The Best of Germany

Day 1 – Air

Depart for Europe today!

Day 2 – Munich

Welcome to Germany, where your private bus and guide will transfer you to the capital of Bavaria. On a guided Munich City Tour you will see Peterskirche, Munich’s oldest church (1180), Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel, Olympic Park, Frauenkirche Cathedral and the baroque Nymphenburg Palace. Visit the BMW Museum for a fascinating tour that retraces the history of the famous firm founded here in 1916.

Day 3 – Munich

Travel into the scenic Bavarian Alps, passing picture postcard villages and beautiful little baroque churches along the way. Visit two castles built by “mad” King Ludwig II, his gold-laden Linderhof and the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein, both constructed during the flowering of German romanticism in the mid-19th century. Continue to the village of Oberammergau, renowned for its Passion Play and the baroque Monastery of Ettal. Dinner tonight is Hofbrau-style, complete with the costumes, music and dance of Bavaria.

Day 4 – Salzburg

View alpine mountain peaks, valley towns and crystal-clear lakes on the road to Austria today. Tour the famous Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, a spectacle of color, patterns, lighting effects and music to dazzle the senses. The company is famous for its small prism-like animals made of silver crystal. A guided Salzburg City Tour includes a visit to Mozart’s Home, where he was born in 1756. Also see Hohensalzburg Fortress, St. Peter’s Churchyard, the old Rathaus and Schloss Mirabell in this baroque “Sound of Music” city.

Day 5 – Salzburg

The area around the city is called Salzkammergut, which means “Land of the Salt Mines.” On today’s excursion to the famous Salt Mines you dress in miners’ clothes and descend into the mines by sliding down a chute. Explore the fascinating maze of underground tunnels on foot and by narrow gauge railway. The rest of the day is free.

Day 6 – Rothenburg

Transfer with a stop in Oberndorf to visit the little village chapel where “Stille Nacht” or Silent Night was first sung on Christmas Eve 1818. Arrive in Rothenburg, Europe’s most perfectly preserved medieval town with its gingerbread houses and ancient city walls. This evening hear history of the area when you accompany the Night Watchman as he makes his rounds through the cobblestone streets.

Day 7 – Heidelberg

Journey along the Romantic Road to Heidelberg, passing through peaceful valleys and a poetic, rolling countryside. Enjoy an overview of the city with a visit to Heidelberg Castle. Stroll down the town’s avenues along the banks of the Neckar River and luxuriate in the Old World charm of its shops and cafes. There are splendid views of the castle ruins, red sandstone ramparts distinct against the green forest.

Day 8 – Heidelberg

Today’s Rhine River Cruise provides enchanting views of green mountains, terraced vineyards, the famous Loreley Rock, the Mouse Tower, and a castle around every bend in the legendary river. Return to Heidelberg and spend your last evening in this ancient university town that is celebrated in song and poetry.

Day 9 – Depart