13 days Best of Germany and Austria
Cruising on the Rhine. Taking Bavaria's Romantic Road. Passing through the scenic UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley to Vienna. This is the ultimate German and Austrian road (and river) trip.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Frankfurt (Offenbach) (Flight not included) | Welcome to Frankfurt. After check-in, your Travel Director shows you the dynamic financial centre and medieval Römerplatz during your orientation. Later meet for a Welcome Reception with your Travel Director and fellow travellers. It's a great opportunity to get to know everyone. Meal(s) Welcome Reception Hotel Sheraton Offenbach |
| 2 | Frankfurt (Offenbach) - Rhine Cruise - Cologne | This morning see the site of the famous Lorelei Rock and cruise along the mighty River Rhine past medieval castles and terraced vineyards. Stop to experience a unique Be My Guest lunch at an atmospheric castle above the river. Continue by road to Cologne where an orientation includes views of the magnificent Gothic cathedral. Spend free time before dinner relaxing or exploring on your own. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Be My Guest Dining Hotel Mercure Severinshof Köln City/Mercure Cologne West |
| 3 | Cologne - High Speed Train - Berlin Sightseeing (2 Nights) | Take a high speed train to the fascinating capital Berlin. This afternoon marvel at the landmarks of the old East and West sections of Berlin during your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. See the Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden Boulevard and the Reichstag Building which were all major points of focus 25 years ago in 1990 during the re-unification of East and West Germany. Also see the Tiergarten and Kurfürstendamm famous for its shopping and entertainment. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Hotel Art'otel Kudamm |
| 4 | Berlin Sightseeing and Free Time | This morning enjoy a Cultural Insight experience with fantastic 360° views of the city from the Berlin TV Tower. Spend the rest of the day exploring this city on your own or learn more about Berlin's secret past. This evening you might like to discover the vibrant nightlife for which Berlin is famous. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast |
| 5 | Berlin - Bayreuth - Rothenburg | This morning travel south and cross the River Elbe en route to Bayreuth – home of the exclusive Wagner Festival. Continue your journey to Würzburg, see the Marienburg Fortress and the Prince-Bishops' residence before arriving in Rothenburg. Dine tonight at your hotel. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner Hotel Prinzhotel Authentic Accommodation |
| 6 | Rothenburg - Munich (2 Nights) | Enjoy an orientation walk in the medieval town of Rothenburg. Continue through splendid countryside to Munich in the heart of Bavaria. See the Olympic Stadium before arriving at your hotel. Tonight enjoy a Regional Meal with local specialities. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Regional Meal Hotel Sheraton Arabellapark |
| 7 | Munich Orientation and Free Time | This morning visit Marienplatz, the focal point of the city and view the City Hall with its Glockenspiel. Tonight why not discover some of Munich's lively beerhalls - it's what the region is famous for. Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 8 | Munich - Neuschwanstein - Oberammergau | Visit the fairy tale Neuschwanstein Castle, built by King Ludwig II. Later arrive in Oberammergau and see the theatre where the Passion Play has been performed every decade since 1634 when Europe was gripped by plague. Dine tonight at your hotel. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner Hotel Alte Post/Wittelsbach |
| 9 | Oberammergau - Innsbruck Orientation and Free Time | A short drive takes you to Innsbruck. See the famous Olympic ski-jump before your orientation that includes views of the Wilten Basilica, Golden Roof and the Hofburg Palace. The rest of the day is yours to do as you please. Explore medieval lanes, visit museums and Habsburg palace or simply relax and admire this dazzling city set against a spectacular Alpine backdrop. Tonight you might like to see a traditional Tyrolean folklore show. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Hotel Hotel Innsbruck |
| 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. Admire the city featured in ‘The Sound of Music' during your walking tour with your Local Specialist. View Mozart's birthplace and family house in the picturesque Getreidegasse, and the Domplatz dominated by Salzburg Cathedral. Dine tonight at your hotel. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner Hotel Austria Trend Europa |
| 11 | Salzburg - Durnstein - Vienna (2 Nights) | Enjoy breathtaking scenery on your drive past Lake Mondsee to the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley. Sloping vineyards line the river from Melk Abbey to Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was held prisoner and subsequently found by Blondel, his faithful minstrel. Arrive in Vienna this afternoon for free time to explore the city. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Hotel Hilton Danube |
| 12 | Vienna Sightseeing and Free Time | From the Opera to the Hofburg and St. Stephen's Cathedral to the Parliament, view all the wondrous sights of the elegant Austrian capital during your included sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Marvel at the oldest and most secret part of old Vienna on your walking tour. In your free time discover a wealth of cultural delights, museums, galleries and memorials to famous composers. Your Travel Director will be able to advise as to how to get the most out of your free time in this city. Tonight join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Farewell Dinner |
| 13 | Depart Vienna | Bid farewell to your companions at the end of this wonderful holiday. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast |