Best of Germany & Austria

22 Days

Dates

• April 9-30, 2019

Pricing

• Tour Pricing: $5,395

Germany & Austria Tour

22 Days

DAY 1: ARRIVE | FRANKFURT, GERMANY

Welcome to Germany! Arrive at your leisure. Meet your group at the hotel at 5pm for a welcome orientation meeting. After you've had a chance to get to know your travel companions, a Volant representative will take your group out for a traditional German welcome dinner. 

We recommend that you arrive a day or two early in order to combat the effects of jet lag and to offer yourself more time to explore the local attractions of Frankfurt at your leisure, including the Frankfurt Cathedral, ​Römer, and the ​Staedel Museum.

Meals: Dinner

Sleep: Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt, Germany

DAY 2: WURZBURG | ROTHENBURG | NUREMBERG, GERMANY

Today, an early start will get us up and going as we drive towards Nuremberg, making two stops along the way. Our first stop will be at Würzburg of northern Bavaria, situated on the Main River (1h 45m). We will tour both the ​Würzburg Residence and ​Marienberg Fortress. Built in the 1700s, this Baroque style ‘residence’ has been a world heritage UNESCO site since 1981. The Marienberg Fortress has been reconstructed due to damage caused during WWII. It now houses two museums.

In the afternoon we will continue our drive into the Germany countryside (1h). We'll visit the small town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a Bavarian favorite. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, meaning, "Red Fortress above the Tauber," is located on a plateau overlooking the Tauber River. The city is situated on the famous Romantic Road, a road connecting many of Germany's most picturesque towns and castles. We'll take a walk in the old town to view the many timber framed houses and cobble streets.

Now to Nuremberg, where we will stop for the night (1h 30m). This evening we'll dine as a group and unwind from today's adventures. 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sleep: Nuremberg, Germany

Wurzburg Residence, Wurzburg, Germany

DAY 3: NUREMBERG | ERFURT, GERMANY

As Bavaria’s second largest city, Nuremberg has many exciting sites and sounds to take in. This morning is yours to tour the city at your leisure. Apart from the grisly, Nazi rallies and war trials, Nuremberg is known for its heaps of toys and local beers. It also has claim to Germany's first railway, connecting itself to the city of Fürth. If you so desire, visit what is considered one of Europe's most formidable medieval fortifications: Nuremberg castle (Nürnberger Burg). Or, you could as well visit ​St. Sebaldus Church, or the iconic water fountains of ​Schöner Brunnen and ​Ehekarussell. 

After lunch, we will get on the road and head north, towards Erfurt, Martin Luther's stomping ground (2h 50m). Situated on the Via Regia, a medieval trade and pilgrims' road network, one can easily see the central importance of Eufurt's influence in the region. Its old town is known to be one of the best preserved medieval city centers in all of Germany. Enjoy Eufurt's highlights at your leisure: Krämerbrüke (Merchant's bridge); the Old Synagogue; the Eufurt Cathedral; St. Severus's Church; and Petersberg Citadel (one of the largest and best preserved town fortresses in Europe). 

Dinner will be on your own as you explore this medieval city's charm and wonder. 

Meals: Breakfast

Sleep: Erfurt, Germany

Erfurt, Germany

DAY 4: POTSDAM | BERLIN, GERMANY

This morning we'll head further north to Potsdam (3h 20m), an idyllic location for a rococo palace for none other than King Frederick the Great himself. Laying on Berlin's outskirts, this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the Sanssouci Palace, is lavish and whimsical. It sets the tone for 18th century culture. 

After lunch, we'll transfer to Germany’s vibrant capital: Berlin (45m). Once in Berlin, we'll take a quick driving tour to get oriented and to see some of Berlin's best sights; after which, we'll transfer to the hotel. The evening is yours to utilize as you see fit. We'll spend two nights in Berlin, which gives you plenty of time to explore what you find most interesting. Dinner is at your leisure.

