Best of Munich, Salzburg & Vienna in 8 Days Tour
DAY 1
Welcome to Bavaria
We’ll meet at 4 p.m. at our hotel in Munich for a “Welcome to Bavaria” meeting. After an orientation walk through our neighborhood, we’ll get introduced to Munich’s pedestrian-friendly historic core. This evening we’ll enjoy a hearty dinner together. Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain. No bus. Sleep in Munich.
DAY 2
Marvelous Munich
This morning we’ll join a local guide for a fascinating walk through Munich’s Old Town, weaving together the history and traditions of Munich and Bavaria. We’ll visit the legendary Hofbräuhaus beerhall and explore the centuries-old Viktualienmarkt, famous for traditional crafts and gourmet food stalls — your guide can point out some local specialties along the way. The rest of the day is yours to explore the English Garden, take in a museum, or — on winter tours — simply savor the surrounding gemütlichkeit (comfy-coziness) of Munich’s Christmas markets. Tonight, you’ll be free to perfect your prost with new friends at one of Munich’s historic beerhalls, where you can hoist a liter-sized mug of beer and a pretzel as big as your head. Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. No bus. Sleep in Munich.
DAY 3
Scenic Drive into Austria
Get your cameras ready! This morning we’ll drive through the picturesque villages and lush rolling hills of Bavaria as we head into Austria. On our way to Salzburg, we’ll visit Trumer Pils, an award-winning brewery crafting pilsners for more than 400 years. Afterwards, we’ll have lunch together before continuing on to charming Salzburg, the city of splendid gardens, Baroque churches, and one of Europe’s largest medieval fortresses. We’ll settle into our quaint hotel before taking a neighborhood orientation walk and sharing dinner together. Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Bus: 3 hours. Sleep in Salzburg.
DAY 4
Splendid Salzburg
Salzburg is the perfect town for a walking tour, and together with our local expert, that’s how we’ll spend our morning: strolling under the wrought-iron signs that line Getreidegasse and through picturesque gardens, and going for Baroque at the Salzburg Cathedral. We’ll then get a lesson on two Austrian staples: We’ll learn how to make the amazing, appley treat apfelstrudel and appreciate the fine art of drinking schnapps. The rest of your day is free for hiking up the fortress hill for a panoramic view, or (on winter tours) wandering through the Christmas markets. Your free evening is perfect for a concert featuring the work of Salzburg’s favorite son: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. No bus. Sleep in Salzburg.
DAY 5
Lovely Lakes and Hallstatt
This morning we’ll make our way to the postcard-pretty Lake Hallstatt. On our way, we’ll stop at the mountain retreat of Kaiservilla, where Emperor Franz Josef signed the declaration that kicked off World War I. Next, we’ll skip like stones across the pristine waters of Austria’s Salzkammergut lake district on a boat cruise, enjoying the breathtaking lakeside villages and craggy mountain vistas. This afternoon we’ll settle into our cozy lakeside lodging, where you’ll be free to commune with Mother Nature on foot or by boat — or hike up to one of the world’s oldest salt mines. This evening we’ll gather to share dinner together. Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain. Bus: 2 hours. Sleep on Lake Hallstatt.
DAY 6
Melk Abbey, the Danube and Vienna
Today we’ll take another scenic drive to the Danube Valley, where we’ll tour the artistic treasures and Baroque wonders of the Benedictine abbey at Melk. Then we’ll cruise Austria’s prettiest stretch of the Danube River and check if it really is blue. We’ll finish our day in the one-time capital of a powerful empire — and our tour’s grand finale: extravagant, opulent Vienna. After checking into our hotel we’ll take a walk, orienting you to historic Vienna and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy dinner on your own. Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Bus: 4 hours. Sleep in Vienna.
DAY 7
Historic Vienna
We’ll begin our day by joining a local guide for a walking tour that takes us to the Third Man Museum for a fascinating look at the city’s post-WWII history. Our walking tour will continue with a behind-the-scenes peek inside Vienna’s famous opera house. Your afternoon is free to explore another world-class museum or two, or slow down to enjoy sipping a coffee in the city where Europe’s café scene was born. Tonight we’ll meet for our last dinner together, where we’ll share travel memories and toast new friends. Prost! Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. No bus. Sleep in Vienna.
DAY 8
Tour Over After Breakfast
Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. It’s a breeze to reach Vienna’s airport by train, bus, or taxi. You’ll have easy connections to home, or on to other points in Europe. Auf Wiedersehen!