Swiss Alps & Salzburg
September 20-28, 2008

Overview
Features
Excursions

Overview (Return to top)

From the medieval roofs of Salzburg to soaring mountain peaks, tranquil lakes to a refined artistic heritage, Switzerland and Austria offer a kaleidoscope of inspiring delights to discover.  Embark on thrilling rail journeys through the Swiss Alps, stay amidst the picture-perfect scenery of Davos and discover the varied charms of Mozart's home city, Salzburg.  This holiday encompasses everything from sublime natural splendors to grandiose monuments and distinctive cuisine. 

Davos, Switzerland
Davos nestles in an unforgettable mountain landscape of both dramatic and rolling terrain of eastern Switzerland.  For generations, the local people have called it quite simply "our country", reflecting the region's unique landscape.  This lively town of warm and traditional Swiss character has a good selection of charming restaurants, relaxing cafes and elegant shops.

Salzburg, Austria
Magnificently set below a medieval fortress, Salzburg is one of Europe's loveliest towns.  Straddling the winding river Salzach, it has retained an impressive grandeur over the centuries thanks to the preservation order which protects its pretty center from being rebuilt.  Narrow medieval streets are contrasted with fine open squares, and are full of beautiful baroque buildings, fountains, and gardens.  It is perhaps for the creative genius of one Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart that Salzburg is best known. 

Priced from $1,999
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For reservations or additional information, contact:
Jan Breitman [jbreitman@alumni.iastate.edu]
Iowa State University Alumni Association
Fisher-Nickell Hall
Ames, Iowa 50011-1370

Phone: (515) 294-6526 direct or (877) ISU-ALUM toll-free
Fax: (515) 294-9402

Features (Return to top)

• Round trip transatlantic air transportation to Zurich, Switzerland returning from Munich, Germany or vice versa via Northwest Airlines/KLM Royal Dutch Airlines or similar
• Seven nights first-class accommodations in Davos, Switzerland and Salzburg, Austria
• Buffet breakfast included daily
• Round-trip transfers between the airports and hotels via deluxe motor coach
• Scenic transfer between Davos and Salzburg with the breathtaking mountain scenery of Austrian and Swiss countryside, lonesome beauty of the mountain passes, and picturesque villages nestling among the deep green forests and soft Alpine meadows.  Our road will take us through Innsbruck, imperial capital of Tirol with time to enjoy the charming and historical Old Town.
• Luggage handling and related tipping
• Local government and hotel taxes
• Services of a professional travel director throughout
• Complete pre-flight information

Excursions (Return to top)

From Davos:

The Glacier Express
Today reveals a panorama to delight the eye.  The majesty of Switzerland's mountains and the beauty of her lakes are unmatched in all of  Europe and on this trip you will see the best of both.  Travel by road and by rail on the famous Glacier Express train to areas impossible to reach by other means.  Experience unspoiled mountain forests, silent Alpine pastures, rushing mountain streams and mountain villages rich in tradition.  Arrive in St. Moritz, a popular spa in the Middle Ages and still one of Europe's most fashionable resorts.  Sightsee in this charming town, relax amid the beauty and peace of the mountains, stroll beside the lake or visit the glamorous shops.

Lucerne City
Set against a backdrop of majestic mountains, this beautiful city of medieval origin is truly a hidden gem.  Crowned by Mount Pilatus, Lucerne's charm emanates from its picturesque covered bridges decorated with medieval paintings, historic monuments and delightful lakeside promenades.  The River Reuss splits the town, flowing rapidly out of the northwestern end of the lake, and the river banks on both sides are clustered with medieval squares, frescoed houses, cobbled alleys, beautiful churches and ancient guildhalls.  A stroll through Lucerne's well-preserved Old Town offers a wealth of interesting places to visit including the beautiful Baroque Jesuit Church; chapel Bridge, Europe's oldest wooden bridge and the symbol of Lucerne; and the famous Lion Monument carved from a limestone cliff, which honors the memory of heroic Swiss Guards.

From Salzburg:

Highlights of Salzburg
This morning experience Salzburg's rich history and natural beauty through this guided walking excursion of its medieval art and architecture, and historic monuments.  Stroll through the Mirabell Gardens passing the Mirabell palace, built by Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau for his mistress Salome Alt and where the mayor of Salzburg had had his office since 1950.  Visit Mozart's birthplace where you will experience the fascinating world of this genius.  Continue via St. Peter's Church to the Cathedral with its magnificent baroque architecture and join in the bustle of the Getreidegasse, the main road in the historical part of the city and a famous shopping street.

Castle Herrenchiemsee
This morning your drive takes you to Lake Chiem, the largest lake in Bavaria, situated just to the north of the Bavarian Alps.  At the town of Prien, a short boat ride brings you to the Herreninsel (Gentlemens Island).  On this, the largest of three islands on the lake, "Mad" King Ludwig II of Bavaria built the Castle of Herrenchiemsee, the last and most impressive of the Bavarian Royal Castles.  It is often called the "Bavarian Versailles" and has an outstanding location and elaborate interior.  This fairytale castle is sure to enchant you!