Europe: East and West

Begin exploring the capital of Germany-the international city of Berlin.

With a local guide, marvel at the remnants of the Berlin Wall, torn down in 1989, and see the Brandenburg Gate.

En route to Prague, see the completely rebuilt, culturally-inclined Dresden, where Wagner, Strauss, and Weber found musical inspiration.

LEAP Activity | Ich bin ein Berliner

Step into the shoes of the people whose lives were impacted by the Berlin Wall. Participate in a group activity that involves reciting personal accounts of the event and discussing its repercussions. Live through their experiences and gain a personal insight into Germany’s history.

A local guide brings you to the sights, including the artists' homes in the Golden Lanes, somber Tyn Church, Charles Bridge, and the grand astronomical clock.

Explore this wonderful castle with sharp spires and ragged rooflines.

Cross the Austrian border to Vienna. Marvel at the city's imperial palaces, Art Nouveau, and whimsical design.

Follow in the footsteps of the imperial Habsburgs as a local guide shows you the Hofburg, the Belvedere, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. In Schonbrunn Palace, imagine the resignation of Emperor Karl I, ending the 640-year Habsburg reign.

Take a walking tour of Salzburg. Then, visit Mozart's birthplace, en route to Munich.

Discover Munich, where a local guide brings you to the Olympic stadium, the Glockenspiel, the brilliance of the miniature palace of Nymphenburg, and the impressive Frauenkirche.

See the first Nazi concentration camp opened in Germany.

LEAP Activity | Bask in Bavarian Arts

Discover the links between traditional dance and Bavarian history. Listen to and learn Bavarian music while participating in ancient folklore storytelling. You’ll also learn (and demonstrate) a variety of traditional dance steps as taught by local experts.

Visit Hohenschwangau Castle then take a scenic hike to see Neuschwanstein Castle (no visit) and St. Mary's Bridge for a photo stop!

Cross the Swiss border to the lakeside city of Lucerne.

Enjoy a walking tour of the picturesque town of Lucerne as you stroll through Kornmarkt and Weinmarkt Squares, see the lion monument and the Jesuit church.

Visit Zurich, an optional excursion, known as "Downtown Switzerland". The city acts as headquarters for five world banks and countless underground gold bullions. Later, explore the old town (Altstadt) and get a sense of why this city was named number one for best quality of life; stroll through parks and quays, relax by Lake Zurich or shop for products unique to Switzerland.

Experience a traditional Swiss performance during an evening of entertainment celebrating Swiss folklore, songs and yodels. (available April - October only)

LEAP Activity | Swiss Life and Legends

Legends of William Tell, the Lion Monument, Swiss independence, and more come to life as you reenact episodes in the history of Switzerland.

Travel through the land of the Brothers Grimm's tales on your way to the ancient university city of Heidelberg. Stroll through the altstadt to see the country's oldest university and grandiose Heidelberg Castle. This medieval city truly embodies the spirit of Germany.

Cruise along the fortress-studded Rhine, with its banks crowned by magnificent castles and breathtaking, vine-terraced hills.

Discover this 12th century medieval castle located above the town of Braubach.

Debate the Great

LEAP Activity | Debate the Great

Meet six influential figures from Germany’s history. Join a debate and argue their accomplishments to decide who the greatest German is.