Winter Sports and More in Germany & Austria

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.

   

   Winter in the City

   During winter, the canal at Nymphenburg Palace transforms into Munich's lengthiest curling track, welcoming both beginners and experts. Enjoy ice skating at Stachus (Karlsplatz), where the "Munchner Eiszauber" open-air rink offers skating pleasures into the evening. For a quieter experience, consider the Eis- und Funsportzentrum West and the Eissportzentrum Ost, opening as soon as the temperature permits. Another option is skating around the Olympia-Eissportzentrum. Once sufficient snow blankets the ground, tobogganing enthusiasts can hit the slopes on various hills in Munich, such as those found in Luitpoldpark and Westpark.

   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

   

   Bavarian Food & Beer Private Tour

   The self-proclaimed "Beer Capital of the World," Munich is rightfully proud of its beer halls and beer gardens, and, of course, Oktoberfest. Enjoy this introduction to the history of Bavarian beer and to Munich's beer culture, which have not just become the base for beloved traditions, but played key roles in German history and politics. On this two-hour walking tour, you'll feast and drink aplenty, as you visit some of Munich's best traditional restaurants and beer halls. Come hungry, as in addition to many memorable local beers, you'll enjoy snacks from pretzels to a rich traditional Brotzeit platter.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

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

3. Day 3 Traveling to Garmisch-Partenkirchen by Train / Arrival in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

   Today you will travel from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen by train. A driver will pick you up from your accommodations at the time of your choosing. The train ride takes about an hour and 20 minutes. We included second-class tickets, but can upgrade to first-class for an additional fee.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Garmisch-Partenkirchen by Private Transfer with a Stop at Neuschwanstein Castle

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Originally two separate towns, Garmisch and Partenkirchen were united by Hitler in order to host the 1936 Winter Olympics. These ancient towns (Partenkirchen was founded by the Romans as "Partanum") still share a bit of a rivalry, as well as endless beauty. Look up, and you'll find the Zugspitze, Germany's tallest mountain. Look around and you'll find herds of cows passing through en route to alpine meadows, and wooden homes covered in meticulous religious and historic paintings. Home to some of Germany's best skiing and hiking, Garmisch-Partenkirchen has been a popular spot for GIs seeking R&R since the 1950s.

   Upon your arrival in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, we will arrange for a driver to meet you at the train station and take you directly to your accommodations.

   

   Garmisch-Partenkrichen Private Night Tour

   Garmisch-Partenkirchen is filled with amazing history and sights, and an evening tour is the perfect way to unwind, relax, and experience this beautiful village. Mesmerizing stories of the Romans and the town's other rulers, and explanations of the paintings that decorate the local buildings, are all in store over the course of this evening stroll. Along the way, your guide will suggest delicious dinner venues, night life hotspots, and additional sights.
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

4. Day 4 Your First Full Day in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

   

   Small Group Ski Touring

   Ski touring is a wonderful way to explore Garmisch-Partenkirchen's mountains. Learn the best ski touring practices, conquer a few hills, and enjoy long downhill runs. Your professional ski instructor will adjust the pace according to you to make sure you feel comfortable at all times. On the way, there will be also time to stop in a typical mountain hut for lunch or a cup of tea to warm up.

   • Activity Level : Strenuous
   • Duration : 6 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Private Horse Carriage Ride

   Wrapped in a blanket, cupping a hot cocoa or Glühwein, hot wine, riding in a horse-drawn carriage is an incredible way to learn about Garmisch-Partenkirchen history and present. It is also a memorable and certainly romantic experience, especially in winter when the city is covered in snow. As your carriage meanders throughout this scenic city, a private guide will regale you with stories of World War II, the Roman Road, 1936 Olympics and more! You will also stop at the famous Chocolatier Amelie to taste its famous goods.

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

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

5. Day 5 Your Second Full Day in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

   

   Private Zugspitze Snowshoe Hiking Tour

   Take a newly-built cable car to Germany's highest mountain, Zugspitze to enjoy unconventional hiking. Once at the Zugspitzplatt, the plateau below the summit of the Zugspitze, you are ready to start discovering the beautiful scenery. From the top, you can see up to four countries, if the weather allows. After a hike, with stops to take in vistas and enjoy refreshments, you'll take the cable car back down to the valley.
   

