On arrival at Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport, transfers leave for the hotel at 10:30, 13:00 and 16:00. Your time is yours to explore, perhaps visit nearby Check Point Charlie - once the best-known Berlin Wall crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. This evening at 18:30, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner with wine.
This morning, marvel at the landmarks of the old East and West sections of Berlin during your sightseeing tour with a Local Expert. See the Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden and the Reichstag Building which were all major points of focus in 1990 during the reunification of East and West Germany. Explore the central district of Tiergarten, with its magnificent park, and stroll the Kurfürstendamm, one of the most famous avenues in Berlin, known for its shopping and entertainment. Stop a while on Museum Island before enjoying an afternoon at leisure in this fascinating, once divided city.
A short drive south brings you to Dresden, known as “Florence on the Elbe”. Join a Local Expert to see the splendors of the city. From the Frauenkirche, which has risen again from the destruction of World War II, walk past “The Procession of Princes”, a mosaic of colossal proportions on the Royal Palace facade. See the enormous cathedral, Semper Opera House and the Baroque Zwinger Palace. Tonight we’ll go to Dresden-Pillnitz, where we enjoy dinner with wine at the Schloss Hotel. The impressive baroque castle complex was built by King Augustus II the Strong in 1720, with inspiration from the Far East. Until 1918 the palace served as the summer residence for the House of Wettin.
In Nuremberg witness the charming blend of stone and timbered dwellings in the Old Town as well as the massive ramparts. Perhaps shop for delicious Lebkuchen (gingerbread)? Continue across the Danube to Munich, the capital of the state of Bavaria, lying near the foot of the German Alps. At night, perhaps consider dinner at one of Munich’s famous ‘Bier Kellers’?
Be welcomed into fun-loving Munich as you join your Travel Director this morning for an orientation tour. Explore the Feldernhalle on the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the English Garden, Hofbrauhaus, St Peters Church, and the famous Marienplatz. Then this afternoon join the festivities of Oktoberfest, the most famous beer festival in the world! Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, amusement rides, entertainment, beer and local Bavarian specialties for dinner. With tables reserved, your dedicated host will ensure you have a memorable time.
After a relaxed start, take the opportunity to travel through time and experience the fascinating world of BMW, with a history spanning nine decades. See some of the most famous and valuable automobiles, motorcycles, and engines during a tour of the museum. In the evening, join special guest Patrick von Richthofen, a descendent of Manfred von Richthofen otherwise known as “The Red Baron”, for an unforgettable dinner.
A short drive over the Austrian border leads to Salzburg, steeped in musical history. A Local Expert will show you the gardens of the Mirabell Palace, the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress, the cathedral in the old town, Mozart’s birthplace, and locations that brought the city alive with the Sound of Music.
Our day trip today takes us into the heart of Alpine Bavaria. Drive over the German border, past picturesque farmhouses and villages to Obersalzberg. Nearly 75 years ago, this small mountain paradise was the summer playground for top Nazi brass. Take a scenic drive up the mountain to Hitler’s notorious “Eagle’s Nest”, used as a restaurant since the 1950’s. From here you can enjoy splendid views through the arches up to the “Hohen Goll” and across the snow-capped peaks. Soak up the picturesque scenery of the region as we continue past hill tops and mountain villages. Stop at the Maria Gern Church for a look inside, before looping back to Salzburg.
Cross the Austrian border and head east through the rolling countryside to stop in the shadow of the great Monastery of Melk. Join a river cruise along the stunning Wachau Valley, where the Danube meanders below forested cliffs, topped with picturesque churches and ruined castles. Pass the fortress of Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart languished in prison until discovered by his faithful Welsh minstrel, then alight beneath the vine laden cliffs of Krems. Immerse yourself in the vineyards and cellars of the local winery to learn about and sample the unique Wachau style wine. Finally, we head for the Austrian capital, and to our central hotel.
