- Preparing for your trip
- Currency Conversion Tools
- Day 1 |✈️ Mon. 09/22/25
- Day 2 | Tue. 09/23/25 | Frankfort
- Day 3 | Wed. 09/24/25 | Heidelburg
- Day 4 | Thu. 09/25/25 | Munich
- Day 5 | Fri. 09/26/25 | Munich
- Day 6 | Sat. 09/27/25 | Munich
- Day 7 | Sun. 09/28/25 | Salzburg, Austria
- Day 8 | Mon. 09/29/25 | Salzburg, Austria
- Day 9 | Tue. 09/30/25 | Innsbruck, Austria
- Day 10 | Wed. 10/01/25 | Lucerne, Switzerland
- Day 11 | Thu. 10/02/25 | Lucerne, Switzerland
- Day 12 | Return Home
Day 1 | Mon. 09/21/25
Depart Greater Cincinnati Airport
Day 1 ✈️ Mon. 09/22/25
Arrival in Frankfurt, Germany
🚗Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel
Day 2 | Tue. 09/23/25
🏩 Avani Frankfort City Hotel
🎟️ Full-Day Rhine Valley Trip 11:15 am
Meet at 11:00 am
Meeting Point: Wiesenhüttenpl. 38, 60329 Frankfurt am Main
Please do not enter the hotel Le Meridien at this place, they do not pick up in the hotel lobby and also not directly at the entrance.
Journey along the romantic Rhine on a half- or full-day tour from Frankfurt and take in the UNESCO-listed wonders of the Rhine Valley. Set sail along the Rhine River on a traditional steamer and cruise past sweeping vineyards, medieval towns and mountaintop castles. Jump off to explore historic Rudesheim, see the landmark Loreley Rock (full-day trip only) and indulge in wine tasting, then tuck into a delicious lunch (full-day trip) or dinner (half-day trip) by the riverside.
- Travel to the Rhine Valley by luxury air-conditioned coach
- Cruise through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Valley on a steamer boat
- Sample wines from the Rhine Valley region
- Enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant
Read more about – Rhine Valley Trip from Frankfurt including Rhine River Cruise
Day 3 | Wed. 09/24/25 | Heidelburg
🚅 Frankfurt HBV – Heidelberg Hbf
Depart 10:19 am – Arrive 11:09 am
🏨 Hotel Bayrischer Hof
🏰 Heidelberg Castle & Romantic Old Town 2 pm
📍 Meeting Point: Heidelberg Tourist Info, Ob. Neckarstraße 31-33
Duration: 3.5 hours Includes: Private guide, castle + funicular tickets
Step into centuries of charm with a private guided tour through Heidelberg’s iconic castle and storybook Old Town. Begin with a scenic ride up to the castle, where you’ll explore:
- The Deer Moat and Battery Park, once royal hunting grounds
- The ornate Elisabeth Gate and legendary Hortus Palatinus gardens
- The Castle Courtyard, featuring the Ottheinrichsbuilding
- The German Pharmacy Museum, showcasing medieval medicine
- The colossal Great Barrel, holding 60,000 gallons of wine
Then descend into the heart of Heidelberg’s Altstadt, where cobblestone streets lead to:
- Market Square and the Hercules Fountain
- The Church of the Holy Spirit and King’s Tomb
- The whimsical Bridge Monkey and Old Bridge
- The birthplace of Germany’s first president
- The quirky Student Jail and University Museum (Sundays only)
Your guide—an expert local with 40+ years in Heidelberg—customizes the experience to your pace and interests. Whether you pause for a drink or dive deeper into history, every moment is tailored to you.
🎯 End Point: Universitätsplatz, Heidelberg Altstadt 🕗 Available Daily: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM 💬 🚫 Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or travelers with serious medical conditions
Day 4 | Thur. 09/25/25
Eurostars Book Hotel Munich
🚅 Heidelberg Hbf – Stuttgart Hbf
Depart 11:11 am – Arrive 11:51 am
🚅 Stuttgart Hbf – Muenchen Hbf
Depart 12:51 pm – Arrive 2:49 pm
OPTIONS IN MUNICH
The World’s Largest Beer Garden
Hirschgarten 1, 80639 Munich, Phone: +49 (0) 89 17 999 119
The Königlicher Hirschgarten is a legendary establishment nestled in the charming district of Nymphenburg, Munich. With a rich history dating back to 1791, this traditional restaurant has been serving locals and visitors alike for generations.
- The Hirschgarten boasts an impressive capacity: over 500 indoor seats, 1200 serviced outdoor seats in the beer garden, and a staggering 7000 seats in the self-service area.
- Expect the best of Bavarian flavors. From crispy schnitzels to savory sausages, the menu celebrates regional specialties.
- The name “Hirschgarten” translates to “Deer Garden,” and you’ll find these graceful creatures roaming freely nearby.
- The picturesque setting, complete with lush greenery, adds to the magical atmosphere.
- Visit the official website for more details. Prost! 🍻
Munich World War II Sites Including Dachau (Viator)
A small group (25 max) full-day Munich combo tour including Dauchau, Gestapo Headquarters.
