13D12N Alpine Adventure Bernina Glacier Express (6060)

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this delightful Bavarian capital. This evening, meet up with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.

A fascinating itinerary today. First, see Munich's most famous square Marienplatz, then head south to visit Linderhof Castle-the smallest of the three Bavarian fairytale palaces commissioned by King Ludwig II and inspired by Louis XIV's Versailles. The rococo-style Linderhof is surrounded by splendid Italian Renaissance gardens. Continue into Austria through the scenic Inn Valley to Innsbruck to admire its fascinating town centre and historic Golden Roof.

Crossing from the Austrian to the Italian Tyrol, witness glorious alpine landscapes as you head to visit Novacella Abbey, a Baroque masterpiece still inhabited by Augustinian monks. Also stop in Brunico, a picturesque town combining international flair with alpine traditions. Feast on breathtaking views as you travel through the splendid Dolomites, UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the celebrated winter resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo.

This morning, travel through the spectacular Dolomites, then over Falzarego and Pordoi Passes. Stop at enchanting Lake Carezza to admire its brilliant rainbow colours. Search for the beautiful mermaid who, according to legend, hid here from the romantic pursuits of a powerful wizard. On to Bolzano, home to the famous "Ice Man" from the Bronze Age.

Enjoy Glorenza, the smallest fortified city in Tyrol and ideally situated where Switzerland, Austria, and Italy meet. Via Tubre Pass, descend into Engadine National Park's 66 square miles of unspoiled nature with deep blue lakes, airy larch forests that turn golden in the fall, 12,000- foot-high peaks, and quaint villages with characteristic Grisons-style homes. Continue to glamourous St. Moritz, the oldest and most famous winter resort in the world.

A whole day to do as you please in this stylish Swiss spa resort, known for its stunning mountain scenery, hiking opportunities, and superb shopping.

Today, experience a memorable trip aboard the Bernina Express. Crossing the Alps to Tirano in Italy, this spectacular rail journey takes you to altitudes greater than 7,000 feet. Later, rejoin your motorcoach and head to the shores of Lake Como, Italy's third-largest lake and one of the deepest in Europe.

Travel through the Po Valley to Turin, birthplace of Fiat automobiles and home to the legendary Holy Shroud. Upon arrival, visit all the major sites with a Local Guide. This evening, consider an optional dinner.

A pleasant drive through the Aosta Valley, known as the smallest region in Italy and a favourite winter sports area. Enter Switzerland via ancient Martigny and Sion, through one of the Swiss wine-making regions, then head to charming Tasch in the Zermatt area.

Take a short train ride to Zermatt, and spend the entire day in this well-known mountain resort, situated in the shadow of the legendary Matterhorn. Stroll along the narrow, traffic-free streets lined with a variety of shops, cafes, and bars. Enjoy an optional ride on Europe's highest rack railway to 10,272-foot Gornergrat for breathtaking views of the Alps.

Today, another highlight of your tour: the world-renowned Glacier Express. Board Switzerland's most famous mountain railway, which passes over hundreds of bridges and through dozens of tunnels to give unique panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and surrounding valleys, forests, alpine meadows, rushing streams, and picture-perfect villages. Ride the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Andermatt at the St. Gotthard massif, 4,711 feet above sea level. Rejoin your motorcoach for the descent into the dramatically different landscape of the lovely Lucerne area.

Cross Brunig Pass and continue to Interlaken. Along the way, take photos of the Jungfrau massif with its three legendary peaks: Jungfrau, Monch, and Eiger. Travel through some of the country's best farmland to the Swiss capital, Berne, where sightseeing includes the bear park and the Federal Palace. Then, continue to Zurich.

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.