Your Man in Europe
Over the Alps to Italy - September 8-23, 2024 - $5429.00 per person
Scenic Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy
14 Nights
Come along with Your Man in Europe on a spectacular land voyage through the splendor of Switzerland, the magnificent scenery of Bavaria, the awe-inspiring lakes and fairytale towns and villages of Austria, the unique charm of the canals of Venice, and the glory of Rome. Guests will travel by high-speed trains through some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, and stay in carefully-selected, atmospheric small hotels all along the way. The tour is filled with one-of-a-kind experiences sure to please even the most seasoned travelers. Enjoy the wonderful food and drinks and the special music that vary delightfully from destination to destination on this incredible travel adventure.
Itinerary
September 8, Sunday - Guests embark on flights from USA to Zurich, Switzerland
September 9, Monday - All guests should plan flights to arrive in Zurich by 11:00 am. After the group is assembled, we’ll have a quick lunch together before boarding our train to Kandersteg, Switzerland. The two-hour rail experience will offer spectacular Alpine views as we journey right through the heart of Switzerland.
Our destination is a wonderfully charming Swiss Alpine village boasting breath-taking 360-degree dramatic mountain vistas. After our scenic train ride we’ll be ready to check into our cozy chalet, family-owned boutique hotel in the center of the charming village. Dinner together at our hotel restaurant will be a great treat: the best wiener schnitzel in Kandersteg! And after a long day we’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep in our quaint little hotel in the mountains.
September 10, Tuesday – After a delightful breakfast we’ll have time to explore the village in the morning. We’ll have lunch together before taking off on a magical adventure. There are four ski lift gondolas and a harrowing one-lane road going up into the mountains from the Kandersteg valley. Depending on conditions and road access, we’ll plan to make our way to the tiny village of Selden located in the gorgeous Gasterntal (a hidden high mountain valley). High above Kandersteg the turbulent Kander River runs through the wild romantic Gasterntal. Enchanted-feeling high mountain forests, stunning waterfalls, and scenic meadows weave a spell for everyone visiting this legendary valley. Together we’ll experience an unforgettable experience: an overnight stay in a fantastic mountain chalet with no electricity. (Our rooms in Kandersteg will be retained during this one-night venture; so we’ll only carry essentials up to the chalet.)
After settling in, enjoy free time to take in the awesome scene and savor the incomparable “on the top of the world” experience. For dinner we’ll have an authentic raclette meal from the fireplace at the cozy retreat before heading to our snug beds by candlelight.
September 11, Wednesday - We’ll enjoy a typical Swiss breakfast and a bit more free time for exploring and picture-taking in the glorious mountains before embarking on the edge-of-your-seat ride back down the mountains to our other Swiss chalet hotel waiting for us in Kandersteg.
Once everyone is freshened up, we’ll continue with a day tour of nearby sights. We’ll take a spectacular gondola and chair lift ride up to Lake Oeschinensee. The deep blue, clear water of Oeschinensee will dazzle you. Enjoy anything from a gentle stroll around the lake to an invigorating hike with even more breathtaking alpine views and towering waterfalls. You’ll want to twirl in a meadow singing, “The Hills Are…” Enjoy a memorable lunch on your on at the hotel restaurant overlooking the lake.
After returning to our cozy chalet hotel everyone will have some free time to take in the town and find just the right cozy restaurant for dinner on your own.
Please note: Weather conditions in this Alpine climate are unpredictable, and will determine on which days we can best carry out our tour itinerary in the Kandersteg area. The order of activities may vary.
September 12, Thursday - After a nice Swiss breakfast at our hotel we’ll board our train to our next destination Munich, Germany. This epic rail journey is considered to be one of the most spectacular routes in the world. A gorgeous landscape of snow-capped mountains, verdant forests, and waterfalls will be ours to enjoy from the comfort of our train. Our route takes us back to Zurich, where we’ll have time for lunch before continuing on to Munich.
We’ll arrive in Munich, the capital of Germany’s largest state, Bavaria, in the late afternoon – in time for a casual walk to introduce our new neighborhood after checking into our charming hotel in the city center. This old world hotel (the oldest in Munich) has been beautifully updated with every modern convenience; but the main attraction is it’s fantastic location.
In the evening we’ll head for dinner at one of Germany’s most iconic restaurants, Hofbräuhaus (established in 1589). There’ll be hearty food and plenty of rousing um-pah music to enjoy. We’ll get to experience a fun “Oktoberfest” atmosphere without actually having to be in the city for the gigantic beer party, which begins a little later in the month. This will be a memorable “Welcome Dinner”!
