Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Willkommen in Deutschland - with its roller coaster of feasts, treats & temptations as you take in the soul-stirring scenery, spirit-lifting culture, big-city beauties, romantic palaces & half-timbered towns.

Arrive in the city of Berlin - where the combo of glamour & grit is bound to mesmerise as you explore its vibrant culture, cutting-edge architecture, fabulous food, intense parties & tangible history

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? -  Berlin Willy Brandt Brandenburg International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be met by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in & you may also discuss the program for the next few days.

Check-in at the hotel & relax.

Monumental History| Cultural Trendsetter| Party Paradise | Laid-back Lifestyle

Berlin, Germany’s capital, dates to the 13th century. Reminders of the city's turbulent 20^th century history include its Holocaust memorial and the Berlin Wall's graffitied remains. Divided during the Cold War, its 18^th century Brandenburg Gate has become a symbol of reunification.

Bismarck & Marx, Einstein & Hitler, JFK & Bowie, they have all shaped - & been shaped by - Berlin, whose richly textured history confronts you at every turn. This is a city that staged a revolution, was headquartered by Nazis, bombed to bits, divided in two and finally reunited – and that was just in the 20^th century!

Berlin is a big multicultural metropolis but deep down it maintains the unpretentious charm of an international village. Locals & expats follow the credo 'live & let live' and put greater emphasis on personal freedom & a creative lifestyle than on material wealth & status symbols. Cafes are jammed at all hours, drinking is a religious rite & clubs keep going through the weekend into Monday.

When it comes to creativity, the sky is the limit in Berlin, which is one of Europe's big start-up capitals. In the last 20 years, the city has become a giant lab of cultural experimentation thanks to a spirit that nurtures & encourages new ideas as well as to once abundant space & cheap rent.

Top international performers still grace Berlin's theatre, concert & opera stages; international art-world stars like Olafur Eliasson & Jonathan Meese make their home here; and Clooney & Hanks shoot blockbusters in the German capital. Highbrow, lowbrow & everything in between – there is plenty of room for the full gamut of cultural expression.

Forget about New York - Berlin is the city that truly never sleeps. Sometimes it seems as though Berliners are the lotus-eaters of Germany, people who love nothing more than a good time. The city's vast party spectrum caters for every taste, budget & age group. From tiny basement clubs to industrial techno temples, chestnut-canopied beer gardens to fancy cocktail caverns, saucy cabarets to ear-pleasing symphonies - Berlin delivers hot-stepping odysseys, and not just after dark & on weekends but pretty much 24/7. Pack your stamina!

Balance of the day free for independent explorations (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make any arrangements).

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 09.00 am & proceed for a 4 hour sightseeing tour.

Size-wise, Berlin is pretty big but its key areas are wonderfully compact and easily navigated on foot, by bike or with public transport. Ease your way into the local culture & discover the spectacular sights in Germany’s incredible capital. Berlin is like an endlessly fascinating 3D textbook where the past is very much present wherever you go.

You will visit the historic center, Museum Island & the city’s magnificent parks.  You will see sites of the Third Reich & the Cold War, visiting the famous Brandenburg Gate, the famous Reichstag parliament building. See Checkpoint Charlie & walk along the remnants of the Berlin Wall & its guard towers and visit the Berlin Wall Museum & Holocaust Memorial. Marvel at the splendour of a Prussian palace or stand in the very room where the Holocaust was planned.

Fist stop will be the Brandenburg Gate, one of the most iconic sights in today’s vibrant Berlin, is an 18^th century neoclassical monument, built on the orders of Prussian king Frederick William II after the successful restoration of order during the early Batavian Revolution. The iconic landmark offers fascinating insights into the city’s history.

More than just Berlin’s only surviving historical city gate, this site came to symbolise Berlin’s Cold War division into East & West and, since the fall of the Wall, a reunified Germany. Architecturally, the sandstone Brandenburg Gate also represents one of the earliest & most attractive examples of a neo-classical building in Germany.

Walk to Checkpoint Charlie, one of three places where people could travel from the Western occupied sectors of Germany & Berlin to the Soviet occupied sectors. As it was the only crossing point, there were sometimes queues of people waiting to cross. But military traffic was never stopped, because Berlin was supposed to be under the control of all four wartime allies.

After the end of the Cold War & the reunification of Germany the checkpoints were no longer needed. The big concrete buildings of Checkpoint Bravo are now used by the German Customs Service. Checkpoint Charlie was only a wooden hut in the street. It was moved to what is now the Allied Museum & a small fake checkpoint replica put up in Kochstrab. The fake checkpoint is very popular with tourists who have their photographs taken in front of it.

Next point is one of the most historic edifice in Berlin, the Reichstag with the famous glass dome - seat of the German parliament, the Bundestag.

It was completed in 1894 following German national unity & the establishment of the German Reich to house the Imperial Diet of the German Empire & was functional till 1933, when it was severely damaged after being set on fire. After a complete restoration of the original building & following the German reunification on October 3, 1990, it was decided to make Reichstag the permanent seat of Parliament in Berlin, the restored capital of reunited Germany.

Last stop will be the Holocaust Memorial located on a stretch of the former "death strip" where the Wall once stood near Brandenburg Gate. The stunning monument to the Holocaust is dedicated to the Jewish victims of the Nazi genocide of World War II, impressive in its awesome grey soberness, rather than somberness.

