Euro Trip Itinerary

Monday, 30th April 2012 (Day 1) (Getting to Chamonix, Mont Blanc, France) Landing at Geneva at 14:20 Airport to Martigny (1.40 hours) at 15.27

o Airport Railway station is directly accessible from Arrivals o Board Train IR 1735 at 15.27 (Geneva- Brig Line) on Platform 3 (Use Eurail Pass) o Exit Train at Martigny Station (ETA 17.07) o Cross platform over to the narrow gauge Mont Blanc Express o Board the Mont Blanc Express to Chamonix at 18.22 (Use Eurail Pass) Sit on the left side of the train for the view (last 90 minutes of the ride is considered the best) No luggage racks in the train so expect problems in storing luggage Sunset on April 30th, 2012 expected at 20.38 http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query2.exe Arrival at Chamonix Mont Blanc Station at 20.03 o Address: 40 Place de la Gare, 74400 Chamonix Check into Hotel La Vallee Blanche o Address: 36 Rue Lyret, 74400 Chamonix o Directions: 6 minute walk (approx 450m) or a catch the le Mulet (free mini shuttle) to the hotel o Request front desk for a "Carte d'Hte" card on arrival for free access on the bus system o Contact: info@vallee-blanche.com / Ph: (33) 4505 30450 / http://www.vallee-blanche.com

Tuesday, 1st May 2012 (Day 2) (Exploring Chamonix & Onto Montreux, Switzerland) Check out of Hotel and leave luggage at the front desk (Cost: $112.50)
o o Breakfast buffet is served at the OByrnes Pub from 7.00 10.00 Paragliding from Planpraz (Le Brevent) (1 1.5 hours including prep & lift commute) Earliest flight can be scheduled at 9.00; they prefer flying at 11.00 for adults weighing more than 95kgs Clothing: Long trousers & long sleeved top, sunglasses, camera and walking boots Meeting Point: Bottom of Le Brevent Mountain (Address: 58 route des Moussoux, Chamonix) By the blue meeting point sign in front of the ticket desks 10 minute uphill walk from Chamonix Centre or take the bus to Le Brevent Check with flight team and buy one way lift tickets to Planpraz (Cost: 23 Euros for 2 people) Landing point: Clos Du Savoy off rue Mummery Cost: 200 Euros (for 2 people) (Does not include lift tickets to Planpraz) Contact: http://www.fly-chamonix.com/en / Ph: 00 33 610 28 20 77 / info@flychamonix.com

Planpraz (Le Brevent)

Walk or take the bus back to Chamonix Centre Auguille Du Midi

o Aiguille Cable Car from Chamonix to Aiguille Du Midi (Europes Highest Cable Car) Walk to Aiguille Du Midi Cable car station (10 minutes) Address: 32 Place de lAiguille du Midi, Chamonix (800m or 10 minutes from Tourism Office)

Cost: 85.00 Euros (for 2 people) Cable car operates between 7.30 and 16.00 every 15 to 30 minutes Aiguille du Midi cable car takes 20 minutes to reach the high Alps at a height of 3,842 m. A lift takes you to the summit terrace at 3,842m, with a clear view of Mont Blanc The total visit lasts 2 or 3 hours on average. It can be twice as long on peak days Take warm clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen

Return to Chamonix by 16.30 and pick up luggage from the Hotel Arrive at Chamonix Mont Blanc Station no later than 17.30 Board train for travel from Chamonix at 17.51 to Montreux, Switzerland
o o o o o Duration: 2.23 hours Board Train RE 18923 at 17.51 (Use Eurail Pass for all changes) Change at Vallorcine Station (ETA 18.25) and board Train R 26223 at 18.41 Change at Martigny Station (ETA 19.35) and board Train IR 1738 on Platform 1 at 19.47 Arrival at Montreux Station at 20.14 9 minute walk (approx 700m) or a 2 minute cab ride (approx 750m and costs 12CHF) o Head SouthEast on Av. des Alpes/ Route 9 (550m) o Turn Left on Av. du Casino/ Route 9 and arrive at Hotel on the left (150m) Request Hotel for Montreux Riviera Card (for free access to Montreux Public Transport) Contact info: info@helvetie.ch / Ph: +41 (0) 21 966 7777 / http://www.helvetie.ch 1 minute walk from the Hotel (approx 91 m)

Check into Helvetie Hotel (Avenue du Casino 32, 1820 Montreux, Switzerland)
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Dinner and gambling at Casino Barriere (Switzerlands first Casino)

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Wednesday, 2nd May 2012 (Day 3) (Exploring Montreux, Switzerland) Scenic ride to Rochers-de-Naye (Altitude: 2042m)
o Directions: Board the cogwheel train from Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye (55 minutes) Trains are available 47 minutes past the hour, every hour until 15.47 (8.47, 9.47 etc) Cost: 33.10 Euros for 2 people (With Eurail Pass) 360 degree view of Lake Geneva and the Alps from the rocky terrace summit http://www.wanderland.ch/en/orte_detail.cfm?id=315407 Marmots Paradise Walk from Rochers-de-Naye Station 14 species of marmots from around the world exhibited in a closed natural habitat La Rambertia (The Alpine Garden) Walk from Marmots Paradise Over 1000 varieties of Alpine plants and flowers struggling against extinction Trains are available 46 minutes past the hour, every hour until 16.46 Board Train from Montreux to Chateu-de-Chillon Station (15 minute ride) (Trains leave every 25 minutes after 12.40) Open from 9.00 to 19.00 in May Entry fee Cost: CHF 12.00 (for 2 people with Riviera card) An independent tour of the castle may take 1 2 hours http://www.chillon.ch/en/ 35 minute walk along the lakeside from Chillon Chateau to the Hotel (approx 2.7km)

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Arrive back at Montreux Station

