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Best of Germany and Austria

Operated by: Trafalgar

13 Days from $3,188 per person
APR - OCT 2023
Germany Rothenburg Town Square Green And Yellow Buildings

Countries Visited

Germany, Austria ...more Germany, Austria

Locations Visited

Frankfurt, Sankt Goar, Kamp-Bornhofen, Cologne, Berlin, Wurzburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna ...more Frankfurt, Sankt Goar, Kamp-Bornhofen, Cologne, Berlin, Wurzburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna
  1. Day 1 Welcome to 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.

    meals Welcome Reception
    hotel Sheraton Offenbach
  2. Day 2 Cruise in the Rhineland and on to Cologne Connect with Locals

    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.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch
    hotel Mercure Koeln Belfortstrasse
  3. Day 3 Journey By High-Speed Train to Berlin

    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, the Tiergarten, Unter den Linden and the Reichstag building, with its famous glass dome. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Mercure MOA
  4. Day 4 Uncover Berlin’s Secrets

    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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Mercure MOA
  5. Day 5 Onwards to Rothenburg Stays With Stories

    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. Your Stays With Stories accommodation this evening is the historic Prinzhotel, built in the traditional half-timbered style lying within the 15th-century fortified town walls.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Prinzhotel
  6. Day 6 Off to Historic Munich Stays With Stories

    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. We check into our Stays With Stories accommodation, the Arabella Sheraton Munich which once saw Led Zeppelin, Iggy Pop and Freddie Mercury belt out tunes in the then-hotel basement recording studio. Famous producer Giorgio Moroder founded a recording studio here in the early 1970s until the noise of the nearby subway trains forced the music to continue elsewhere.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Sheraton Arabellapark
  7. Day 7 Discover Munich

    Stroll through the heart of Munich this morning, see the distinctive towers of the Cathedral as well as Marienplatz, the central square and the impressive town hall with its charming glockenspiel during your orientation. The  13th C. St. Peter’s church and the Viktualien food market square and a beerhall are only a short walk from here. 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Sheraton Arabellapark
  8. Day 8 Admire Neuschwanstein Castle and on to Innsbruck

    Indulge in a world of fantasy and fables during your visit to Neuschwanstein Castle (Subject to Availability), 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.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Tivoli Innsbruck
  9. Day 9 Explore Alpine 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. Next, 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Rumer Hof, Tivoli Innsbruck
  10. Day 10 Venture to Salzburg

    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.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Austria Trend Europa
  11. Day 11 Through the Wachau Valley to Vienna Stays With Stories

    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. We’ll check in to your Stays With Stories accommodation, the Hilton Danube Waterfront, a renovated grain silo built in 1916, on the shores of the Danube. We have the evening at leisure to enjoy the sounds of the 'City of Music' or consider an evening of Viennese classical music.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Hilton Danube Waterfront
  12. Day 12 Hofburg Palace and More in Vienna

    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.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Hilton Danube Waterfront
  13. Day 13 Farewell Vienna

    We bid farewell to our companions at the end of a wonderful holiday. Find out more about available airport transfers at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.

    meals Breakfast
Best Germany Austria Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Whats Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • High-speed train from Cologne to Berlin
  • Optional Experiences and free time

Dining Summary

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 12 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • 4 Dinner (D)

Be My Guest

  • Rhineland: In a medieval castle high above the Rhine River Valley, you'll enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest lunch and be transported back to a time of kings and knights.

Iconic Experience

  • Frankfurt: Spend the day exploring the sights of Frankfurt.
  • Rhineland: Cruise beneath the 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: Take in panoramic views of the city from the observation platform of the Berlin TV Tower.
  • 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: Visit the medieval center of Rothenburg.
  • Munich: During your orientation of the city with your Travel Director, see Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the English Garden, the Hofbräuhaus, St. Peter's Church and the famous Marienplatz.
  • 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.

Must-see Highlights

  • : Explore Berlin, Salzburg and Vienna with a Local Specialist
  • : Discover Frankfurt, Cologne, Rothenburg, Munich and Innsbruck
  • : Visit the Berlin TV Tower, Neuschwanstein Castle and Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Innsbruck
  • : View Cologne Cathedral, the Golden Roof in Innsbruck, Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg, Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna
  • : See the Lorelei Rock, the Marienberg Fortress and the Prince-Bishops' residence in Würzburg and Melk Abbey
  • : Scenic Cruise along the Rhine River

Trafalgar Difference

  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Step into 15th-century Germany at the Prinzhotel, built in the traditional half-timbered style and ideally located within the city's famous fortified town walls.
  • Munich: The Arabella Sheraton Munich once saw Led Zeppelin, Iggy Pop, Freddie Mercury and other musical legends belt out record breaking tunes in the then-hotel basement recording studio.
  • Vienna: Step into this unique establishment on the banks of the Danube and discover a building that has undergone a makeover from its previous life as a grain silo since the early 1900s.