You will return to the hotel. Or, continue exploring on your own.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or for independent exploration or perhaps an optional activity (we would be happy to offer suggestions & to arrange).

You may want to spend the evening in the shopping boulevards Kurfurstendamm & Unter den Linden. Or, you may try the lively area of Kantstrasse district that boasts a multitude of pubs & ethnic restaurants (Indian, Oriental, Italian, German & more).

Early morning, depart for Prague, driving through the lush green forests.

Enroute stop at Dresden - a city which, due to its exceptional architectural & artistic heritage, has become one of the main tourist destinations in Germany.

Welcome to Dresden! This vibrant city is constantly evolving; while remaining true to itself, there is always something new to discover here. With its stunning architecture in the historic old town & its fascinating art treasures, Dresden has a lot to offer. 

The rich history of this enchanting city goes back centuries but what about the Dresden of today? It is very much alive! Magnificently located in the Elbe Valley, the city is one of the most magical baroque beauties of Europe.

Dresden is distinguished by the celebrated art museums & classic architecture of its reconstructed old town. Dresden's cultural heyday came during the 18^th century reigns of Augustus the Strong (August der Starke) & his son Augustus III, who sponsored many of Dresden’s iconic buildings, including the Zwinger & the Frauenkirche. While the devastating 1945 Allied firestorm levelled most of these treasures, their contents were safely removed before the bombings & now take pride of place in Dresden's rebuilt museums.

There are few city silhouettes more striking than Dresden’s. Across the river from this treasure trove of classic art & architecture, Dresden's Neustadt has dozens of funky restaurants, shops & one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in Germany's east. The classic view from the Elbe’s northern bank takes in spires, towers & domes belonging to palaces, churches & stately buildings,

With its rich diversity the city is a real treasure chest for visitors seeking art & culture. The offerings stretch from the Baroque period, when Dresden flourished as a city of beauty & art, right up to the present. Great exhibitions, an innovative spirit & a particular passion for exploring extraordinary topics make each visit a real experience.

The Versailles-inspired Royal Palace Zwinger, & the treasury houses museums including Gemaldegalerie Alte Meister, exhibiting world famous masterpieces of art like Raphael’s “Sistine Madonna”.. Art works spanning many centuries are on show at the Old Masters Picture Gallery & the Albertinum. Also noteworthy is the Military History Museum & Daniel Libeskind’s impressive architectural creation which houses an extremely interesting exhibition.

Semper Opera House & baroque church Frauenkirche Cathedral famed for its grand dome, are among other Dresden’s historical attractions built under the reign of Augustus the Strong. As Elector of Saxony he turned Dresden into a magnificent seat of royal power. The Church of Our Lady & the Pillnitz Palace also date from this architecturally successful period.

From the Bruhls Terrace known as the “Balcony of Europe”, you can watch across the Elbe to both, the baroque & trendy Neustadt area of Dresden & the expensive green floodplains of the Elbe. Dresden is particularly magical from the river! Each day from beneath the Bruhls Terrace, ships embark at regular intervals on tours off the city.

Dresden is extravagantly green. Its largest & most beautiful park, the Grosser Garten, delights with its finely manicured lawns & colourful flower beds, grand boulevards with baroque fountains and eye-catching picturesque sculptures.

Follow the road along the Elbe & you will discover more green spaces in romantic settings such as Meissen, home of the world famous Meissen china (porcelain). The art of making porcelain began in Dresden, but the industry moved to nearby Meissen in 1710.

And then, there is “Lossnitzdackel”, a historic steam train, will takes visitors from Radebeul to Moritzburg, where the architectural jewel & former hunting lodge of August the Strong, the Baroque castle of Moritzburg, offers one of the best-loved photo opportunities in the region.

Whatever the season, Dresden is never boring! In spring the streets are filled with the sound of Dixie music, before classics take over with the Dresden Music Festival, where international stars & local groups enthral with first class performances. The summer weekends bring rock & pop concerts to Dresden’s beautiful open air stages with the illuminated historic old town as a backdrop. Highly recommended: the Summer Nights of the Dresden Palaces, a fantastic summer festival inviting you to enjoy music, culture & art on stage. In December, the Striezelmarkt & ten other different Christmas markets turn Dresden into a winter wonderland.

You will spend a few hours here, exploring some of the impressive palaces & walking around the historic town center.

You may enjoy lunch (not included - direct payment) at one of its many restaurants & coffee shops in Neustadt before departing for Czech Republic.   .

On arrival in Prague by late afternoon, Check-in at the hotel.

European Hotspot |Urban Explorations |where Beer is God | Art all around

Prague - the capital city of the Czech Republic & cradle of Czech culture is one of Europe’s most fascinating cities, well-known for its beautiful architecture. But, there is so much more to this well-loved city. Prague is the equal of Paris in terms of beauty. Its history goes back a millennium. And the beer? The best in Europe.

Prague offers a near-intact medieval core of Gothic architecture that can transport you back 500 years - the 14^th century pedestrian Charles Bridge lined with statues of Catholic saints., connecting two historic neighbourhoods across the Vltava River, with the castle ramparts & the spires of St Vitus Cathedral rising above, is one of the classic sights of world travel.

Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” it is known for its Old Town Square, the heart of its historic core, with colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches & the medieval Astronomical Clock, which gives an animated hourly show.