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Chateau de Chillon

Walk along the Swiss Riviera Promenade

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Thursday, 3rd May 2012 (Day 4) (Onwards and exploring Paris, France)

Check out of Hotel (Cost: CHF 320 for 2 nights) Board Train from Montreux Station at 5.54 to Paris Lyon, France (4.17 hours)
o o o o Board Train IR 1404 at 5.54 Platform 1 (Use Eurail Pass) Change at Lausanne Station (ETA 6.15) and board Train TGV 9260 at 6.22 (Use Eurail Pass) Reservation is compulsory Arrival at Paris Lyon Station (aka Gare de Lyon Station) at 10.11 Buy the Paris Visite Pass at the Station 1 Day, 1-3 Zones (Cost: 19.20 Euros for 2 people) http://www.ratp.fr/en/ratp/c_21894/paris-visite/ Write first and last names on card before first use Write Serial number of card on the magnetic ticket Optional: Write the date of validity on the card Use magnetic ticket as your travel ticket on any Metro, RER or Bus Traveling in Paris: http://parisbytrain.com Route Planner: http://www.ratp.fr/itineraires/en/ratp/recherche-avancee Board Metro Line 1 towards Chateau De Vincennes and exit at Nation (Use Visite Pass) Board Metro Line 6 towards Charles de Gaulle Airport and exit at Picpus (Use Visite Pass) Exit station and walk east on Avenue de Saint-Mande towards Square Courteline At Square Courtelline take a left onto Boulevard de Picpus and continue to Hotel on right (approx. 2 minute or 170m) Contact Info: contact@hotel-paris-printemps.com / Ph: +33 (0) 1 434 36231 / http://www.hotel-paris-printemps.com Covers 19 major attractions (See Stops Guide: http://www.parislopentour.com) Tour operates between 9.30 and 20.30 every 10 minutes Hop-On the Tour at Vauban Hotel de Invalides (stop 16) Cost: 50 Euros for 2 people with Visite Pass Directions from the Hotel Walk to Nation Station from the Hotel (9 minutes) Walk NW on Boulevard de Picpus (away from Square Courtelline) Take a left on Avenue de Trone and continue to Nation Station Board Metro Line 1 towards la Defense and exit at Champs-Elysees-Clemenceau Duration: 18 minutes (Use Visite Pass) Board Metro Line 13 towards Chatillon Montrouge and exit at Saint-Francois-Xavier Duration: 4 minutes (Use Visite Pass) Walk to Vauban at 1 Avenue de Tourville, Paris (4 minutes) Head N on Bd des Invalides (237m) Turn Left on Avenue de Tourville (26m) Recommended Stops on the tour Musee de Invalides - des Invalides (Stop 16) Highlight - Napoleans Tomb (Cost: 14.40 Euros for 2 people with Visite Pass) Timings: 10.00 to 18.00 http://www.invalides.org/pages/anglais/menu_ang.html Madeleine Church (Stop 19) Can also walk from Angelinas to the Church (Approx. 9 minutes or 750m) o NW on Rue du Rivoli o Right on Rue Cambon o Left on Rue Saint-Honore o Right on Rue Duphot o Left Bd de la Madeleine http://www.sacred-destinations.com/france/paris-eglise-madeleine Opera House (Stop 2) (Unaccompanied visit Cost: 18 Euros for 2 people) Timings: 10.00 to 17.00

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Check into Hotel du Printemps (80, Boulevard de Picpus 75012 Paris)

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Paris LOpentour Paris Grand Tour Green Route

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Visit the great staircase, the museum and the auditorium http://www.operadeparis.fr/ Musee dOrsay (Stop 8) (Cost: 16 Euros for 2 people) Timings: 9.30 to 18.00 Largest collection of impressionist paintings in the world Paintings of Renoir, Vincent Van Gogh and Monet on display (see second link) http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/home.html http://kathleen-curry.suite101.com/highlights-in-a-hurry-at-the-paris-orsaya114884 Arch de Triomphe (Stop 13) (Cost: 12.80 Euros for 2 people with Visite Pass) Timings: 10.00 to 23.00 http://www.arcdetriompheparis.com/ Do not cross the traffic circle to reach the base of the Arch Use the underground tunnel instead Hop-Off the Tour at Trocadero (stop 14) Walk towards the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero (approx. 11 minutes or 950m) Lifts operate between 9.30 and 11.00, tower is open until 11.45 Cost: 26.80 Euros for 2 people Book the lift tickets in advance to avoid long queues http://www.eiffel-tower.com/preparing-your-visit/buying-your-tickets.html Go to the 3rd Floor (The top) Explore the Panoramic Maps Explore Gustave Eiffels Office Go to the 2nd Floor (If time permits) Souvenir shops/ Story Window/ Vision Well The tower automatically lights up at sunset (At 21.09 on May 3 rd) The sparkling light show happens at the top of the hour, every hour for 5 minutes http://www.eiffel-tower.com/ Cruise lasts for about 1.15 hours (Cost: 18 Euros for 2 people with Visite Pass) Departing Point: Walk to Pier 3, near the base of the Eiffel Tower (Port de la Bourdonnais) (approx 6 minutes or 450m) If after sunset, choose one that leaves at the middle of the hour to see the Eiffel Tower lights Cruises operate every 30 minutes from 10:00 to 23:00 http://www.bateauxparisiens.com/ Directions from Port de la Bourdonnais (End of Cruise) Walk to Bir-Hakeim Metro Station (900m or 11 minutes) Head Southwest on Port de la Bourdonnais (740m) Turn Left on Pont de Bir-Hakeim (41m) Continue onto Bd de Grenelle (73m) Board Metro Line 6 towards Nation and exit at Nation Station (Use Visite Pass) Walk to the Hotel

The Eiffel Tower

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Seine River Cruise

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Return to the Hotel

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Friday, 4th May 2012 (Day 5) (Exploring Versailles, France) The Chateau de Versailles
o o o o o Address: Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles http://en.chateauversailles.fr/homepage Timings: 9.00 to 18.30 Arrive at the Chateau by around 9.00 am Directions:

