Off the Beaten Path in Austria and Germany

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Vienna

   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.

   Upon arriving at Vienna's airport, we'll have a driver waiting to greet you and transfer you to your accommodation.

   

   Curing Waters, Addicting Cakes, and Themed Gardens

   Built next to the Oberlaa health resort, where people have "taken the (curing) waters" since the 18th century, this grand series of show gardens was built for the 1974 Vienna International Garden Show. The park's Kurkonditorei Oberlaa, a cafe and patisserie with a devoted following thanks to its infamously delicious pastries and cakes. Enjoy all of these by taking the U1 subway to the end of the line, Oberlaa. There, you can find the Therme Wien, Europe's largest contemporary urban spa complex, with its massive swimming halls, and quieter baths. If you can move afterwards, the park awaits, from its ponds to its flower maze, and sports facilities to burn off the cakes.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Vienna

   

   Classic and Hidden Gems of Vienna

   Tour Vienna's Old Town and listen to captivating stories from one of our local guides on this special excursion. The tour includes a perfect blend of old and new, from historic buildings to modern architecture, and insider info on places to eat and drink. This private English-language walking tour not only offers a great introduction to the city, but also delves deep into the city's amazing history, from the darkest hours to the brightest moments.

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

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Vienna Woods Private Tour

   The protected forested foothills along Vienna's western border, the Vienna Woods, are so rich in sights and history that you won't regret discovering them on a private tour. Your knowledgeable guide will tell you all the stories and connections between historical events that impacted Austria, the former monarchy, and the entire world. Vienna Woods is a small region with grand importance and great history. Its villages hide castles, baths, churches and monasteries, magnificent and colorful sights of the Austrian countryside.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 4 hours

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

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

   

   Graz is calling! You'll be taking the train to this lovely town, the journey is about two and a half hours. We have included second class tickets in your trip package. First class tickets are available for extra fee, though for such a short journey the difference may not be worth it.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Graz by Private Transfer with a Stop at a Lippizaner Stud Farm

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Graz is a town with a long and interesting past. It has buildings and historic sites dating back over 800 years. Being the second largest city in Austria, it combines medieval heritage with creative modern architecture and culture. During the day, the most interesting part is the Old Town, while in the evenings, Graz becomes a lively city with great bars, clubs, and restaurants. It's also famous for festivals featuring everything from classical to modern music and performances. Despite its size, Graz is overshadowed by Salzburg and Innsbruck in terms of tourists, making it a much more authentic place to visit and experience everyday Austrian life.

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

   

   Rise Up and Go Between

   Graz has some great rooftop bars and restaurants for enjoying sunsets. For breathtaking panoramas, flavorful dishes, and good wines, visit Aiola Upstairs or Freiblick. On your way to dinner, stroll along the River Mur. Is it an island, or a boat? This extravagant floating construction, a "bowl that morphs into a dome that morphs into a bowl" links the river and the city, forming a bridge, and features a cafe, playground, and amphitheater. With the river swirling to both sides and below, this is a great spot to get a new perspective.
   

   Suggestion to explore on your own

4. Day 4 Your First Full Day in Graz

   

   Capital of Delight

   Your enthusiastic expert tour guide will make it sure that you cover all the major sights in Graz. With its long history, there will be plenty to see during this three-hour tour. What you should not miss will be on your plate: the imperial city centre, a Renaissance "landhaus," eclectic buildings on the main square, a lift up to the Schlossberg and of course the city’s landmark, the Clocktower. Your local representative will be happy to help if you'd like a longer or more customized tour.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Pumpkins, Sunflowers, and More

   Once in Graz, don't miss its farmers market that runs Monday to Saturday from early morning until 1PM. They're located on on Kaiser Josef Square and Lendplatz along the river. Getting fresh, tasty local products is easier in Graz than nearly anywhere else, so enjoy its unparalleled atmosphere of local food markets on exceptional locations. Gaze, taste and purchase! Want to buy something more solid? There is an antique market on a monthly basis and many shops with used or antique goods.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Traveling to Kufstein by Private Transfer / Arrival in Kufstein

   

   Today you will trade Graz for Kufstein. Based on your preferred departure time, a driver will pick you up at your accommodations and take you directly to your new hotel in Kufstein. This non-guided transfer takes about four hours, but if you'd like, we can add a stop for a fee.

   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 in Kufstein a driver will take you to your accommodations.

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

   

   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

   

   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

   

   Today you're off to Innsbruck, 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 Kufstein's train station.

   

   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.

