On arrival at Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport, transfers leave for the hotel at 10:30, 13:00 and 16:00. Your time is yours to explore, perhaps visit nearby Check Point Charlie - once the best-known Berlin Wall crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. This evening at 17:30, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner with wine.

In Dresden, join your Local Expert to see the Frauenkirche, ‘The Procession of the Dukes’ mosaic, the huge cathedral, Semper Opera House and Baroque Zwinger Palace. Although the town was heavily bombed during World War II, it remains a treasure trove of early German history and Baroque architecture.

In Nuremberg, witness the charming blend of stone and timbered dwellings in the Old Town as well as the massive ramparts. Perhaps shop for delicious Lebkuchen (gingerbread)? Continue across the Danube to Munich, the capital of the state of Bavaria, lying near the foot of the German Alps.

Be welcomed into fun-loving Munich for an orientation tour which shows you the Feldernhalle on the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, English Garden, Hofbrauhaus, St Peters Church, and the famous Marienplatz. Munich hosts the most famous beer festival in the world: Oktoberfest, which has been running since 1810 and now sees over six million visitors each year.
This afternoon enjoy the festival atmosphere, amusement rides, entertainment, beer and local Bavarian specialties for dinner. With tables reserved, your dedicated host will ensure you have a memorable time.

After a relaxed start, take the opportunity to visit Schloss Nymphenburg with its Baroque gardens. In the evening, join special guest - Patrick von Richthofen, a descendent of Manfred von Richthofen otherwise known as ‘The Red Baron’, for an unforgettable dinner. 

A short drive over the Austrian border leads to Salzburg, steeped in musical history. A Local Expert will show you the gardens of the Mirabell Palace, the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress, the cathedral in the old town, Mozart’s birthplace, and locations that brought the city alive with the Sound of Music.

Drive over the German border, past picturesque farmhouse, and villages to Obersalzberg. Nearly 75 years ago, this small mountain paradise was the summer playground for top Nazi brass. Here we transfer to special coaches for a scenic drive up the mountain to Hitler’s notorious “Eagle’s Nest”. Used as a restaurant since the 50’s, there are splendid views through the arches up to the ‘Hohen Goll’ and across the snow-capped peaks. We stop at the Maria Gern Church and look inside before looping back to Salzburg.

Cross the Austrian border and head east through the rolling countryside to stop in the shadow of the great Monastery of Melk. Join a river cruise along the stunning Wachau Valley, where the Danube meanders below forested cliffs, topped with picturesque churches and ruined castles. Immerse yourself in the vineyards and cellars of the local winery to learn about and sample the unique Wachau style wine. Finally, we head for the Austrian capital, and to our central hotel.

A transfer arrives at Vienna airport at 08.00