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Walk to Nation Station Roundabout from the Hotel at around 7.45 (9 minutes) Buy a Mobilis Pass for Zone 1 4 from the Station or Ticket Machine o (Cost: 20.80 Euros for 2 people) Buy The Passport at Station for full access at Versailles Palace o (Cost: 50 Euros for 2 people) Exit to Boulevard Diderot (1 Minute) Board Bus 57 towards Laplace RER from Diderot to Nation (Use Mobilis Pass) Exit at Gare dAusterlitz (13 minutes) Walk to Gare dAusterlitz Station (4 Minutes) Board RER C towards Javel and exit at Varsailles Rive Gauche Station (41 Minutes) o (Use Mobilis Pass) Head NE on Avenue du General de Gaulle Turn left on Avenue de Paris Explore the Palace (2 hours) (Pickpocket ALERT) The Ceilings The Grand Apartments o Located in the first floor of the Palace consists of the most popular rooms such as The Hall of Mirrors, King's and Queen's state apartments, Royal Chapel, The Kings Library, The Clock Room, The Salons and The Opera (No Pictures in the Opera) Explore The Gardens and the Fountains (1.5 hours) Versailles has the largest palace grounds in Europe, across 250 acres Le Petit Train operates as a mini hop on hop off tour through the garden The Grand Canal The Apollo fountain The Latona Fountain The Neptune Fountain The Grand Trianon (0.5 Hours) Across the park is the pink and white Grand Trianon. The Petit Trianon and the estate of Marie Antoinette (1 hour) Skip the interior of the Petit Trianon The Estate of Marie-Antoinette consists of a chapel, French Pavillon, the Queens Theatre, the Temple of Love, a Grotto, a Landscaped Garden, Refreshment Dairy, the Queens Hamlet, and a farm. Additional Links http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/france/versailles.htm http://www.see-and-do-france.com/palace-of-versailles.html Walk to Versailles-Rive Gauche RER Station Board RER C towards Versailles-Chantiers and exit at Saint-Michel Notre-Dame (38 minutes) (Use Mobilis Pass) Board RER B towards Aulnay-sous-Boisfrom and exit at Chatelet-Les Halles (2 minutes) (Use Mobilis Pass) Board RER A towards La Varenne-Chennevieres and exit at Nation (6 minutes) (Use Mobilis Pass)

Return to the Hotel

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Saturday, 5th May 2012 (Day 6) (Exploring Paris and onwards to Venice, Italy) Check out of the Hotel (Cost: 220 Euros for 2 nights) Leave bags at the luggage lockers in Gare de Lyon Station
o o o Directions o Walk to Nation RER Station Buy a book of 10 T+ Tickets (Carnet de billets) (Cost: 12.50 Euros) Buy 2 Individual T+ Tickets (Cost: 3.40 Euros)

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o Do not buy all individual T+ tickets as they cost 1.70 Euros each Board Metro 1 towards La Defense and exit at Gare de Lyon Station (Use 2 T+ Tickets) Luggage Lockers (Cost: 5 9.50 Euros depending on size) o One level below the Gare de Lyon Yellow Zone is Salle Mediterrannee (refer to Station map) o Salle Mediterrannee gives access to Place Henri Frenay where the baggage storage (Consignes) is located http://parisbytrain.com/tag/gare-de-lyon/ (Also see downloaded station map) Directions from Gare de Lyon RER Station Board RER A towards Saint-Germain-en-Laye and exit at Chatelet-Les Halles (4 minutes) (Use 2 T+ Tickets) Board RER B towards Orsay-Ville and exit at Saint Michel Notre Dame (2 minutes) (Use 2 T+ Tickets) Walk to the Cathedral facade o Head East on Quai Saint Michel (88m) o Turn Left on Petit Pont and arrive at the Cathedral on the right (62m) Main Cathedral Timings: 9.00 to 18.00 Self guided Audio Tour available at the entrance at 9.30 (Cost: 10 Euros for 2 people) http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/ Cathedral Towers Timings: 10.00 to 18.30 387 steps to the top with no elevator Unaccompanied Visit (See downloaded guide) (Cost: 16 Euros for 2 people) http://notre-dame-de-paris.monuments-nationaux.fr/en/ Located right outside the Cathedral faade Address: 7, Parvis Notre-Dame Place Jean-Paul II 75004 Paris Timings: 10.00 to 18.00 Entry Fee: 8 Euros for 2 people Self guided Audio Tour (Cost: 6 Euros for 2 people) http://crypte.paris.fr/en/home Directions from the Crypt Walk to Notre Dame-Quai de Montebello Bus RATP Head SW towards rue de la Cite and turn left Continue onto Petit Pont and cross the bridge Turn left on Quai de Montebello (100m) Board Bus 24 towards Gare Saint Lazare and exit at Pont des Arts-Quai de Conti o Use 2 T+ Tickets Walk to Louvre Entrance o Head West on Quai de Conti and turn right onto Pont des Arts o Once you cross the bridge, walk left until you see the Louvre entrance Timings: 9.00 to 18.00 Cost: 20 Euros for 2 people Follow the Masterpieces Thematic Trail (See downloaded guide) http://www.louvre.fr/llv/activite/detail_parcours.jsp?CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=1013 4198674098115&CURRENT_LLV_PARCOURS%3C%3Ecnt_id=10134198674098115&b mLocale=en Trail is designed to take 1.15 hours Deviate from trail as much as you like Top 20 works in the Louvre http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/france/parisandaround/727 407/Paris-How-to-visit-the-Louvre.html

Cathredale Notre-Dame de Paris

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Archaeological Crypt of Parvis de Notre Dame