   

   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

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Innsbruck

   

   Innsbruck Private Walking Tour

   Uncover the historical treasures of Innsbruck with a passionate and knowledgeable guide who will share fascinating stories and insights about the city. Your journey begins with a walk through the Gothic Old Town, where centuries of history come alive. Explore iconic landmarks, including the Arch of Triumph, St. Anne's Column, the Imperial Palace Courtyard, and the stunning St. James Cathedral. Marvel at the city’s exquisite Baroque architecture and immerse yourself in its rich heritage. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Nordkette mountains, which provide a dramatic alpine backdrop to this enchanting city.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   There's So Much to See!

   You won't believe how many and different museums await visitors with interests in art, history, nature, or science. You can spend half day just visiting the museums of the Old Town. Marvel in the museum in the Imperial Palace and Court, or get impressed by the process of bell construction and their sounds in the Grassmayr Bell Foundry's "Sound Studio," an everlasting experience for the whole family. Once in Innsbruck, the Swarovski Crystal World should be on the top of your list. Interested in more? Your local representative will be happy to help.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Innsbruck Private Museum Walking Tour

   Discover the rich history of Innsbruck on this walking tour, highlighting the city’s most fascinating museums and landmarks. Begin with a leisurely stroll through the Gothic Old Town to see the iconic Golden Roof. Your tour includes an entrance fee to the Court Church, home to 28 life-size bronze statues guarding the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I, and the opulent Imperial Palace, including its magnificent Giant’s Hall. Continue along the city’s main street, making stops at the majestic Triumphal Arch and the stunning Cathedral of St. James.
   For those with a deeper curiosity, the tour can be extended to include additional museums, offering an even richer insight into Innsbruck's cultural heritage.
   
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Swarovski Crystal Private Tour

   Experience a sparkling adventure that combines the best of Innsbruck with the dazzling world of Swarovski crystals. Begin with a private walking tour through Innsbruck’s historic heart, exploring its charming streets and iconic landmarks.

   Then, journey to the Swarovski Crystal World, where you’ll step behind the scenes of the renowned brand. Visit the extraordinary museum and exhibition space, created to celebrate Swarovski’s centennial, and marvel at the stunning artistry that has made these crystals world-famous. It’s a tour that blends history, culture, and brilliance in one unforgettable experience.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

8. Day 8 Traveling to Garmisch-Partenkirchen by Private Transfer / Arrival in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

   

   Today you will trade one alpine paradise for another. Based on your preferred departure time, a driver will pick you up at your accommodations in Innsbruck and take you directly to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, an hourlong journey.

   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 Germisch-Partenkirchen your driver will take you directly to your accommodation.

9. Day 9 Your First Full Day in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

   

   Every Wall a Painting

   Today, you will be exploring both Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the stunning nature surrounding it. You will learn about its history from the Middle Ages to the dark period of Nazism. You will visit the Olympic Ski Stadium, where part of the 1936 Winter Olympic Games were held, and walk along the dramatic Partnach Gorge. The tour will include amazing views of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze. This experience will offer a captivating journey through time and nature's beauty.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 6 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Hike the Eibsee Lake, and Ascend Germanys Highest Mountain

   Nestled at the base of Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze, the Eibsee Lake offers a picturesque and easily navigable hiking experience. The emerald green waters, surrounded by towering mountains, create a stunning backdrop as you traverse the 8km (5 miles) trail encircling the lake. Once you've explored its shores, take a cable car directly from the Eibsee to the Zugspitze, providing breathtaking views of the lake, its islands, and the expansive scenery beyond. Conclude your journey by descending aboard the Zugspitzbahn, an hourly cogwheel railroad, back to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

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

10. Day 10 Traveling to Munich by Train / Arrival in Munich

    Today you will travel from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Munich by train, an 80-minute ride. We have included second-class tickets, but can arrange an upgrade to first-class seats for a fee. We have also included a private transfer from your accommodations to the train station.

    

    You can upgrade your transfer

    Munich by Private Transfer with a Stop at Neuschwanstein Castle

    Upgrade for an additional cost

    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 at Munich Hauptbahnhof you will easily find the station’s taxi rank signposted. We haven’t included a transfer here because in our experience meet & greet transfer services in Munich are overpriced, unreliable and the driver can be hard to locate in the vast station. Munich’s taxis are honest, reasonably priced and you’ll have no problem finding one at the station’s taxi rank, so you’ll save both time and money by taking one to your centrally located accommodation.

    

    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

11. Day 11 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

    

    Stroll the Grounds of Schloss Blutenburg

    Less than three miles west of Schloss Nymphenburg, lies the oft-overlooked Schloss Blutenburg. Hemmed in by a moat, this 15th century castle served as a medieval hunting lodge and ducal seat. Despite fires, wars, and abandonment, the castle has been rebuilt several times, and still features a beautiful chapel. Today, the castle houses an international youth library, but its grounds can be visited for free.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

12. Day 12 Departure Day

    Based on your departure time, a driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to Munich's airport.