Prague's maze of cobbled lanes & hidden courtyards is a paradise for the aimless wanderer, always beckoning you to explore a little further. Just a few blocks away from the Old Town Square, you can stumble across ancient chapels, unexpected gardens, cute cafes & old-fashioned bars with hardly a tourist in sight.

One of the great joys of the city is its potential for exploration - neighborhoods such as Vinohrady & Bubenec can reward the urban adventurer with countless memorable cameos, from the setting sun glinting off church domes, to the strains of Dvorak wafting from an open window.

The 1989 Velvet Revolution that freed the Czechs from communism bequeathed to Europe a gem of a city to stand beside stalwarts such as Rome, Paris & London. Not surprisingly, visitors from around the world have come in droves & on a hot summer's day it can feel like you are sharing Charles Bridge with half of humanity. But even the crowds can’t take away from the spectacle of a stone bridge, a hilltop castle & a lovely, lazy river - the Vltava - that inspired one of the most hauntingly beautiful pieces of 19^th century classical music, Smetana’s Moldau symphony.

But the city is not just about history; it is a vital urban center with a rich array of cultural offerings & a newly emerging foodie scene.

Yes, we are referring to Czech food - its diverse flavors presented in dishes such as the potato soup, traditional roast pork with dumplings & sauerkraut, fruit dumplings & apple strudel.

Prague's art galleries may not have the allure of the Louvre, but Bohemian art offers much to admire, from the glowing Gothic altarpieces in the Convent of St Agnes, to the luscious art nouveau of Alfons Mucha & the magnificent collection of 20^th century surrealists, cubists & constructivists in the Veletrzni Palac. The weird & witty sculpture of David Cerny punctuates Prague's public spaces & the city itself offers a smorgasbord of stunning architecture, from the soaring verticals of Gothic & the exuberance of baroque to the sensual elegance of art nouveau & the chiselled cheekbones of cubist facades.

The best beer in the world just got better. Since the invention of Pilsner Urquell in 1842, the Czechs have been famous for producing some of the world's finest brews. But the internationally famous brand names - Urquell, Staropramen and Budvar - have been equalled, and even surpassed, by a bunch of regional Czech beers & microbreweries that are catering to a renewed interest in traditional brewing. Never before have Czech pubs offered such a wide range of brews - names you will now have to get your head around include Kout na Sumave, Primator, Unetice & Matuska.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or for independent exploration or perhaps an optional activity (we would be happy to offer suggestions & to arrange).

In the evening, you will be transferred to the Old Town Square, a marvelous place to acquaint yourself with Prague. You will find a multitude of pubs & ethnic restaurants offering cuisines from around the world to delight your taste buds.

Return to hotel (on your own).

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.30 am & proceed for a 6 hour sightseeing tour of the enchanting city.

Explore must-sees such as Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and the Jewish Quarter as your guide recounts their histories.

First stop will be Old Town Wenceslas Square - one of Europe’s most famous public spaces. Hear how this bustling avenue has presided over key moments in Czech history, including the protests of the 1968 Prague Spring & 1989 Velvet Revolution. Snap pictures of the Astronomical Clock, the world’s oldest, still functional astronomical clock.

Explore the colorful stalls at the adjacent Havelska Market & trace the narrow, cobbled passages of the Old Town, passing graceful Gothic, Renaissance & baroque buildings.

Then, walk to the Jewish Quarter as you learn about Prague’s rich Jewish history.  The city was one of a handful in Europe to keep its synagogues during World War II & several still stand resplendent along the elegant streets.

Break to savor a hearty Czech lunch (not included - direct payment) at a traditional Old Town restaurant. Refuel with hearty Czech dishes such as comforting beef goulash or fried cheese & sip on a tangy Czech beer, soda or hot drink

Next, ride a public tram up the hill to Prague Castle, the world’s largest ancient castle complex. Taking the tram will save you a walk uphill or up the stairs & the ride is quite scenic. Get off at Pohorelec & walk to the Castle through Hradcany, past the Strahov Monastery & Loreta and arrive at the main entrance.

Packed with palaces, churches & squares, the UNESCO Heritage listed Castle complex takes a day to explore fully, so your tour concentrates on its showpiece - St Vitus Cathedral. Prague Castle is the largest castle area in the world. Its three courtyards & a number of magnificent buildings cover over 7 hectares (18 acres), so be prepared to see a lot and do some walking.

The 9^th century Prague Castle was a seat of power for kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors & presidents of Czechoslovakia. Today, it is the official office of the President of the Czech Republic.

Founded by prince Borivoj of the Premyslid dynasty, the first stone building in the castle area was the Church of the Virgin Mary of which only remnants can be seen today. Starting in the 10^th century, the Prague Castle served as the seat of Czech princes & kings & later it was the seat of the Prague bishop.

The Prague Castle experienced one of its greatest periods during the reign of Charles IV (1346-1378) when it became the seat of the Holy Roman Emperor. The Royal Palace was rebuilt, the fortifications were strengthened & the construction of St. Vitus Cathedral was initiated, following the style of Gothic French cathedrals of the time. St. Vitus Rotunda, also from the 10^th century, was replaced by St. Vitus Basilica in the 11^th century & it is where St. Vitus Cathedral stands today.