Some of Berlin's highlights include: 

• Checkpoint Charlie, the best known crossing of the wall
• The Berlin Wall's ruins
• Brandenburg Gate
• The ​Charlottenburg, the largest palace in Berlin
• The Ruins of Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
• Tiergarten, one of the largest urban parks in all of Germany
• Reichstag building, the German parliament. The dome and roof terrace of the Reichstag offers spectacular views of the city
• Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
• Potsdamer Platz, a square at the heart of Berlin’s history
• And many more

Meals: Breakfast

Sleep: Berlin, Germany

 

Potsdam Castle, Potsdam, Germany

DAY 5: BERLIN, GERMANY

Our second day in Germany's capital will be yours to use as you wish. Mix and match Berlin's site's you missed yesterday, or go back and spend more time at certain places you found interesting and worthwhile. 

More of Berlin's highlights include: 

• The East Side Gallery, where will get up close to the infamous Berlin Wall.
• Museum Island
• Gendarmenmarkt, a public square enclosed with impressive architecture.
• The Berlin Cathedral
• Berliner Fernsehturm, the tallest structure in Western Europe with spectacular views of the city

Meals: Breakfast

Sleep: Berlin, Germany

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany

DAY 6: DRESDEN, GERMANY | PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

After an early start to our day, we'll head south through eastern Germany to Dresden (2h 30m). Known for its near complete destruction in the 1945 carpet bombing of WWII, and reconstruction in later years, Dresden is home to some of Europe's finest architectural masterpieces. You'll have free time to enjoy the many open spaces and parks, architecture, and perhaps a walk along the Elbe River. Be sure to walk across the sandstone, pedestrian bridge known as the Augustusbrücke over the Elbe River, which was built in the early 20th century. 

After lunch, we'll transfer to Prague, Czech Republic for the evening (2h). We'll eat dinner as a group tonight in the heart of Prague.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sleep: Prague, Czech Republic

Dresden, Germany

DAY 7: PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

Waking up in the heart of Prague, the day is yours to explore the richness of culture that only Prague has to offer. 

Prague's highlights include:

• Old Town Square
• The Church of Our Lady Tyn
• Prague Astronomical Clock
• The iconic Charles Bridge, another 14th century masterpiece with spectacular views of the Vitava River.
• The Prague Castle, with its sweeping views of the city below
• St. Vitus Cathedral, atop the hill above the valley below
• The Lennon Wall
• Dancing House
• Petrin Tower
• Letna
• The many museums available
  • Národní Museum (historical exhibits)
  • Beer Museum
  • Sex Machines Museum
  • Mucha Museum
  • The City of Prague Museum
  • Museum of Communism
  • Museum of Alchemists and Magicians of Old Prague
  • Kafka Museum (renowned 20th century author)
  • And many more

Meals: Breakfast

Sleep: Prague, Czech Republic

Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic

DAY 8: VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Today we’ll journey through the Czech Republic to the capital of Austria: Vienna (4h). Upon arriving, we'll have a quick driving-city tour to get acquainted with Vienna's marvelous touring options and to get the lay of the land. After you get oriented, we'll head to our hotel in the city center, a great location from which to launch your exploration of Vienna. Explore Vienna's best at your leisure. 

Vienna's highlights include:

•  Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens (baroque style, 1,441 room masterpiece with a maze garden)
• The Belvedere Palace, both the upper and lower palaces, and surrounding gardens
• The Palmenhaus, a vast greenhouse with over 4,500 species of plants, among the largest of its kind in the world.
• The symbol of Vienna, St. Stevens Cathedral is a medieval place of worship that houses crypts and catacombs as well as a treasury museum.
• Vienna Museum Mozart's Apartment: Restored 1700s apartment museum where Mozart lived & composed, with an audio tour & a souvenir shop.
• Anchor Clock
• Habsburg Palace Complex: ornate, baroque interiors, imperial apartments & a silver museum.
• Weltmuseum of Vienna
• Johannes Gutenberg Monument, Unsere Gärten
• Kunsthistorisches Museum of Vienna: Imposing, 19th-century museum with lavish interiors housing Habsburgs art collections & antiquities.
• Johann Staus Monument

Meals: Breakfast

Sleep: Vienna, Austria

St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna, Austria

DAY 9: VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Waking up in the heart of Austria's capital, you are free to explore the city's highlights at your leisure. There is plenty of history, food, music, culture, and modern delights to keep you fully entertained. 