Whats Included

  • : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • : High-speed train from Cologne to Berlin
  • : Optional Experiences and free time

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

Online Booking Process

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June 2023
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$3,750
July 2023
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WINTER TRAVEL SALE
Optional Add-Ons

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Berlin

Available on Day 3

Berlin by Twilight with Dinner

Come along for a fun night of hearty food, wine, beer and music before we drive through the city as the sun goes down and the landmarks of this impressive German Capital illuminate.
Adult Price: € 63

Available on Day 4

Berlin's Secret Past Revealed

Uncover secrets of Berlin’s past with your Local Specialist on a guided tour of the city. View the Holocaust Memorial, touch a remaining section of the Berlin Wall, see the site of Checkpoint Charlie, and learn more about Berlin’s WWII and Cold War past.
Adult Price: € 32

Available on Day 4

Bridges, Lakes & Prussian Royalty

On the western outskirts of Berlin, we'll explore the area around Wannsee & Potsdam with our Local Specialist and discover the varied historical events and sights in this part of Germany. We stop on the shores of the Wannsee lake which was the setting for the infamous 1942 Wannsee Conference to plan the “Final Solution”. Continuing past harbours and houses we cross Glienicke Bridge, better known as the Spy Bridge from the Cold War era, and onto the beautiful and extensive gardens of Fredrick the Great’s summer palace Sanssouci, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To complete our journey across the centuries, we dine lakeside in a former royal hunting lodge and enjoy regional specialties in a charming setting.
Adult Price: € 76

Munich

Available on Day 7

Bavarian Evening

A great evening dining in the local atmosphere of a typical Bavarian restaurant.  Enjoy traditional Bavarian food and sample some of Munich’s best beer – Prost!
Adult Price: € 66

Available on Day 7

The Dachau Memorial Site

Our Local Specialist will provide insight into Germany’s first concentration camp, opened immediately after Hitler’s rise to power, just outside Dachau. We'll learn about the camp, now maintained as a memorial, and the part it played in this tragic period in history.
Adult Price: € 35

Innsbruck

Available on Day 9

Grand Alpine Tour

A scenic train ride through the Tyrolean Alps with our Local Specialist takes us to the glamorous ski-resort of Seefeld. Here we'll enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride through spectacular scenery and taste some of the local schnapps. Later, we see the Olympic Ski Jump and marvel at the landscape of the beautiful Inn Valley as it stretches below us.
Adult Price: € 63

Available on Day 9

Tyrolean Evening With Dinner

Enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Tyrolean cuisine before a lively folklore show, where singers, dancers and musicians dressed in national costume provide an evening of entertainment and fun. Drinks are included.
Adult Price: € 76

Salzburg

Available on Day 10

Berchtesgaden And Hohenringstrasse Excursion

Join us for a scenic tour with our Local Specialist in the Bavarian Alps to Berchtesgaden, within sight of Hitler's Bavarian Redoubt. Via the Hohenringstrasse, we'll ascend 5,000 ft along one of the most beautiful mountain roads of Europe.
Adult Price: € 36

Available on Day 10

Eagle's Nest & The Bavarian Alps

In Berchtesgaden National Park, we'll drive with our Local Specialist past farmhouses and picturesque villages, as we ascend the Obersalzberg. We'll then transfer to special buses for the second leg of the journey, on a spectacular road that's been blasted out of the mountain side. Finally, we'll take an elevator to the Eagle's Nest, intended as a mountain retreat for Hitler and his inner circle. Once at the top, we'll learn its fascinating history and take in awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountain peaks, whilst enjoying a local refreshment!
Adult Price: € 68
Note: This optional is weather dependent and subject to seasonal closures, therefore it may not be available on all departures.

Available on Day 10

Lake and Mountain Tour

Today, with our Local Specialist, we'll marvel at the Alpine beauty of the Salzburg lake district, with its 76 glacier lakes and picturesque towns like Sankt Gilgen. We'll also have the chance to see some of the major backdrops for the film "The Sound of Music".
Adult Price: € 45

Vienna

Available on Day 11

Dinner And Viennese Concert

A wonderful evening of all things Viennese! We'll enjoy a superb dinner with drinks, followed by a concert of Viennese classical music. With your 'A Class' tickets, you will experience works by Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed in a classic, sumptuous setting and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or juice during the concert. Please note: on occasion, a small gift will be offered in place of a glass of sparkling wine.
Adult Price: € 103
Note: This optional involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.,

Available on Day 12

Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens

The Imperial Summer Palace of Schönbrunn offers an amazing journey through the centuries of Hapsburg rule. It is perfectly preserved and richly decorated with treasures from around the globe. Each room has a story to tell, so of course, you’ll have a Local Specialist to bring it to life and to make the most of your time.
Adult Price: € 50
Note: This optional involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.,

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Peter Gertas
Review date: Saturday, July 16, 2022
Service
The agents that I spoke with were able to provide answers and options. There was always a quick response and resolution to my requests. Very nice and professional service.
Response from Grand European Travel:
It's wonderful that you enjoyed your Germany and Austria tour so much. We are very happy that we were able to help you plan it. Thank you for your feedback and your kind words. We appreciate it!
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Vacation
Wow, what a wonderful experience. We greatly enjoyed our trip. The tour director Peter, the local guides and the drivers were fantastic. I can't express how amazing this trip was for us.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Friday, September 24, 2021
Service
They were very professional and patient during the several postponements.
Vacation
We were taken to a broad range of sites and experiences.
Christine Garvey
Review date: Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Service
Efficient
Vacation
Wonderful trip interesting
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Terms & Conditions
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