In the 10^th century, St. George's Basilica was founded and the first Czech convent, St. George's Convent, was established there. The expansion of the Castle continued during the reign of Charles' son Wenceslas IV, but the Hussite wars (1419-1437) & the subsequent decades during which the Castle was abandoned.

The Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Vitus, Wenceslaus & Adalbert is a Roman Catholic metropolitan cathedral in Prague is the largest & most important temple in Prague and the seat of the Archbishop of Prague. Until 1997, the cathedral was dedicated only to Saint Vitus & is still commonly named only as St. Vitus Cathedral.

The cathedral is the third church consecrated to the same saint on the same site. Around the year 925, Prince Wenceslas (Vaclav) founded a Romanesque rotunda here, which after 1060 was converted into a basilica with three naves & two steeples. The importance of the church grew especially after the establishment of the Prague bishopric in 973 & the founding of the body of canons - the St. Vitus chapter, which later became an important cultural and administrative institution.

Apart from religious services, coronations of Czech kings & queens also took place here. The cathedral is a place of burial of several patron saints, sovereigns, noblemen & archbishops.

Marvel at the soaring Gothic church inside & out, and hear how it served as the coronation site for Czech monarchs until 1836. 

Finally, enjoy a 1 hour Vltava River cruise aboard a 19^th century replica sailboat to experience Prague’s historical highlights as you glide underneath statue-lined Charles Bridge.  Sip on a tangy Czech beer, soda or hot drink (not included - direct payment)  as you watch the landmarks slip by & record the spires & towers of the Old Town skyline, Prague Castle & other sights  on camera.  

The tour ends & you return to the hotel.

Balance of the day free for independent explorations or optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make any arrangements). Perhaps go back to the historical city center & enjoy cuisines from around the world (including Czech, Chinese, Indian & Italian).

Early morning, depart for Munich, crossing the border into Germany again.

Reach Munich by noon.

Teutonic Treasure Trove| Bizarre Bavaria | Urban Explorations

Tall tankards and high-tech cars, edgy art and Lederhosen - Munich is a city where traditional & modern sit side by side like few places on earth. The capital city of Bavaria, is home to centuries old buildings & numerous museums and is known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration & its beer halls, including the famed Hofbrauhaus, founded in 1589.

Munich has long been known as the ‘city of art & beer’, so before you head off to the pub, take some time to savour the local art scene. The Kunstareal, Munich’s art quarter, is the place to start, with four major venues displaying everything from Dutch masters to 1960s design. The city also boasts some world-class Museums focusing on topics as diverse as Oktoberfest, Porcelain & BMW cars. And if that weren't enough, there are still royal palaces to explore - the legacy of 700 years of rule by a single family, the Wittelsbachs.

Munich’s various quirks, the things that make the city the place it is, might be what stick in the memory most. Whether it be the inebriated oompah band, that special knife for eating monster radishes, the Bavarians outrageous dialect, the mad hat traditions of the Oktoberfest or the surfers on the Eisbach wave - you’re sure to discover some freakish aspect of Munich life every day. And then there is the local garb - nowhere else in central Europe do the locals don their traditional costume - the famous Lederhosen and Dirndl - as readily as the Munchners, so why not join them?

Beer has been part of Munich life for at least seven centuries & the brewing tradition is very much alive & kicking today. Nowhere else in Europe has a beer tradition quite like the Bavarian capital with six mammoth breweries pumping out world-class suds to hundreds of beer gardens & beer halls. And the climax to the Munich beer year is, of course, the famous Oktoberfest, attended by over six million people. Germany’s ‘purity law’ guarantees there’s nothing in your Mass (1L tankard) that shouldn’t be, so if you can lift the thing - ‘Prost!’ (Cheers!)

Well-Heeled Well-Being - the locals have a word for it - Gemütlichkeit - that untranslatable intermingling of cosiness, well-being & laid-back attitude. In Munich you will sense it most under the fairy lights of a summer beer garden, people-watching in the English Garden & behind the wheel of a BMW heading south. It may be just the local character, but a large share of Gemutlichkeit must come from the fact that the Bavarian capital is one of the most affluent cities on the planet, it’s economy larger than most small countries, its infrastructure well-tended.

Here, you will visit the futuristic BMW WELT with its fascinating architecture & multi-use exhibition of BMW, the prestigious German vehicles brand.  

BMW Welt welcomes you as you get to know the brand & discover a whole world of possibilities, whether you are paying a visit to the BMW Museum, picking up your new BMW or holding an event at the venue. The BMW Welt, the most visited tourist attraction in Bavaria, is a combined exhibition, delivery, adventure, museum & event venue, located next to the Olympic Park in the immediate vicinity of the main BMW factory, the company’s headquarters in the legendary four-cylinder shaped BMW Towers & the BMW Museum. On the roof, a solar system with 800 kW of power installed.

BMW Welt is a place full of stories in a place full of history & nowhere else can the brand be felt as strongly as here. Experience the history of a global brand, new visions for tomorrow & the future of mobility.

BMW Welt operations are coordinated with the other local BMW facilities, the BMW Museum & BMW Headquarters. It has a showroom with the current model lineup of BMW cars & motorcycles, and the other two BMW Group brands, Mini & Rolls-Royce.

