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Oktoberfest The Germanic Experience w/Insight
The Germanic Experience trip starts in Berlin and ends in Vienna. In Dresden see the huge cathedral, Semper Opera House and Baroque Zwinger Palace. In Nuremberg witness the charming blend of stone and timbered dwellings in the Old Town. On Day 5 join the festivities of Oktoberfest, in Munich, the most famous beer festival in the world!
The Germanic Experience trip starts in Berlin and ends in Vienna. In Dresden see the huge cathedral, Semper Opera House and Baroque Zwinger Palace. In Nuremberg witness the charming blend of stone and timbered dwellings in the Old Town. On Day 5 join the festivities of Oktoberfest, in Munich, the most famous beer festival in the world!
BERLIN - MUNICH - SALZBURG - VIENNA | A WONDERFUL GERMANIC TRIP WITH OKTOBERFEST AS THE HIGHLIGHT!
In Berlin you will be able to visit nearby Check Point Charlie - once the best-known Berlin Wall crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War.
Join the festivities of Oktoberfest, the most famous beer festival in the world! Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, amusement rides, entertainment, beer and local Bavarian specialties for dinner.
While in Salzburg you will see 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.
Vienna is the Austrian capital. The famous Ring Road is the grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnicent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament Building.
On certian days of the tour you will have Optional Experiences to choose from at an additional charge.
Please see Other Information Tab for detailed information.
Vacation trip starts in Berlin and ends in Vienna
Airfare additional from US to Berlin & Vienna to US | Please call for Air Inclusion Rates
$350 non-refundable deposit due at time of booking
Final payment 90 days prior
Single Supplement Price $6,790.00
Day One
Welcome to Berlin - On arrival at Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport, transfers leave for 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 18:30, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner with wine.
DDay Two
The Spirit of Berlin - Join a Local Expert to see some of Berlin's many highlights. Travel along the Ku'Damm past the Memorial Church. Drive through the Tiergarten to see Norman Foster’s glass dome that crowns the reconstructed Reichstag building. Continue with a visit to the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of the reunification, and down along the Unter den Linden, past the Humboldt University and State Opera. Stop on Museum Island before enjoying some time at leisure in this once divided city. Perhaps visit the KaDeWe department store - the shopping centre of West Berlin which during 40 years of division, became the shop window of the West.
FBDay Three
Dresden, a Baroque Phoenix on the Elbe - In Dresden, join your Local Expert to see the splendours of the city. From the Frauenkirche, which has risen again from the destruction of World War II, walk past ‘The Procession of the Princes', a mosaic of colossal proportions on the Royal Palace facade. See 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.
FBDay Four
Journey to Munich - 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. At night, perhaps consider dinner at one of Munich’s famous ‘Bier Kellers’?
FBDay Five
Munich and Oktoberfest - This afternoon Oktoberfest! Take the opportunity to travel through time and experience fascinating BMW, with a history spanning 9 decades. Then this afternoon join the festivities of Oktoberfest, the most famous beer festival in the world! Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, amusement rides, entertainment, beer and local Bavarian specialties for dinner. With tables reserved, your dedicated host will ensure you have a memorable time.
FB, DDay Six
Explore Munich - After a relaxed start, take the opportunity to travel through time and experience the fascinating world of BMW, with a history spanning nine decades. See some of the most famous and valuable automobiles, motorcycles, and engines during a tour of the museum. 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.
FB, DDay Seven
Journey to Salzburg - 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.
FBDay Eight
Explore Berchtesgaden - Our day trip today takes us into the heart of Alpine Bavaria. Drive over the German border, past picturesque farmhouses and villages to Obersalzberg. Nearly 75 years ago, this small mountain paradise was the summer playground for top Nazi brass. Take a scenic drive up the mountain to Hitler’s notorious “Eagle’s Nest”, used as a restaurant since the 1950’s. From here you can enjoy splendid views through the arches up to the “Hohen Goll” and across the snow-capped peaks. Soak up the picturesque scenery of the region as we continue past hill tops and mountain villages. Stop at the Maria Gern Church for a look inside, before looping back to Salzburg.
FBDay Nine
Journey to Vienna - 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. Pass the fortress of Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart languished in prison until discovered by his faithful Welsh minstrel, then alight beneath the vine laden cliffs of Krems. 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.
FBDay Ten
Discover Vienna - Much of Vienna’s present day charm is due to the long reign of the Habsburgs, so in the morning, join a Local Expert for a guided visit of Maria Theresa’s Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. Then get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnicent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament Building. As night falls, experience an extraordinary concert of Viennese classical music. The best-loved works of Johann Strauss and Mozart, performed by highly acclaimed soloists and dancers, are combined with a delicious meal of traditional Austrian fare, with drinks included.
