Trip Overview
- September 26 - October 6, 2024
- 9-Nights/10 Days
Brief Itinerary
| Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| September 26 | Fly to Frankfurt (overnight) | |
| September 27 | Rüdesheim | After arrival we will drive to Rüdesheim with Rhine River Cruise and Old Town |
| September 28 | Rüdesheim | Wiesbaden with Historic Trolley Ride Old Town Walking Tour with lunch at the oldest café in Wiesbaden, free time for shopping |
| September 29 | Heidelberg/Speyer | Heidelberg with funicular ride to the castle ruins Walking Tour of Heidelberg Afternoon Walking Tour of Speyer, a UNESCO World Heritage Town |
| September 30 | Rothenburg | Rothenburg Walking Tour (famous Christmas town) with optional evening Night Watchman Tour |
| October 01 | Garmisch-Partenkirchen | Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Oberammergau Ettal Abbey and Eckbauerbahn gondola ride for spectacular views of the German and Austrian Alps (pic stop for Neuschwanstein/Linderhof) |
| October 02 | Salzburg (Wals) | Herrenchiemsee Palace visit with boat ride Free time in Salzburg in the afternoon |
| October 03 | Salzburg (Wals) | Walking tour of Salzburg + free time Hohensalzberg Fortress |
| October 04 | Salzburg (Wals) | Lake Königssee with boat ride Grassl Destillery visit & tasting |
| October 05 | Munich (Airport Hotel) | Walking Tour of Munich with a visit to the famous “Hofbräuhaus” Beer Hall Farewell Lunch at a smaller famous Restaurant & Beerhall |
| October 06 | Fly home from Munich | Depart from Munich (MUC) anytime |
Pricing: $4,492.00 per person (Single Occupancy)
Tour Includes
- Exclusive personal driver-guide for 9 days
- Transportation in an A/C 9 passenger vehicle
- 9 nights hotel accommodations at 4**** hotels
- 8 x daily breakfast (except for last night at MUC Airport Hotel)
- Walking Tours of Wiesbaden with Trolley Ride, Heidelberg, Speyer, Rothenburg, Salzburg & Munich
- Welcome Dinner in Rüdesheim
- Farewell Lunch in Munich
- Entrance fees to Herrenchiemsee with boat ride
- Königssee boat ride tickets
- Eckbauerbahn Gondola tickets
- Night Watchman Tour Rothenburg
- KD Rhine River Cruise
- Heidelberg Funicular Tickets with Castle Admission
- Wiesbaden Trolley Tickets
Tour Excludes
- International Airfare (Please arrive in Frankfurt by no later than 10am on Sept 27th, return anytime on October 6th from Munich)
- Lunch/Dinner unless indicated above.
- Gratuity for driver-guide / tour guides
- Souvenirs
Payment Schedule : ( All payments are non-refundable)
| Deposit | $1,000.00 | Immediate to gurantee spot |
| Final Payment | $3,492.00 | August 13, 2024 |
September 27 | Day 1: Arrival in Frankfurt & Rüdesheim & Rhine Valley
Morning arrival into Frankfurt. Meet your host, Silke and driver-guide Markus.
Riesling anyone? Let’s go!
Rüdesheim is a picturesque winemaking town in the Rhine Valley, Germany’s prime wine-growing region. Surrounded by vine-covered hills, it’s famous for the Drosselgasse, a lively alley lined with traditional taverns and music venues, set within its charming half-timbered Old Town. The Rhine Valley itself is a stunning area famed for its idyllic river landscapes and historic castles. With lush vineyards, quaint villages, and UNESCO World Heritage status, it offers a blend of natural beauty and rich history, perfect for river cruises, wine tastings, and exploration of its romantic medieval past. If weather permits, we will take the 2-seater gondola up the vineyards and visit the “Niederwalddenkmal”, a monumental statue symbolizing the re-establishment of the German Empire after the Franco-Prussian War, it’s a fascinating piece of history with an observation deck offering sweeping views over the picturesque Rhine Valley.
