Compare Alpine Walking in Austria and Italy by Road Scholar vs Road to Rome - Start Paris, With Oberammergau, Classic Group Start Paris With Oberammergau Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1
In Transit
In Flight

Day 2
Arrive, Transfer to Seefeld, Check-in, Welcome Dinner
Seefeld D Hotel Seelos
Activity note: Hotel check-in is at 2:00 p.m.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own in Seefeld.

Afternoon: If time permits, you will take a short orientation walk around this delightful village. Attend an orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel. Water is included in the program cost at all meals. Unless otherwise noted, dinners on this program are typically a three course set menu.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 3
Wildmoosalm, Austria
Seefeld B,L,D Hotel Seelos
Activity note: Up to 5 miles of walking for 4 hours on natural trails.

Breakfast: At the hotel. On this program, breakfasts will offer a typical European style breakfast buffet with breads, cheese, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.

Morning: Take a public bus to the town of Mösern and hike up to Lake Mösern (4300 feet). Enjoy the splendid views as you learn about the flora and fauna of Lake Mösern. Continue to Lottenseehütte on a scenic trail overlooking the Inn Valley.

Lunch: Light fare at the hut.

Afternoon: Continue through a trail to Wildmoosalm and then back to Seefeld through the woods.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
The Gorge of the Spirits, Mittenwald, Germany
Seefeld B,L,D Hotel Seelos
Activity note: Up to 5 miles of walking for 4 hours natural trails and on iron bridges; there will be unavoidable stairs.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Depart by local bus through the scenic Leutasch valley, winding through hamlets along the road, to the entrance of the Gorge of the Spirits (Geisterklamm). The Gorge of the Spirits path is built on a series of iron bridges leading down the valley, providing a safe passage which overlooks the watercourse of Leutascher Ache. After crossing the border between Austria and Germany, reach Mittenwald (3028 feet), one of the most popular Bavarian villages.

Lunch: After a short stroll through Mittenwald, enjoy a typical lunch at a Bavarian beer garden.

Afternoon: After lunch, walk uphill for half an hour overlooking Mittenwald. In another half hour, walk to Lake Ferchensee, a scenic Alpine lake at the foot of the Wetterstein mountain range, facing the steep limestone rocks of Karwendel Nature Park. After a short break, continue by bus to the Mittenwald train station to return to Seefeld for free time.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
Hike to Rauthütte from Leutasch Valley
Seefeld B,L,D Hotel Seelos
Activity note: Up to 5 miles of walking for 4 hours on natural trails with ascents and descents.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Depart by local bus through the Upper Leutasch Valley to the hamlet of Moos. Begin today's hike gently through the Rappen Valley to Buchen (3600 feet). From there the ascent starts through lovely woods of pines and birches to our first stop: the Inn Valley point. From there, walk gently up to Rauthütte.

Lunch: Light lunch at alpine hut Rauthütte.

Afternoon: After lunch, there is an optional 30 minute ascending hike to the Zugspitzblick, the viewpoint of Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany (approx. 9000 feet) and superb views into the Gaistal Valley. Return on a forest trail down to the Leutasch Valley and take a local bus back to Seefeld.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
Circular Hike Gaistal Valley
Seefeld B,L,D Hotel Seelos
Activity note: Up to 5 miles of walking for 3.5 hours on natural trails through pastures and forests. Ascending approx. 800 feet and descending the same.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Travel by local transportation to the resting area, "Almparadies Gaistal" (30 minutes). On well-maintained hiking trails, 300 feet above the mountain stream Leutascher Ache, reach the Gaistalalm.

Lunch: Light lunch at the Gaistal or Hämmermoos Alm.

Afternoon: Enjoy fantastic views of the mountain range Mieminger Kette and Wetterstein Gebirge below the nearby Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak. Gentle descent on "Ganghoferweg" circular trail to Almparadies Gaistail.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7
Zirbenweg (Swiss Scotch Pine Trail)
Seefeld B,L,D Hotel Seelos
Activity note: Up to 6 miles of hiking for 4 hours on alpine hiking trails and forest trails. Ascending 300 feet, descending 1700 feet.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Travel by train from Seefeld to Innsbruck bordering the Karwendel Nature Park on a mountain railway track through tunnels and bridges overlooking the Inn Valley from high above (35 min.). Transfer by private coach to Igls (Patscherkofel cable car, 10 min.). From the top of Patscherkofel cable car (6000 feet), enjoy views into the Glacier Valley of Stubai, the Karwendel Nature Park, and the city of Innsbruck. Enjoy a 2 hour hike above the tree line through the Swiss Scotch Pine Area (Zirben Trees) to Boscheben chalet, from where we enjoy views of the Tuxer Alps and have time for a refreshments.

Lunch: The trail runs along the edge of the forest, without significant changes in altitude, to the Tulfein Alm, where we enjoy a delicious light meal.