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Musee de Louvre
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Best works in the Louvre http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080707185442AAqlDLh Additional Links http://www.louvre.fr/llv/commun/home.jsp?bmLocale=en http://www.tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i6868Visiting_the_Louvre_Museum_and_Making.html Right outside the Louvre Must try an African Hot Chocolate at Angelina Tea Room by Tuileries Garden Address: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 1er arrondissement, Paris Directions from Tuileries Garden Walk back towards the Louvre on Rue de Rivoli Head NE on reu du 29 Julliet Right on rue Saint Honore Left on Place Andre Malraux Onto Avenue de lOpera and walk to Palase Royal-Comedie Francaise bus RATP Board Bus 38 towards Gare du Nord and exit at Turbigo-Etienne Marcel (7 minutes) (Use 2 T+ Tickets) Walk W on rue Etienne-Marcel Left on rue Francaise Right on rue Mauconseil Left on rue Montogueil La Maison Stohrer (Pariss most famous pastry shop) Origin of the Baba Rum Pastry Timings: 7.30 to 20.30 located at 51 rue Montorgueil http://goparis.about.com/od/sightsattractions/p/Montorgueil.htm Duration: 13.25 hours Walk to the Chatelet-Les Halles RER Station Head S on rue Montorgueil Continue on rue Montmartre (51) Slight Left on rue Rambuteau (58 m) Arrive at Forum Les Halles Shopping complex on the left Station is below the shopping complex Board RER A towards Marne-le-Vallee Chessy and exit at Gare de Lyon Station (3 minutes) o Use 2 T+ Tickets Pick up bags from the locker Board Train EN 221 at 19.45 (Use Eurail Pass) Reservation is compulsory

Tuileries Garden
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rue Montorgueil (Parisian permanent Market Street)

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Board Train from Paris Lyon at 19.45 to Venezia Santa Lucia Station,Venice, Italy
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Sunday, 6th May 2012 (Day 7) (Exploring Venice, Italy) Arrival at Venezia Santa Lucia Station at 9.34
o o Traveling in Venice (http://www.actv.it/en/company/company) Buy a 24 hour Travel Card (Biglietto ventiquattro ori) (Cost: 36 Euros for 2 people) Available at the Santa Lucia Station Buy the Museum Pass (Cost: 36 Euros for 2 people) http://www.museiciviciveneziani.it/frame.asp?pid=196&z=2&tit=_EN_biglietti Directions from Santa Lucia Station Take Vaporetti 1 from Santa Lucia and exit at San Marco (use Travel Card) Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace)

Piazza San Marco (St. Marks Square)

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Use the Museum Pass for free entry to Palace general areas Timings: 9.00 to 19.00 http://www.veneziasi.it/content/view/?id=128&Itemid=482&lang=en http://goitaly.about.com/od/thingstoseeanddo/a/doges-palace-highlights.htm Itinerari Segreti (The Secret Itineraries Tour) (1.15 hours) Timings: 9.55, 10.45 and 11.35 Cost: 25 Euros for 2 people (With the Museum Pass) http://www.vivaticket.it/evento.php?id_evento=806743&idt=566 http://www.museiciviciveneziani.it/frame.asp?pid=328&z=2&tit=Itinerarispe ciali Bridge of Sighs Prigioni Nuove (New Prisons) Basilica di San Marco (St. Marks Basilica) (2 hours) Timings: 14.00 to 16.00 (Sunday) Reserve a free ticket in advance Must leave backpacks at the Ateneo San Basso (free) around the corner to the left when facing the Basilica http://www.veneziasi.it/en/venice-churches/st-mark-basilica-venice.html http://www.basilicasanmarco.it/eng/index.bsm St Marks Treasure (Pala dOro) Located within the Basilica Cost: 4 Euros for 2 people http://www.veneziasi.it/content/view/?id=326&Itemid=482&lang=en Museo di San Marco (St. Marks Museum) Cost: 8 Euros for 2 people Timings: 9.45 to 16.45 http://www.veneziasi.it/content/view/?id=2011&Itemid=482&lang=en Museo Civico Correr (Museum of the City and the Civilization of Venice) Use the Museum Pass for free entry Timings: 9.00 to 18.00 http://www.veneziasi.it/content/view/?id=129&Itemid=482&lang=en Campanile di San Marco (Bell Tower) Timings: 9.00 to 19.00 Cost: 16 Euros for 2 people http://www.veneziasi.it/en/what-to-see-venice/st-mark-bell-tower.html Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana (Sansoviniana) Use the Museum Pass for free entry Timings: Tours at 10.00, 12.00 or 14.00 http://www.veneziasi.it/content/view/?id=131&Itemid=482&lang=en Torre dell'Orologio (Clock Tower) Located on the North side of the square Timings: 10.00 to 15.30 Animated Statues (Moors) strike the bell at the top of every hour http://www.veneziasi.it/en/what-to-see-venice/clock-tower.html Address: Fondamenta Vetrai, 77 - 30141 Venice Directions from San Marco Board Vaporetti 1 from San Marco to Santa Lucia (use Travel Card) Board Vaporetti 42/ DM (Diretto Murano) to the Murano Colonna stop (use Travel Card) Walk to the right along Fondamenta dei Vetrai to hotel (3 minutes) Contact: info@muranopalace.com / Ph: +39 041 739655 / Website: http://www.muranopalace.com/

Check into Hotel Murano Palace (Fondamenta Vetrai, 77 - 30141 Venice)

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Museo del Vetro (Museum of Glass)

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Board Line DM/ 42 from the Muranno Colonna stop exit at Museo Murano stop (use Travel Card) Use the Museum Pass for free entry Timings: 10.00 to 18.00 http://museovetro.visitmuve.it/en/home/ Timings: 15.30 to 19.00 Located NE of the Glass Museum (approx. 100m or 1 minute walk) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Santa_Maria_e_San_Donato Head back to Santa Lucia Station Board Vaporetti 1 for the length of the canal and return to Santa Lucia (use Travel Card) Sunset is at 8.24pm on May 6th, 2012

Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato

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Grand Canal Cruise (After sunset)

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Return to the Hotel

Monday, 7th May 2012 (Day 8) (Exploring Rome, Italy) Check out of the Hotel (Cost: 130 Euros) Board Train from Santa Lucia at 8.27 to Roma Termini, Rome, Italy (3.47 hours)
o o o o Train ES 9411 (No Changes) (Use Eurail Pass) Reservation is compulsory Address: Via Panisperna 95 00184 Roma Directions from Roma Termini Walk to the Hotel (800m or 10 minutes) Exit Piazza di Cinquecento onto Via Cavour Continue onto Piazza dellEsquilino Turn Right to stay on Piazza dellEsquilino Turn Left on Via Urbana Turn Slight Right on Via Panisperna Or Take a cab (Approx Cost: 10 Euros) Breakfast is served from 7.30 to 10.00 directly Order the breakfast the previous night from the in-room menus Contact: mailto:info@hoteldemonti.com / Ph: 39 06 4814763 / http://www.hoteldemonti.com/ Rome Route Planner http://www.atac.roma.it/index.asp?lingua=ENG Buy a combo ticket for the Colosseum, Foro Romano and Palatino Museum http://www.ticketclic.it/Gb/HTML/musei/colosseo.cfm (Cost: 27 Euros for 2 people) Or http://www.tickitaly.com/tickets/colosseum-tickets.php (Cost: 36 Euros for 2 people) Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma, Italia Directions from the Hotel Walk to Cavour/ Quattro Cantoni Bus Stop Head East on Via Panisperna Sharp Right onto Via Urbana Left onto Via delle Vasche and arrive at Via Cavour (56m) Board Bus No 75 (Poerio/ Marino) and exit at Celio Vibenna (15 minutes) (5th Stop) Walk to the Colosseum Timings: 9.00 to 19.00 Constantines Arch is visible from the Colosseum

Check into Hotel de Monti

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The Colosseum (2 hours)

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http://www.italylogue.com/things-to-do/roman-colosseum.html http://www.tickitaly.com/galleries/colosseum-rome-italy.php Address: Piazza Santa Maria Nova, 53, 00186 Roma, Italia Walk over from the Colosseum Timings: 9.00 to 19.00 Use the Combo Ticket Overlooks the Forum on one side and the Circus Maximus on the other http://www.italylogue.com/things-to-do/palatine-hill-in-rome.html http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/palatinehill.htm Address: Via della Salaria Vecchia, 5/6, 00100 Roma, Italia Walk over from the Forum Gate next to the Colosseum is an Exit and not an Entrance Timings: 9.00 to 19.00 Use the Combo Ticket Points of interest Temple of Saturn Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine Temple of Venus and Roma Temple of Julius Caesar Temple of Castor and Pollux Temple of Vesta House of the Vestal Virgins Curia Julia (Roman Senate) Temple of Antonius and Faustina Arch of Septimius Severus Umbilicus Urbis http://www.italylogue.com/things-to-do/roman-forum.html http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/forumromanum.htm Walk to the piazza from the Forum (Approx. 9 minutes or 700m) From the Forum, walk towards Via dei Fori Imperiali Turn left on Via dei Fori Imperiali and continue Along the way you will see The Arch of Septimus Severus (Left) http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/archofseptimiusseverus.htm Capitoline Hills (Left) http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/capitolinemuseums.htm Trajans Column (Right) http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/trajanscolumn.htm Main points of Interest at Piazza Venezia II Vittoriano Palazzo Venezia Palazzo Generali Palazzo Bonaparte http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/piazzavenezia.htm Directions: Exit Piazza Venezia onto Via del Corso at the northern end Continue along Via del Corso (Approx. 20 minutes or 1.6km) Along the way you will see San Marcello al Corso (Right) http://romanchurches.wikia.com/wiki/San_Marcello_al_Corso

Palatine Hill (0.5 hours)

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The Roman Forum (Foro Romano) (2 hours)

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Piazza Venezia
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Piazza del Poppolo

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Fondazione Museo Roma (Left) http://www.fondazioneromamuseo.it/en/index.html Column of Marcus Aurelius (Left) http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/columnofmarcusaurelius.htm San Carlo al Corso (Left) http://romanchurches.wikia.com/wiki/San_Carlo_al_Corso Chiesa di San Giacomo in Augusta (left) http://rometour.org/chiesa-church-di-san-giacomo-augusta-rome.html Casa di Goethe (left) http://www.casadigoethe.it/ Points of Interest at the Piazza del Poppolo Porta Flaminia Egyptian Obelisk Symmetrical Churches http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/piazzadelpopolo.htm Address: Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40, 00186 Roma http://www.italylogue.com/food-drink/italian-gelato-flavors-decoded.html Directions: Take a left onto Piazza Colonna from Via del Corso (Soon after the Aurelius column) Continue onto Piazza Monte Citorio Turn left onto Via degli Uffici del Vicario Arrive at Giolitti on the left Along the way you will see Palazzo Chigi o http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palazzo_Chigi Palazzo Montecitorio o http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palazzo_Montecitorio

Gelato Break at Giolitti/ Piazza Colonna (Detour)

Spanish Steps/ Piazza di Spagna

o Address: Piazza di Spagna 00187, Roma, Italia Walk from Piazza del Poppolo (8 minutes) Exit the piazza and continue on Via del Babuino (700m) Steps connect Piazza di Spagna to Piazza Trinita dei Monti Main points of Interest Poet John Keats house/ museum located at Piazza di Spagna Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the Old Boat) Sitting or snacking on the steps is not allowed http://www.italylogue.com/things-to-do/spanish-steps-in-rome.html Walk to Spagna Metro Station Board Metro Line A towards Anagnina and exit at Termini Station Walk to the Hotel

