Europe - 6 Countries

Day 1:                                 Depart the USA
Meet your Rupiper Tour Guide and fellow travelers at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport for your transatlantic overnight flight to Amsterdam, Netherlands.  Meals: In-flight meal service

Day 2:                                 Arrival in Amsterdam, Netherlands / Zaanse Schans
Our comfortable motor coach awaits us at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, where we transfer to the Zaan region, Western Europe’s oldest industrial area, which developed during the 17th and 18th centuries. Here we visit picturesque Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum which acquaints you with the bygone era of the Dutch working-class. Until the early 1900s, more than six hundred windmills were in use along the Zaan River, but today, merely ten of these impressive wooden machines remain in working condition. The rich history of the Dutch comes to life during a guided tour of the Sawmill. Watch close-up how wind power sets this giant machine in motion, which activates saw blades that slice through massive timber. There is time to explore other windmills, or observe wooden shoemakers and other expert craftspeople demonstrate their skills. For Lunch, we feast on an enormous, savory or sweet stuffed traditional Dutch Pancake at the Restaurant De Kraai, located in an authentic 18th-century grain barn, before we transfer to our unique hotel. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the hotel.  Meals: In-flight meal service, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3:                                 Flevoland / Amsterdam Excursion
The Netherlands, despite its limited land area, is one of the leading agricultural producers in the world. Large parts of the country’s arable land was reclaimed from the sea, which must be preserved through elaborate drainage systems with dikes, canals, and pumping stations. Flevoland is one of these reclaimed regions where we visit the Warmonderhof, a 210-acres biodynamic farm, where onions, carrots, pumpkins, potatoes, and wheat are under cultivation. They also milk about fifty cows, maintain a 75-acre orchard, and grow flowers. Their produce is sold in their own food shop and at the markets of Amsterdam and Aalsmeer. We enjoy a presentation by one of the main shareholders followed by a field inspection and a delicious lunch. Of course, the food is organically grown! This afternoon we cross a 17-mile-long dam, the Houtribdijk, which is a hydraulic masterpiece of engineering and one of the largest projects undertaken by the Netherlands during the 20th century. Continue to nearby Amsterdam, which is rightfully referred to as the “Venice of the North” with its close to seventy miles of canals, ninety islands and 1,500 bridges. Board a semi-open boat and enjoy a relaxing cruise along Amsterdam’s famous waterways. Glide under countless bridges and pass by landmark buildings, stately mansions, and colorful houseboats, all while listening to our captain’s unique stories. Tonight’s dinner is served in a one-of-a-kind restaurant.  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4:                                 Amsterdam, Netherlands / Brussels, Belgium
This morning’s excursion will delight the flower enthusiast! We start early to catch the world’s largest flower auction in full swing. Enjoy the gorgeous flowers and experience the hustle and bustle of the Bloemenveiling (flower auction) Aalsmeer, where  up to nineteen million flowers and two million plants are sold each day at Aalsmeer’s vast trade building covering more than 250 acres. Say farewell to the Netherlands as we cross into Belgium, and on to Brussels, which is the capital of Belgium, as well as the capital of the European Union (EU). Along the way to the city center, we stop for a photo-op at the futuristic Atomium, drive by the Royal Palace and gardens, and see the European Parliament. Explore Brussel’s “living room” the Grand Place, a splendid market square surrounded by opulent aristocratic buildings adorned with gilded buttresses, and see the popular Manneken Pis, a small bronze fountain sculpture of a little boy doing the unimaginable. Everyone loves chocolate, and Belgium is renowned around the globe for its delicious chocolate products. Watch an expert chocolatier as he creates delectable pralines and, of course, you get to taste their goodies too! Tonight, you are free to explore Brussels’ bustling streets, enjoy a delicious dinner, or sample a glass of Belgium’s famous beer in one of the countless local restaurants.   Meals: Breakfast

Day 5:                                 Brussels, Belgium / Rüdesheim, Germany / Wiesbaden, Germany
We cross the border into Germany and journey along the Rhine River to the village of Sankt Goar, where we embark on a scenic Rhine River cruise to Rüdesheim. Sit back and take in beautiful landscapes as we sail past picturesque towns, hillside vineyards, and medieval castles. The Rhine Valley, which is Germany’s prime wine growing region, produces its own microclimate, which benefits its agriculture, and particularly its viniculture. Disembark in the charming village of Rüdesheim, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Meander along the famous Drosselgasse, a narrow cobblestone street lined with historical buildings and beautifully decorated taverns, where you may enjoy a glass of wine or a cup of their unique coffee specialty, Rüdesheimer Kaffee. We enjoy a delicious meal in a local Restaurant before continuing on to tonight’s destination, Wiesbaden. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6:                                 Wiesbaden, Germany / Würzburg / Nuremberg, Germany
