Best of Germany and Austria
Best of Germany and Austria
Best of Germany and Austria
13 Days Starting in Frankfurt, Germany and ending in Vienna, Austria
Visiting: Frankfurt, Cologne, Berlin, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GBGAZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Germany and Austria with the "Best of Germany and Austria" tour. This cultural adventure takes you from the vibrant city of Frankfurt to the imperial charm of Vienna, exploring iconic cities like Berlin, Munich, and Salzburg along the way. Discover the architectural wonders of Cologne Cathedral, Neuschwanstein Castle, and the Hofburg Palace. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Rhine River and indulge in local traditions with a Be My Guest lunch in a medieval castle and a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience at an eco-farm in Salzburg. Travel in comfort with luxury transportation and stay in cherry-picked hotels, including the historic Prinzhotel in Rothenburg. With expert guidance, flexible sightseeing, and delightful culinary experiences, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Berlin, Salzburg and Vienna
- Discover Frankfurt, Cologne, Rothenburg, Munich and Innsbruck
- Visit the Berlin TV Tower, Neuschwanstein Castle.
- View Cologne Cathedral, the Golden Roof in Innsbruck, Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg, Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna
- See the Lorelei Rock, the Marienberg Fortress and the Prince-Bishops' residence in Wurzburg and Melk Abbey
- Scenic Cruise along the Rhine River
Make Travel Matter®
Salzburg: Indulge in the Austrian tradition of koffee and kuchen at Wastlbauer eco-farm. 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.
Be My Guest
Rhineland: In a medieval castle, enjoy an exclusive lunch and be transported back to the time of kings and knights.
Trafalgar Difference
Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Step into 15th-century Germany at the Prinzhotel, built in the traditional half-timbered style and ideally located within the city's famous fortified town walls.
Munich: The Arabella Sheraton Munich once saw Led Zeppelin, Iggy Pop, Freddie Mercury and other musical legends belt out record breaking tunes in the then-hotel basement recording studio.
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.
Day 2: Cruise In The Rhineland And On To Cologne Connect With Locals
Location: 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
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
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: 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: 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
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: 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
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
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: 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
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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An 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, all tried and trusted
Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, is included.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are included.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) is included.
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High-speed train from Cologne to Berlin
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 included.
What's Not Included
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Airfare
International round-trip airfare and airport transfers are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
Dining Summary
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 4 Dinner (D)
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 in the Rhineland, where you can enjoy tales of knights and feuding lords. Additionally, there is a 'Make Travel Matter' experience at Wastlbauer eco-farm in Salzburg, where you can indulge in the Austrian tradition of koffee and kuchen while learning about responsible production and consumption.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, and includes a high-speed train journey from Cologne to Berlin.
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What are some of the key sightseeing highlights of 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. The tour also includes a scenic cruise along the Rhine River.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted. Some specific hotels include the Sheraton Offenbach Frankfurt, Mercure Koeln Belfortstrasse, Catalonia Hotel Berlin, Prinzhotel Rothenburg, Four Points by Sheraton Hotel Munich, Tivoli Hotel Innsbruck, Hotel Mercure Salzburg City, and Imperial Riding School Renaissance Vienna Hotel.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals. There is also a Welcome Reception, one lunch, and four dinners included.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts in Frankfurt and ends in Vienna.
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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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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
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