Afternoon: Descend to Halsmarter (4500 feet) by chairlift and then descent on a well-maintained forest trail down to the village of Tulfes by foot (2800 feet). Transfer by private coach to Innsbruck train station and then back to Seefeld by train.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8
Transfer from Seefeld to St. Ulrich, Italy, in the Dolomites
St. Ulrich B,L,D Hotel Snaltnerhof
Activity note: Up to 2 miles of walking for 1.5 hours on cobblestones and through town.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After breakfast depart by private coach to St. Ulrich (4060 feet) in the Dolomites; entering Italy through the Brennero pass. We stop in the medieval town of Bressanone/Brixen visiting the historic town center and the 12th-century Duomo with its 14th-century frescoes. Learn about the history of this ancient transit route over the Alps from Germany to Italy.

Lunch: Light meal at a local establishment en route to St. Ulrich.

Afternoon: Onward journey and arrive in St. Ulrich. Time permitting, take a short orientation walk in this beautiful village.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9
Col Raiser, Dolomites, Italy
St. Ulrich B,L,D Hotel Snaltnerhof
Activity note: Up to 5 miles of walking for 3 hours on natural trails, mostly gentle descending. Ascending 430 feet, descending 2230 feet.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Today, enjoy a lovely hike with views into the heart of the Dolomites. Take the Col Raiser cable car to the mountain station (6900 feet). Hike along the valley trail through alpine pine forests to a lake in the Cisles Valley. Through the pine forests, the trail leads to the Regensburger Hut and to Juac Hut, which is situated on a picturesque plateau.

Lunch: At a local inn.

Afternoon: Continue the hike to the hamlet Daunei, a small mountain village, and continue further down to Wolkenstein. From there, the circular hike leads us back to the valley station of the Col Raiser railway in the St. Christina municipality.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 10
Seceda, Dolomites, Italy
St. Ulrich B,L,D Hotel Snaltnerhof
Activity note: Walking for 4.5 hours on natural trails with short ascents totaling 820 feet and gentle descents totaling 4600 feet.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Enjoy a great panorama route for demanding hikers. Travel from St. Ulrich by the Seceda gondola to the mountain station (8060 feet). In a southeastern direction, descend to the Sofien Hut and hike down steep grassy mountain-sides to the Cucasattel (7060 feet). From there, hike up to the Pitscher Mountain (7760 feet), and enjoy a wonderful view of the Gardena Valley.

Lunch: Picnic lunch.

Afternoon: Continue the hike on stony mountain trails through forests to the picturesque church of the St. Jakob hamlet (5130 feet). Enjoy the magnificent view of Langkofel. Afterwards, hike through pine forests over the Col de Flam back to St. Ulrich.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 11
Bolzano, Italy
St. Ulrich B,L,D Hotel Snaltnerhof
Activity note: Up to 2 miles of walking for 3 hours through town and in the museum.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: This morning, take public transport (approx. 1 hour) to Bolzano (859 feet), the capital of South Tyrol. Enjoy an expert-led excursion through the city before visiting the Archealogical Museum. This museum is known for its 5000-year-old mummy Ötzi, who was found in the glaciers on the Austrian - Italian border. Enjoy the museum at your own pace.

Lunch: Light meal at a local establishment.

Afternoon: Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most before returning to St. Ulrich on your own by local transportation. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 12
Sella and Langkofel, Dolomites, Italy
St. Ulrich B,L,D Hotel Snaltnerhof
Activity note: Walking for 4.5 hours on mountain trails. Ascending 820 feet and descending 1640 feet.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Drive by local bus on the Dolomite Pass road to Sellajoch (7350 feet). Begin the hike through the "Stone Town" - countless rocky blocks that appear like houses and huts. The further we go, we approach the rock faces of the Sassolungo until we reach the Comici Hut (7060 feet) and enjoy an excellent view of the Sella Group. From there, on the way to Pic Ciaulong, enjoy an excellent view of the 3280 foot high north face of the Langkofel; this mountain is heaven for extreme climbers.

Lunch: At the hut.

Afternoon: Walk around the Langkofel to the famous Langkofel wind gap, from where we hike up for 820 feet to the Sassolungo hut. The descent takes us via the Col de Mesdi to the mountain station of the Mont de Seura, from where we end the rest of the way on the chairlift downhill ride back to St. Christina.

Dinner: Farewell reception and dinner at the hotel.

Evening: Local entertainment at the hotel.

Day 13
Transfer to Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck B,L Hotel Sailer
Activity note: Up to 2 miles of walking for 2 hours on cobblestones and pavement through town.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After breakfast enjoy some free time in St. Ulrich and then transfer by private coach to Innsbruck, Austria (approximately 1.5 hours). Check in to the hotel.

Lunch: At the hotel in Innsbruck.

Afternoon: Enjoy an expert-led city excursion through Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, a state in Western Austria. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 14
Departures
In Flight B
Breakfast: At the hotel. This concludes our program.