September 13, Friday - After a tasty breakfast at our hotel, we’ll have a professionally-guided tour of the old town, where we’ll learn about Munich’s fascinating history and culture. We’ll visit all the sights within easy walking distance of our hotel, including the outdoor market and the astronomical clock in breathtaking Marienplatz – one of the most spectacular in the world! There will be plenty of photo opportunities. We’ll stop for a lunch on your own in the famous Viktualienmarkt developed from an original farmers' market beginning in 1807 to a popular market for gourmets today. We’ll try for an outdoor table in the Biergarten, which respectfully waits until 9 AM to open. Choose your German specialties from among the more than 140 stalls featuring baked treats, meats, fruits and vegetables, and, of course, great German Beer.
Then everyone can enjoy a free afternoon and evening to further explore this iconic city. Be looking for just the right place for a nice dinner on your own this evening.
September 14, Saturday - After a leisurely breakfast at our hotel, we’ll check out and head to the train station for the next leg of our journey. This time, it’ll be a short ride to the incomparable village of Hallstatt, Austria. Our train will stop at the tiny rail station on the opposite lakeshore from Hallstatt. From there we’ll board a ferry boat to glide us into what seems to be a mirage across the lake. Nestled between the edge of the pristine waters and the towering Dachstein Mountains, we find Austria’s oldest and most photographed village. Clinging to the side of a steep mountain, this fairytale Alpine village has long attracted mountain climbers, explorers, romantic poets, and painters. Hallstatt is regularly featured in books and magazines as one of the most important “bucket list” destinations in the world.
We’ll take our luggage to our cozy, family-owned hotel in the center of the village before setting out to explore the village and have a nice lunch together. We’ll take a short walk around the market square to get our own pictures of one of the most photogenic spots on earth. Capture the delightful houses built into the hillsides, the glass-like lake, and the amazing mountains in the background. Enjoy some free time to explore on your own after we return to our hotel to check into our rooms. We’ll get back together later for a wonderful dinner at a picturesque restaurant right along the lake shore.
September 15, Sunday - We’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast at our charming hotel before taking a private guided tour of the village area. After the tour take time to have a nice lunch on your own before the afternoon’s activity: a trek to the amazing salt mine up on the mountainside. Archeological evidence shows that this isolated village, which gained its wealth through the salt trade, was thriving as early as the 8th century B.C. For centuries, villagers have traded a very sought-after commodity that lies deep below the surface: salt. We’ll travel by slide deep into the world’s oldest salt mines, and discover a subterranean salt lake and the mummy of a prehistoric miner who became preserved in salt. There’s a great museum there with 7,000-year-old artifacts.
If time allows, after our salt mine tour, consider taking a nature walk through the Echerntal Trail, or just stroll the narrow streets and discover more of the magic. Find the perfect place for a relaxing dinner on your own this evening.
September 16, Monday - We’ll have another great breakfast in our hotel dining room, and then set out on our next event: The Dachstein Giant Ice Cave! We’ll board a bus in Hallstatt to travel to this amazing venue. Then we’ll take a breathtaking cable car ride up the mountain to the cave entrance. Our guided cave tour will whisk us away into the fantastic under world of the Dachstein cave - a breathtaking expedition through rock and ice. The ice reveals its fascinating, glistening shapes and figures, immersed in light and music. We’ll cross the abyss with its 30-meter-high rope bridge (we'll need nerves of steel here). Are you up for a real adventure? Then today is your day! Everyone will have to dress warmly for this epic experience! Lunch will be on your own up at the cave complex.
After our cable car decent, we’ll board our bus to take us back to serene Hallstatt. Enjoy a cozy dinner on your own in the evening.
September 17, Tuesday - After breakfast at our hotel we will once again cross the mirror lake to get to our train to fabulous Salzburg, Austria. After a very relaxing few days, we can appreciate the lively murmur of one of Europe’s loveliest small cities.
On arrival we’ll leave our luggage at our delightful, centrally-located hotel, and then enjoy a nice lunch together. After lunch we’ll have a guided tour of this most charming town; after which we will return to our hotel to check into our rooms and maybe relax a bit. Salzburg (meaning "Salt Fortress") is internationally renowned for its Italian-influenced baroque architecture and is one of the best-preserved city centers north of the Alps. Salzburg was the birthplace of 18th-century composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; and in the mid‑20th century, the city was the setting for parts of the musical play and film The Sound of Music; so music is literally everywhere.
