Mozart & Majesty: A Central European Classic

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Munich

   With its traditional beer halls, designer shops, trendy restaurants and international business, Munich is a mix of old and new, German and cosmopolitan. Largely rebuilt after World War II, the city still retains its old world charm, even in the midst of expansion and modernization. You’ve probably heard of the city’s world famous Oktobertfest, a once-in-a-lifetime party dedicated to that incredible Bavarian beer along with some of the local delicacies, including tasty schnitzel. But there’s much more to Munich than drinking, and on your holiday you’ll have the chance to discover the best this charming city has to offer. Don’t miss out on the beer halls and the breweries, but be sure to get off the beaten path to discover a Munich of your own. Much of the city’s past centers around World War II, and there are several ways you can explore this chapter of Munich’s history, including a day trip to the Dachau concentration camp and a special tour focusing on Hitler and the local activities of the Third Reich. Munich is also a center of industry and there is nowhere better to experience this than BMW World. Moving slightly farther afield, Neuschwanstein Castle makes the perfect day trip, perched high in the hills over a verdant valley. Munich’s variety means there’s more than enough to satisfy even the most diverse groups of travelers. Let your curiosity guide you as you explore this unique German city.

   When you arrive in Munich, a driver will be waiting to meet you and will then bring you to your centrally located accommodation.

   

   See the City from Above

   Although not a city of skyscrapers, Munich offers numerous wonderful viewpoints. The best panoramic views of the Old Town are available from the St. Peter's Church (or "Old Peter," as the locals call it) viewing platform, which is climbed by thousands of visitors every day. Climb the 300 stairs (no elevator available) for the breathtaking views of the Frauenkirche and the Town Hall. Munich's highest point, the Olympic Tower, offers views over the whole city and on a clear day the Alps beyond. You can even enjoy a unique perspective on the city via a modern zeppelin, although these rides are offered rarely, and book up quickly (the zeppelin is generally used for tours of Lake Constance, on the Swiss border).

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Munich

   

   Munich City Group Walking Tour

   Munich has a lot to offer when it comes to history, culture, art and of course, beer. Explore this magnificent city during your walking tour and get involved in the daily life of the locals as well. During your tour you will see the most important historical sights, the busiest streets and the most amazing beer halls too, all whilst learning about the rich history of the city.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   See the Skyline from Inside the Bavaria Statue

   Theresienwiese is best known as the spot where Oktoberfest and other festivals are held. Looking over the grounds is grand "Bavaria," the personification of the German state. This 60-foot bronze statue of a woman with her left arm raised is flanked by a loyal woman. For a small fee, you can duck inside, and climb the winding stairs within. At the top, you can peer out from Bavaria's head, taking in views of the Oktoberfest grounds and Munich's skyline beyond. Complete with pillow-topped bronze sofas, the statue's interior features surprisingly whimsical touches.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Munich

   

   Neuschwanstein Castle Group Tour

   The "Disney Castle," or "The Eighth Wonder of the Modern World," . There is a reason that Neuschwanstein Castle has quite a number of names. This magnificent building has drawn visitors from all around the world and is sure to take your breath away on this fascinating guided tour.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 10 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

4. Day 4 Traveling to Salzburg by Train / Arrival in Salzburg

   Leave the big city of Munich behind today for the idyllic Alpine town of Salzburg. It's an easy travel day, as the trip takes about 1.5 hours and there are trains running through the day. Based on your preferred departure time, we'll arrange for a driver to transfer you to the train station. Your package includes second-class tickets with seat reservations. Upgrades to first are available for an additional fee.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Salzburg by Private Transfer with a Stop at Neuschwanstein Castle

