Tour Details
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Starts any day. January to December
12 days from $9595.00Arrive Munich, Germany
Welcome to Germany! You are met upon arrival in Munich, and taken to your luxury hotel.
The remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure in Munich, the colorful capital of Bavaria. Munich is renowned for its architecture, culture and charm – a cosmopolitan city with a friendly small-town feel.
Munich
Today’s excursion takes you through the beautiful scenery of the distinctive highland region of the Black Forest. Drive up to one of Germany‘s most famous and photographed palaces, Neuschwanstein Castle. Enjoy a tour of this fairy-tale like castle, built in the 19th century by Ludwig II of Bavaria. Explore the throne room, the master suite and the Singer‘s Hall. This castle is known to many as the inspiration for the castle in Disneyland. (B)
Munich to Salzburg, Austria
This morning, drive across lush Bavaria to reach the Austrian hills ‘alive with music,’ and the city of Salzburg. You arrive by late morning.
In the afternoon, tour this musical city, known as one of Europe’s most beautiful. Explore its skillfully renovated UNESCO Heritage Old City. See the home of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg’s favorite son. Stroll among the slender buildings tucked together along narrow passageways; view the colorful courtyards and arcades with elaborate gilded wrought iron signs and flower baskets. Next, drive above the tall Baroque towers of the city to tour the imposing Hofensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest 11th century fortresses in Europe. (B)
Salzburg
Salzburg is a city that boasts of a plethora of palaces, and this morning explore two of the best. Begin with a drive outside the city, to the charming Hellbrunn Castle, built in the 17th century. An architectural gem, the castle exemplifies Salzburg’s secular architecture, but the castle is overshadowed by its spectacular historical formal garden, including its unique feature and legendary Wasserspiele — a whimsical section of trick fountains, sidewalks, sculptures and water- powered figures.
Next, back near the Old Town, tour the Rocco-style Leopoldskron Palace, instantly recognizable as a home setting in the ‘Sound of Music.’ Explore this beautiful and ornate 270-year-old palace nestled by a small lake and elegant gardens.
This afternoon you are at leisure to explore Salzburg on your own. (B)
Salzburg to Lake Bled, Slovenia
Traverse Austria’s scenic alpine countryside to Slovenia, a picture-perfect land of pristine lakes and medieval art and architecture. Arrive in Lake Bled a pristine Alpine resort and your home for the next two nights.
This afternoon, cruise to St. Mary’s Island, a tiny island in the center of Lake Bled. See its famous church built into a rock. Climb the ninety-nine steps that lead to the island’s high point, (or you can take the cable car) and enjoy spectacular views. Ring the church’s “wishing bell” and legend says you will have good luck.
Next, drive to Bohinj Lake, locked in a glaciated valley and the deepest, largest lake in Slovenia. Ride the cable car to the viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view of the lake and its magnificent surroundings. (B)
Ljubljana & Lake Bled
This morning, it is a short drive to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, dominated with displays of Baroque, Medieval and Art Nouveau architecture. Stroll through the Old Town to see the Baroque Town Hall, the seat of the municipal government, with the adjacent beautifully ornate Robba Fountain. Continue your tour, visiting the lively fruit, vegetable and flower market, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas and then walk across Dragon Bridge, an Art Nouveau masterpiece adorned with dragons (the symbol of Ljubljana).
Return to Bled in the afternoon, for a visit of Bled Castle. Perched on a cliff above Lake Bled, it is the oldest castle in Slovenia. Its Romanesque tower was built in the early 11th century, followed by additions during the Middle Ages and the 16th and 17th centuries. (B)
Lake Bled to Graz, Austria
Enjoy a day of scenic delights as you travel through the rolling hills of Southern Styria, the Tuscany of Austria. Drive through rolling hills dotting with vineyards, stopping in the picturesque town Ehranhausen with its pastel-colored houses, and the sleepy 12th century village of Leibnitz.
This afternoon, arrive in Graz, the second largest city in Austria. Enjoy a tour of the city’s historic medieval town center, which can be traced back to Roman times. (B)
Graz to Vienna
En route to Vienna, stop along the ‘Road of Castles,’ to view some of the 18 chateaus and palaces built during the Imperial Age. This stretch of southeast Austria hold one of the densest areas of castles and places in Europe – witnesses to great epochs of history. Late afternoon, arrive in Vienna, a glorious and historic city, and your home base for the next four nights.
This evening, attend a delightful Viennese concert. (B)
Vienna
Vienna is a regal, romantic and musical city, and home to some of the most beautiful Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo architecture in the world. Today, enjoy a full day tour of this graceful city. Start with a walking tour of the Old Town section, begun in the Middle Ages with an ancient tangle of streets. See the National Library and St. Stephen's Cathedral – Austria's most eminent Gothic edifice, which houses a wealth of art treasures.