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Return to Hotel
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Tuesday, 8th May 2012 (Day 9) (Exploring Rome and Tivoli, Italy) Day trip to Villa dEste, Tivoli, Italy
o o Board Metro B from Roma Termini towards Rebibbia and exit at Ponte Mammolo Station Go upstairs and follow signs to the Ponte Mammolo [Metro B] Cotral Bus Stop Bus leaves every 20 minutes Tickets can be bought on board for exact change Board Bus L0002 toward Tivoli, L.go Saragat and exit at Tivoli, via A.Moro (48 minutes) (Cost: 4 Euros for 2 people)

Or Board Bus L0001 toward Carsoli, via Roma and exit at Tivoli, via A.Moro (35 minutes) (Cost: 4 Euros for 2 people) http://www.cotralspa.it/ENG/TrovaPercorso.asp Walk to Villa dEste (Approx. 270m/ 4 minutes) Timings: 8.30 to 19.00 Cost: 16 Euros for 2 people http://www.villadestetivoli.info/indexe.htm http://www.romanhomes.com/your_roman_vacation/quarters/tivoli-villa-deste.htm Walk to Tivoli, p.zza Garibaldi /Villa D'Este Stop (Approx 270m/ 4 minutes) Board Bus L0001 or L0002 to Ponte Mammolo [Metro B] Stop (Cost: 4 Euros for 2 peopl) Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Rome Directions: o Board Metro B from Ponte Mammolo to Roma Termini and exit at Roma Termini o Board Metro A towards Batistine and exit at Barberini o Walk to the Trevi Fountain (650m or 7 minutes) Exit Piazza Barberini onto Via del Tritone (350m) Turn slight Left on Via della Stamperia (200m) Arrive at Piazza Trevi Along the way you will see, o Triton Fountain at Piazza Barberini http://www.italylogue.com/things-to-do/trevi-fountain-history-legend.html Try the pizza at Da Michele Timings: 8.30 to 19.30 Admission is free Directions from Trevi Fountain (550m) Exit Piazza Trevi onto Via della Muratte Continue onto Via di Pietra Continue onto Via dei Pastini Arrive at Piazza della Rotunda and the Pantheon Along the way you will see, Temple of Hadrian at Piazza Pietra (350m) (Left) http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/templeofhadrian.htm http://www.italylogue.com/planning-a-trip/pantheon.html http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/pantheon.htm Directions from the Pantheon (350m) Exit Piazza della Rotunda onto Via Giustiniani Continue onto Via del Salvatore Left on Piazza Madama Right on Corsia Agonale Along the way you will see, San Luigi dei Francesi Address: 5 Via Santa Giovanna d'Arco, Rome http://www.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1850368_1850 304_1850167,00.html Points of Interest Fountain of the four Rivers Neptune and Moor Fountain

Villa dEste
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Return to Rome
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Trevi Fountain

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Pantheon
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Piazza Navona
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Church of SantAgnese in Agone http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/piazzanavona.htm Try the Tartufo ice-cream dessert at Tre Scalini Directions from Piazza Navona Go to Rinascimento Bus Stop (100m) Exit the Piazza onto Corsia Agonale Turn Right onto Piazza Madama Continue onto Corso del Rinascimento Board Bus n7 (Termini (MA-MB-FS)) and exit at Nazionale/ Quirinale Walk to the Hotel (600m) Head SW on Via Nazionale Turn left on Via Milano Turn left onto Via Panisperna (140m)

Return to the hotel

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Wednesday, 9th May 2012 (Day 10) (Exploring the Vatican City) Check out of the Hotel (Cost: 206 Euros for 2 nights) Check baggage in at Roma Termini
o o o Cost: 9.9 Euros (For 12 hours) 5 Euros for first 5 hours plus 0.7 Euros for every additional hour Timings: 6.00 to 24.00 http://www.grandistazioni.it/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=5dc9fb73699fb110VgnVCM1000003 f16f90aRCRD Dome of the St Peters Basilica Sign at the Basilica entrance will point to the elevator kiosk Elevator Cost: 14 Euros for 2 people Timings: 8.00 to 18.00 Basilica Timings: 7.00 to 19.00 http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/Monuments/Saint_Peters_Basilica/ Follow a self guided tour http://saintpetersbasilica.org/Docs/eguides-brief.htm Vatican Grottoes Entrance is next to the Dome elevator kiosk Timings: 7.00 to 18.00 Timings: 9.00 to 18.00 Exit St. Peters Square to the North and walk along the Vatican Wall (15 minutes) http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/MV_Home.html Guided tour of the museums and Sistine Chapel (2 hours) Cost: 62 Euros for 2 people http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?action=booking&codiceTipoVisi ta=10&step=2 Tour Timings: 9.00, 10.00, 11.00 and 12.00 Tour covers Pio Clementino Museum Gallery of the Candelabras Gallery of the Geographical Maps Gallery of the Tapestries (Renaissance art) Raphael Rooms Sistine Chapel

St. Peters Square and Basilica

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Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

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http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/Monuments/The_Vatican_Museums/

Vatican Scavi Tour - Necropolis (1 hour)

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Reservations are only accepted in writing (by e-mail: scavi@fsp.va, by fax: (39-06) 6987-3017 o With your request to visit the excavations, please provide the following information: o The exact number of visitors o Their names o Language desired for the visit o The dates available (The precise time of the visit will be determined by the Excavations Office) o Contact information (an e-mail address, fax number, or full postal address) Timings: As allotted until the last tour that leaves at 3.30pm Cost: 20 Euros for 2 people No cameras or large backpacks allowed o Check in these items at the free baggage check on the right of St. Peters http://saintpetersbasilica.org/Necropolis/ScaviTour.htm