Customers picking up special ordered cars are given a dramatic "staged experience" in which they await their new car in an enormous glass-walled hall, and their cars are lifted up from lower levels on round elevator platforms. BMW Welt also has shops selling BMW-branded promotional merchandise & accessories and a restaurant.

Enjoy lunch (not included - direct payment) at one of the restaurants in the historic city center.

Late afternoon, depart for Innsbruck in Austria.

Arrive by evening & Check-in at the hotel.

Tyrol’s capital - Innsbruck - is a sight to behold. A city in the Alps that's long been a internationally renowned destination for winter sports and has hosted the 1964 & 1976 Winter Olympics as well as the 1984 & 1988 Winter Paralympics.

Innsbruck is also known for its Imperial & modern architecture. The jagged rock spires of the Nordkette range are so close that within minutes it’s possible to travel from the city's heart to over 2000m above sea level & alpine pastures where cowbells chime. Summer & winter activities abound and it is understandable why some visitors only take a peek at Innsbruck proper before heading for the hills.

But to do so is a shame, for Innsbruck is in many ways Austria in microcosm: its late-medieval Altstadt is picture-book stuff, presided over by a grand Habsburg palace & baroque cathedral, while its Olympic ski jump with big mountain views makes a spectacular leap between the urban & the outdoors.

Innsbruck became the capital of all Tyrol in 1429 & in the 15^th century the city became a centre of European politics & culture as Emperor Maximilian I also resided in Innsbruck in the 1490s. The city benefited from the emperor's presence as can be seen for example in the Hofkirche. Here, a funeral monument for Maximilian was planned & erected partly by his successors. The ensemble with a cenotaph & the bronze statues of real and mythical ancestors of the Habsburg emperor are one of the main artistic monuments of Innsbruck. A regular postal service between Innsbruck and Mechelen was established in 1490 by the Thurn-und-Taxis-Post.

In 1564 Ferdinand II, Archduke of Austria became the ruler of Tirol & administered Austrian possessions from Innsbruck up to the 18^th century. He built Schloss Ambras & showcased his unique Renaissance collections which are currently displayed in Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum.

The Nordkette funicular, with futuristic stations designed by architect Zaha Hadid, climbs up to 2,256m from the city center for skiing in winter & hiking or mountaineering in warmer months.

Balance of the day free for independent explorations or optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make any arrangements).

Morning, Check-out from the hotel & accompanied by the Tour-guide, proceed to the village of Wattens to visit the legendary Swarovski Museum, the renowned for its crystals.

Swarovski Kristallwelten Wattens is a museum built in 1995 in celebration of the 100^th anniversary of the founding of crystal company Swarovski founded by Daniel Swarovski in 1895.

One century later, multimedia artist Andre Heller was commissioned to design the museum with fourteen chambers throughout & he designed a unique and magical place.

Andre created a world of wonder & his thematic centerpiece for Swarovski Crystal Worlds was in the shape of the Giant. And he developed the story of a Giant who set out to experience the world with all of its treasures & wonders. With this knowledge, the Giant settled down in Wattens/Tyrol, where he has watched over his Chambers of Wonder ever since.

Welcome to the magical world that unfolds whenever you step through the head of the Giant into Swarovski Crystal Worlds…

The realm of the Giant hosts a rich collection of precious items housed in 17 Chambers of Wonder.

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The original principle of these Chambers of Wonder is based on the historical chamber of wonders in the castle of Ambras, which was a 16^th century attempt to assemble a universal collection of all knowledge known at the time.

In the Chambers of Wonder at Swarovski Crystal Worlds, internationally & nationally recognized artists, designers & architects have interpreted crystal in their own unique ways and they create concepts of space & experience from the sparkling material.

Working in collaboration with artists from throughout the globe & internationally renowned architects, the “Home of the Giant” now inspires with a new poetic garden on 7.5 hectares of land surrounding the iconic Giant, with unparalleled art installations & new structures. The garden of the Giant contains contemporary art as well as ancient history & unique pleasures: a place where crystal becomes a holistic experience.

It features a unique Crystal Cloud made from 800,000 hand-mounted & enchanted floating crystals & this mystical masterpiece is the largest of its kind worldwide & with it Swarovski has set the new standard for brilliantly implemented installations.

You will visit the impressive gardens & learn how the pieces of crystal are produced. Allow yourself to be mesmerized by the sparkling Crystal Cloud as you stroll along the Mirror Pool where the sparkling light of the crystals is captured to form a sea of stars both day & night. Discover a venue where you can experience beauty, inspiration and energy, care, and esthetics & legends. In a world of fantasy inspired & designed by some of the world’s greatest artists, visitors can believe in miracles for just a moment. Be surprised, touched & perhaps even transformed by crystal in all its facets.

In time, you will be transferred to the Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof, one of the country's busiest railway stations with around 25,000 passenger movements daily, to board a train for Switzerland. Enjoy picturesque views of quaint rural landscape on the 3 hour ride.

Arrive at Zurich Hauptbahnhof, the largest railway station in Switzerland & the main hub for trains from neighbouring countries such as Germany, Italy, Austria, France.

Transfer (on your own) to the hotel (walking distance from the Station).

Zurich is a boutique city that offers everything that implies, albeit in small & exquisite format. Culturally vibrant, efficiently run & attractively set at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland, it is regularly recognised as one of the world's most liveable cities.

