Best of Germany and Austria
Best of Germany and Austria
$4325
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Germany and Austria with the "Best of Germany and Austria" tour. Begin in Frankfurt, exploring its rich heritage before cruising the scenic Rhine River. Discover the Gothic splendor of Cologne Cathedral and the vibrant history of Berlin. Experience the medieval charm of Rothenburg and the cultural vibrancy of Munich, with its iconic beer halls and historic sites. Marvel at the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle and the Alpine beauty of Innsbruck. In Salzburg, immerse yourself in the world of Mozart and "The Sound of Music." Conclude in Vienna, exploring the grandeur of Hofburg Palace and the city's musical heritage. Enjoy unique experiences like a lunch in a medieval castle and a visit to an eco-farm, all while staying in carefully selected accommodations. With expert guidance and flexible sightseeing options, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Frankfurt
Location: Frankfurt
Accommodation: Sheraton Offenbach
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Offenbach
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 travelers for a memorable Welcome Reception to launch our journey through the heart of Europe.
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Day 2: Cruise in the Rhineland and on to Cologne Connect with Locals
Location: Rhine River, Cologne Cathedral, Cologne
Accommodation: Mercure Koeln Belfortstrasse
Accommodation Name: Mercure Koeln Belfortstrasse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The legend of Loreley 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.
Day 3: Journey By High-Speed Train to Berlin
Location: Berlin, Brandenburg Gate, Tiergarten, Unter den Linden, Reichstag Building
Accommodation: Mercure MOA
Accommodation Name: Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 4: Uncover Berlin’s Secrets
Location: Berlin, Berlin TV Tower, Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, Potsdam
Accommodation: Mercure MOA
Accommodation Name: Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5: Onwards to Rothenburg Stays With Stories
Location: Würzburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Accommodation: Prinzhotel
Accommodation Name: Prinzhotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 6: Off to Historic Munich Stays With Stories
Location: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich
Accommodation: Sheraton Arabellapark
Accommodation Name: Four Points by Sheraton Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we embark on an orientation walk through the medieval center of Rothenburg, seemingly frozen in time and encircled by a fortified town wall that remains intact after centuries. Traveling 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.
Day 7: Discover Munich
Location: Munich, Marienplatz, St. Peter's Church, Viktualienmarkt
Accommodation: Sheraton Arabellapark
Accommodation Name: Four Points by Sheraton Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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-century St. Peter's churchand 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.
Day 8: Admire Neuschwanstein Castle and on to Innsbruck
Location: Neuschwanstein Castle, Innsbruck
Accommodation: Tivoli Innsbruck
Accommodation Name: Tivoli Innsbruck
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 9: Explore Alpine Innsbruck
Location: Innsbruck, Hofburg Palace, Golden Roof, Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store
Accommodation: Tivoli Innsbruck
Accommodation Name: Tivoli Innsbruck
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 10: Venture to Salzburg
Location: Salzburg, Hohensalzburg Castle, Getreidegasse, Salzburg Cathedral
Accommodation: Austria Trend Europa
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Salzburg City
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 11: Through the Wachau Valley to Vienna
Location: Wachau Valley, Melk Abbey, Dürnstein, Vienna
Accommodation: Imperial Riding School
Accommodation Name: Imperial Riding School
Meals Included: Breakfast
Indulge in the Austrian tradition of koffee and kuchen at Wastlbauer eco-farm on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Meet Eva, the owner, for a tour of her self-sufficient farm and wet your appetite over freshly baked pastries. This experience advances UN Global Goal 12: Responsible production and consumption. 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 have the evening at leisure to enjoy the sounds of the 'City of Music' or consider an evening of Viennese classical music.
Day 12: Hofburg Palace and More in Vienna
Location: Vienna, Hofburg Palace, Vienna, State Opera House, Vienna, Ringstrasse, Vienna, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna
Accommodation: Imperial Riding School
Accommodation Name: Imperial Riding School
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore the splendor 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, colorful 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 travelers for a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant to celebrate a beautiful sojourn through Germany and Austria.
Day 13: Farewell Vienna
Location: Vienna
Meals Included: Breakfast
We bid farewell to our companions at the end of a wonderful holiday.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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Cherry-picked Hotels
Stay in cherry-picked hotels that are all tried and trusted.
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Porterage and Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
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Hotel Tips and Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered.
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Sightseeing and Extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are part of the tour.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury Transportation
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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High-speed Train
A high-speed train journey from Cologne to Berlin is included.
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Optional Experiences and Free Time
Optional experiences and free time are available during the tour.
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Hotel Substitutions
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours and activities not mentioned in the inclusions are not covered.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and related expenses are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, and experience a high-speed train journey from Cologne to Berlin. Enjoy scenic cruises along the Rhine River and explore cities with flexible sightseeing options using audio headsets.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels throughout Germany and Austria, including the historic Prinzhotel in Rothenburg and the Arabella Sheraton Munich, known for its musical history. Enjoy comfort and convenience with accommodations like the Tivoli Innsbruck and the Imperial Riding School in Vienna.
Dining Summary
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 4 Dinner (D)
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.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a 'Be My Guest' lunch in a medieval castle overlooking the Rhine Valley, where you will learn about warrior knights. In Salzburg, you will indulge in the Austrian tradition of koffee and kuchen at Wastlbauer eco-farm, meeting the owner Eva for a tour of her self-sufficient farm. Additionally, you will stay at the historic Prinzhotel in Rothenburg, built in the traditional half-timbered style, and the Arabella Sheraton Munich, which has a rich musical history. ...more ...less
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What are some of the key sightseeing highlights during the tour?
Key highlights include exploring Berlin, Salzburg, and Vienna, visiting the Berlin TV Tower and Neuschwanstein Castle, viewing Cologne Cathedral, the Golden Roof in Innsbruck, and Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg. You will also see the Lorelei Rock, Marienberg Fortress, and the Prince-Bishops' residence in Würzburg, as well as enjoy a scenic cruise along the Rhine River. ...more ...less
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, and a high-speed train journey from Cologne to Berlin.
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Are there any special dining experiences included?
Yes, the tour includes a 'Be My Guest' lunch in a medieval castle in the Rhineland and a traditional Austrian koffee and kuchen experience at Wastlbauer eco-farm in Salzburg. Additionally, there is a Welcome Reception, daily breakfasts, and up to half of your evening meals included. ...more ...less
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What is the significance of the 'Make Travel Matter' experience in Salzburg?
The 'Make Travel Matter' experience in Salzburg involves visiting Wastlbauer eco-farm, where you will meet the owner Eva and learn about responsible production and consumption, aligning with UN Global Goal 12. This experience includes indulging in freshly baked pastries as part of the Austrian tradition of koffee and kuchen. ...more ...less
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Best of Germany and Austria
13 Days Starting in Frankfurt, Germany and ending in Vienna, Austria
Visiting: Frankfurt, Rhine River, Cologne Cathedral, Cologne, Berlin, Brandenburg Gate, Tiergarten, Unter den Linden, Reichstag Building, Berlin TV Tower, Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, Potsdam, Würzburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich, Marienplatz, St. Peter's Church, Viktualienmarkt, Neuschwanstein Castle, Innsbruck, Hofburg Palace, Golden Roof, Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store, Salzburg, Hohensalzburg Castle, Getreidegasse, Salzburg Cathedral, Wachau Valley, Melk Abbey, Dürnstein, Vienna, Hofburg Palace, Vienna, State Opera House, Vienna, Ringstrasse, Vienna, St. Stephen's Cathedral Vienna ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GBGAZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