Return to Roma Termini

Thursday, 10th May 2012 (Day 11) (Exploring Heidelberg, Germany) Stroll through the Altstadt (Old City) (2 km)
o Buy the HeidelbergBeWelcomeCARD at the Tourist Information Office at the Railway Station Cost: 22 Euros for 2 people Free access to public transport Combi-ticket for Palace grounds Discounts at Churches, University, Museum Haupstrasse (Germanys longest pedestrian zone/ shopping district) Directions from Heidelberg Hbf Board bus 34 outside the station to Bismarckplatz o (Use HeidelbergBeWelcomeCARD) Haupstrasse begins right outside the station and goes through the entire city Or Board bus 31 from Bismarckplatz to University Square o (Use HeidelbergBeWelcomeCARD) o Saves approx 1.1 km of walking and takes you directly to the University Points of Interest: Universitatsplatz (Germanys oldest university) (On the right) (1.1km from Bismarckplatz) Timings: 10.00 to 18.00 Cost: 2.50 Euros (for University Museum, Alte AulA and Student Prison) o (Use HeidelbergBeWelcomeCARD) Points of Interest o Lowenbrunnen (Lions fountain) o University Museum o Alte Aula (Assembly Hall) o Student prison in Augustinergasse Jesuitenkirche (Jesuits Church) (On the right) (130m from the University) Directions from Unversitatsplatz: o Continue on Haupstrasse for 130m and turn right on Heugasse street Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Ghost) (On the left) (95m from Jesuits Church) Timings: 11.00 to 17.00 Use HeidelbergBeWelcomeCARD for a discount Haus zum Ritter (Knights house) (On the right) (23m from the Church of the Holy Ghost) Now converted into a hotel, once the oldest private house in Heidelberg (1592)

Markplatz (Marketplace) (On the left) (95m from Haus zum Ritter) Great place for coffee/ restaurants Alte Brucke (Old Bridge) Directions from Markplatz o Turn left on Markplatz from Haupstrasse o Continue onto Fischergasse o Turn left on Am Hackteufel Points of Interest o Bruckentor (Bridge Gate) o Bruckenaffe (Bridge Monkey) o Bridge Sculptures Kornmarkt (Corn Market) (On the right) (110m from Markplatz) Madonna Statue Excellent view of the Castle City Interactive Tourist Map http://ww2.heidelberg.de/Altstadt-Information/english/index.htm Detailed Information http://www.tourism-heidelberg.com/explore/index_eng.html http://www.e-heidelberg.com/attractions/ http://www.heidelberg-marketing.de/content/tourism/sights/index_eng.html

Links:

Palace Heidelberg (Schloss Heidelberg)

o o Address: Schloss Heidelberg, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany Directions from Kornmarkt Walk to the Kornmarkt parking garage, just off Kornmarkt Board the Bergbahn (funicular mountain railway) and get off at the first stop (Use Combi-Ticket/ HeidelbergBeWelcomeCARD) Timings: Palace Courtyard, Giant Barrel: 8.00 17.30 Apothecary Museum: 10.15 18.00 Permanent Exhibitions: 9.30 17.30 Use Combi-Ticket for access to castle courtyard, giant barrel and German apothecary museum Points of Interest Palace Entry with guided tour only Cost: 4 Euros (Additional to Combi ticket for a guided tour or Audio guide) Belvedere (Great Terrace) Excellent view of Heidelberg City Castle Gardens Heidelberg Tun (Worlds Largest Wine Barrel) Apothecary Museum Links http://www.schloss-heidelberg.de/en/palace-heidelberg/Home/267923.html http://www.tourismheidelberg.com/explore/historical_sights/schloss_heidelberg/index_eng.html Board the Funicular back to Bergbahn (Use Combi-Ticket/ HeidelbergBeWelcomeCARD) Board Bus line 33 to Heidelberg Hbf (Use HeidelbergBeWelcomeCARD) Board Train IC 2318 on Platform 5 at 18.25 to Mainz Hbf (Arrival on Platform3a/3b at 19.18) Board Train RB12794 on Platform 3a at 19.33 to Bingen Hbf (Arrival on Platform 102 at 20.06) Board Train NRB25358 on Platform 103 at 20.11 to Bacharach (Arrival at 20.22)

Return to Heidelberg Hbf

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Board Train at 18.25 from Heidelberg to Bacharach, Germany

Check into Hotel zur Post

o o Address: Oberstrasse 38 55422 Bacharach, Deutschland Directions from Bacharach Station Exit the station and walk NW towards K21 Street Turn Left on K21 street Turn Right on Mainzer Strasse/ L224 and walk 290m Contact: Email: H.ZurPost@t-online.de / Ph: 0 67 43 12 77 / http://www.hotel-zur-postbacharach.de

Friday, 11th May 2012 (Day 12) (Exploring the Rhein River, Germany) Rhein River Cruise (From Bingen to Boppard)
o Directions From Bacharach to Bingen 1. Board Train from Bacharach to Bingen (Rhine) Stadt 1. Trains available at 7.30 or 8.30 1. Train MRB25315 at 7.30 on platform 1 (24 minutes) 2. Train MRB25319 at 8.30 on platform 1 (27 minutes) Board KD Cruise line from Bingen to Boppard at 9.30 (2.20 hours) Cost: 30.90 Euros for 2 people (20.60+10.30 Euros) (Half off on Friday for ages 60+) http://www.k-d.de/english/home/ Purchase a Rhine River tourist map with all the castle information Chairlift