Long known as a savvy, hard-working global financial centre, Switzerland's largest & wealthiest metropolis has also emerged in the 21^st century as one of Central Europe's hippest destinations, with an artsy, post-industrial edge that is epitomised in its exuberant summer Street Parade.

The cosmopolitan city by the water combines creative urban life with nature in all its glory. Zurich is abuzz with activity day & night with its countless events, diverse museums, own food festival & Switzerland’s most vibrant nightlife. And if you are after rest & relaxation, you can be in the Swiss mountains in less than an hour.

Zurich is avant-garde: it was not only home to Dada, but also the place where the Freitag bag & world-renowned Helvetica typeface originated. Researchers at the revered Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) & companies such as Google & Disney Research, produce one innovation after the next. Creativity is also in abundance thanks to one of the biggest universities in Europe devoted to the arts - Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) - while establishments such as the Kunsthaus Zürich, Haus Konstruktiv & Museum fur Gestaltung ensure that it all doesn’t fall into oblivion.

Zurich’s inhabitants don’t just eat Bircher muesli & “Zuri Gschnatzlets” (sliced beef). They are veritable cosmopolitans & love sophisticated delicacies from across the globe. They do their utmost to embrace trends immediately - with creativity & delight. And this earns them awards: Zurich has one of the highest numbers of Michelin-starred restaurants per inhabitant in Europe. The city’s rustic pubs, street food festivals & pop-up restaurants in empty factories are also enjoying a great degree of popularity. All the city’s culinary offerings - and a lot more besides - can be sampled by the way at the annual Food Zurich festival.

Much of the ancient centre, with its picturesque winding lanes & tall church steeples & 17^th century Rathaus (town hall) in the central Altstadt (Old Town), on either side of the Limmat River, reflect its pre-medieval history & has been kept lovingly intact.

Yet Zurich has also wholeheartedly embraced contemporary trends, with the conversion of old factories into cultural centres & creative new living spaces. Nowhere is that clearer than in Zuri-West, the epicentre of the city’s nightlife & the Waterfront promenades of the Limmat quai.

Balance of the day free for independent explorations or optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make any arrangements).

Morning, embark on a full day excursion to enjoy the beautiful Swiss landscapes & breathtaking scenery in the region of Interlaken. 

First stop on the scenic drive will be Grindelwald, a village in Switzerland’s Bernese Alps, a popular gateway for the Jungfrau Region, with skiing in winter & hiking in summer.  

Grindelwald’s sublime natural assets are film-set stuff - the chiselled features of the Eiger's north face, the glinting tongues of Oberer & Unterer Glaciers and the crown-like peak of Wetterhorn will make you stare, swoon & lunge for your camera.

It is also a base for mountain-climbing ascents up the iconic north face of Eiger Mountain. Skiers & hikers cottoned onto its charms in the late 19^th century, which makes it one of Switzerland’s oldest resorts and it has lost none of its appeal over the decades, with geranium-studded Alpine chalets & verdant pastures set against an Oscar-worthy backdrop.

Gletscherschlucht, a glacial gorge just outside Grindelwald, features paths with interpretive signage, waterfalls and striated limestone walls. Take the Cable Car (included) to the top & enjoy the views of the glaciers. Walk along the path (30 minutes) & on the ¨footbridge over the empty¨ among the fantastic scenery.

Enjoy lunch (included) here among the picturesque setting.

In time, board the bus again & depart for Lucerne.

Lucerne, the gateway to central Switzerland, is a compact city known for its preserved medieval architecture, located amid impressive snow-capped mountains on Lake Lucerne. Lucerne is a city of town squares & churches.

Lucerne is stunning & deservedly popular since the likes of Goethe, Queen Victoria & Wagner savoured its views in the 19^th century. Legend has it that an angel with a light showed the first settlers where to build a chapel in Lucerne, and today it still has amazing grace.

Tradition and modernity stand side-by-side with ease in Lucerne, as the town has also earned a reputation for itself with innovative design. The futuristic Culture & Convention Centre (KKL), designed by leading French architect Jean Nouvel, is one the architectural highlights of the town. The KKL is also a landmark of «Lucerne: Festival City» & venue for a wide variety of cultural events throughout the year.

Thanks to its attractions, its souvenir & watch shops, the beautiful lakeside setting, Lucerne is the ideal starting point for many excursions to the highlights of central Switzerland. A trip up one of Lucerne’s regional mountains, the Pilatus or the Rigi - the queen of mountains - is a must. But excursions up onto the Stanserhorn, the Burgenstock or a steamship cruise on Lake Lucerne with its many bends & arms are certainly no less worthy. The Gotthard Panorama Express originates in Lucerne & ferries its passengers to the foot of the Gotthard pass via Lake Lucerne & then continues by rail into Ticino, south of the Alpine ridge. The «cherry road» leads from Lucerne through the landscape of cheery trees & kirsch.

Its colorful well-preserved medieval Altstadt (Old Town) is bordered on the north by 870m Museggmauer (Musegg Wall), a 14^th century rampart which, with the exception only of one of its towers, has been preserved in its original, well-fortified state. It also has a reputation for making beautiful music. Add the covered bridges, sunny plazas, candy-coloured houses and waterfront promenades & you have a recipe for a gorgeous Swiss city.

