Bavaria & Western 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.

   

   First Night, First Beers

   When in Munich, drink as the locals do. Munich has undoubtedly earned its title as “Beer Capital of the World,” so what could be a better activity for your first night than going to one of its famed beer halls or beer gardens, meeting locals, and hearing their stories? If you’re teetotal or raucous beer halls aren’t your thing, you can take a nice walk along Neuhauser Strasse, followed by the Kaufingerstrasse, leading to the city’s most famous square, the Marienplatz, with its magnificent city hall, the Neues Rathaus.

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

   Watch the video

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

   Eat and Drink Like a True Bavarian

   Germany is famous for its beer and food culture, so we naturally recommend jumping into an unforgettable gastronomic experience while you’re in Munich. The best place to start is the city’s most storied beer hall, the Hofbrauhaus. Reservations are strongly recommended, but even just stopping by for a glimpse is worthwhile. And after a nice glass or two of beer, we suggest you try a true Bavarian dish, such as Leberknödelsuppe (liver dumpling soup) or Schweinsbraten (roasted pork). If you’d like to better explore the region’s distinct culinary traditions, we recommend a food and beer tour with an expert local guide. Your stomach won’t regret it!

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Bavarian Food & Beer Private Tour

   Munich, the self-proclaimed "Beer Capital of the World," takes great pride in its beer halls, beer gardens, and, of course, the legendary Oktoberfest. This 3-hour walking tour offers an engaging introduction to the history of Bavarian beer and Munich’s vibrant beer culture, which have shaped not only cherished traditions but also played pivotal roles in German history and politics. As you explore some of Munich's finest traditional beer halls and restaurants, you'll indulge in plenty of delicious food and drink. Savor a variety of local beers and enjoy classic Bavarian snacks, from freshly baked pretzels to a hearty Brotzeit platter. Come hungry—this tour is as much a feast as it is a journey into the heart of Munich’s beer heritage!

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Bavarian Beer Group Tour

   What could be a more fitting way to explore Munich than a beer tour? On this splendid evening with like-minded fellow-travelers you'll see why Munich is considered by many to be the beer capital of the world as you not only delve into amazing beers, pretzels, and cold cuts, but also the role Munich's beer culture has played in its history and that of Germany itself.
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   Watch the video

   

   More Than a Viktualienmarkt Small Group Food Tour

   Prosperous Munich is perhaps Germany's food capital. This tour invites you to discover the various culinary delights of Bavarian/Franconian cuisine on an easy walk. You'll discover a great variety of food in a relatively small area. The neighborhood around Viktualienmarkt is rich in historical sites as well. You will explore the Marienplatz, the local food market and the Jewish Quarter, with its synagogue - all within a few hundred meters. As you walk, you'll stop by food stalls, taste local samples and wash them down with real Bavarian beer, for a fulfilling experience!

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

3. Day 3 Traveling to Innsbruck by Train / Arrival in Innsbruck

   Leave the big city of Munich behind today for the idyllic Alpine town of Innsbruck. It's an easy travel day, as the train takes about 1.5 hours, and there are numerous connections throughout 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-class are available for an additional fee.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Innsbruck by Private Transfer with a Stop in Oberammergau

   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.

   

   Tyrolean Evening Show

   If you want a memorable introduction to Tyrolean culture, visit one of the Gundolf family's Tyrolean Evenings, one of Europe's best folk performances. There, you can enjoy authentic Tyrolean music, folk dances, unusual instruments, and “shoe-slapping” as well as typical songs and yodeling.
   

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

4. Day 4 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

   

   Hike to the Best Vistas

   Combine hiking and the best views of Innsbruck by heading to the Hungerburgbahn funicular. Take a scenic ride by a cable car up to Seegrube, 1905 meters (6250 feet) above sea level. The hike back to the town by following 12 kilometre / 7 mile path, which should take about three hours. Alternatively, you can conquer the Seegrube, an hour and half hike from the Hungerburg station, or ride the Nordkette cable car to the top, 2,269 meters (7444 feet) above sea level, a popular spot for skiing.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Traveling to Kufstein by Train / Arrival in Kufstein

   

   Today you're off to Kufstein, by train. There are several daily departures. We'll arrange second class tickets, but can also reserve first class tickets for an extra fee. The train ride takes about an hour, and we've included a transfer to Innsbruck's train station.
   

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Kufstein By Private Transfer

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Known as the “Pearl of Tyrol”, the small town of Kufstein has been celebrated by a popular folk song, and is steeped in history and character. Surrounded by the mighty Kaiser Mountains and Brandenburg Alps, the historic town on the banks of the Inn River is a charming place full of cobblestone streets, unusual shops and ancient sights. It offers excellent shopping and a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars, all within a compact town center characterized by medieval arches, lanterns, and elaborately frescoed facades, and sitting below a memorable clifftop castle.

   Upon your arrival to Kufstein's train station, a driver will meet you and take you directly to your accommodations.

   

   Kufstein Private Walking Tour

   Discover the narrow paths of Kufstein's Old Town, and the history behind the cozy Romerhofgasse alleyway. Marvel at the architecture of the town hall and learn the stories behind the settlement's sights on this voyage of discovery with a knowledgable local.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 1 hour 15 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Discover the Kufstein Fortress

   Kufstein Fortress dominates Kufstein's skyline, as it has for centuries. The town's most famous sight, this 800+ year old fortress is worth visiting, not just for its stunning views. Accessible by panoramic funicular, Kufstein Fortress features the world's largest outdoor organ (played daily in honor of the town's WWI dead), and is the center of many of the town's cultural events, such as the annual Operetta Summer.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

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

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

   

   Today you're off to Salzburg by train. There are several daily departures. We'll arrange second class tickets, but we can also reserve first-class tickets for an extra fee. The train ride takes about an hour, and we've included a transfer to Kufstein's train station.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Salzburg by Private Transfer

   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.

   Much of the accommodation we offer in Salzburg is within easy walking distance of the train station, or a very short cab ride. There is a large taxi stand at the station. By walking or taking a cab rather than having us arrange a transfer service (which is, in our opinion very overpriced in this city) you will be saving at least $50.

   

   Walk on the Other Side

   Salzburg is a walkable city straddling both sides of the Salzach River. First timers on their first night should definitely have a glimpse and a short walk on the riverside, cross the Salzach on one of its pedestrian bridges, and relax for a while with a good wine, beer and some local food. Stay close to the river for a coffee and cake at Monkeys Cafe Bar or We Love Coffee at Mozartsteg, or enjoy the atmosphere of this fascinating Baroque city from the Imlauer Sky Bar.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 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

   

   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

8. Day 8 Departure Day

   Today we will arrange a driver to pick you up at your accommodations in Salzburg and bring you to the airport in Munich for your departing flight. Please note that the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, so we will have the driver pick you up about 5 hours before your scheduled flight to provide enough time to check-in at the airport.