The first settlements at Salzburg were established by the Celts around the 5th century BC. Around 15 BC the separate settlements were merged into one city by the Roman Empire. Following World War I and the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Salzburg became part of the new German Austria, and emerged as the First Austrian Republic in 1919, after the Treaty of Versailles. Surviving the annexation of Austria by the Nazis during World War II and the resulting Allied bombing raids (most of the baroque architecture remained intact) Salzburg has enjoyed a significant revitalization.
In the evening we’ll enjoy a very memorable event: a Mozart concert and dinner up on the imposing cliff at the Hohensalzburg Castle.
September 18, Wednesday - After a lovely breakfast everyone can enjoy a free day in Salzburg. Guests may decide to take a breather, and enjoy a relaxing day in the old town, It’s a treat to just stroll and savor the ambience of old Salzburg, stopping to appreciate the many street musicians along the way, or just take time for shopping and sightseeing on Getreidegasse, which is one of the oldest streets in Salzburg. Find a sidewalk café table for a lunch so you can appreciate life in this most charming town. the Music enthusiasts can choose from among many live concerts. Also available are *tours visiting filming locations for the Sound of Music.
Dinner tonight will be on your own, so keep an eye out for just the right restaurant. above the old town center. Afterward we will be ready for a good night’s sleep in our comfy hotel. (*Note: some tours sell out well in advance; so booking favorites before the tour begins may be a good idea.)
September 19, Thursday - After an early breakfast, we’ll head for the station to board our train to Innsbruck, Austria. Once again we’ll drop our luggage at our centrally-located hotel before setting out to explore our new neighborhood and then have a nice lunch together.
Innsbruck, the capital of Austria's state of Tyrol, offers the most majestic views of the jagged rock spires of the Nordkette mountain range. This city in the Alps is best known as a world-class destination for winter sports and hiking in the warmer months.
In the afternoon everyone will have options: 1) Stay in the town and choose your own adventure. Consider visiting the Hofburg, similar to the imperial apartments in Vienna, and just as impressive.
Or visit the Cathedral of St. James (Dom zu St. Jakob). In the Innsbruck old city enjoy lunch at the Altstadt-Schmankerl. For fun you might check out the Markthalle as well or 2) Take a short bus ride to experience the Mieders Alpine Coaster. (not for the faint-hearted). Reaching a speed of up to 42km/h (26 mp/h), the Mieders Alpine Coaster is 2,800 meters (9,186 feet) long and offers riders an exhilarating ride with 640 meters (2,100 feet) of vertical descent and 40 hairpin turns. For a preview see: https://youtu.be/iqCkICXWdWI, or 3) Take the short bus ride to the Serles Train. This touring train connects the mountain station of the Serlesbahnen with the Maria Waldrast monastery, Europe's highest monastery.
In the late afternoon everyone will return to central Innsbruck to go out for a nice dinner on your own.
September 20, Friday – Right after an early breakfast we’ll board our train to magnificent Venice, Italy. This will be another outstanding train ride. Our train connections will take us south, through narrow mountain passes into northern Italy, and on to the fabled city. Along the way the scenery is simply breath-taking! During a stopover in Verona, we’ll have a quick lunch together.
Our group members are in for one of the most awesome travel experiences in all the world! After arriving at the bustling rail station at canal-side, we’ll board our private boat taxi to travel along the Grand Canal, and on to our wonderful hotel right in the ancient city’s best location, just off Piazza San Marco.
"Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go." --Truman Capote
Over centuries - and against all odds - this city, founded on sheer nerve, has flooded the world (no pun intended) with voluptuous Venetian-red paintings and wines, soaring music, Marco Polo spice-route flavors, and bohemian-chic fashion. And they’re not done yet. The people who made walking on water look easy are already well into their next act.
Next we’ll go out for a short orientation tour to introduce everyone to some of the intricacies of this unique city. We’ll also have time to visit the Basilica with its glittering golden mosaic domes. In 828, Venetian merchants stole the body and relics of Saint Mark the Evangelist from their original resting place in Alexandria, Egypt. It is said the Venetians hid the relics in a barrel under layers of pork to get them past Muslim guards. The adventure is depicted in the 13th-century mosaic above the door farthest left of the front entrance of the Basilica.
The relics were initially housed in a temporary chapel within the Doge's Palace, but a more substantial church was built to shelter the valuable relics in 829-32. This burned in a rebellion in 976, but was restored by Doge Domenico Contarini . The present basilica, which incorporates the earlier buildings, was completed around 1071. We’ll also visit the fascinating museum adjoining the basilica.
Our “skip the line” ticket will insure that we can access this remarkable place during our stay in Venice. After our tour we’ll return to the hotel before going out for a truly memorable dinner together.
