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Best of Germany and Austria route map

Explore Frankfurt’s Altstadt, then meet your Travel Director for an orientation including Römerplatz and the financial district. Evening Welcome Reception.

Enjoy a Rhine cruise past Loreley, castles and vineyards. Be My Guest lunch at a 13th-century castle above the Rhine Valley. Continue to Cologne and view Cologne Cathedral; evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch

Board a high-speed train to Berlin. Guided sightseeing with a Local Specialist covering the Brandenburg Gate, Tiergarten, Unter den Linden and the Reichstag’s glass dome.

Meals: Breakfast

Free day in Berlin. Optional experiences include a guided city tour visiting the Holocaust Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall, or an excursion to Potsdam and Wannsee with the Glienicke Spy Bridge and Sanssouci’s gardens.

Meals: Breakfast

See Würzburg’s Prince-Bishops’ Residence and Marienberg Fortress. Continue to Rothenburg for dinner at your hotel; stay at the historic Prinzhotel within the 15th-century town walls.

Meals: Breakfast,Dinner

Morning orientation walk in Rothenburg. Travel south to Munich and check in at the Four Points by Sheraton Munich Arabellapark (Stays With Stories), once home to a basement recording studio.

Meals: Breakfast

Guided visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial (minimum age 14 for the guided tour; younger guests may visit independently with an adult). See the Cathedral of Our Lady, Marienplatz with the Glockenspiel and St. Peter’s Church; free time to explore bakeries and beer halls.

Meals: Breakfast

Visit Neuschwanstein Castle (subject to availability). Continue through the Bavarian countryside to Oberammergau to explore and enjoy dinner, then on to Innsbruck for two nights.

Meals: Breakfast,Dinner

Orientation with views of the Old Town, Hofburg Palace and the Golden Roof. Free time, then visit the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store; optional Tyrolean dinner and folklore show.

Meals: Breakfast

Travel to Salzburg. Walking tour with a Local Specialist featuring Hohensalzburg Castle, Mozart’s birthplace and family house on Getreidegasse, and the Domplatz with Salzburg Cathedral. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast,Dinner

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experience at Wastlbauer eco-farm: coffee and cake with owner Eva and a tour. Drive past Lake Mondsee through the Wachau Valley from Melk Abbey to Dürnstein, linked to Richard the Lionheart. Arrive in Vienna; evening at leisure or optional classical music.

Meals: Breakfast

Guided sightseeing in Vienna including the Hofburg Palace, State Opera House, Ringstrasse and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Afternoon at leisure. Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast,Dinner

Bid farewell to Vienna and depart.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s included

Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle (subject to availability).
Audio headsets provided for flexible sightseeing.
12 breakfasts, 1 Be My Guest lunch in the Rhineland, and 4 dinners (including a Farewell Dinner), plus a Welcome Reception in Frankfurt.
12 nights in cherry-picked 4-star hotels; properties of a similar standard and location may be used.
Deluxe air-conditioned coach travel with Wi-Fi in most countries, plus a high-speed train journey from Cologne to Berlin.
Scenic cruise along the Rhine River to the Lorelei Rock.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experience at Wastlbauer eco-farm near Salzburg with Austrian koffee and kuchen.
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver throughout.
Porterage and restaurant gratuities, plus all hotel service charges and local taxes.
Guided sightseeing with Local Specialists in Berlin, Salzburg and Vienna, a guided visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial, and orientation walks in Frankfurt, Rothenburg and Innsbruck.

What’s not included

International flights to Frankfurt and from Vienna are not included.
Entry visas for Germany and Austria (Schengen), if required, are not included.
Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged by the traveller.
Meals and beverages not listed in the Dining Summary (e.g., additional lunches and drinks with meals).
Optional experiences and activities during free time (e.g., Potsdam/Wannsee excursion, Tyrolean folklore dinner, Viennese classical concert).
Gratuities for your Travel Director, Driver and Local Specialists (outside of included restaurant and hotel gratuities).
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, minibar items and additional snacks or drinks.