Vienna's highlights include:

•  Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens (baroque style, 1,441 room masterpiece with a maze garden)
• The Belvedere Palace, both the upper and lower palaces, and surrounding gardens
• The Palmenhaus, a vast greenhouse with over 4,500 species of plants, among the largest of its kind in the world.
• The symbol of Vienna, St. Stevens Cathedral is a medieval place of worship that houses crypts and catacombs as well as a treasury museum.
• Vienna Museum Mozart's Apartment: Restored 1700s apartment museum where Mozart lived & composed, with an audio tour & a souvenir shop.
• Anchor Clock
• Habsburg Palace Complex: ornate, baroque interiors, imperial apartments & a silver museum.
• Weltmuseum of Vienna
• Johannes Gutenberg Monument, Unsere Gärten
• Kunsthistorisches Museum of Vienna: Imposing, 19th-century museum with lavish interiors housing Habsburgs art collections & antiquities.
• Johann Staus Monument

Meals: Breakfast

Sleep: Vienna, Austria

Belvedere, Reflection Pool, Vienna, Austria

DAY 10: BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA | VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Today we will be taking a day trip into the capital of Slovakia: Bratislava. After departing from Vienna, we'll head east for one hour. We'll travel along the longest river in Western Europe, the Danube River, making our way through Danube-Auen National Park.

Bratislava is surrounded by the Little Carpathian Mountains as well as gorgeous vineyards. On our way into town we will stop by Devin’s Castle. Next we will make our way to the Old Town of Bratislava.

After lunch we will make sure to visit the Slavin War Memorial, Michael’s Gate, Primatial Palace, Duck’s Fountain and the Blue Church. Before heading back to Vienna for the night we will check out the UFO Bridge. 85 meters above ground, the UFO Observation Deck offers spectacular views of the city.

We'll have an early dinner and then head back to Vienna, Austria for the night. 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sleep: Vienna, Austria

Bratislava Castle, Bratislava, Slovakia

DAY 11: SALZBURG, AUSTRIA

After our 2.5 hour ride through northern Austria we'll reach Salzburg. Upon arrival, we'll take a quick driving-city tour to help you familiarize yourself with the available touring options and to get help you get oriented. After this brief orientation, we'll head to our hotel in the center of town, a perfect launching point from which to explore the city. Since we'll be staying in Salzburg for two nights, there will be plenty of time to imbibe the Bavarian culture. Nestled in between the Bavarian Alps and the Salzach River, Salzburg is a fairy tale to behold.

Salzburg's highlights include:

• This town offers a wide variety of activities 
• View the original film locations of the Sound of Music
• Birthplace and museum of Mozart
• The Salzburg Fortress, one of Salzburg’s most iconic landmarks, provides an extraordinary view of the Bavarian Alps as well as the city below.
• Quaint streets of Salzburger Altstadt, Old Town Salzburg.
• The renaissance palace south of town, Schloss Hellbrunn, known for its novelty fountains and pleasure gardens.

Meals: Breakfast

Sleep: Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg Night, Austria

DAY 12: SALZBURG, AUSTRIA

Our second day in the Bavarian Alps city of Salzburg is yours to explore at your leisure. Finish what you didn't have time yesterday to see, or head out on new adventures in the city. Seek out Austria's famous bratwursts or local beers. Sing the familiar songs of the Sound of Music in the nearby hills. Whatever you choose, you're sure to enjoy it. 

Salzburg's highlights include:

• This town offers a wide variety of activities 
• View the original film locations of the Sound of Music
• Birthplace and museum of Mozart
• The Salzburg Fortress, one of Salzburg’s most iconic landmarks, provides an extraordinary view of the Bavarian Alps as well as the city below.
• Quaint streets of Salzburger Altstadt, Old Town Salzburg.
• The renaissance palace south of town, Schloss Hellbrunn, known for its novelty fountains and pleasure gardens.

