My friend, Kym, and I enjoyed a beautiful tour of Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria. Our journey began in Bern, the capital of Switzerland. This UNESCO World Heritage site rests in the Swiss countryside. The cobbled Old Town section is so well preserved that residents who lived here 500 years ago would still find it familiar today. The following pics were taken during our walking tour of the Bern city center.
Our first evening we met for a group dinner at a local restaurant. It was a beautiful historic former wine cellar.
The next day was my birthday. (I got to carry around a 'Happy Birthday' balloon!) We traveled to Gruyères, famous for its creamy cheeses. We sampled some delectable dairy treats during a cheese making demonstration. Later, we enjoyed inspiring Alpine views with a ride on the Golden Pass Panoramic Train from Montreux to Gstaad. We saw the delightful ambience of this world-famous Alpine ski resort with its numerous traditional wood chalets.
After our return to Bern, Kym treated me to a lovely birthday dinner. It was another outdoor architectural and wonderful restaurant. Happy Birthday to me.
The next day we set out for Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” We walked Altstadt (Old Town), exploring the hidden treasures of this 800-year-old city such as the covered Chapel Bridge (1333); the famous Water Tower, which has served as a prison, watchtower and treasury; the Renaissance-style Town Hall; the baroque Jesuit Church; and the Lion Monument, carved from natural rock to commemorate the heroic Swiss Guard.
The group experienced a gondola lift ride to the top of a local mountain. After picture time, they returned via gondola back to ground zero. One of us (namely me) was too claustrophobic and height intolerant to sign up for that excursion. Instead, I took a round trip large boat ride on Lake Lucerne. So serene and beautiful.
The next day we left for Innsbruck where we would stay for the remainder of our tour. We made our way through Liechtenstein, the smallest German-speaking country in the world and the only country to lie entirely within the Alps. Upon arrival in Innsbruck we took a walking tour with a local guide where we discovered the city’s history, culture and popular attractions including Maria-Theresien-Strasse, the Hofburg and the “Golden Roof"
I really was focused on the beautiful (and required) ironworks that were set outside of local businesses. (Even McDonald's and Starbucks!)
Lichtenstein
The next day we traveled to Salzburg. We traveled through the picturesque Austrian countryside to Salzburg. we started our day in Salzburg with a walking tour featuring Mirabell Gardens (seen in The Sound of Music), the quaint Getreidegasse (birthplace of Mozart), and many other highlights of this beautiful city. Then we enjoyed a delightful group lunch at the 1,200-year-old St. Peter’s Restaurant, the oldest in Austria and is still owned by the monks.
The next day we went to Bavaria, Germany. We toured the area shops. We then toured the Linderhof Palace, the only palace - out of three - that King Ludwig II lived to see completed. We saw the extraordinary halls that were modeled after Versailles with an expert guide and basked in the luxury of past royals. We were not allowed to take pictures inside so I have pics of postcards and a book that I bought.
We took pictures of the Newswanstein Castle from a distance. We did not tour that castle. Again, I bought postcards and a book of pics as no one is allowed to take pics of the inside of that castle either.
We then returned to Innsbruck. That evening we attended the rich musical tradition of mountainous Austria during a Tyrolean folklore show hosted by a well-known local musical family.
|
|
The next day we had free time to shop Innsbruck. Kym and I went to a bell maker that has been established since the 1500's. Of course, we bought bells. We also went on an excursion to Seefeld for a Country Cottage Visit. Beautifully situated at 3,600 feet above sea level, this charming Tyrolean town commands breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. Known as one of the world's greatest ski resorts, Seefeld offers a relaxed atmosphere in an Alpine setting with miles of trails for walking, lakes, fine shopping, dining possibilities and fresh, Alpine air. After arriving by train, we enjoyed a glass of schnapps and a traditional horse and buggy ride. While at the small country home, we learned how to make apple strudel and indulged in a sample one of Austria’s famous sweets.
|
|
Next is a variety of the views seen from either bus, train, or horse carriage. I really don't know where these were taken. The snapshots do not do justice to the beauty of this area.
Our last group event before heading home we were treated to a farewell dinner in one of Innsbruck’s traditional restaurants. We had a good group of travelers. We were fortunate to have a great tour guide and driver for the duration of our travels. I especially appreciate we were not thrown off any of the mountain drives during all with switchback contortions navigated by Giovanni. I am grateful for the expertise and consideration of our tour guide, Lilly.