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   With its perfectly preserved UNESCO-listed Old Town, Salzburg is internationally renowned for its baroque architecture. Add in the alpine backdrop and you’ve got a city that makes for an unforgettable vacation. The imposing Salzburg Cathedral and Hohensalzburg Fortress dominate the skyline, while in the center you’ll find plenty of grand cafes and fine restaurants. Salzburg’s two biggest claims to fame are that it was the birthplace of Mozart and the stage for the timeless musical The Sound of Music. But there’s more than just history here. Today the city is a vibrant destination for travelers looking for a mix of classic culture and modern flair. Strolling through Salzburg is one of the great pleasures of Europe. The local cuisine is hearty and there are more than enough restaurants, bars, and cafes to keep you busy. Beer lovers shouldn’t miss sampling a stein or two of delicious local brew at the Augustiner brewery. But there is so much to see in the surrounding region that no visit to the city is complete without a day trip or two. You could tour the pristine countryside and visit the stunning Hellbrunn Palace. History buffs will want to venture farther afield to visit Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest perched high in the German Alps in Berchtesgaden.

   Upon your arrival in Salzburg a driver will meet you at the train station and bring you to your hotel.

   

   One of Europe's Largest Medieval Castles

   Hohensalzburg Fortress is enthroned on Salzburg's Festungsberg, high above the rooftops of the city's Baroque center. The biggest fully preserved castle in Central Europe, this emblem of Salzburg draws millions of tourists to the "Mozart City" every year. The fortress is open year-round and can be reached either on foot or by the fortress funicular located in the Festungsgasse. There are several museums worth a visit there, such as the Fortress Museum, the Marionette Museum, the Altes Zeughaus, or the Museum Of The Rainer Regiment, but the fortress' best attraction is its views of Salzburg, and the Alps.
   

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Salzburg

   

   Salzburg Private Walking Tour

   Discover the beauty of Mozart's hometown as an experienced guide leads you on a walk through the UNESCO-listed city of Salzburg. Your walk includes all the sightseeing highlights, such Mozart's birthplace and residence, the Getreidegasse, Cathedral, Residenz Palace, and Mirabell Palace, with its splendid gardens. If you come across anywhere you'd like to spend more time and go inside, your expert local guide will tailor the tour to your interests.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   A Journey into Other Worlds

   Gain a greater appreciation and understanding of Salzburg's history, art, and nature by visiting its museums. Get a glimpse into some of the city's treasures, such as Mozart's Birthplace and other institutions dedicated to the world's most famous composer. The Marionette Museum and the "Neue Residenz" await you with more thematic exhibitions. Great readers may discover museums dedicated to local but world-known writers. Don't leave these discoveries for a rainy day!

   Suggestion to explore on your own

6. Day 6 Traveling to Vienna by Train / Arrival in Vienna

   

   You are saying goodbye to the alpine coziness of Salzburg today and heading to the grand city of Vienna. The journey takes about 3 hours, and trains run frequently throughout the day. We'll arrange tickets based on your preferred departure time as well as a driver to bring you from your accommodations to the train station. If you'd like, we can arrange an upgrade for the first class tickets for an additional fee.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Vienna by Private Transfer with a Stop in Hallstatt

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Vienna is a timeless city of high culture, grand cafes, breathtaking architecture and more, all set on the banks of the majestic Danube River. The moment you set foot in the city you’ll see why Vienna’s center is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Often regarded as the world capital of music, Vienna is the place where Beethoven and Mozart made history. Even today a visit to the opera or a classical music performance at one of the city’s sublime concert halls is an unforgettable experience. Stephansplatz, Vienna's main square, is dominated by the impressive eponymous gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral. Inside you’ll find a rich collection of artistic treasures, and the view from the tower is well worth the climb, offering amazing views over the city. But the cathedral is only one of the most visible attractions in Vienna. You won’t want to miss the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace and the imperial Hofburg Palace. Explore the city on foot, in a car, or by bike: the choice is yours. If you’d like to go farther afield you can even take a river cruise to nearby Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, or a bike trip to local wineries. But you don’t have to leave Vienna to have a wonderful time. Simply strolling through the pedestrian zones in the city center and stopping for a coffee and a slice of cake make for a truly enjoyable vacation.

   A driver will greet you at Vienna's Westbahnhof Train Station and take you to your accommodations.