Meals: Breakfast

Sleep: Salzburg, Austria

Salzach River, Castle, Night, Salzburg, Austria

DAY 13: BERCHTESGADEN | MUNICH, GERMANY

Making our way back into Deutschland, we'll stop in Berchtesgaden. Tucked away in the Bavarian Alps, on the outskirts of town we will visit Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest, Kehlsteinhaus. Adolf’s former mountain-top base offers spectacular views and delicious food. While in this area we will have the opportunity to walk along the Mannlgrat ridge which is considered to be the easiest way to reach Hoher Göll’s summit.

After lunch, if time permits we will explore the Salt Mines in town or the Berchtesgaden National Park. Dressed as miners we will hop aboard a trolly that will takes us back in time to discover the history of the mines. The National Park offers incredible views of Lake Konigssee, one of the most pristine lakes in Germany. With its blue waters and green backdrop, Lake Konigssee will sure to be one of the most memorable views on this trip. 

After our visit to the Bavarian Alps, we'll make our way deeper into Germany, towards Munich (2h 15m).

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sleep: Munich, Germany

Berchtesgaden, Bavarian Alps, Germany

DAY 14: MUNICH, GERMANY

As the capital of Bavaria, there is enough here to keep us busy for quite some time. Today is designed to give you ample time to see Bavaria's capital at your leisure. We will be staying in Munich for a total of three nights, so there will be plenty of time to see Munich's highlights. 

• Marienplatz, or the heart of old town, contains many historical landmarks
• St. Peter’s church, Munich’s oldest church
• Frauenkirche, a gothic church that is infamous for its Devil’s Footprint
• The Munich Residenz, art collections and treasury room
• The English Garden for spectacular sunset over this urban park.
• Cultural scenes, second only to Berlin's
• Local Specialty Foods
  • Try a local Breze, also called a soft pretzel.
  • Kässpätzle is another local delicacy.
  • Found somewhere between pasta and dumplings, Spätzle is made by dropping soft dough into boiling water.
  • These staples will be found all over town as they are traditionally found in southern Germany.

Meals: Breakfast

Sleep: Munich, Germany

Marienplatz, Munich, Germany

DAY 15: DACHAU | MUNICH, GERMANY

Today's journey will take us to Dachau (1h), a Nazi Concentration camp that was responsible for the imprisonment of around 200,000 people. We'll spend a few hours in Dachau. 

After a sobering tour of Dachau we will make out way back into Munich (1h). The evening is yours to explore Munich's exhilarating nightlife, or to enjoy at your own pace. 

Meals: Breakfast

Sleep: Munich, Germany

Dachau Bunkbeds, Germany

DAY 16: NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE | FÜSSEN, GERMANY

Today, we'll leave Munich and head south, into the Bavarian Alps again (2h). We'll drive south to Füssen, home of the castles that inspired Walt Disney himself: Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle.

First we will explore Neuschwanstein Castle. This 19th century romanesque revival palace was built upon a hill in southwest Bavaria as a hideaway for a reclusive king. Its neighboring castle, Hohenschwangau was built years before by his father. Talk about competition between family members; needless to say the son won that battle. 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sleep: Füssen, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwandi, Germany

DAY 17: BLACK FOREST | FREIBURG, GERMANY

After getting an early start to our day, we will leave Bavaria behind and work our way to Freiburg (4h). Along the way to Freiburg, we'll have a chance to stop at at Lake Constance, a lake that connects three bordering countries: Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. We'll enjoy the blue waters and cool breeze as we take a short walk to stretch our legs. 

We'll enter the Black Forest from the east side and cross through it in order to get to Freiburg. Before arriving at Freiburg, we'll stop at the beautiful mountain lake, Titisee. We'll take another short walk to stretch our legs, this time inside the Black Forest. 

After we've enjoyed the nature trails deep inside the Black Forest, we'll make our way to Freiburg, which is known for its medieval old town and temperate climates. Freiburg will serve as our gateway to the Black Forest. 

We'll eat dinner as a group tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sleep: Freiburg, Germany

Black Forest, Germany

DAY 18: BLACK FOREST | BADEN-BADEN | HEIDELBERG, GERMANY

As we head north to Heidelberg, we'll stop in Baden-Baden, a Black Forest town known for its beauty and quaint atmosphere (1h 15m). 

