Highlights of Germany and Austria

Welcome to Germany and its capital Berlin. Glamorous and gritty, modern and historic, Berlin is truly one of Europe’s most fascinating cities. Upon your arrival, your private driver will provide a transfer to your hotel. After check-in, you can either relax or head out to explore a little independently.  

This morning you will travel back in time to when the Cold War was hot and explore the once-divided city of Berlin in your own historic Trabant. Drive past historical places which have been, and still are the focus of world politics and follow the path of the once infamous and terrifying Berlin War. After lunch, you will continue to the DDR Museum, which depicts what life was like for the citizens of the Deutsche Demokratische Republik (DDR), everything is covered from surveillance and interrogation to children’s TV and popular food brands. After a private tour, you are free to stay and explore at your own pace or maybe visit the nearby Berlin Cathedral.

Berlin is a huge city overflowing with culture and history, so we leave today totally free for you to enjoy the German capital at your leisure. You might choose to return to Museum Island and explore the Humboldt Forum a new interactive museum and art gallery. Alternatively, you might want to explore the city’s Jewish History and the world-class Jewish Museum. Or for those who want to relax, we suggest some shopping at Kurfürstendamm or a stroll in the beautiful Tiergarten.

After a free morning, you will transfer to Berlin Station for the 4.5hr journey by highspeed ICE train to Munich, traveling in 1st-class. Germany’s second city is, famous for its magnificent architecture, rich history, vibrant and annual Oktoberfest beer festival. While it was nearly destroyed over the two world wars, it managed to recreate much of its Bavarian past which can be seen in its impressive buildings and churches like the Mariensaule, as well as in the Old and New Town Hall. The tower of the New Town Hall contains a beautiful carillon, a Glockenspiel that’s over a century old. 

Get an in-depth look at Munich’s impressive Old Town on a private walking tour. Follow your expert guide to discover its 850-year-old history while learning the secrets behind what you’re seeing. You’ll visit landmarks that have witnessed everything from international celebrations to royal scandals, playing a part in the city’s rise to one of the most affluent and influential in all of Europe. Enjoy a one-hour lunch break on your own, with tips provided on local favorites if desired, to sample the lively cafes or world-renowned beer halls. If you’re here during Oktoberfest, the tour can be customized to bring you to its festivities.

A day trip to stunning Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps will be enjoyed today. “Sleeping Beauty” castle is said to have been the inspiration for the castle at Disneyland, set atop a soaring rugged cliff that overlooks the Hohenschwangau Valley. From the Marienbruecke (Queen Mary’s Bridge), you’ll get a view of the castle, sparkling lakes and valleys from above. You’ll see another one of the three castles built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Linderhof Palace, the only one the king lived to see completed. While it’s the smallest, it’s the most elaborate, with a carpet made of ostrich down and ivory candelabras.

This morning travel by private transfer to the train station in Munich for an approximately two-hour ride to your next destination, Salzburg. Your private driver/guide will meet you at the station there to bring you to your accommodation in the city. After checking in and taking time to refresh, take a half-day private Mozart-focused tour. Salzburg is the birthplace of Wolfgang Mozart and you can practically here the “Sounds of Music” echoing among the historic walls and through the narrow alleys. You’ll learn more about the city’s baroque, gothic and Renaissance features while experiencing the highlights, ending at the Mozart Residence on Makart Square. 

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Salzburg is the “Sound of Music” city, and today you’ll take a four-hour Sound of Music tour, traveling through the spectacular landscapes where the musical’s opening scenes were shot. Along the way, listen to the original soundtrack. Your expert guide will reveal the film’s highlights while pointing out the city’s architectural and historical landmarks. Enjoy the pretty lake district as well as popular sights like Hellbrun and Leopoldskron castles, Mirabell Gardens, Wedding Church Mondsee, Lake St. Wolfgant and Nonnberg Abbey. After a full day of exploration, you’ll return to your accommodation to relax and enjoy the city at your leisure. 

After checking out of your Salzburg hotel, take private transfer to the train station to catch your approximately 2.5-hour ride to Vienna. Upon your arrival into the Austrian capital’s station, a private driver will welcome you and delivery you to your accommodation. After settling in, join your guide for a private tour of Vienna, covering city’s most significant sights, including impressive buildings like the National History Museum, State Opera House, MAK and the Museum of Fine Arts. You’ll get to explore the cultural district and Museums Quartier, as well as the Hofburg, Parliament, and City Hall. Later you will transfer to the Schonbrunn Palace’s and enjoy an evening of classical music. 

Today is free for you to enjoy Vienna’s at your own pace. However, we recommend a day trip to the picturesque Wachau Valley including a cruise along the Danube River. This scenic boat ride will bring to life the legends and history of the Danube River which meanders through a magnificent landscape of castles, vineyards and charming historic villages. Visit Melk Abbey, a Benedictine abbey that sits on a rocky outcropping above the town of Melk, known as the “Cradle of Austria,” providing jaw-dropping views. There will be a lunch break that provides you with the opportunity to sample the local fare at the Abbey restaurant, or you can bring your own lunch.

Private transfer from your hotel in Vienna to the airport. Those who have more time might consider adding on to this itinerary to explore more of Europe. Contact our travel experts to let them know your preferences and they can help you make it happen.