   • Activity Level : Strenuous
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Mt Hausberg's Ski Tour Evenings

   Enjoy an evening skiing on perfectly prepared and maintained pistes. On the K2 ski tour evenings, held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the Bavarian Zugspitze Railroad and German Alpine Association prepare slopes so that skiers can not only ride up to the Mt. Hausberg mountain hut but then ski along a groomed trail to the Kreuzeckhaus and Kreuzalm.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

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

   Today you will travel from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Innsbruck by train. A driver will pick you up from your accommodations at the time of your choosing. The train ride takes about an hour and 20 minutes. We included second-class tickets, but can upgrade to first-class for an additional fee.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Innsbruck by Private Transfer

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Having hosted several Olympics, Innsbruck has an international reputation as a winter sports destination. Nestled in an alpine valley, the city is surrounded by picturesque mountains complete with ski slopes and funiculars. Whether you’re there in the winter or summer, you can have an active vacation in the mountains. In the town itself, you’ll find charming cobblestone streets, winding alleyways, quaint cafes and welcoming restaurants serving hearty Tyrolean cuisine. Innsbruck is a unique destination that combines breathtaking natural scenery with a comfortable, small-town feel. There’s a mix of Imperial Austrian architecture and newer creations, so just strolling the streets offers a feast for the eyes. The restaurants here are also wonderful, with a variety of cuisines ranging from traditional to contemporary with a youthful edge, thanks to its many students. Innsbruck is a place where you can really unwind and enjoy your vacation at your own pace.

   A driver will greet you at the train station and take you to your accommodation in the center of Innsbruck.

   

   Hurtle Down a Bobsled Run

   For the ultimate adrenaline rush, hurtle down an Olympic bobsled track in Igls and experience what makes this exciting winter sport so fascinating. As you speed down the 4,000-foot track, you'll race down ten curves, and take the famous 360-degree "Kreisel" corner curve at up to 60 MPH. A professional pilot accompanies you the entire way to make sure you get safely to the finish area. A bobsled can accommodate five people at a time, plus the pilot. Buses to Igls run every half an hour from Innsbruck's center.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Innsbruck

   

   Innsbruck Private Walking Tour

   Discover historical highlights of Innsbruck with a knowledgeable and passionate tour guide who will show you and tell everything you could wish to learn about the city. Your walk will take you through the Gothic Old Town, the Arch of Triumph, the St. Anne's column as well the imperial palace court and the St. James Cathedral. You'll get a chance to admire the magnificent Baroque architecture, and to savor the city's panoramic views of the impressive peaks of the Nordkette mountains.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Visit an Igloo Village

   Every year in December a team of builders and artists create an Igloo Village in Kühtai, near Innsbruck. This original location offers everything from snowshoeing to curling competitions, and you can even build your own igloo! The Village is easily accessible by public transportation, just take the free Skibus to the Kühtai Jagdschloss station, a three-minute walk from the igloos.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Traveling to Salzburg by Train / Arrival in Salzburg

   

   Today you'll be heading to Salzburg by train. There are several daily departures. We'll arrange second-class tickets for you, and can also reserve first-class tickets for an extra fee if you prefer. We also included a transfer to Innsbruck's train station.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Salzburg by Private Transfer with a Stop at the Swarovski Museum

   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.

   

   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

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

9. Day 9 Your First Full Day in Salzburg

   

   Salzburg Region Private Hiking Tour

   Take advantage of the stunning nature surrounding Salzburg and explore the the countryside with an experienced mountain guide. You can opt for an easy mostly flat route or a more demanding hiking trail and conquer one of the numerous hills around Salzburg. Be ready for green meadows, crystal clear rivers, and amazing views.

   • Activity Level : Strenuous
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Go Skiing in the Obertauern

   The Obertauern ski area is 90 kilometres south of Salzburg. The winter season runs from late November to early May, and at the resort you’ll find 100 kilometers of runs. The ski area has been cleverly designed so you can follow the "Tauern round" circuit, following runs of two difficulty levels to travel around the area, ending up back where you started. To make your life easier, the resort's lifts use electronic touch passes, to cut down on lines.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

10. Day 10 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

11. Day 11 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

    

    A Fine Winter's Day

    Exploring the city when the weather outside is chilly might not be your favorite thing. However, Vienna offers lots of options to make a winter day in the city fun. One of the favorite activities for locals is visiting the skating rink at Rathausplatz. It’s particularly nice at night, as it’s lit up with beautiful lights. If you don't fancy skating, head to Therme Wien, where you’ll find indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms, and so many more facilities. Another must-have experience is to visit one of the many traditional coffee shops. A few of the most popular include Cafe Central, Cafe Demel, and Cafe Mozart, but we also recommend visiting Cafe Sperl. Finish your day with an opera performance or one of Vienna's many concerts.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

12. Day 12 Departure Day

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