Oktoberfest: The Germanic Experience
11 Day Tour to Berlin, Salzburg, Munich & Vienna | Operated by InsightVacations
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11 Days
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2 Countries
Germany, Austria -
6 Cities
Berlin, Dresden, Munich, Salzburg, Berchtesgaden, Vienna -
14 Meals
4 Dinner with Wines, 10 Breakfasts -
Pace: Comfortable
Mainly 2–3-night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires 1-3 miles of walking per day that might involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.
Trip Itinerary
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.
Join a Local Expert to see some of Berlin's many highlights. Travel along the Ku'Damm past the Memorial Church. Drive through the Tiergarten to see Norman Foster’s glass dome that crowns the reconstructed Reichstag building. Continue with a visit to the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of the reunification, and down along the Unter den Linden, past the Humboldt University and State Opera. Stop on Museum Island before enjoying some time at leisure in this once divided city. Perhaps visit the KaDeWe department store - the shopping centre of West Berlin which during 40 years of division, became the shop window of the West.
In Dresden, join your Local Expert to see the splendours of the city. From the Frauenkirche, which has risen again from the destruction of World War II, walk past ‘The Procession of the Princes', a mosaic of colossal proportions on the Royal Palace facade. See the huge cathedral, Semper Opera House and Baroque Zwinger Palace. Although the town was heavily bombed during World War II, it remains a treasure trove of early German history and baroque architecture.
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’?
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.
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.
Price Includes
Dining Summary- - 4 Dinner with Wines (DW)
- - 10 Breakfasts (B)
- You Local Expert provides a tour of this vibrant city. Drive along the Ku'Damm, passing the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and through Tiergarten to the Reichstag building. See the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House and visit Alexanderplatz.
- Your guided tour with a Local Expert shows you the Frauenkirche, the colossal 'Procession of the Dukes' mosaic, the cathedral, Semper Opera House and Zwinger Palace. You'll also learn about the traditional German Christmas Pyramids.
- Nuremburg is steeped in history and famous for its magnificent landmarks including the imperial castle and the old walled town. Although much of the city was destroyed in WWII, the medieval parts of the old town have been faithfully reconstructed. The City is also famous for the Nuremburg Trials, carried out between 1945 and 1949.
- Join this giant and unforgettable celebration of great local beers – in fact over seven million liters of beer get consumed each year at Oktoberfest. Revelers also munch their way through thousands of giant sausages and pretzels! Lose yourself in the colorful parades, enjoy fairground rides and admire those in traditional Bavarian costume.
- This elegant museum serves as an architectural landmark of both Bayerische Motoren Werke and Munich’s cultural life. Its centrepiece is a permanent exhibition of some 110 exhibits, complemented by temporary exhibitions dedicated to special themes.
- This impressive fortress sits high above the rooftops of Salzburg’s Baroque historical district, offering stunning 360° views of the city. The largest fully preserved castle in Central Europe, roam the magnificent halls and walls, and admire intricate artworks.
- Join your Local Expert to visit the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace and Residence Square - both locations used in 'The Sound of Music.' You will also see the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse.
- Admire breathtaking views on a scenic drive through the stunning Berchtesgaden countryside, alongside snow capped peaks and lush green meadows. Visit the picturesque Pilgrimage church, Maria Gern Chapel, a pristine white architectural gem, perched on the hillside.
- Stroll through the 18th century Crown Prince Garden and manicured grounds with your Local Expert. Stroll through the 18th century Crown Prince Garden and manicured grounds with your Local Expert.
- Join special guest Patrick von Ritchthofen, a direct descendant of Manfred von Ritchthofen, otherwise known as ‘The Red Baron’, for an unforgettable conversation and a Dinner.
- Indulge your senses with a magical concert of classic Viennese music and dance. Enjoy a delicious traditional Austrian dinner, then watch the works of Mozart and Strauss come to life.
Optional Experiences
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.
Berliner Dinner & Entertainment (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: €69 Historic Potsdam (Available on Day 2)Today we'll take a trip outside Berlin with our Local Specialist to Potsdam. En route, we’ll stop off at Wannsee Villa, the setting for the infamous 1942 Conference to plan the 'Final Solution'. Then, it's off to Glienicke Bridge, scene of the Cold War 'spy swaps' and the inspiration for the 2015 film Bridge of Spies, starring Tom Hanks.
Adult Price: €53 Highlights of Former East Berlin (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: €35 Meissen Excursion (Available on Day 3)It was in Dresden that the first porcelain in Europe was made. We will visit the Meissen factory where we are shown how this world-famous porcelain is made before we visit the museum. Later there is time to visit the factory shop for some bargains and enjoy a coffee and cake. Before we head back to the hotel we will enjoy the scenic ride along the river Elbe and we will stop to take in the beauty of Moritzburg castle.
Adult Price: €49 The Dachau Memorial (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: €38 The Sound Of Music (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: €32 Evening In The Austrian Countryside (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: €68 Dinner In A Country Mansion (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: €71 Hidden Treasures Of Old Vienna Walk (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: €35