Venice, Salzburg and Munich

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Monday June 21: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday June 22: Venice

Benvenuti in Italia! Arrive in Venice, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel in Mestre. Take the vaporetto to downtown Venice and begin exploring this magnificent city of canals and palaces. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday June 23: Venice

An archipelago carved by nearly 150 canals into 118 different islands, the incomparable city of Venice contains a wealth of sights. Ride the vaporetto along the Grand Canal past singing gondoliers as you cross under the Rialto Bridge. Arrive in St. Mark's Square where you can see the Basilica of St. Mark and the Bridge of Sighs, which connected the old prisons of Venice to the interrogation rooms of the neighboring Doge's Palace. Then learn more about one of Venice's most famous exports during an authentic glassblowing demonstration before having time to explore more at your own pace. You'll feel like a local by the evening, when you'll enjoy an authentic Italian meal in the heart of Venice. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday June 24: Salzburg

Enjoy a spectacular morning drive through pristine Alpine settings today. Stop in Villach to see the 14th century St. Jakob's Church and Renaissance town hall. Continue to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. You may want to gain a bird’s eye perspective of the Old Town by climbing Kapuzinerberg Hill for its panoramic views. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday June 25: Salzburg

See the enchanting sights of Salzburg on a guided sightseeing tour that will highlight many of the city’s “Sound of Music” sites including the lovely, manicured gardens in front of the Mirabell Palace, the Sound of Music Churchyard and the stunning Baroque Dom Cathedral. The afternoon is free to explore more at your own pace. Perhaps visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress, located 400 feet above the city center, browse the collection at the Residenzgalerie, treat yourself to a cappuccino or hot chocolate at Café Tomaselli or savor an ice cream from Icezeit in the Chiemseegasse. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 26: Munich

Travel toward the mountains today and descend into the Hallein Salt Mine, where you journey deep beneath the ground to learn more about how this precious mineral deeply influenced Salzburg’s (or, literally, Salt Town) history. Besides, you get to slide down the long wooden slides the miners used and traverse a dark lake deep inside the mountain mine. After crossing into Germany, visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial. This former prison camp was technically not one of the “death camps” but is still a vivid reminder of Nazi atrocities during World War II. Then continue to Munich for the evening. (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday June 27: Munich

In the morning, we learn more about Munich with an expertly guided sightseeing tour of highlights like the Marienplatz with its famed Glockenspiel, the Viktualienmarkt food and flower market and the surfers on the Isar River in the Englischer Garten. Then head for BMW World, a showcase devoted to the history and innovative technology of these world-famous cars. This evening you may want to visit the tent-like buildings of the Olympic Park and join local residents in activities such as swimming or ice skating. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday June 28: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Enhance your European experience with a two-night extension to Lucerne via bus from Munich, including sightseeing and an excursion up Mount Pilatus. (B)