Complete with gable paintings, the covered, medieval Kapellbrucke (Chapel Bridge), built in 1333, linking the Aldstadt to the Reuss River's right bank, forms the centrepiece of Lucerne’s townscape & is considered to be one of the oldest, covered wooden bridges in Europe.

Historic houses decorated with frescoes line the picturesque town squares as they do in the ‘Weinmarkt’ square in the car-free old town.

The Jesuit church dating from the 17^th century is regarded as Switzerland’s first sacral Baroque building & the twin towers of the Hofkirche form an integral part of the townscape. The figure of a dying lion which was hewn from the face of rock in remembrance of the heroic death of Swiss guards killed during an attack on the Tuileries in 1792 is one of the best-known monuments in Switzerland. And with its 112-metre-long Bourbaki panorama, Lucerne possesses one of the world’s few maintained, mammoth circular paintings.

One minute it is nostalgic, the next highbrow. Though the shops are still crammed with what Mark Twain so eloquently described as ‘gimcrackery of the souvenir sort’, Lucerne doesn’t only dwell on the past, with a roster of music gigs keeping the vibe upbeat. Carnival capers at Fasnacht, balmy summers, golden autumns - this ‘city of lights’ shines in every season.

Spend a couple of hours walking around (on your own) before boarding the bus for the drive back to Zurich.

Balance of the evening is free for independent explorations or optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make any arrangements).

Early morning, depart for France.

But enroute, stop at Bern first.

Not many cities have managed to retain their historic features quite as successfully as Bern.

Set in the heart of Switzerland, Bern is the seat of Switzerland's government & a gateway to the Alps. The Houses of Parliament (Bundeshaus) rise above the city just a stone's throw away from the railway station. The doors to the Houses of Parliament are open to visitors most of the time. A stroll through the weekly market in Berne on the “Bundesplatz” parliament square naturally has a political touch & if you are lucky you might even bump into a member of parliament in the streets of the city. Although Bern has a very good public transport network it is best to explore the city centre on foot. 

The medieval air of this city with its many fountains, sandstone facades, narrow streets & historic towers is unique.

The elevated Rose Garden above the Bear Park & the platform of the 101metre high cathedral tower offer the best views of the old town round which the River Aare flows. The former entrenchments & bastions drop down steeply to the river. The boutiques, bars & cabaret stages of the old town, some of which are located in vaulted cellars & the small street cafes attract locals as well as a lot of tourists.

Bern’s UNESCO World Heritage listed flag-festooned, cobbled picturesque Old Town with its provincial, laid-back air, rebuilt in distinctive grey-green sandstone after a devastating 1405 fire, is an aesthetic delight and thanks to its 6km of covered arcades, cellar shops & bars and fantastical folk figures frolicking on 16^th century fountain arcades - the locals refer to them as 'Lauben' - boasts one of the longest weather-sheltered shopping promenades in Europe.

From the surrounding hills, you’re presented with an equally captivating picture of red roofs arrayed on a spit of land within a bend of the Aare River.

The Zentrum Paul Klee situated on the outskirts of the city houses the most comprehensive collection of works by the artist Paul Klee. The Albert Einstein House bears testimony to the physics genius' stay in Bern at the start of the 20th century & may ideally be combined with a visit to the Einstein Museum. With the History Museum, Art Museum, Swiss Alpine Museum and Communication Museum Bern offers a very varied range of exhibitions.

The Botanical Gardens are also located along the river, as is the Dahlholzli Zoo & the old Matte district. Bern & bears, the cities heraldic beast, are inseparable. A visit to the Bear Park, habitat of a family of bears is a must do.

In the squares of the city centre colourful weekly markets present their wares. The Onion Market (Zibelemärit) which takes place on the fourth Monday in November is particularly worth visiting: visitors to the traditional market dedicated to onions start pouring into the city in the early hours. 

In a nutshell, Bern seduces & surprises at every turn. Its museums are excellent, it’s drinking scene dynamic & its locals happy to switch from their famously lilting dialect to textbook French, High German or English - which all goes to show that there is more to Bern than bureaucracy.

Spend a couple of hours walking around (on your own) before boarding the bus & departing for France.

Arrive in Paris by late evening & Check-in at the hotel.

Paris, France's capital, is a major European city and a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy & culture. Its 19^th century cityscape is crisscrossed by wide monument-lined boulevards & the River Seine

Beyond such landmarks as the Eiffel Tower & the 12^th century, Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral, the city is known for its museums, classical bistros cafe culture & designer boutiques along the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore and enhanced by a new wave of multimedia galleries, creative wine bars, design shops & tech start-ups.

Iconic Architecture |Artistic Treasures |Glorious Food |Stylish Shopping

The cloud-piercing, wrought-iron Eiffel Tower, broad Arc de Triomphe guarding the glamorous avenue des Champs-Elysees, gargoyled Notre Dame cathedral, lamplit bridges spanning the Seine & art nouveau cafes' wicker-chair-lined terraces are enduring Parisian emblems.

Despite initial appearances, however, Paris’ cityscape isn’t static: there are some stunning modern & contemporary icons, too, from the inside-out, industrial-style Centre Pompidou to the mur vegetal (vertical garden) gracing the Musee du Quai Branly, the glass sails of the Fondation Louis Vuitton contemporary art centre, & the gleaming steel egg-shaped concert venue La Seine Musicale.