This morning’s first stop is in the beautiful city of Würzburg. After a city orientation tour, we will visit a lovely hillside vineyard and winery, where our local guide and wine connoisseur give us a glimpse into this region’s viniculture. Tour a winery’s cellar, sample their distinct wines, and enjoy lunch at their restaurant. Journey on to Nuremberg, which is best known for its famous Christmas market, its toy industry, as well as their traditional gingerbread specialties and delicious Nuremberg Bratwurst. After World War II, the city also became known for the Nuremberg Trials, a series of military tribunals held by the Allied forces, at the Palace of Justice. Visit this very courtroom and, just outside Nuremberg, our guide shows us the unfinished Congress Hall, the Great Road, and the Zeppelin Field, while explaining the functions and intended effect of National Socialist architecture, and the stage-management of the Nazi Party Rally events.  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7:                                 Nuremberg, Germany / Prague, Czech Republic
Delight in a guided tour of Nuremberg’s historic Old Town with its quaint narrow streets lined with pink sandstone buildings and well-preserved half-timbered houses. Walk through the grounds of Nuremberg’s landmark, the Kaiserburg, an imposing 12th century imperial palace and discover Nuremberg’s historic Hauptmarkt (Main Market Square) which has been the center of activity since medieval times. Just outside Nuremberg we visit the Pingold Family, where we learn about their small, profitable non-conventional farm operation. Their primary sources of income are from hop cultivation, table cherry production, and liquor distillation. The farm produces its own energy with a small biogas plant that feeds off the by-products from their distillery and small swine operation. Enjoy a tour of their cherry orchard and hops fields, concluded by a scrumptious buffet lunch and a taste of their cherries and Schnapps. Tonight’s destination is Prague, in the Czech Republic.  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8:                                 Prague, Czech Republic
Begin your guided tour of Prague at the majestic Prazsky Hrad, the largest ancient castle in the world. Located within the castle complex, which is visible from all viewpoints of the city, is St. Vitus Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Prague. The most outstanding feature in the cathedral is St. Wenceslas Chapel, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The lower parts of the chapel’s walls are decorated with more than 1,300 semi-precious stones from Bohemia, and the joints between them are covered with gold. Ornate Gothic frescoes depict bible scenes and the Passion of Christ. During a panoramic Vltava River cruise, we take in views of the famous Charles Bridge and other city highlights, concluding in Prague’s historic old town which houses the famous Astronomical Clock. Tonight, you are in for a treat. At the restaurant U Marčanů, the gracious hosts welcome you with a glass of Becherovka (Czech’s specialty liquor) followed by a typical Czech Duck dinner and unlimited wine and beverages. Musicians and dancers dressed in traditional costumes entertain us with folk music and dancing. This is always great fun!  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9:                                 Prague, Czech Republic / Vienna, Austria
Depart Prague for Česky Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This picturesque town, crowned by a majestic castle, lies on the banks of the Vltava River and is surrounded by densely forested rolling hills. Walk along winding cobblestone streets in Old Town Česky Krumlov with its more than three hundred well-preserved medieval buildings. If you are a shopper, this is the place for you! Crossing the border into Austria, we travel along country roads lined by fertile farmland where mainly malting barley, wheat, sugar beets, and potatoes are cultivated. Alternative crops, such as poppy or medicinal and aromatic herbs are also grown in this region. Austria’s capital, Vienna, aptly called “The City of Waltzes” is our home for the next two nights.  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10:                          Vienna, Austria
Begin the day with a grand tour of Austria’s principal cultural monument and UNESCO World Heritage site, the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, where you tour the lavish state rooms and private apartments of Emperor Franz Josef and his beautiful wife, Sisi. Continue your panoramic tour of Vienna while leisurely riding in a horse-drawn carriage, called Fiaker. Enjoy an enchanting ride past Vienna’s grand architecture such as the famous St. Stephan’s Cathedral, the Hofburg, and the Vienna Parliament. This evening, we experience traditional Austrian hospitality in the historic Marchfelderhof. While we are savoring delicious food and wine, talented musicians entertain us with famous waltzes, polkas, and operetta melodies. Or you request them to play your favorite tune – enjoy!  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11:                          Vienna / Leonding / Salzburg, Austria