Morning: Transfer by private coach to the Innsbruck airport for your flight home. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures.

Day 1: Welcome to Paris

Welcome to Paris, enjoy time at leisure to settle into your hotel. During your time here you will see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Place de la Concorde, the Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe. At 17:00 join your Travel Director at a local brasserie in the heart of Paris for a fabulous Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Paris, the 'City of Light'

Start your day with an Insight Choice. Choose to shop in quaint boutiques like a true Parisian for fashion, perfume or cosmetics with your Local Expert. Alternatively, join an avid foodie, as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. With the afternoon free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city, perhaps join an Optional Experience to see the Paris cabaret?

Day 3: Burgundy and Lucerne

Journey through the Burgundy wine region and pass the Jura Mountains and crossing into Switzerland. Arrive in glorious lakeside Lucerne. A range of enticing options are available for your Dine-Around Evening. Choose from a selection of hand-picked local restaurants.

Day 4: Lucerne & Mount Stanserhorn

In the morning, embark on a scenic journey by funicular railway and open-top cable car to the summit of the stunning Mount Stanserhorn. Take in the pristine mountain air and, on a clear day, witness views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Explore Mount Stanserhorn with Insight Choice. Choose to walk along beautiful scenic pathways for a chance to see marmots and other native animals. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora. Upon return to Lucerne, see the town's proud Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff and dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Then, take some time to stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge to the baroque Jesuit Church. The rest of the day is at leisure to shop for delectable chocolate and glamorous Swiss watches in the traffic-free Old Town.

Day 5: From Lucerne to Oberammergau

Start the day with a journey to the heart of the Alps, passing through the Principality of Liechtenstein. See its tiny capital, Vaduz, with its castle located on a hillside overlooking the city. Continue to Oberammergau in time to take your premium seats and witness the world famous Passion Play, re-enacting the passion of Christ. After a break for dinner, the performance continues into the evening.

Day 6: Innsbruck, the Dolomites to the Queen of the Adriatic

Head for Innsbruck, where your orientation will show you the 14th century houses of the Old Town, the impressive Imperial Palace and the delightful Golden Roof. Cross the impressive Europa Bridge as you journey south. Continue through the magnificent Dolomites via the Brenner Pass and follow the Adige River through spectacular scenery to glorious Venice, where your hotel puts you right in the heart of the splendour.

Day 7: The Magic of 'La Serenissima' Relaxed Start

In the morning, prepare to embrace this most romantic city. See the immense Campanile and Doge's Palace on St. Mark's Square, connected to the ancient prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts centre. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps shop in the small arcades or why not cruise the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine?

Day 8: Tuscany, Pisa and Florence

Visit Il Poggio organic farm for a guided walk and learn about organic food and wine production. On the veranda, take in beautiful views of the rolling Tuscan hills, as you taste the farm's wines and freshly produced olive oil. Enjoy an authentic Italian meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Explore the nearby town of Pisa with a Local Expert and see the baptistery with its intricate marble facade, the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the cathedral and of course the famous Leaning Tower. Afterwards, travel to Florence.

Day 9: Florence Sightseeing Relaxed Start

Walk with your Local Expert to the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. The next stop is Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and David along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. The area around Santa Croce Basilica is famous for the quality of its luxury goods of gold and leather and there's free time to shop or continue exploring.

Day 10: Chianti Country to Assisi and onto Rome

Journey through the vineyards of the Chianti region passing Lake Trasimeno, one of the Italian Peninsula’s largest lakes and site of a great battle in ancient times against Hannibal and his war elephants. Continue up the foothills of the Apennine Mountains to reach delightful Assisi, a stone-built town spilling over the steep hillside. With a Local Expert, visit the tomb of St. Francis and see the beautiful frescoes by Giotto in the great basilica, before continuing along the valley of the River Tiber towards the Eternal City of Rome. In the evening, why not throw your coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to the city?

Day 11: Papal and Imperial Rome

Join a Local Expert for an in-depth visit to the Vatican Museums, full of priceless art collected over the ages by the Popes. To avoid the crowds and maximise your time, Insight has arranged special priority access to the Vatican Museums. Your Local Expert will guide you through the halls of artwork and take you behind the scenes to view the Bramante Staircase, a marvel of Renaissance architecture normally not open to the public. Next, visit the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Next door in St. Peter’s Basilica, view another masterpiece by Michelangelo, the Pietà, as well as the splendid dome, completed after his death. Cross the River Tiber to see the Colosseum, still echoing with the ghostly cries of gladiatorial combat and see Circus Maximus, the ancient chariot-racing stadium. Later, there is time for last-minute shopping or exploring at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy an elegant four-course Celebration Dinner with local wine at a Roman restaurant. As you dine, you'll be serenaded with a private performance of popular songs and arias from some of Italy's best-loved operas.

Day 12: Arrivederci Roma

Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 and 09:30.