Best of Germany & Austria
This 13 Day Best of Germany & Austria trip is the ultimate road and river adventure. An epic journey through Germany & Austria – the sounds of Bach and Mozart accompany as you explore the imposing spires of Cologne and Salzburg, cruise along the Rhine and criss-cross ‘East’ and ‘West’ in Berlin. You’ll also sample traditional Tyrolean hospitality, visit the city that inspired ‘The Sound of Music’ and tuck into Vienna’s Kaffee und Kuchen culture.
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Day 1: Arrive Frankfurt
Embrace centuries-old heritage charm and modern style in the vibrant city of Frankfurt, our springboard for a delightful exploration of the best of Germany and Austria. Spend your day exploring the Altstadt and soaking up the atmosphere of a bygone era, before meeting your Travel Director for an orientation of the medieval Römerplatz and dynamic financial district. Later, we join our fellow travellers for a memorable Welcome Reception to launch our journey through the heart of Europe.
Hotel: Sheraton Offenbach
Day 2: Frankfurt – Rhine Cruise – Cologne
The legend of Lorelei kick-starts our morning as we board a leisurely cruise along the mighty Rhine past castles and vineyard-clad hills. We stop to ‘Connect With Locals’ over a ‘Be My Guest’ lunch and hear tales of knights and feuding lords and ladies in a 13th-century castle perched high above the Rhine valley. Continuing to the cultural capital of the Rhineland, we view the spectacular Gothic spires of Cologne Cathedral. Spend the rest of the evening exploring the city’s great artistic treasures and historic town squares.
Hotel: Mercure Severinshof City
Day 3: Cologne – High-Speed Train – Berlin Sightseeing
This morning, we board a high-speed train to historic Berlin, whose once-turbulent history has shaped its rebirth as the charismatic capital of Germany. Join a ‘Local Specialist’ for an exploration of East meets West and delve into the story behind their reunification. See the imposing Brandenburg Gate, Tiergarten, Unter den Linden Boulevard and the Reichstag Building, with its famous glass dome. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Hotel: Hampton by Hilton City Centre Alexanderplatz, 2 nights
Day 4: Berlin Sightseeing and Free Time
Venture up one of the icons of a united Berlin and Germany. Ascend the Berlin TV Tower for spectacular 360° views of the city from the Berlin TV Tower. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore the city on your own. Perhaps see the remnants of the Berlin Wall, visit the infamous Checkpoint Charlie or enjoy an Optional Experience to the District of Potsdam, the former Prussian royal seat.
Day 5: Berlin – Würzburg – Rothenburg
Celebrate beauty through your admiration of art and architecture in beautiful Würzburg, where you will see the Prince-Bishops’ residence and Marienberg Fortress, on the banks of the Main. Continue to Rothenburg and dine tonight in your hotel.
Hotel: Prinzhotel
Day 6: Rothenburg – Munich
This morning, we embark on an orientation walk through the medieval centre of Rothenburg, seemingly frozen in time and encircled by a fortified town wall that remains intact after centuries. Travelling south through picture-perfect landscapes of Bavaria, we arrive in Munich just a few hours later.
Hotel: Sheraton Arabellapark, 2 nights
Day 7: Munich Orientation
Stroll through the heart of Munich this morning, visiting its Marienplatz with both its new and old City Halls built on its periphery. See the magical Glockenspiel that delights visitors throughout the day with its enactment of 16th-century tales. Spend the rest of the day on your own, exploring the city’s Baroque palaces and vibrant markets, or embrace the Bavarian region’s rich beer brewing heritage at one of Munich’s many beer halls.
Day 8: Munich – Neuschwanstein Castle – Innsbruck
Indulge in a world of fantasy and fables during your visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, built as a retreat for King Ludwig II to retire from public life. Wind your way through the countryside, climbing higher into the Bavarian Alps bound for Innsbruck, where you’ll spend the next two nights. This evening, dinner is served at your hotel.
Hotel: Innsbruck, 2 nights
Day 9: Innsbruck
This morning, you’ll embark on a short orientation tour that includes views of the Old Town, Hofburg Palace and the ornate Golden Roof, built to commemorate the wedding of Emperor Maximilian I. Spend your free time exploring Innsbruck’s iconic sites and delving into Tyrol’s complex history and culture, or simply relax and admire this dazzling city with its magnificent Alpine backdrop. ‘Dive Into Culture’ and admire the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store. You could consider joining a traditional dinner and Tyrolean folklore show this evening.
Day 10: Innsbruck – Salzburg Sightseeing
Travel to Salzburg where spires and domes rise in the shadow of Hohensalzburg Castle, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. Join a ‘Local Specialist’ for a fascinating walking tour of a city that featured in ‘The Sound of Music’. View Mozart’s birthplace and family house in Getreidegasse, and the Domplatz dominated by Salzburg Cathedral. This evening, we dine at our hotel.
Hotel: Austria Trend Europa
Day 11: Salzburg – Dürnstein – Vienna
Scenic landscapes provide a beautiful backdrop for our drive past Lake Mondsee to the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley. Sloping vineyards line the Danube from Melk Abbey to Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was held prisoner and subsequently found by Blondel, his faithful minstrel. This afternoon, we arrive in the imperial capital of Vienna, where we have the evening at leisure to enjoy the sounds of the ‘City of Music’ or consider an evening of Viennese classical music.
Hotel: Hilton Danube Waterfront
Day 12: Vienna Sightseeing
Explore the splendour of Vienna at the exquisite Hofburg Palace, the former winter residence of the Habsburg Dynasty – one of the highlights of your guided sightseeing tour of Vienna with a ‘Local Specialist’. Enjoy views of the grand State Opera House and Ringstrasse, a beautiful sweeping boulevard built in the 19th century to replace the city walls. Admire the ornate, colourful roof of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, one of the city’s most beloved icons, before spending the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant to celebrate a beautiful sojourn through Germany and Austria.
Day 13: Depart Vienna
We bid farewell to our companions at the end of a wonderful holiday.
| 2020 Dates & Prices | Twin Share | Solo Traveller |
|---|---|---|
| April: 19 | $4,425.00 | $5,195.00 |
| April: 26 | $4,450.00 | $5,220.00 |
| May: 03 | $4,450.00 | $5,220.00 |
| May: 10, 17, 24 | $4,475.00 | $5,245.00 |
| May: 31 | $4,450.00 | $5,220.00 |
| June: 07, 14, 21, 28 | $4,450.00 | $5,220.00 |
| July: 05 | $4,475.00 | $5,245.00 |
| July: 12, 19, 26 | $4,495.00 | $5,265.00 |
| August: 02, 09, 16 | $4,495.00 | $5,265.00 |
| August: 23, 30 | $4,450.00 | $5,220.00 |
| September: 06 | $4,450.00 | $5,250.00 |
| September: 13 | $4,625.00 | $5,425.00 |
| September: 20, 27 | $4,795.00 | $5,595.00 |
| October: 04 | $4,495.00 | $5,295.00 |
| Inclusions | |
|---|---|
| Meals: | 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners |
| Transport: | Luxury air-conditioned coach |
| Rail: | High Speed Train: Cologne - Berlin |
| Accommodation: | 12 nights accommodation |
| Guide: | An expert Travel Director and separate Driver |
| Entrance Fees & Touring: | Entrance fees & activities as per itinerary |
* Tour departure dates are subject to availability at time of booking.
* Prices and itinerary are correct at time of publication and are subject to change without notice