September 21, Saturday - After breakfast at the hotel, we’re off on a casual cruise to the nearby islands of Burano, where we’ll have a close-up look at the fabulous world-famous lace and textiles, and Murano to visit the famous glass works there. Enjoy lunch on your own on the island of Burano. This tour will cover less populated areas at an easy-going pace, and give us a nice view of “the other side of Venice” without the daytime crush of tourists.
After our boat delivers us back to Venice proper, we’ll have free time to rest and relax for a bit. Everyone is encouraged to have an early dinner on your own, because in the evening, around 6:30 pm we’ll set out for a very special event, sure to be a highlight of the entire trip. Afterward we’ll make our way back to our hotel for our last night in Vence.
September 22, Sunday – After a lovely breakfast at our hotel we’ll check out of our rooms, and leave our luggage for later pick-up. Today we’ll have a morning skip-the-line visit to the glorious Doge Palace, in Italian Palazzo Ducale. Located in Piazza San Marco, Palazzo Ducale was originally a fortified castle founded between the tenth and eleventh centuries. The structure combines layers of different architectural styles, including Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance. This impressive building houses paintings by renowned Italian artists such as Titian, Tintoretto and Bellini.
The building has been the Doges' residence and public offices since the old castle was built in 810. Over nearly 1,000 years, 120 doges ruled over Venice from this splendid location.
After our tour, we’ll have a quick lunch together before reclaiming our luggage, and boarding our taxi boat back to the train station. From there we’ll travel in comfort to Rome, where we’ll have a private van to take us to our lovely hotel near the Rome Airport (FCO). We’ll plan to arrive in time to enjoy our “Farewell Dinner” together in the hotel’s wonderful dining room.
September 23, Monday - Breakfast is not included today because travel schedules will vary. There is a very efficient shuttle from our hotel to the airport terminal. Guests will have the option of taking return flights to USA or extending time in Rome. (For guests planning a Rome extension, Your Man in Europe will be happy to assist in making hotel arrangements and helping with planning the visit.)
What’s in store for us?
This tour is custom-planned for a small group of no more than 10 guests. Even if you are a seasoned traveler, you have never experienced Europe like this. We’re sure the journey will captivate you. You’ll be part of a magical adventure - complete with music, gourmet picnics, and surprises that will delight you at every turn. There are no exhausting bus rides or inconveniently-located hotels.
We do our best to set the mood, to weave a spell, and to make yours a total experience. Hotels and most restaurants on the entire tour have been selected for their very specific location or high level of “atmosphere”. The small group size allows us to personalize the experience in a way large groups simply cannot do. We make it easy, comfortable and stress-free. No guest has to worry about the details of where we are going next. You will feel as if you are not a tourist, but a guest of your Italian friends.
Your Tour Guide: Larry Ivy is the Tour Coordinator and guide for Your Man in Europe, and a long-time veteran of European travel and unique private tour-leading. Larry wants just one thing: for you to have “the best time of your life”!
Complete Prices for the September 8 – 23, 2024 Tour
$ 5429.00 Per Person
*All prices are based on Double Occupancy. Single supplement is an additional $1085.
A $500 deposit holds your place on the tour, and is due by May 1, 2024. The balance may be paid in increments on your own schedule, but the final payment is due by July 30, 2024. Make checks payable to “Your Man in Europe” - 2608 S University Drive - Fort Worth TX 76109 USA - Please inquire about other means of payment or visit our website "Tour Details" page for information about PayPal and credit card payments.
Tour Includes: Fourteen (14) nights of overnight accommodation (based on double occupancy) in exceptional, very specially selected hotels, thirteen (13) breakfasts, seven (7) lunches, and seven (7) dinners; all ground transportation (except September 23rd airport shuttle); 1st class rail travel (where available), admissions to all attractions described in the tour itinerary, knowledgeable guide services, and standard gratuities. Guests are encouraged to offer gratuities for outstanding service. There will be no additional charges for the tours and events specifically included by Your Man in Europe. There may be extra charges for optional tours not included in the detailed itinerary.
Not Included: Airfare to Zurich and returning from Rome; strongly recommended travel insurance; extra beverages (meals will include one beverage and will be budgeted accordingly); a la cart or premium menu selections beyond the established meal allowances; between meal snacks; gratuities for extra services such as baggage porters, or for superior service (normal gratuities are included in the trip cost); souvenirs; and privately arranged activities. The airport terminal shuttle on September 23 is not included, as flight arrangements may all differ. Also: All overnight accommodations, as well as railroad and minibus travel will be NO-SMOKING.
This tour is strictly limited to a maximum of 10 guests travelling together