We will enjoy a Welcome Lunch in the Rhine Valley.
September 28 | Day 2: Wiesbaden
Wiesbaden, my favorite town of the itinerary. Well, I am a little biased, since it is my hometown.
The capital city of the German state of Hesse, Wiesbaden is a sophisticated spa town known for its classic architecture and the warm, salt-laden waters that bubble underneath the city. It features a charismatic blend of rich history with tranquil green spaces, especially the Kurpark, and luxury shopping streets like Wilhelmstraße. With fine dining and wine experiences, it’s a city that encapsulates relaxation and refinement. We will experience the town by taking a ride on the famous old-time trolley called “Thermine”.
We recommend lunch at the Maldaner Coffee Roasters, situated in Wiesbaden, is the city’s first specialty coffee shop that pays homage to traditional coffee culture while also setting new trends. Preserving the original charm since its establishment in the 19th century, it offers a unique coffee experience with its in-house roastery and vegan-friendly fare, noted for their direct, fair-trade sourced coffees and barista courses.
This afternoon you can either choose to stroll the famous pedestrian zone or head to the famous thermal spa. “Aukammtal” is a world-class thermal spa that utilizes the city’s naturally heated saltwater to provide a haven of relaxation and wellness. This spacious facility offers various indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna area, spa treatments and wellness programs, all enhanced by the healing qualities of Wiesbaden’s thermal water, offering us an unrivalled retreat for rest and rejuvenation.
September 29 | Day 3: Heidelberg & Speyer
Today, we are heading to the jewel of southwest Germany, Heidelberg! Heidelberg enchants with its baroque old town, a charming riverside setting, and gentle hills adorned with vinotheques. All of this is overlooked by a picturesque castle from the Renaissance period that just adds a sprinkle of magic dust over the city. We will explore a couple of this cities must see attractions:
- The majestic Heidelberg Castle, a mix of styles from Gothic to Renaissance.
- The historic Old Town packed with narrow lanes, churches, and half-timbered houses.
- The Old Bridge (Alte Brücke) offering sweeping views of the city.
- The Philosopher’s Walk, a path with panoramic views across Heidelberg and the Neckar River.
- The University of Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university boasting a rich history.
We will take the famous funicular up to the Heidelberg Castle Ruins.
After lunch we will head to Speyer.
Speyer is a quaint and charming town in Germany that’s rich in history and culture, possessing beautiful architecture in every nook and cranny. It’s an absolute gem that’s brimming with old-world charm. We will enjoy the city on a walking tour and explore:
September 30 | Day 4: Rothenburg on der Tauber
Today, we are heading to one of my favorite towns in Germany.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is not just studded with storybook charm but is also known as Germany’s “Christmas Town”. The city transforms into a winter wonderland around the holidays. The city is home to the world-renowned Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village, a year-round Christmas store and museum. This festive enclave offers a collection of traditional German Christmas decorations, handcrafted ornaments, nutcrackers, and incense smokers. One can spend hours marveling at the plethora of wooden ornaments and unique holiday souvenirs. Another Christmas standout is the Nutcracker Museum, with its fascinating collection of nearly 10,000 nutcrackers from various time periods and cultures.
Experience the Night Watchman Tour, a captivating stroll back in time, where visitors can experience the medieval town after sunset, led by a guide dressed as a historic night watchman. Engaging and full of intriguing tales about Rothenburg’s history, dark secrets, and life in the Middle Ages.
October 01 | Day 5: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Ettal Abbey & Oberammergau
Today, will head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, is a scenic mountain resort town in Bavaria, Germany, known for its spectacular Alpine setting at the foot of Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak.
If weather permits, we will ride up to the mountains via one of the local gondolas for a breathtaking view of the Alps.
We will continue on to Oberammergau is a quaint alpine village in southern Germany, known for its rich tradition in woodcarving, picturesque, frescoed houses, and significant religious history, most notably hosting the renowned Passion Play every 10 years.