FB, DDay Eleven
Auf Wiedersehen Vienna - A transfer arrives at Vienna airport at 08.00
FBFB=Full Breakfast, D=Dinner
Suggested Packing
-Comfortable walking shoes
-Hat and Sunscreen
-Cash and Credit Cards (Only those needed)
-Medicine and spare prescriptions
-Extra glasses and/or contacts
-Book, Word Search and/or Crossword Puzzle
-Binoculars
-Seat Cushions and/or Blanket (If attending a parade or show)
-Ear plugs and sleep mask
-Mini-Sewing Kit
-Toiletries and Tissues
-Chargers for devices (Cell phones, Tablets, etc.)
-Extra Memory Cards (Digital Cameras) or Extra Film
Activity Level 3
This travel experience is perfect for those who want to see everything their destination has to offer. With the ability to navigate hills and uneven ground (1-2 hours with little difficulty), as well as climb into various modes of transportation, you'll be able to explore every corner of your destination without missing a thing. Plus, with some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure, you'll have the perfect harmony of flexibility and exploration.
Optional Experiences
Day Two - Berliner Dinner & Entertainment - Berlin's eating establishments have enjoyed legendary status ever since the "Golden Twenties". This evening you are treated to traditional Berliner cuisine in a lively local restaurant with live music and drinks. Guten Appetit! Adult: $74.15 US OR
Historic Potsdam - Today we'll take a trip outside Berlin with our Local Specialist to Potsdam. En route, we’ll stop at Wannsee Villa, the setting for the infamous 1942 Conference to plan the 'Final Solution'. Then, it's off to Glienicke Bridge, scene of the Cold War 'spy swaps' and the inspiration for the 2015 lm Bridge of Spies, starring Tom Hanks. Adult: $56.95 US OR
Highlights of Former East Berlin - Explore the shadows of the past with our Local Expert and visit the staggering Holocaust Memorial. Stop for a photo at ‘Checkpoint Charlie', location of the tense stand-offs between U.S. & Soviet forces during the Cold War. Then a real highlight as we visit the Berlin Wall Memorial. The memorial contains the last section of the Berlin Wall with a guard tower and preserved grounds and is thus able to convey an impression of how the border fortifications developed until the end of the 1980s. Learn about this focal point of 20th-century history and of the fate of those who attempted to cross it. Adult: $37.61 US
Day Three - Meissen Excursion - It was in Dresden that the first porcelain in Europe was made. We will visit the Meissen factory where we are shown how this world-famous porcelain is made before we visit the museum. Later there is time to visit the factory shop for some bargains and enjoy a coffee. Before we head back to the hotel we will enjoy the scenic ride along the river Elbe and we will stop to take in the beauty of Moritzburg castle. Adult: $47.28 US
Day Seven - The Sound Of Music - Move over Mozart! Salzburg's other claim to melodic fame is that it's the setting for story of the Von Trapp Family, made into one of the most successful musicals of all time. Do-re-minisce and relive scenes from 'The Sound of Music' with our Local Expert at various sites around the city, including Maria’s Monastery and St Peter’s Cemetery. Adult: $34.39 US
Day Eight - Evening In The Austrian Countryside - Drive into the pretty Austrian countryside for a special evening. Learn about rural life over a homemade dinner in this cosy corner of Salzburg. In a totally unique experience, sip home-made beverages, feast on home-baked bread, succulent meat and oven baked vegetables. Adult: 73.07 US
Day Nine - Dinner In A Country Mansion - Cross the Danube, passing the famous Prater Park en route to one of Austria's most famous restaurants. Former patrons include Napoleon, the Emperor Franz Joseph, Liz Taylor and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Once through the door of this historic country mansion you're transported to a different world! Old memorabilia, autographed photos and other paraphernalia cover the ceilings, walls and even the restrooms. Choose from traditional Austrian fare, enjoy unlimited drinks and be serenaded by musicians at your table. A fun-filled experience never to be forgotten! Adult: $78.45 US
Day Ten - Hidden Treasures Of Old Vienna Walk - A leisurely walk with an expert historian unveils the hidden squares and tucked-away corners of the old city. See the Hofburg Palace, which was the official residence of the Habsburg Empire for more than 600 years. Admire the beautiful baroque Church of St. Peter's and the Column of the Holy Trinity. See the most important House of Mozart, where "Marriage of Figaro" was composed. Finally, visit St. Stephen's Cathedral where your local expert explains its importance to Austrian culture and history. Adult: $37.61 US