Gain insight into the Third Reich’s rise to power and visit Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site on this full-day Munich combo tour. Travel to Dachau, the first Nazi concentration camp in Germany, and explore the memorial site with a guide. Learn about the history of Nazi Germany during World War II and see some of the buildings associated with Adolf Hitler on a walking tour.
Day 5 | Fri. 09/26/25
Eurostars Book Hotel Munich
Day 6 | Sat. 09/27/25
Eurostars Book Hotel Munich
🎟️ 🏰Neuschwanstein & Linderhof – Fairytale Castles Tour
🕗 Start Time: 8:30 AM Duration: 10.5 hours📍 Departure Point: Karlsplatz 21–24, Munich (next to Buddy Hotel) | Includes: Round-trip coach, professional guide, skip-the-line service.
Embark on a full-day journey into Bavaria’s dreamlike past with visits to two of King Ludwig II’s most iconic castles:
✨ Linderhof Castle
- Explore Ludwig’s rococo-style hunting lodge and final residence
- Optional interior tour and free time in the gardens
- UNESCO World Heritage Site (designated 2025)
🏞️ Scenic Drive Through Oberammergau
- Pass by the picturesque alpine village known for its woodcarving and Passion Play
🏰 Neuschwanstein Castle
- Discover the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle
- Visit Queen Mary’s Bridge for panoramic views
- Optional entry to Hohenschwangau Castle (childhood home of Ludwig II)
🚌 Tour Highlights
- Comfortable coach with restroom onboard
- Optional upgrade to small-group premium experience with snacks and drinks
- Audio guides available in 9 languages (Classic Tour only)
- Entry fees: €41 per person (credit card only)
| 🗓️ Free Cancellation: Up to 24 hours before departure 💬 Languages: English + 8 others 🚫 Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
Day 7 | Sun. 09/28/25 | Salzburg, Austria
🏨 Hotel am Mirabellplatz
🚅 Munich Hbf – Salzburg Hbf
Depart 9:29 am – Arrive 10:58 am
Train Station Information
Download DB Navigator App | Map of Station
Where to Go in Salzburg – History
Day 9 | Tue. 09/30/25 | Innsbruck, Austria
🚅 Salzburg Station – Innsbruck Station
🏨 ibis Innsbruck
Day 10 | Wed. 10/01/25 | Lucerne, Switzerland
🏨 De la Paix Lucerne
🚅 Innsbruck Station – Zurich Station
Depart 9:47 am – Arrive 1:20 pm
Day 11 | Thu. 10/02/25 | Lucerne
🎟️ Viator Mt Pilatus from Lucerne
Including Boat Trip, Gondola, Cable Car
This is an unguided individual tour
🌄 Experience the Golden Round Trip to Mt. Pilatus from Lucerne Embark on an unforgettable half-day adventure through the heart of Switzerland’s alpine beauty. Begin with a serene cruise across Lake Lucerne, soaking in panoramic views of historic towns and mountain peaks. Ascend Mt. Pilatus aboard the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, then glide down via the aerial Dragon Ride cable car and panoramic gondolas. Whether you’re savoring local specialties at the summit or strolling through charming lakeside villages, every leg of this journey is seamlessly connected and breathtakingly scenic. Ideal for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation, thrill, and iconic Swiss landscapes—all in one expertly curated experience. YouTube video.
Check the timetable carefully, especially for the boat cruise (2-5 departures per day)
Boat connection from Lucerne
Depart at 1:38 am
| Depart Lucerne | 🛥️10:38 am | 11:50 am | 12:38 pm | 1:38 pm | 4:38 pm |
| Arrive Alpnachstad | 🛥️12:05 pm | 1:04 pm | 1:45 pm | 2:57 pm | 5:35 pm |
Alpnachstad Cogwheel Train Seat Reservation
Boarding at 12:35 pm
| Ferry Arrives Board train | 12:00 pm | 🛥️12:05 pm 🎟️ 12:35 pm | 1:10 pm | 1:45 pm 1:45 pm | 2:20 pm |
| Depart | 12:15pm | 12:50 pm | 1:25 pm | 2:00 pm | 2:35 pm |
- Attention: You have only reserved your seat. The seat reservation is not a ticket.
- Your Viator voucher is your ticket.
- Reservation of a seat is not mandatory, but is strongly recommended on days of high attendance to avoid waiting times.
- By making a reservation, you secure a seat on a specific departure. The reservation does not entitle you to seat selection or priority boarding.
- Persons with reservations must be on site at the latest at the specified boarding time. We kindly ask you to have the reservation ready for scanning.
- The reservation is valid only on the selected boarding time and cannot be refunded.
- The reservation guarantees you a ride on the reserved departure time. There are no numbered seats and no seat selection. Guests travelling together can be seated separately.
- The reservation costs CHF 5 per ride for each independently seated person.
- In the event of a delay, the boarding time and the departure time will be postponed by the duration of the delay. The reservation remains valid for the respective departure.
- Reservations can only be made for our rack railroad (Alpnachstad – Pilatus Kulm). No reservation is necessary on our gondola lift and aerial cableway (Kriens – Pilatus Kulm).