After lunch we will visit Ettal Abbey, a stunning Benedictine monastery nestled in the Bavarian Alps, featuring a magnificently ornate basilica highlighted by a dome depicting vivid frescoes of the life and teachings of St. Benedict. Apart from its architectural elegance, the Abbey is also renowned for its traditional home-brewed beer, artisanal cheese, and the herbal Ettal Kloster Liqueur, all produced by the resident monks.
October 02 | Day 6: Lake Chiemsee & Herrenchiemsee Palace
After breakfast, we will head to Lake Chiemsee, also affectionately known as the ‘Bavarian Sea’, is the largest lake in Bavaria to visit Herrenchiemsee Palace. Located on Herreninsel, the largest island on Chiemsee, Herrenchiemsee Castle is an opulent palace built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1878 as a tribute to Louis XIV, the French ‘Sun King’. Herrenchiemsee Palace was King Ludwig II’s last and most expensive palace, however, it was left uncompleted due to his early death in 1886. Ludwig II planned to replicate the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles, with the palace’s stunning Hall of Mirrors and the State Staircase being among the main tributes.
October 03 | Day 7: Salzburg
Salzburg Old Town is a picturesque area filled with dreamy spires, charming alleys, and music wafting from Mozart’s birthplace. It’s baroque architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status offers a quaint yet vibrant atmosphere to visitors. Here are the top 5 attractions in Salzburg Old Town:
- Hohensalzburg Fortress: This 11th-century fortress perched on a hilltop offers a spectacular view of the city.
- Mozart’s Birthplace: The birthplace of the legendary composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, now turned into a fascinating museum.
- Salzburg Cathedral: A magnificent Baroque cathedral with impressive interiors.
- Getreidegasse: A bustling shopping street famous for its high, narrow houses and charming old-world harmony.
- St. Peter’s Abbey: One of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking area with a stunning cemetery and catacombs.
October 04 | Day 8: Lake Königssee & Berchtesgaden
Nestled within Berchtesgaden National Park in the southeastern corner of Germany, Lake Königssee is located close to the Austrian border in the Bavarian Alps.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Lake Königssee is its astounding depth. It spans over 1.8 miles in width and 4.3 miles in length and boasts a profound depth of around 625 feet, making it Germany’s third deepest lake. The lake is known for its stunning fjord-like scenery and its church of St. Bartholomä, a 17th-century red-domed chapel accessible only by boat. This eye-catching landmark has stunning murals and a legendary golden deer antler.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Lake Königssee is its astounding depth. It spans over 1.8 miles in width and 4.3 miles in length and boasts a profound depth of around 625 feet, making it Germany’s third deepest lake. The lake is known for its stunning fjord-like scenery and its church of St. Bartholomä, a 17th-century red-domed chapel accessible only by boat. This eye-catching landmark has stunning murals and a legendary golden deer antler.
We will drive the famous Rossfeld Panoramic Road and will head to Berchtesgaden for some free time and shopping.
October 05 | Day 9: Munich
This morning we are heading to Munich and will enjoy a Walking Tours (approx. 2 hours) of Munich and discover the cities main attractions:
- Marienplatz: This is the city’s central square which boasts architecture from multiple eras. You can also see the Glockenspiel performance here.
- Munich Residenz: Once the royal residence of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria, boasts extravagant rooms and hosts a treasury displaying royal insignia, jewellery and precious household items of the Bavarian rulers.
- Viktualienmarkt: A daily food market and a square in the center of Munich. It has developed from a farmers’ market to a popular market for gourmets.
- Hofbräuhaus: Munich’s most famous beer hall. It dates back to the 16th century and is a major part of the city’s history and culture.
We will have our Farewell Lunch at a local beer hall and restaurant.
Mid-afternoon, we will be heading to the Munich Airport for our last night before flying home.
October 06 | Day 10: Departure from Munich to the US
We hope that you will have truly enjoyed your time in Germany & Austria. Today, it is time to return to the US. But we don’t say “Goodbye”, we like to say “Auf Wiedersehen” or “See you later”.