In the afternoon, explore the ornate Hofburg Palace (the Imperial Palace), which was the residence of the Habsburg Emperors until 1918. Originally, a medieval castle, the residence of the court was expanded and made ever more lavish as the power of the Habsburgs grew. Tour the hall of the Imperial Palace, where the Lipizzaner Stallions of the Spanish Riding School perform. (B)
Wachau Valley excursion
Today, discover the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the path of the Danube River that holds a treasure of historic sites. Stop to visit the sacred baroque Benedictine Melk Abbey, viewing its extensive manuscript collection. Then, relax aboard a lunch cruise on the Danube River. Float along about 20 miles on the most scenic section of this famed river.
After the cruise, stop to enjoy some wine tasting among the terraced vineyards of Durstein before returning to Vienna. (B,L)
Vienna
This morning, enjoy a tour of the grandiose 17th century Schloss Schöenbrunn Palace. During the reign of Maria Theresa, Schöenbrunn was the summer residence of the court. Marie Antoinette, future queen of France, spent her childhood here, and the child prodigy Mozart astonished the court with his performances, beginning at the age of six.
This afternoon you are at leisure to enjoy this magical city on your own. (B)
Depart Vienna
Today is at leisure until time for your transfer to the Vienna airport for your flight home or onto your next destination. (B)
Sofitel Munich Bayerpost, Munich
History meets modernity at Sofitel Munich Bayerpost, a contemporary design hotel in Munich's former Bavarian Royal Post Office. Behind the historic building's neoclassical façade lies the jewel of Munich's luxury hotels – a blend of avant-garde architecture, high technology and sumptuous French-inspired design. Set in the vibrant heart of Munich, the hotel's luxury rooms, suites, restaurants and meeting venues welcome guests from all over the globe. Sofitel's unique blend of contemporary style, deep comfort and personalized service. Experience the metropolitan design and city history in the historical post office in Munich. The curved lines and gentle arches in the imposing entrance hall lead you through to the modern era and the renowned hospitality of the Sofitel 5-star luxury hotel. Find out how elegant style meets with modern life and why Munich is much more than just a travel destination. Discover the cultural, historical and botanical sights, including the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Bavarian National Museum, the English Garden and many luxury boutiques.
Hotel Goldener Hirsch, Salzburg
Situated on the renowned Getreidegasse road in Salzburg's old town, this 5-star luxury hotel in Salzburg introduces guests to the city's captivating character. Across from the Festival Hall and down the street from Mozart's house, the Goldener Hirsch is just a short walk from designer boutiques and the Salzach River. 65 guest rooms and four luxury suites boast authentic Salzburg-style décor handpicked by Countess Harriet Walderdorff. The original antiques, handmade furniture, and native rag rugs are opulent and discreet, and honor 600 years of hotel history. The hotel's two authentic Austrian restaurants and renowned bar are Salzburg's top pre and post-theater haunts, paying homage to the city's rich bohemian heritage, while the historical "Die Bibliothek" offers a glimpse at the Goldener Hirsch's scholarly past.
Grand Hotel Toplice, Bled
The hotel is located on the shore of picturesque Lake Bled. It features spectacular views of the island, the medieval cliff-top castle and the Julian Alps. Noted for its traditional, pleasant ambience, the hotel offers a delightful mix of elegance and comfort. Enjoy the thermal swimming pool, private lido, saunas and other services of the Wellness Center, as well as the communal areas of the hotel, including the main hotel lounge, which offers magnificent views and traditional warmth and hospitality. Dine in one of the hotel's fine restaurants and visit the White Lounge, now known as the Presidential Lounge in honor of the ninth Summit of Presidents of Central European States in 2002, which it hosted. All of the 33 air-conditioned rooms are furnished with beautiful, finely crafted, antique furniture and all have beautiful views of the lake. All rooms are equipped with cable TV, a minibar, in-room safe, internet access and a balcony.
Hotel Zum Dom, Graz
The luxurious boutique Hotel Zum Dom is a former city palace, Palais Inzaghi, situated in the heart of the Graz Old Town. As such, it is a home away from home and a perfect starting point for discovery tours of the city. The hotel operates on a philosophy of better service and supreme comfort, leaving each guest worry-free and fully able to unwind. Each of the 29 rooms offers a pleasing ambience created by the melding of history, modern comforts and a touch of art and design. Guests will additionally find free WLAN, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and plush bathrobes.
Hotel Imperial, Vienna
The sumptuous surroundings of the Luxury Hotel Imperial Vienna were originally created in 1863 as the Vienna residence of the prince of Württemberg and were transformed into the Hotel Imperial for the universal exhibition in 1873. The hotel gained renown around the world as a byword for discretion and impeccable service. The unique location at Vienna's famous Ringstrasse, next to the Musikverein Vienna provides excellent conditions to explore the imperial city with all its magnificient sights.