   

   Follow the Lights

   Stretch your legs on a stroll along Vienna's famous and opulent Ring Street (Ringstrasse). Take in the palaces and museums as they light up at twilight, by riding the streetcars that follow its length. If something catches your eye, get off and visit, whether charming parks, cozy cafes, high-end restaurants, or confectionaries with plenty of history behind them. If you travel with children, The Vienna Ring Tram has a special program that young passengers can listen to as they cruise throughout the city on the Ringstrasse boulevard.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

   

   The Vienna Mozart Orchestra Group Concert

   Experience the magic of the Wiener Mozart Konzert, where the Vienna Mozart Orchestra performs in stunning historical costumes and wigs in Vienna’s grandest concert halls. Enjoy an evening filled with symphonic movements, solo concertos, and beloved operatic pieces from Mozart's masterpieces like "Don Giovanni", "The Marriage of Figaro", and "The Magic Flute". Let the enchanting melodies of "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik", "Symphony No. 40", and Symphony No. 41, "Jupiter," transport you back to Mozart’s era.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour 45 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Vienna

   

   Vienna Private Walking Tour

   Map out Vienna's Old Town with an insider! The personalized route starts from your hotel and takes you to all the must see sights of the Austrian capital. You'll enjoy a pleasant walk through the Hofburg (Imperial Palace) and its gardens, along the famous Ring Street, then passing by and entering magnificent ecclesiastic edifices like the Stephansdom. The tour will be spiced with stories, fun facts, and recommendations for places to eat, drink, and explore further. By the end, you'll feel like a local.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Touch History and Culture in Vienna

   If you want to get a taste of art and culture in Vienna, the MuseumsQuartier Wien (Vienna's museum quarter) should be your destination of choice. With more than a dozen museums ranging from the old and dusty to the young and avant-garde, this is the neighborhood that packs a lifetime of local culture into a few compact streets. It’s worth heading over to wander and window shop. You’re certain to find a museum or specific exhibition that suits you. For exhibitions, opening hours, and tickets, visit the website: https://www.mqw.at/en/

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Your Second Full Day in Vienna

   

   Schonbrunn Palace Self-Guided Grand Tour

   The Schönbrunn Palace sits atop many people's list of must-see sights within Vienna. Join the self-guided Grand Tour and learn about the lives of the royals who lived within the Schönbrunn's walls with skip-the-line tickets, which come with a 60-minute audio guide tour and entrance to 40 rooms. After the tour we recommend continuing to explore the palace's sprawling grounds on your own.
   

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 50 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   Wurst, Wine, Dine Fine

   There are plenty of places worth visiting, but there are just some that have greater tradition and history. Figimuller is the classic Viennese restaurant where "Schnitzel" was invented in 1904. The Sacher Cafe is home to the world-famous Sacher Cake. Cafe Demel is another gem, and Vienna's grand cafe culture still lives on there. Naschmarkt is a vast outdoor market where you’ll find everything from fresh fruit to cured meat. You can certainly explore these places on your own, but if you'd prefer to have a local tour guide, we recommend one of the following tours.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Vienna by Night Small Group Tour

   This excursion is designed for travelers with young spirits. You'll discover the trendiest neighborhoods of Vienna, and get to know the modern, quirky, hip face of the glittering Austrian capital. You'll start your stroll at the centrally located food market, the Naschmarkt, then head onwards to the 16th and 7th districts, while getting insider information about the best places to eat, drink and go out. Your friendly local guide will entertain you with stories and fun facts how these areas grew into hubs and centers of nightlife and young spirited crowd in Vienna. Sip an aperitif, taste a glass of wine, have a bite of local street food and chocolate, and get amazed by the unique atmosphere offered by design stores, bars, and street art.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours 30 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Vienna Food Tour: Traditional Austrian Cuisine & Hidden Gems Small Group Tour

   Join this culinary adventure around Vienna and discover the incredible sweet and savory food scene of Austria’s dazzling capital city.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 5 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

9. Day 9 Departure Day

   Based on your flight departure time, we'll have someone pick you up at your accommodation and take you to the airport.