for a three-night stay at quaint Hotel Kirchbuhl, a peaceful retreat, family-owned and operated for four generations! Have some time to explore before a group dinner at the hotel this evening. (B,D)

Tue, Sep 14: The full day in Grindelwald is yours! Choose to join Michael for a cable car excursion with stupendous views—complete with wine and cheese! Take the option to walk back down or return by gondola. Explore in town, shop, or kick back and relax taking in the beauty that surrounds you before dinner at the hotel this evening. (B,D)

Wed, Sep 15: Enjoy another day at leisure in this postcard perfect village or take the optional Jungfrau train, the highlight of every Swiss adventure beckons the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Depart on the Jungfrau cog railway in the morning and two hours later arrive at the highest altitude railway station at the “Top of Europe”, surrounded by glaciers and eternal snow. Ascend via elevator to the top of the weather station—and hope for sunshine to see the whole of Switzerland and even the Black Forest in the far distance. Dinner is included tonight. (B,D)

Thu, Sep 16: In the morning, drive through impressive alpine scenery enroute to the mountaineering and ski resort town of Zermatt. It’s an exciting climb from Visp up to Taesch, where the journey by motorcoach comes to an end, and the last seven miles to Zermatt are by train. The only cars or trucks allowed in town are ambulances and fire trucks; everyone else walks or is transferred via electric car to the hotel. Don’t forget to look up—you will never forget that view of the Matterhorn, one of the highest, and most deadly, peaks in the Alps. It is powerful, most likely covered with snow, and almost within reach. Stay three nights at the lovely Hotel Europe in Zermatt. (B,D)

Fri, Sep 17: Today is free for wandering, shopping, taking pictures, and relaxing after a morning guided tour. Be sure to visit the narrow, cobbled passages of Zermatt’s oldest street—Hinterdorfstrasse. Dating back to the 16th century, the traditional wooden chalets have been retained, offering a glimpse into what life in a Swiss mountain village would have been like hundreds of years ago. Sample the gluhwein (German mulled wine) and take in the dazzling scenery. Experience the national symbol and original wooden wind instrument that measures almost 10 feet long with a local Alphornist private performance. (B,D)

Sat, Sep 18: Today enjoy the picturesque village of Zermatt at leisure. Purchase an optional 3-day Mountain Peak Pass and take a mountain funicular to the Gornergrat, which brings you even closer to the “THE” mountain—the Matterhorn. You will be surrounded by 29 peaks that are higher than 11,000 feet. Hike down to the first rail station or choose to return by train. This evening, enjoy local musical entertainment with dinner. (B,D)

Sun, Sep 19: With the optional 3-day Mountain Peak Pass take one last trip up the Matterhorn before you depart Zermatt. Continue to lovely Lucerne, one of central Switzerland’s most charming medieval cities! Fall in love with its walled Old Town, easy to navigate on foot and connected to the modern side of the city by the Kapellbrucke (Chapel Bridge), its iconic 14th-century covered wooden bridge. On the interior ceiling of the bridge are paintings depicting the history of Lucerne and Catholicism in Switzerland. The famous Lion Monument (Lowendenkmal), the city’s most distinctive landmark, is a moving sight to behold, especially just after sunset. Lucerne is a pedestrian paradise, with easy walks along the lake to fill your afternoon and evening at leisure. (B,D)

Mon, Sep 20: After a relaxing breakfast, visit the famous sights of Lucerne with a local guide and enhance your insight into the history and culture of the area. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the prettiest city as you wish, maybe take a cruise on Lake Lucerne or ride a cable car up the mountain for a spectacular panoramic view. (B)

Tue, Sep 21: Following breakfast, depart for the famous castle of King Ludwig II of Bavaria —“Mad King Ludwig”—on a full-day excursion. Amid the Bavarian Alps, the magnificent towers of Neuschwanstein Castle rise in majestic splendor. Set in one of the world’s most breathtaking locations, this 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace sits high above the villages below. The palace was intended as a personal refuge for King Ludwig and was the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. The panoramic view from the Marienbrueke (the bridge high above the castle and gorge) is spectacular, with unspoiled natural lakes and valleys stretching far into the distant horizon. After a tour of the castle continue to Munich, Germany. Check into your hotel for three nights and have dinner with the group. (B,D)

Wed, Sep 22: After a restful morning, the hum of Oktoberfest activity draws you in—it’s time to follow the current to the world’s largest beer celebration! Walk from the hotel to take your reserved seat at a tent on Oktoberfest grounds. Local musicians entertain as you lunch on traditional foods and wash it down with Germany’s favorite local thirst-quencher, which must be brewed within the city limits of Munich to be served at the festival. Stroll the stalls filled with souvenirs and trinkets, listen to live music, watch folk dancers, and take in the nostalgic rides and activities that fill the atmosphere! Enjoy watching the locals in their traditional lederhosen and dirndl dresses. Depart late afternoon to return to the hotel or spend extra time at Oktoberfest on your own. (B,L)

Thu, Sep 23: This morning, tour this Bavarian capital with a local guide. Stop by King Ludwig’s birthplace, Nymphenburg Palace, for a walk through the tranquil, manicured gardens. Visit the BMW Museum and have lunch and free time in the Marienplatz, home to the famous Glockenspiel. With the balance of the day on your own, there will be time to visit one of the many museums, do some shopping or simply take in the festive atmosphere. Enjoy a farewell dinner as you exchange stories of the highlights of your trip with your new friends. (B,D) 

Fri, Sep 24: Transfer to the Munich airport after breakfast for your flights home. (B)