Additional information

Gain context and pay respects on a guided visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial. Walk through the former roll-call square, reconstructed barracks and memorial chapels while hearing survivor testimonies.

Thoughtfully curated exhibits illuminate the rise of persecution, camp administration and liberation. This is a solemn space for reflection and learning, fostering a deeper understanding of history’s atrocities and the imperative to remember and resist hatred.

Settle in for a landscape rich in legend as you drive the Wachau Valley, where terraced vines stripe hillsides above the Danube. Capture views of the baroque Melk Abbey presiding over the riverbend.

Continue toward Durnstein, famed for its blue-towered church and the tale of Richard the Lionheart’s captivity and discovery by the minstrel Blondel. Stone villages, apricot orchards and vintners’ hamlets lend a timeless rhythm to the route.

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 12 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • 4 Dinner (D)
  • Frankfurt: See the heart of Frankfurt on a guided walking tour through its historic central sites. You’ll stroll through the old town streets, and see where emperors were crowned and merchants once traded.
  • Rhineland: Cruise beneath semi-ruined castles and terraced vineyards. Sleepy villages slip by as you saunter upstream to the Lorelei Rock where the enchantress lured sailors to their doom.
  • Cologne Cathedral: The towering Cathedral of Cologne is an impressive introduction to this riverside city. 
  • Berlin: During a sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist, admire Berlin landmarks like the Tiergarten and the neo- Renaissance Reichstag.
  • Berlin: Visit the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse, where preserved sections of the Wall and watchtower offer a powerful insight into the realities of a divided city. Learn how families were separated and how Berliners lived through one of Europe’s most defining chapters.
  • Wurzburg: See the Residenz Palace as you explore the old town with your Travel Director. Stand on the statue-lined Alte Mainbrucke and see the Marienburg fortress.
  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Encircled by intact medieval walls, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of Germany’s best-preserved towns. Wander its cobbled lanes, admire colorful half-timbered houses and see the Old Town Hall and market square.
  • Munich: During your orientation of Munich with your Travel Director, see the Munich Residenz, former home of the Bavarian royal family, the State Opera House, the ornate neo-Gothic Town Hall, the Hofbräuhaus, St Peter’s Church and the famous Marienplatz.
  • Dachau: Join a Local Specialist for a guided visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial, a powerful reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust. Walk through the former barracks and memorial sites, hear the stories of those who were imprisoned here, and gain a deeper understanding of this dark chapter in history. 
  • Munich: Admire the magical countryside at the Neuschwanstein Castle.
  • Salzburg: Join your Local Specialist to visit the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace and Residence Square – both locations used in ‘The Sound of Music.’ See the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart’s birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse.
  • Melk: Take in the beautiful landscapes of Wachau Valley.
  • Vienna: Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Specialist reveals the historic core of the city. Tour the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
  • Deluxe coach travel
  • Selected hotel dinners plus a locally hosted meal
  • 4-star stays

Take the pulse of the German capital as you join a guided panoramic tour past the Brandenburg Gate, the leafy expanse of the Tiergarten, and elegant Unter den Linden. Trace avenues where Prussian grandeur meets bold contemporary design.

See the Reichstag with its glass dome glinting above parliament, a symbol of transparency after reunification. Your expert commentary connects Imperial, Weimar, Cold War and modern eras into a vivid portrait of Berlin’s resilience and creativity.

Enter the dreamscape of King Ludwig II as you visit Neuschwanstein Castle, a hilltop fantasia of towers and turrets set against alpine ridges. Stroll forested paths and take in storybook vistas of lakes and meadows.

Inside, mythic murals and gilded halls reveal Ludwig’s Wagnerian passions and retreat from public life. Due to conservation and capacity, entry is subject to availability, but the castle’s silhouette alone embodies Bavaria’s romantic imagination.