For those who may be interested, there will be an option to summit ​Merkur Mountain by way of funicular. The summit provides fascinating views of the Baden Baden basin and overlooks the Black Forest as well as local ruins. ​

Lichtentaler Allee is another attraction in Baden-Baden that should be well explored. The beauty in this park is magnificent.

After our visit to Baden-Baden, we'll transfer to Heidelberg (1h 20m). Heidelberg’s old town lays adjacent to the Neckar River. Here we will tour the Heidelberg Castle, the historic market square, and the Church of the Holy Spirit. Before we end our visit in this historic university town, we will see the King’s Throne, known as Königstuhl. The view from this mountain summit overlooks Heidelberg and the Neckar River.

Feel free to eat dinner at your leisure. There are many good restaurants nearby.

Meals: Breakfast

Sleep: Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg, Germany

DAY 19: SPEYER | TRIER, GERMANY

Today's adventure will take us to two of the oldest towns in Germany: Speyer and Trier.

Speyer, built by the Romans in the first century, has some of the best preserved Roman-style architecture in Germany. The soaring spires of the Speyer Cathedral dominates the landscape. The Altpörtel (old gate) is ornate, historical, and simply beautiful to look at. Speyer is famous for have tombs of eight Holy Roman Emperors and German kings. They can be found in the Speyer Cathedral.

Trier, built by the Romans in the second century, this town offers everything you'd expect from a Roman city: thermal baths, a large amphitheater, and great architecture (the oldest bridge in Germany). Among towering stone Roman gates and theatrical amphitheaters, you can find the birthplace of the very controversial figure known as Karl Marx. If you're interested, feel free to take an optional tour of the philosopher's birthplace home in order to learn more about the history of communism and about the man himself.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sleep: Trier, Germany

Trier, Germany

DAY 20: ELTZ CASTLE | COLOGNE, GERMANY

This morning we'll transfer (1h 40m) to Eltz Castle, situated high above the Moselle River. This fairytale castle inspired many creators and artists working on Disney films. It's gothic architecture and location on a hill, high above a river, give the castle a mysterious and enchanting ambiance. 

After our tour of Eltz Castle, and lunch, we'll transfer to Cologne (1h 45m), a city with more than 2,000 years of history. You'll quickly see the towering, twin spires of Cologne's gothic Cathedral along the horizon as we approach the city. We'll have a chance to visit the massive cathedral, taking in its size and beauty. After our visit to the cathedral, we'll visit Cologne's old town and walk along the bank of the Rhine River. We'll eat dinner as a group tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sleep: Cologne, Germany

Eltz Castle, Evening Light, Germany

DAY 21: RHINE VALLEY | FRANKFURT, GERMANY

The Rhine River Valley will keep us company today as we begin our journey back to our starting point: Frankfurt. The castles, historic towns, and vineyards all along the Rhine River are enchanting, inspiring romantics to book river cruises and enjoy the ample reveries.

We'll work our way down the Rhine River on a scenic drive, stopping at small towns along the way to fully take in the famous landscape. 

Towards the end of our scenic drive, we'll pass by Mainz, known for its medieval old town and half-timbered houses.

We'll end the day upon our arrival at Frankfurt. Tonight we'll dine as a group for once last German feast as our farewell dinner. 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sleep: Frankfurt, Germany

Upper Rhine River Valley, River Bend, Germany

DAY 22: DEPART | HOME

Our epic German journey ends after breakfast. Depart to the Frankfurt Airport at your leisure. 

Thank you for choosing Volant Travel, and Auf Wiedersehen!  

Frankfurt, Old Town, Germany

Best of Germany & Austria

22 Days

Inclusions

• All accommodations (2-3 star)
• Scheduled meals
• Transportation throughout tour
• Neuschwanstein Castle entrance fee
• Dachau Concentration Camp entrance fee
• Würzburg Residence entrance fee
• Eltz Castle entrance fee
• Personal guide

Exclusions

• International airfare (to and from Frankfurt International Airport)
• Entrance fees to museums and other attractions not listed in ‘Inclusions’
• Personal items: Laundry, shopping, etc.
• Traveler’s and medical insurance.
• Airport transfers

By email: info@Volant.Travel

By phone: 801.651.7208