Best of Germany and Austria (13 Days)

Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Frankfurt, where you'll explore the Altstadt and soak up the atmosphere of a bygone era. Your Travel Director will guide you through the medieval Römerplatz and the dynamic financial district. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a memorable Welcome Reception.

Start your day with a leisurely cruise along the mighty Rhine, passing by castles and vineyard-clad hills. Enjoy a Be My Guest lunch in a 13th-century castle, hearing tales of knights and feuding lords. Continue to Cologne, where you'll view the spectacular Gothic spires of the Cologne Cathedral. Spend the evening exploring the city's artistic treasures and historic squares.

Board a high-speed train to Berlin, a city whose turbulent history has shaped its rebirth as Germany's charismatic capital. 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.

Ascend the Berlin TV Tower for spectacular 360° views of the city. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to explore the city on your own. Perhaps see the remnants of the Berlin Wall, visit the infamous Checkpoint Charlie or consider an Optional Experience to the District of Potsdam, the former Prussian royal seat.

Celebrate beauty through your admiration of art and architecture in beautiful Würzburg, where you will see the Prince-Bishops' residence and Marienberg Fortress. Continue to Rothenburg and dine tonight in your hotel. Your Stays With Stories accommodation this evening is the historic Prinzhotel (or similar), built in the traditional half-timbered style lying within the 15th-century fortified town walls.

Embark on an orientation walk through the medieval centre of Rothenburg, encircled by a fortified town wall that remains intact after centuries. Travel south through picturesque landscapes of Bavaria to Munich. Check into your Stays With Stories accommodation, the Arabella Sheraton Munich (or similar), which once hosted famous musicians in its basement recording studio.

Stroll through the heart of Munich, see the distinctive towers of the Cathedral, Marienplatz, and the impressive town hall with its charming glockenspiel. The 13th-century St. Peter's church, Viktualien food market square and a beer hall 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.

Indulge in a world of fantasy and fables during your visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, built as a retreat for King Ludwig II. 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.

Embark on a short orientation tour that includes views of the Old Town, Hofburg Palace and the ornate Golden Roof. 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.

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.

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 enjoy freshly baked pastries. Scenic landscapes provide a beautiful backdrop for our drive past Lake Mondsee to the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley. Arrive in the imperial capital of Vienna in the afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure to enjoy the sounds of the 'City of Music'.

Explore the splendour of Vienna at the exquisite Hofburg Palace, the former winter residence of the Habsburg Dynasty. Enjoy views of the grand State Opera House and Ringstrasse, a beautiful sweeping boulevard. Admire the ornate, colourful roof of St. Stephen's Cathedral, one of the city's most beloved icons. Spend the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant.

We bid farewell to our companions at the end of a wonderful holiday.