Cruise the River Rhine through its most storied stretch, where castle-capped cliffs, slate-dark vineyards and half-timbered villages slide by the deck rail. Glide beneath ruined strongholds and watch for barges threading the current.

Linger on the outer deck as the boat rounds the fabled Lorelei Rock, long said to lure sailors with song. Guides share river lore and viticulture traditions while you photograph terraced vines and watch church spires punctuate the horizon in this UNESCO-listed landscape.

Savor regional flavors during a hosted Be My Guest lunch with sweeping views of the Rhine Valley. Sit down to local specialties and wines as your hosts share stories rooted in river life and viticulture.

Between courses, hear legends of knights and hilltop castles, and learn how trade routes and toll towers once shaped prosperity along the Rhine. It’s a warm, personal window into the region’s foodways and folklore in a setting made for leisurely conversation.

Experience the Rhine’s cultural capital on a panoramic visit to see Old Town squares and the soaring twin spires of Cologne Cathedral. From the riverfront to lively lanes, admire facades rebuilt with care after wartime destruction.

Learn how the High Gothic cathedral—begun in 1248 and completed in the 19th century—houses treasures like the Shrine of the Three Kings. Pause to appreciate its intricate buttresses and sky-piercing silhouette, a masterpiece that anchors the city’s skyline and spirit.

Visit the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse to stand at preserved sections of the border zone and reflect on lives split by ideology. Walk along the documentation center and open-air exhibits.

See remnants of the “death strip” and a watchtower outline while learning how daring escapes, tunnels and separations unfolded here. The memorial’s stark spaces and eyewitness stories offer a sober lens on division and the human cost of the Cold War.

Explore Wurzburg’s baroque elegance with views of the UNESCO-listed Prince-Bishops’ Residenz and the vine-draped slopes beneath Marienberg Fortress. Stroll the statue-lined Alte Mainbrucke for classic river panoramas.

Hear how court architects Balthasar Neumann and Tiepolo’s frescoes crowned the Residenz as a marvel of 18th-century artistry. From medieval stronghold to bishop’s opulence, Wurzburg’s layers come alive against the gentle bend of the River Main.

Wander cobbled lanes on a guided walk through Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where half-timbered houses crowd around Marktplatz and narrow alleys arc toward the medieval town walls. Step onto bastions for red-roof views over the Tauber valley.

Learn how trade brought prosperity to this Free Imperial City, leaving intact gates, towers and photogenic corners like the Plonlein. The atmosphere feels timeless—craft shops, gabled facades and a skyline pricked with watchtowers.

Soak up Bavaria’s capital on a guided walk to Marienplatz, where the neo-Gothic Rathaus hosts the chiming Glockenspiel. See the landmark twin towers of the Frauenkirche and streets lined with bakeries and beer halls.

Trace royal footprints past grand facades toward the Residenz and learn how Wittelsbach rulers shaped Munich’s baroque and neoclassical style. The city’s convivial spirit is palpable in its markets, arcades and café terraces.

Walk the lanes of Oberammergau, famous for its once-a-decade Passion Play and luftlmalerei frescoes adorning Alpine chalets. Shop for woodcarvings as flower boxes tumble from balconies.

Hear how a 17th-century vow shaped centuries of community performance, drawing pilgrims and artists to this valley. Painted facades—saints, fairy tales, folk motifs—turn streets into an open-air gallery against a backdrop of forested peaks.

Discover Tyrolean charm in Innsbruck’s Old Town with views of the shimmering Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) and the Habsburg-era Hofburg. Arcaded streets frame mountain panoramas at every turn.

Learn how imperial processions, winter sports and collegiate traditions layered culture into this Alpine crossroads. The blend of Late Gothic, Renaissance and baroque facades creates a photogenic stage beneath snow-dusted summits.

Admire sparkling creativity at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store, where artful crystal installations and curated displays showcase the brand’s precision-cut brilliance. Browse contemporary jewelry and design pieces.

Learn how Daniel Swarovski’s 19th-century innovation shaped Tyrolean industry and global fashion. This stop blends craftsmanship and imagination—an elegant interlude for gifts, photography and a touch of Alpine glamour.

Explore Salzburg on foot with a Local Specialist through Mirabell’s formal gardens, the lively Getreidegasse and Mozart’s Birthplace. Cross to Domplatz as the fortress crowns the skyline.

Hear how archbishops shaped this baroque jewel and how “The Sound of Music” immortalized its fountains and colonnades. Elegant facades, wrought-iron signs and café culture add a lyrical rhythm to the city of Mozart.

Visit a self-sufficient eco-farm near Salzburg to meet owner Eva and enjoy Austrian koffee and kuchen fresh from the oven. Stroll the grounds to see beehives, orchards and seasonal plots.

This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience supports UN Global Goal 12 by spotlighting responsible production and consumption. Hear how circular practices reduce waste and taste the difference in homemade pastries crafted from farm-grown ingredients.

Join a guided panoramic tour of imperial Vienna along the Ringstrasse to the State Opera, Parliament and grand museums. Step into courtyards of the Hofburg Palace, winter seat of the Habsburgs.

Admire the patterned roof and spire of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and hear how composers, coffeehouses and court ceremony shaped the city’s character. This elegant overview reveals palaces, boulevards and intimate lanes of the Inner Stadt.

Meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at a convivial Welcome Reception in Frankfurt. Share first impressions over regional bites and a glass of wine as the journey’s highlights are brought to life.

Set the tone for camaraderie while learning practical tips for exploring Germany and Austria. This relaxed evening offers context, orientation and a chance to connect with your travelling companions from the start.

Celebrate your journey at a hosted Farewell Dinner in Vienna, where classic dishes and pastries showcase the city’s culinary heritage. Raise a glass to shared memories and new friends.

Between courses, savor stories of imperial banquets, coffeehouse culture and the waltz tradition that still animates the capital. It’s a warm, fitting close to days spent amid palaces, riverscapes and baroque elegance.

Explore Berlin’s defining sites on an in-depth tour to the Holocaust Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie and preserved segments of the Wall. Engage with complex histories that shaped the city’s identity.

Guides unpack narratives of remembrance, confrontation and reconciliation while you examine artifacts and boundary lines. This Optional Experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour, ideal for those wishing to delve deeper into 20th-century history.

Venture to Potsdam and Wannsee to see the lakeside villa of the 1942 Wannsee Conference, cross the Glienicke “Spy Bridge” and stroll the manicured gardens of Sanssouci Palace.

Discover Prussian grandeur, Cold War tradecraft and waterside villas in a single arc beyond Berlin’s edge. This Optional Experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour, offering cultural breadth and scenic variety in one curated outing.

Enjoy a traditional Tyrolean evening with regional dishes, brass tunes and lively Schuhplattler rhythms. Costumed performers in dirndls and lederhosen share mountain songs and alpine wit.

Expect clinking steins, yodel harmonies and a warm village-hall atmosphere that celebrates Tyrol’s living heritage. This Optional Experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour, perfect for a spirited night out in Innsbruck.

Attend an evening concert in a historic Vienna venue where waltzes, overtures and arias by Mozart and Strauss fill gilded halls. Musicians in period costume often add a touch of courtly flair.

Let strings and woodwinds carry you into the world of imperial salons and ballroom grace, a fitting tribute to the City of Music. This Optional Experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.

Explore Frankfurt’s historic core on foot as you join an orientation walk through the Old Town to Romerberg (Romerplatz), framed by timbered guild houses and the civic Romer. Glimpse the contrast between medieval lanes and the gleaming “Mainhattan” skyline along the River Main.

Hear how Frankfurt grew from a merchants’ hub into a financial powerhouse and see the cathedral precinct where Kaiserdom St. Bartholomew witnessed imperial coronations. It’s a compact introduction that equips you to navigate cafés, museums and riverfront promenades with confidence.

Trafalgar

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