GRAND TOUR OF AUSTRIA & OBERAMMERGAU
Day by Day
| Day | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | MUNICH, GERMANY. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to see some of Munich. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers. |
| 2 | MUNICH - LAKE CHIEMSEE - SALZBURG. Sometimes dubbed Germany's 'Secret Capital', Munich is a captivating mix of traditional Bavarian charm and modern chic and oozes 'gemutlichkeit' - a jovial atmosphere typified by its famous beer halls and breweries. Today, enjoy an included orientation drive of this magnificent city with a stop to admire its splendid Marienplatz square, old and new town halls and the twin-towered Gothic church, the Frauenkirche. This afternoon set off on our journey to Salzburg, calling en route at beautiful Lake Chiemsee, Bavaria's biggest lake, before continuing on to Mozart's charming birthplace. (B,D) |
| 3 | SALZBURG - MELK - VIENNA. Immortalised as the film location of The Sound of Music, Salzburg is a feast for the eyes with its charming streets, palaces and churches set beneath an imposing 11th century castle. Take a fascinating tour of the city this morning, ambling through its historic centre to marvel at its magnificent Domplatz Cathedral, Residenzplatz, Festival Hall and medieval Getreidegasse, the cobbled street housing the building where Mozart was born, which is now a museum. Perhaps even sample one of Salzburg's famous Mozartkugel chocolates on your way! This afternoon our stop is the 1,000-year old Melk Abbey, where there's time to soak up the splendours of this building standing high on a hill above the Danube. From here, we trace the banks of the Danube through the stunning Wachau Valley, passing rich vineyards, fairytale castles and villages such as Durnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Arrive in Vienna, Austria's glittering capital, late this afternoon, for a two-night stay. (B) |
| 4 | VIENNA. Once the seat of the mighty Hapsburg Empire and home to Strauss, Brahms, Beethoven, Haydn and Mozart, Vienna blends ornate Baroque architecture with an irresistible musical heritage - you can almost hear the strains of some of classical music's greatest works as you stroll its streets. There's much to enthral you on our tour today with a chance to admire the fabulous State Opera House, Hofburg Palace and Parliament House amongst other monuments before visiting the superb 12th century St Stephen's Cathedral. Later, why not try some of Vienna's heavenly Sachertorte cake at a traditional coffee house or enjoy a horse-drawn Fiaker carriage ride? This afternoon, don't miss our optional excursion to the exquisite Schonbrunn Palace. Surrounded by glorious gardens and once home to Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Maria Theresa, this breathtaking palace is best known for its Hall of Mirrors, where Mozart once played, and the spectacular ceiling frescoes of its Great Gallery. Tonight enjoy an optional Viennese evening. (B) |
| 5 | VIENNA - SEMMERING PASS - GRAZ. Sit back and soak up the stunning mountain scenery of the Styrian Alps this morning as you cross the famous Semmering Pass towards Graz, Austria's second largest city, for an overnight stay. This afternoon, why not savour the many charms of this historic city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to six universities, on our optional tour? Admire its medieval main square, the Hauptplatz, with its famous painted Gemaltes Haus, covered with frescoes of the Roman gods, together with its quaint cobbled narrow streets and alleyways, impressive castle and other major landmarks. (B,D) |
| 6 | GRAZ - GROSSGLOCKNER PASS - INNSBRUCK. This morning, more scenic wonders await with your journey through pretty Klagenfurt and around Lake Worth to the Grossglockner Pass. This breathtaking pass is the highest in Austria and one of the most spectacular in Europe, with thrilling views over the 3,798-metre Grossglockner mountain, lush dairy pastures and picturesque villages. Once through the Pass, continue your journey via beautiful Kitzbuhel. Overnight in Innsbruck, the capital of Austria's wondrous Tyrol. (B,D) |
| 7 | INNSBRUCK - OBERAMMERGAU AREA. Surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, the Tyrolean capital in undoubtedly one of Austria's prettiest cities. This morning, enjoy an orientation drive followed by time at leisure with an opportunity to explore the charms of Innsbruck and delve into its delightful streets. Admire the resplendent Golden Roof, a 15th century, gold-and-copper roofed balcony built to provide Emperor Maximilian I with a royal box for viewing tournaments in the square below, and marvel at the handsome Hofburg Palace. Alternatively, enjoy some last-minute Austrian souvenir shopping, maybe snapping up some of those legendary Swarovski crystal, which was first produced in the nearby town of Wattens. This afternoon, bid farewell to beautiful Innsbruck as you leave for the Oberammergau area. (B,D) |
| 8 | THE PASSION PLAY IN OBERAMMERGAU. This morning time to relax or to explore on your own. The quaint alpine resort of Oberammergau enjoys an idyllic location and is world renowned for its spectacular Passion Play, which is performed by its inhabitants every 10 years. The play begins in the afternoon and continues into the evening, with a break for dinner. (B,L,D) |
| 9 | OBERAMMERGAU AREA - MUNICH AREA. Leave Upper Bavaria as you head back to the Munich area for overnight. The afternoon is free to explore independently. (B) |
| 10 | MUNICH AREA. Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