Departing Vienna we travel through Austria’s primary farming region. Northeastern Austria’s flat land and fertile soil along with generous rainfall warrants good yields year after year. Here we visit the headquarters of SAATBAU LINZ eGen, Austria’s largest grower and producer of seed. The company was established in 1950 by consolidating five regional seed farming cooperatives. Today the cooperative is comprised of more than 3,100 Austrian farmers who are member-owners and employs about 350 people. SAATBAU LINZ eGen develops top varieties of agricultural crops for the European and international market, including Asia, South- and North America. Corn hybrids belonging to the maturity group FAO 200-400, wheat, barley, oilseed rape, sunflowers and soybeans are among their more than 350 varieties from about eighty-five crops that fulfill specific requirements and perform best in its area – for food, feed, and energy. Tour their factory and observe the various stages of seed cleaning and packaging, concluding with a field inspection of their test plots. Late afternoon we arrive in Salzburg, nestled in the foothills of the Austrian Alps and crowned by the mighty fortress Hohensalzburg.  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12:                          Salzburg, Austria / Berchtesgaden, Germany / Salzburg, Austria
Today’s excursion takes us to the lofty heights of the Kehlsteinhaus, also known as the Eagle’s Nest, which sits atop the Kehlstein Mountain at 6,017 ft. The building was intended to be a retreat for Hitler and a place to entertain visiting dignitaries during the war. The Allies used the Kehlsteinhaus from the end of the war until 1960 as a military command post and now, it serves as a restaurant. Walk up to the mountain’s summit or enjoy a cup of coffee along with a piece of their specialty Apfelkuchen (apple pie) on the restaurant’s terrace while enjoying panoramic views across the Alps.  We return to the city of Salzburg, renowned for its vibrant cultural life and its storybook Old Town. Enjoy an easy-going tour of this ornate city in a horse-drawn carriage followed by a short walking tour. Meander along romantic passageways and courtyards and explore Salzburg’s famous Getreidegasse, a street lined with narrow houses and enticing shops adorned with wrought-iron guild signs. See Mozart’s birthplace and scenery used as a backdrop in the unforgettable Sound of Music film before ascending by funicular to the imposing 900-year-old fortress Hohensalzburg, the largest medieval castle in Europe. Tonight, we enjoy a delicious meal in a local restaurant.  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13:                          Salzburg, Austria / Hall, Austria
Salt mines in this region were in operation for over eight hundred years, and until a few years ago, only the miners were allowed to enter the complex tunnel system. Slip on some miner’s overalls and explore the secret world deep down beneath the Salzburg Mountain by boarding a small train which takes you into the cavernous salt mine. Slide down a steep wooden chute, ferry-cross a salt brine sea and learn how salt is extracted from the rock. Always interesting and fun!  Cross the grandiose, Austrian Alps, with its snow-capped peaks, and enjoy breathtaking scenery as we travel winding country roads along green mountainsides dotted with typical alpine-style houses. This region truly displays Europe’s iconic views! We have an opportunity to browse Austria’s famous Swarovski Crystal Shop. Swarovski, founded in 1895, is an Austrian producer well-known for its crystal jewelry and optical instruments such as telescopes, rifle scopes, and binoculars.  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14:                             Hall, Austria / Zurich, Switzerland
Once again, we cross the majestic Alps, via another spectacular mountain pass into Switzerland. Don’t be surprised if our bus must stop to give wandering cows the right of way!  Continue along scenic country roads to reach the northeastern Alps of Switzerland and the Säntis Mountain, which height tops at 8,200 feet above sea level. Boarding a cable car, we glide above rugged ridges to the lofty summit, from where you have a panoramic glance of six European countries, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France, and Italy. Following our descent, we visit a small local cheese plant to learn how the famous Swiss cheese is produced. Once more, take in the views, the fresh air, and enjoy your Farewell Dinner with your new friends in a specialty restaurant on the lovely Lake Zurich.  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15:                             Zurich, Switzerland / USA
We say farewell to the wondrous “Old World” and board our intercontinental flight from Zurich, Switzerland to Chicago, IL. Your same day, early afternoon arrival allows ample time for your connecting flight home.  Meals: Breakfast, In-flight meal service

 Rupiper Tours reserves the right to make minor adjustments to the itinerary if necessary