- Reservations can be made for a maximum of 9 people. For groups of 10 people or more, we ask you to make the reservation by phone at 041 329 11 11 or via mail to info@pilatus.ch .
Read more about – Mt Pilatus from Lucerne Including Boat Trip, Gondola, Cable Car
Starting direction 1: Take the cruise ship at the railway station in Lucerne (Quai 2 in front of the train station)
Starting direction 2: Take bus number 1 at the railway station in Lucerne to Kriens, Zentrum Pilatus.
The Golden Round starts in Lucerne. Take bus number 1 (direction Kriens/Obernau) right in front of the train station of Lucerne. After an eleven-minute bus ride to the station “Kriens, Zentrum Pilatus” and a short walk, you will reach the valley station of the panorama gondola in Kriens. Enjoy 15 minutes travel to the middle station Krienseregg. There you can sit and relax on the terrace of Restaurant Krienseregg (own expenses) and enjoy your time while children are playing on the Pilu Land playground.
After another 15 minutes travel by panorama gondola, you will reach the middle station Fräkmüntegg. At Fräkmüntegg you can test your agility by climbing in the rope park (own expenses) or try one of the local specialties in the self-service restaurant (own expenses). At Fräkmüntegg you will also change into the aerial cableway “Dragon Ride” and after an exhilarating 5-minute ride you will reach the top of Pilatus Kulm. Thanks to its spacious interior, cockpit-like design and large windows the Dragon Ride gives you the impression of being in a helicopter.
From the top you can enjoy the panoramic views over the Lake of Lucerne and the Swiss Alps on the summit and decide if you want to stay inside the panoramic gallery, relax on the terrace, climb one of the peaks (5-10 minutes) or enjoy a local specialty in the restaurant of Hotel Bellevue or Hotel Pilatus Kulm (own expenses). Many hiking possibilities invite you to discover the Dragon Mountain above Lucerne.
The world’s steepest cogwheel railway (built in 1889) will bring you from Pilatus Kulm through fascinating rock faces, sparkling mountain streams and lush meadows carpeted with Alpine flowers down to Alpnachstad. In Alpnachstad you just pass under the street, and you will be at the cruise landing stage in Alpnachstad. After a breathtaking one-hour boat trip on Lake Lucerne, you will arrive in Lucerne, near the station and your unforgettable half-day-trip will finish.
Know before you go
- This is an unguided activity
- Please check the timetable carefully, especially for the boat connections (there are 2 – 5 boat departures per day)
- To avoid long waiting times for the cogwheel train between Alpnachstad and Pilatus Kulm (or vice versa), we highly recommend you make a reservation under www.pilatus.ch/reservation
- The trip can be taken in both directions for a roundtrip journey
- This trip operates in almost all weather conditions, but please dress appropriately
- YouTube Video on Mt. Pilatus
Read more about – Mt Pilatus from Lucerne Including Boat Trip, Gondola, Cable Car
Day 12 | Fri. 10/03/25 | Depart for Home
🚅 Luzern – Zurich Flughafen
Depart 7:35 am – Arrive 8:44 am
PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP
Cellular Phone Service | Verizon Phone Service
Plan your trip overseas with our travel planner | Verizon
Currency Exchange
EURO
SWISS FRANC (CHF)
Foreign currency exchange is the act of exchanging one type of currency for another. For example, if you’re planning an international trip to Europe, you may want to plan ahead and exchange U.S. dollars for Euros so that you are prepared to cover cash expenses as soon as you arrive without having to stop at an exchange office at your destination. Two hundred euros should get you through until you get to an ATM.
Making ATM Withdrawals – USE A BANK ATM!
The best way to get cash is Italy is to make an ATM withdrawal when you arrive. The Visa or Mastercard exchange rate applies and is better than any rate you’re likely to get exchanging currency at an exchange office or a bank.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to select the option for conversion by your bank. It’s a good idea to check with your bank for specific details about their foreign ATM conversion fees and any other charges that might apply.
Avoid using independent ATMs. These third-party ATMs charge like a wounded bull, and it’ll be obvious which ATMs are affiliated with a bank, and which aren’t.
Cash and Currency Tips for Europe by Rick Steves
Foreign Currency Exchange Services (pnc.com)
How long does it take to receive foreign currency bank notes that are ordered at a PNC branch?
Standard foreign currency orders entered before 4:30 p.m. ET will be delivered to the branch by the end of the next business day. (during business travel season please allow 1 – 2 additional business days)
Customers may request overnight delivery for a $15 charge. Overnight delivery foreign currency orders entered before 4:30 p.m. ET will be delivered to the branch by noon the next business day. Overnight delivery is only available Monday through Friday and isn’t available on bank holidays.
Foreign Currency Exchange | Fifth Third Bank (53.com)
Fifth Third customers can buy and sell foreign currency at their local branch with competitive exchange rates. And when you return from your trip, Fifth Third can buy back any unused foreign currency, exchanging it back into U.S. dollars. Contact your local branch if you have questions about a particular currency carried.
More Information
Your Viator Booking Reference Number can also be found in the Viator emails that you receive for your bookings. It will begin with “BR-“