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Exploring Boppard
o Address: Mhltal 12D - 56154 Boppard / Rhein Timings: 10.00 to 18.00 Cost: 13 Euros for 2 people Duration: 20 minutes, one way 1. The lift covers a distance of 1000m and rises upto 240m http://www.sesselbahn-boppard.de/chairlift_boppard/index_eng.htm Explore the town Directions from Boppard Board Ferry from Boppard to Filsen 1. Available every 20 minutes and takes 5 minutes to cross the river 2. http://www.faehre-boppard.de/Main/index2.php Board Train VIA 25018 at 15.45 to Braubach (7 minutes) Take a taxi to the Castle Or Board Marksburgbahn (Tram Service) from the town to the castle 1. Cost: 9 Euros for 2 people 2. Ask at the Station Tourist Office for directions to Tram office 3. If the office is empty, call the Tram service at number on window 1. Ph: 0049-(0)6773-587 Timings: 10.00 to 17.00 Entry to Castle permitted with guided tours only Guided tours in German available every 20 minutes Guided tours in English available at 16.00 Suggested to get into any available tour and follow these links 1. http://www.marksburg.de/english/frame.htm 2. http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/germany/marksburg.htm

Exploring Marksburg Castle at Braubach (50 minutes)

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Cost: 12 Euros for 2 people http://www.marksburg.de/english/frame.htm Directions from Braubach Board Train VIA25076 at 18.23 on platform 1 from Braubach to Koblenz Arrival at 18.36 on Platform 109 Board Train MRB25359 at 18.53 platform 5 Nord from Koblenz to Bacharach Arrival at 19.30

Relaxing at Bacharach
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Saturday, 12th May 2012 (Day 13) (Exploring Lucerne, Switzerland) Check out of the Hotel (Cost: 140 Euros for 2 nights) Board Train at 7.30 from Bacharach to Lucerne, Switzerland (5.35 hours)
o o o o Board Train MRB 25315 at 7.30 on platform 1 from Bacharach to Mainz Hbf Arrival at 8.23 on platform 6a Board Train IC 2319 at 8.40 on platform 5a/b from Mainz Hbf to Mannheim Hbf Arrival at 9.21 on platform 8 Board Train IC E373 at 9.36 on platform 4 from Mannheim Hbf to Basek SBB Arrival at 11.47 on platform 11 Board Train IR 2173 at 12.04 on platform 7 from Basel SBB to Lucerne Arrival at 13.05 Address: Zhringerstrasse 24, 6003 Luzern, Switzerland Contact: Email: info@hotelalpha.ch / Ph: +41 41 240 42 80 / www.hotelalpha.com Directions from Lucerne Station Board Bus 2 towards Emmenbrucke and exit at Pilatusplatz (second stop) Cross the intersection and continue down Pilatusstrasse Take a right on Zahringerstrasse and arrive at hotel Address: Denkmalstrasse 4 6006 Luzern, Schweiz Timings: 9.00 to 18.00 Directions from Hotel Alpha Walk to Pilatusplatz bus stop Board Bus 9 towards Luzern Bahnhof and exit at Luzern Bahnhof (2 minutes) Board Bus 23 towards Gisikon-Root, Bahnhof and exit at Lowenplatz (3 minutes) Walk to monument (250m) Continue N on Lowenplatz Continue onto Lowengartenstrasse Turn left on Denkmalstrasse http://travelguide.all-about-switzerland.info/lucerne-lion-monument-pictures-history.html Directions from Lion Monument Walk back to Lowenplatz bus stop Board Bus 23 towards Luzern bahnhof and exit at Schwanenplatz (2 minutes) Head S towards the bridge and turn right on Kapellplatz Walk through the covered chapel bridge to see the roof paintings

Check into Hotel Alpha

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Lowendenkmal (Dying Lion of Lucerne Monument)

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Kapellbrucke (Chapel Bridge and its rooftop paintings)

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Sunday, 13th May 2012 (Day 14) (Exploring Lucerne) Check out of the Hotel (Cost: 150 CHF for 1 night)

Check luggage into Lucerne Station Mount Pilatus and the Golden Round Trip
o o Address: Schlossweg 1 6010 Kriens/Lucerne (Kriens Bottom Station) Directions from the hotel Walk to the Moosegg Bus stop Exit the Hotel and turn left on Pilatusstrasse Turn right on Obergrundstrasse Walk 210m to the Moosegg Bus stop Board Bus 1 towards Obernau, Dorf and exit at Kriens, Linda Pilatus stop (8 minutes) Walk to Kriens Bottom Station (550m) Turn Left on Kirchrainweg Slight right on Hohle Gasse Continue onto Gehristrasse Continue onto Schlossweg Cost: 218 CHF for 2 people Board the Aerial Panorama Gondola from Kriens to krienseregg via Frakmuntegg (30 minutes) Toboggan Run (Switzerlands longest summer toboggan run) Begins right next to the Frakmuntegg summit terminus Timings: 10.00 to 17.15 Cost: 16 CHF for 2 people 1350m run to the base terminus Lift pulls you back up to the summit Board the Aerial Cableway from Frakmuntegg to Pilatus Kulm (5 minutes) The cable ride is 2132m above sea level Board the Cogwheel Railway from Pilatus Kulm to Alpnachstad (40 minutes) Worlds steepest Cogwheel Railway Recommended: Take a seat facing down and closest to the door Try to board the front most cabin Board the boat from Alpnachstad to Lucerne (50 90 minutes) Boat arrives at Lucerne landing stage 2 http://www.pilatus.ch/en/ Board Train IR 2236 at 17.55 on platform 12 from Lucerne to Interlaken OST Arrival at 19.55 on platform 4 http://www.goldenpass.ch/default.asp?OrgID=5&LinkID=184 Must change to narrow gauge Next train (R 195) leaves at 21.02 Separate ticket required Address: 3822 Lauterbrunnen Switzerland Directions from Interlaken OST Head left on the main street through the village Walk about 8 minutes and Hotel is on the left Head towards a large waterfall at the south end of the village Contact: Email: hotel@staubbach.com /Ph: +41 (0) 33 855 5454/ www.staubbach.com Call in advance if arriving later than 22.00

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Golden Pass Panoramic Ride (Lucerne to Interlaken)

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Board Train R 191 at 20.02 from Interlaken OST to Lauterbrunnen (20 minutes)
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Check into Hotel Staubbach

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