Tour 11) THE ROMANTIC ROAD & ALPINE ADVENTURES 9 nights / 10 days
Arrival Frankfurt – Würzburg – Rothenburg – Munich – Neuschwanstein – Füssen – Zugspitze – Innsbruck – Salzburg – Hallstatt - Danube Valley – Departure Vienna
Day 1 – Arrival in Frankfurt
Arrival in Frankfurt, Germany’s dynamic financial capital. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a first introduction to the city, including the historic Römerberg square, the Old Town and the impressive skyline along the Main River. Frankfurt offers an interesting contrast between historic architecture and modern skyscrapers. Take some time to relax and enjoy the city before beginning your journey through southern Germany and the Alps. Overnight in Frankfurt.
Day 2 – Frankfurt – Würzburg – Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Begin your journey along Germany’s famous Romantic Road. Travel to Würzburg, beautifully situated on the Main River and known for the magnificent Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue through the picturesque countryside to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns. Explore its charming historic center, fortified walls, narrow streets and colorful half-timbered houses. Rothenburg offers a wonderfully authentic glimpse into Germany’s medieval past. Overnight in Rothenburg.
Day 3 – Rothenburg – Dinkelsbühl – Augsburg – Munich
Continue south along the Romantic Road to Dinkelsbühl, another beautifully preserved medieval town with colorful historic houses and impressive city walls. Continue to Augsburg, one of Germany’s oldest cities, with highlights including the Renaissance Town Hall and historic Fuggerei. The route then continues towards Munich, Bavaria’s vibrant capital. Enjoy a first evening in the city center and experience its famous Bavarian atmosphere. Overnight in Munich.
Day 4 – Munich – Neuschwanstein – Füssen
Leave Munich and travel into the spectacular Bavarian Alps. Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, the legendary fairytale castle of King Ludwig II, dramatically situated above Hohenschwangau. Enjoy time to admire the castle and magnificent mountain scenery before continuing to Füssen. Explore this charming historic town, with its colorful streets, medieval character and beautiful Alpine setting. Füssen provides an ideal base for discovering the surrounding Bavarian landscape. Overnight in Füssen.
Day 5 – Füssen – Ettal Monastery – Zugspitze – Innsbruck
Travel through spectacular Alpine scenery to Ettal Monastery, a magnificent Benedictine abbey renowned for its impressive Baroque architecture and beautiful setting. Continue towards the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain, and ascend to the Top of Germany for breathtaking panoramic views over the Alps, weather permitting. Afterwards, cross into Austria and continue to Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, surrounded by impressive mountain peaks. Overnight in Innsbruck.
Day 6 – BEST OF INNSBRUCK: Sparkling Installations, Alpine Panorama & Tyrolean Traditions
Discover Innsbruck – THE CAPITAL OF THE ALPS - and its impressive combination of historic architecture and Alpine scenery. Visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds, a fascinating world of sparkling art, design and crystal installations. Later, take the cable car up to Nordkette with the “Top of Innsbruck” and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Innsbruck and the surrounding Tyrolean Alps. In the evening, experience the traditional Tyrolean Folk Show with the Gundolf Family featuring regional music, dancing and customs combined with a delicious local meal. Overnight in Innsbruck.
Day 7 – Innsbruck – Lake Chiemsee – Berchtesgaden – Salzburg
Travel east through the magnificent Austrian and Bavarian Alpine landscapes towards Salzburg. En route, visit Lake Chiemsee, often called the “Bavarian Sea,” with its beautiful mountain backdrop and islands. Continue to Berchtesgaden, surrounded by dramatic Alpine scenery, before proceeding to Salzburg. Discover the city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, Salzburg Cathedral, Getreidegasse and Mozart’s birthplace. Enjoy the elegant atmosphere of this famous musical city. Overnight in Salzburg.
Day 8 – Salzburg – Hallstatt – Melk – Dürnstein – Vienna
Travel to Hallstatt, one of Austria’s most picturesque lakeside villages, dramatically situated between the mountains and Lake Hallstatt. Continue through the beautiful Danube Valley to Melk and enjoy a scenic Danube River cruise towards Dürnstein, famous for its charming historic center, vineyards and medieval castle ruins. Continue along the Danube to Vienna, Austria’s magnificent capital. The day combines lakes, mountains, vineyards and one of Europe’s most beautiful river landscapes. Overnight in Vienna.
Day 9 – Vienna
Enjoy a full day discovering Vienna, the former imperial capital of the Habsburg Empire. Visit highlights such as Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the elegant Ringstrasse. Explore the historic city center, traditional coffee houses and grand squares, or visit one of Vienna’s renowned museums. The city’s combination of imperial architecture, music, art and culinary traditions provides a fitting finale to your journey through Central Europe. Overnight in Vienna.
Day 10 – Departure from Vienna
After breakfast, enjoy some final free time in Vienna, depending on your departure schedule. Take a last stroll through the historic center, relax in a traditional Viennese coffee house or enjoy some last-minute shopping. Afterwards, transfer to Vienna International Airport for your return flight, bringing your journey along the Romantic Road, through Bavaria and the Austrian Alps, and along the Danube to Vienna to an end.