Much of Vienna’s present day charm is due to the long reign of the Habsburgs, so in the morning, join a Local Expert for a guided visit of Maria Theresa’s Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. Then get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament Building. As night falls, experience an extraordinary concert of Viennese classical music. The best-loved works of Johann Strauss and Mozart, performed by highly acclaimed soloists and dancers, are combined with a delicious meal of traditional Austrian fare, with drinks included.
Your journey concludes after breakfast with transfer arriving at Vienna Airport at 08:00.
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.
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.
Available on Day 2
Berlin's eating establishments have enjoyed legendary status ever since the "Golden Twenties". This evening you are treated to traditional Berliner cuisine in a lively local restaurant with live music and drinks. Guten Appetit!
Adult Price: € 60
Available on Day 2
Explore the shadows of the past with our Local Expert and visit the staggering Holocaust Memorial. Stop for a photo at ‘Checkpoint Charlie', location of the tense stand-offs between U.S. & Soviet forces during the Cold War. Then a real highlight as we visit the Berlin Wall Memorial. The memorial contains the last section of the Berlin Wall with a guard tower and preserved grounds and is thus able to convey an impression of how the border fortifications developed until the end of the 1980s. Learn about this focal point of 20th-century history and of the fate of those who attempted to cross it.
Adult Price: € 32
Note: If your hotel is located near Checkpoint Charlie you will visit East Side Gallery instead.
Available on Day 2
Drive to Potsdam for a guided tour of the beautiful Cecilienhof Palace where the Potsdam Declaration was signed in 1945. Then it's on to another UNESCO World Heritage site; the magnificent grounds of Sanssouci Palace to stroll amid the famous terraced gardens of Frederick the Great. We'll enjoy time for photos in the gardens and then continue to the Glienicke Bridge, the famous 'Bridge of Spies', which was used for spy exchanges between East & West during the Cold War. We'll cross the bridge on foot before continuing back to Berlin.
Adult Price: € 48
Available on Day 6
After Hitler's rise to power in 1933, the first concentration camp for political prisoners was opened outside the town of Dachau and it became a blueprint for others to follow. Now maintained as a memorial, spend some reflective moments with our Local Expert amid the remains of the camp prisons, reconstructed barracks, kitchens, workshops and baths which serves as the museum. A chilling and emotional reminder of the horrors of war.
Adult Price: € 35
Available on Day 7
Move over Mozart! Salzburg's other claim to melodic fame is that it's the setting for story of the Von Trapp Family, made into one of the most successful musicals of all time. Do-re-minisce and relive scenes from 'The Sound of Music' with our Local Expert at various sites around the city, including Maria’s Monastery and St Peter’s Cemetery.
Adult Price: € 29
Available on Day 8
Drive into the pretty Austrian countryside for a special evening. Learn about rural life over a homemade dinner in this cosy corner of Salzburg. In a totally unique experience, sip home-made beverages, feast on home-baked bread, succulent meat and oven baked vegetables.
Adult Price: € 62
Available on Day 9
Cross the Danube, passing the famous Prater Park en route to one of Austria's most famous restaurants. Former patrons include Napoleon, the Emperor Franz Joseph, Liz Taylor and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Once through the door of this historic country mansion you're transported to a different world! Old memorabilia, autographed photos and other paraphernalia cover the ceilings, walls and even the restrooms. Choose from traditional Austrian fare, enjoy unlimited drinks and be serenaded by musicians at your table. A fun-filled experience never to be forgotten!
Adult Price: € 63
Available on Day 10
A leisurely walk with an expert historian unveils the hidden squares and tucked-away corners of the old city. See the Hofburg Palace, which was the official residence of the Habsburg Empire for more than 600 years. Admire the beautiful baroque Church of St. Peter's and the Column of the Holy Trinity. See the most important House of Mozart, where "Marriage of Figaro" was composed. Finally, visit St. Stephen's Cathedral where your local expert explains its importance to Austrian culture and history.
Adult Price: € 30
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