Austria and Germany: Heritage Sites

Enjoy a lesson in Austrian history as you explore the landmarks in the heart of Vienna. Armed with a local guide, listen to anecdotes of the Habsburg Empire while strolling across the compact old town, connected by imperial streets. Setting out along the Ringstrasse, admire the superb architecture of the neoclassical Vienna State Opera, the Austrian Parliament Building, the Burgtheater and the Vienna City Hall. Drop by the sprawling Hofburg palace complex and the soaring Gothic-style St Stephen’s Cathedral. Later, head to the art and cultural district of MuseumsQuartier, where traditional architecture meets contemporary design. Visit the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, nestled amid manicured baroque gardens dotted with fountains, statues, and monuments. Apart from the maze, zoo, orangery, and museums outside, step in to see several guest rooms and halls, lavishly decorated in Rococo style. Finally, pass the Baroque Belvedere complex which houses the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt’s works. (Duration: 3.5 hrs; Shared Activity; No Transfer; Fitness level: Easy)

Explore the jewels of the romantic Danube Valley in Lower Austria. This is a destination steeped in history, thanks to centuries of trade on the Danube river. Take in vistas of the picturesque landscape covered in terraced vineyards and lush hill slopes punctuated by charming villages and ancient castles. First, visit the iconic Melk Abbey, perched on a clifftop that overlooks the pretty town of Melk. Witness its Baroque architecture highlighted by white-and-mustard exteriors. You will see the spiral Imperial staircases, corridors, painted ceilings, museums, galleries, the expansive library, and the red marble hall. After dropping by the monastery and the exquisitely decorated Abbey Church, you can relax in the manicured gardens. Enjoy panoramic views of Danube’s riverside from the terrace, before heading to Dürnstein. Take a walk through its atmospheric center, and then you can spend some time hiking around the ruins of the medieval castle. On your way back to Vienna, pass by Krems an der Donau, known for its production of fine wines. (Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Easy)

After dinner at the Cafe Residenz, enjoy a delightful evening listening to the Schönbrunner Palace Orchestra in the historic Orangery Schoenbrunn. The second largest Baroque orangeries in the world after the Palace of Versailles, this venue was established in the mid-18th century. Since then, it has hosted frequent festivities and musical concerts organized by no less than the Habsburger emperor himself, including a concert conducted by Amadeus Mozart! The only one of its kind in Austria today, your VIP evening experience here will include overtures, arias and duet from Don Giovanni, The Marriage of Figaro, and Magic Flute from Mozart. Also included are beloved waltzes and polkas such as the Danube Waltz and the Radetzky Marsch from Strauss, celebrated as the King of Waltz. Immerse yourself in music performed by the orchestra and accompanied by opera singers – a soprano as well as a baritone – as you watch a couple perform ballet. (Evening Activity; Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity; Not included: Guide & Transfers; Dinner is included)

Discover the culture and history of the UNESCO-listed city of Salzburg on foot. Walk across the old city with your knowledgeable guide, pausing to take in the sights. Admire the beautiful buildings and pick up tidbits about unique architectural features. Know more about famous historical figures hailing from Salzburg such as composer Mozart and the von Trapp family, immortalized in the movie ‘Sound of Music.’ Stop by picturesque locales such as Mirabell Palace and Garden that were featured in the movie. Mingle with locals as you head down the bustling shopping street of Getreidegasse. Pass by Festival Hall, a popular venue for annual events, and soak in the serenity of Saint Peter’s Abbey Church and its graveyard. Wind up your tour after about two hours of leisurely walking. (Duration: 2 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Relive the magic of ‘Sound of Music’ on this fun tour across the city of Salzburg and the picturesque countryside. Discover the locations where famous scenes from the movie were filmed across the city. Put your imagination to work and picture Maria and the von Trapp children sing ‘Do Re Mi’ at the Mirabell Gardens. Stop by the 17th century Hellbrun Palace to take pictures at the gazebo where the songs ‘16 going on 17’ and ‘Something Good’ were filmed. Drive out of the city to the lakes and mountains of the Salzkammergut region. Head to the beautiful church in Mondsee where Maria married the Baron. Learn more about the history and culture of the region along with the true story of the von Trapp family before you wind up your tour. (Duration: Half Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Find yourself transported back in time to the late 18th century during this unique dining experience! As night falls, make your way to an opulent banquet hall bathed in a romantic candlelit glow. Dine on an array of traditional dishes dating back to the baroque age, infused with an innovative twist. As you relish your feast, enjoy the live rendition of Mozart´s compositions, performed by talented musicians and vocalists. Soak in the period ambiance created by the 18th century recipes and costumes worn by the performers. Return to your hotel with memories of a lifetime. (Duration: 2-3 hrs; Shared Activity; Includes Dinner; Fitness Level: Easy. No Guide & No Transfers.)

Get to know a little of the distinctive character of the Bavarian capital on this leisurely walk. Following a hearty breakfast at your hotel, meet your local guide at the landmark fountain on Marienplatz Square, Munich’s central square. As you stroll through the city, passing by iconic churches and cathedrals, museums and historic palaces, let your guide fill you up with stories and anecdotes behind each. Starting off with the Marienplatz, the heart of the Altstadt with the striking St. Peter’s Church and City Hall, enjoy your informative and laidback tour. Amble past the landmark Frauenkirche, the gigantic church with its twin towers; the Residenz Palace and Museum, the erstwhile home of Bavaria’s Wittelsbach rulers; and the legendary Hofbräuhaus, the massive beer hall and restaurant that easily hosts the largest beer tent during Oktoberfest! Also take in the lively Food Market, the old Jewish quarter and the City Museum, as your guide keeps you entertained with snippets from the cultural history of this remarkable city. (Time of Day: Morning; Duration: approx. 2 hrs, from 1000 onwards; Private Activity; Fitness level: Moderate; Note: Please wear comfortable walking shoes; Transfer not included: meet at the fish fountain in Marienplatz; No inside visits included in activity: inside visits can be purchased at guest’s expense.).

Experience the beauty of the countryside as you travel to a beautiful palace and a fairytale castle. Settle into your comfortable seat and enjoy panoramic views and amenities such as bathroom and free WiFi. Munch on snacks and sip refreshing drinks as you travel along the autobahn towards the Bavarian Alps. After driving for an hour and a half, step off the coach for the short stroll to the 19th century Linderhof palace, the smallest of three palaces constructed by King Ludwig II. Explore the opulent interior of the palace accompanied by your experienced guide before continuing on to the quaint village of Oberammergau. Saunter through the lanes of this charming hamlet marveling at the exquisite examples of traditional wood carving that it is renowned for. Journey along the famous Romantic Road for about an hour to arrive at the foothills of the majestic Neuschwanstein Castle. Before embarking on the hike up to the castle, you could refuel with a hearty lunch. Alternatively, head to Marienbrücke or Mary’s Bridge to relish picture postcard views of the spectacular structure that inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. After enjoying the views, make your way up to the castle to arrive punctually for your reserved timed tour. (Full Day; Fixed Time: Yes; Time of Day: 0830; Duration: 10.5 hrs; Shared Activity-max 24ppl; Meal Included: Snacks and Drinks; Fitness Level: Easy; Transfer not included: meet at Karstadt in Front of Munich Central Station)