With an illustrious artistic pedigree - Renoir, Rodin, Picasso, Monet, Manet, Dalí & Van Gogh are but a few of the masters who have lived & worked here over the years - Paris is one of the world's great art repositories, harbouring treasures from antiquity onwards. In addition to big hitters like the incomparable Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay’s exceptional impressionist collection & the Centre Pompidou’s cache of modern & contemporary art, scores of smaller museums showcase every imaginable genre, a diverse range of venues mount major exhibitions through to offbeat installations, and there is also the city's vibrant street art.

France’s reputation for its cuisine (the French word for ‘kitchen’) precedes it, and whether you seek a cosy neighbourhood bistro or a triple-Michelin-starred temple to gastronomy, you will find that every establishment prides itself on exquisite preparation & presentation of quality produce, invariably served with wine. Enticing patisseries, boulangeries (bakeries), fromageries (cheese shops) & crowded, colourful street markets are perfect for putting together a picnic to take to the city’s beautiful parks & gardens. A host of culinary courses - held anywhere from home kitchens to the world’s most prestigious cookery schools - offers instruction for all schedules, abilities & budgets.

The word 'Parisian' is synonymous with style & fashion shopping is the city’s forte. Paris remains at the forefront of international trends, and browsing emerging & established designer boutiques & flagship haute couture houses is a quintessential part of any visit. You will also find hip concept & homewares shops, and resplendent art nouveau department stores, along with a trove of vintage shops & flea markets, atmospheric bookshops & dark-green bouquinistestalls stocking second-hand titles along the riverbanks, adorable children’s wear & toy shops, art & antique dealers, venerable establishments selling professional cookware, and, of course, gourmet-food & wine shops galore.

Balance of the evening is free for independent explorations (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make any arrangements).

Morning, depart for France.

But enroute, stop at Bern first.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 09.00 am in the Lobby & proceed for a 4 hour sightseeing tour of the city.

Drive around & see some of the French capital’s top attractions.

Immerse yourself in the culture and architecture of the city as you travel along the banks of the Seine River to UNESCO World Heritage listed Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the most visited monument in France.

Explore nearly 1,000-years of history on this guided tour as you walk under the soaring, vaulted ceiling with coloured light pouring in through the stained glass & rose coloured windows. Learn about this massive monument’s past & present as well as its Gothic architecture including the famous gargoyles & gremlins. Victor Hugo, immortalized it with his most famous novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and several protagonists, including Napoleon was crowned here.

Spend about 45 minutes here. You may opt to climb Notre Dame’s tower (own expense) to see Paris from an alternative perspective.

Proceed to the iconic Eiffel Tower, a wrought-iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris.

No one could imagine Paris today without it. It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel whose company designed & built this elegant, 324m-tall signature spire as a temporary exhibit for the 1889 World's Fair. Luckily, the art nouveau tower’s popularity assured its survival.

Constructed from 1887 to 1889, it was initially criticised by some of France's leading artists & intellectuals for its design, but it has since become a global cultural icon of France & one of the most recognisable structures in the world. The Eiffel Tower is the most visited paid monument in the world.

The 1,063 ft tall tower, is about the same height as an 81storey building & the tallest structure in Paris. Its base is square, measuring 125 metres (410 ft) on each side. During its construction, the Eiffel Tower surpassed the Washington Monument to become the tallest man-made structure in the world, a title it held for 41 years until the Chrysler Building in New York City was finished in 1930. Due to the addition of a broadcasting aerial at the top of the tower in 1957, it is now taller than the Chrysler Building by 5.2 metres (17 ft). Excluding transmitters, the Eiffel Tower is the second tallest free-standing structure in France after the Millau Viaduct. The tower has three levels for visitors, with restaurants on the first & second levels. The top level's upper platform is 276 m (906 ft) above the ground - the highest observation deck accessible to the public in the European Union.   

The climb from ground level to the first level is over 300 steps, as is the climb from the first level to the second. Although there is a staircase to the top level, it is usually accessible only by lift.

You will visit the second level of the Eiffel Tower on this 1.5-hour tour that includes skip-the-line access & Wi-Fi, allowing you to immediately share your photos & experiences on the tower with your friends, family & followers, wherever they may be.

The Tour-guide will give you more insights about the construction of the tower & the people who influenced it, as well as stories of those whom the tower itself has influenced.

Next from the Eiffel Tower pier, climb aboard a boat with a glass canopy for a 1 hour cruise along the Seine River

Seeing the romantic city of Paris by boat is on the must-do list of most visitors to Paris and a Seine cruise is a very popular way to see Paris. These short river cruises allow you to take in many of the highlights of the city - the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Musee d’Orsay, Notre Dame, etc. - as you float along listening to entertaining commentary via audio headsets.

Disembark & transfer back to the hotel or continue exploring on your own.

Balance of the day is free for independent explorations or optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make any arrangements).

If you want, in the evening, you will be transferred to the “Quartier Latin”, a very picturesque area of the historic centre where you can enjoy dinner with a wide variety of international cuisines.

Full day at leisure to do as you please (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make any arrangements).

For group members who prefer, they will be transferred to Louvre Museum (Admission not included - direct payment) or they can visit a Perfumery.

Finally, it is time to say good-bye.

Check-out of the hotel by 12:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the use of the hotel facilities & leave the luggage at the Bell Desk if you have the time to walk out). 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport for your onward journey.  B

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