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Treasures of Central Europe
Mozart-Themed Dinner in Salzburg
Photo Credit: Salzburger Konzertgesellschaft Mozart Dinner Concert Salzburg Austria MDC Konzert live
The Black Forest
Neuschwanstein Castle
Mirabell Gardens
Local Culture & Food
Discover the rich culture, historical landmarks, world-famous attractions, and fairytale landscapes of three stunning Alpine countries. Begin with a flight to Frankfurt and travel to the Baroque city of Wurzburg before venturing down Germany’s Romantic Road. Arriving in Rothenburg, we step back in time to the Middle Ages during a city tour, medieval dinner, and Night Watchman tour. Explore Munich with a local guide, then set foot in the enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for Disney’s well-loved castle. In Salzburg, Austria see filming locations for The Sound of Music, like Mirabell Gardens, then listen to the works of Mozart during a private dinner concert. After viewing the renowned Golden Roof in Innsbruck, cross into Switzerland for a cog railway ride up Mount Rigi and a day soaking up Lucerne’s best sights. Back in Germany, travel through the fabled Black Forest to Rudesheim, where a scenic cruise on the Middle Rhine awaits, featuring vistas of castles and vineyards.
Trip overview may vary by departure.
Highlights
Rothenburg
Nestled in the heart of Bavaria, Rothenburg is Germany’s best-preserved medieval walled town. Discover the charm of centuries ago with pastel-colored half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and narrow lanes that you’d find in a storybook setting. Our immersive journey through the Middle Ages includes a medieval dinner and an evening walk with the Night Watchman, whose black outfit is completed with a lamp and halberd. Listen closely as he tells sorrowful stories of life back then.
Rhine River Cruise
Spend the morning in the winemaking town of Rudesheim with a fascinating tour and time at leisure to explore historical sites and savor the town’s best flavors. Then, we board a cruise ship for a relaxing journey down the most stunning part of the Rhine River, Rhine Gorge – also known as the Middle Rhine. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its enchanting landscapes, historic towns, terraced vineyards, and nearly 40 castles and fortresses built over 1,000 years. Have your camera ready to capture the famous Lorelei rock, steeped in intriguing myths.
Mount Rigi Cog Railway
Venture into the heart of central Switzerland to “Queen of the Mountains,” a massif of the Swiss Alps. Europe’s first mountain railway brings us to the top, Rigi Kulm, where panoramic views of plummeting valleys, shimmering lakes, snow-capped peaks, and the Swiss plateau await. We descend on an aerial cable car, gliding above the lush forest.
Innsbruck
Enjoy historical charm and breathtaking Alpine landscapes in Tyrol’s picturesque capital. The city became a famous ski resort destination after hosting two Winter Olympics, but it’s also known for its blend of Imperial and modern architecture. Dive into the rich cultural heritage on a guided tour of the medieval Old Town featuring the iconic Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) and take time to shop for exquisite Austrian crystal!
- Day 1: Fly to EuropeOur wonderful vacation begins with an overnight flight to Germany.
- Day 2: Romantic RoadOur expert European guide and driver greet us upon arrival in Frankfurt. We kick off our adventure with a drive to the Baroque city of Wurzburg for lunch and exploration at leisure. Next, take in spectacular scenery traveling along the famous Romantic Road, dotted with picturesque villages, rolling vineyards, lush forests, and mountain peaks. Later, we check in to our accommodations for the next two evenings in Rothenburg, one of Germany’s most well-preserved medieval cities, and get to know fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner.
Meals Included: Dinner
- Day 3: RothenburgEnjoy a European breakfast buffet before beginning each day. This morning, we learn the fascinating story of Rothenburg, from its origins as a stronghold at the crossroads of important trade routes to its downfall during the Thirty Years’ War. Our local guides joins us for a walking tour of this magical town, known for its half-timbered houses, cobblestone pathways, and preserved 16th-century towers, walls, and gateways. Tonight, our journey through the Middle Ages continues with dinner at a medieval restaurant and an evening stroll with a Night Watchman.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4: MunichToday, we travel to Munich, Bavaria’s capital and the birthplace of Oktoberfest. Enjoy a guided walking tour to see centuries-old buildings and the famous Rathaus-Glockenspiel animated clock in Marienplatz Square. Our tour ends at Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s famous farmers market and beer garden, with time to grab lunch. This afternoon, our scenery changes from rolling green hills to the dramatic foothills of the Alps as we reach the 700-year-old village of Füssen, where we stay for the next two nights.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5: Neuschwanstein CastleWe’re transported to a fairytale world this morning at Neuschwanstein Castle, situated high above the village of Hohenschwangau. Enjoy a guided tour to see the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and admire the opulent designs throughout. Afterwards, we return to Fussen for an afternoon at leisure to grab lunch or explore during our last day on the Romantic Road. Later, a local guide shares interesting history with us during a walking tour of this charming town.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 6: Salzburg & Mozart Dinner ConcertOur day begins with crossing the border into Salzburg, Austria, a city best known as the setting of The Sound of Music. The beautiful architecture charms us during a guided walking tour featuring Mirabell Gardens and Mozart’s birthplace in Alstadt, the historic city center. Enjoy some time at leisure for lunch and individual exploration before we check in to our local accommodations. This evening, we’re treated to a special private dinner at St. Peter’s Stiftskeller, the oldest restaurant in Europe. Savor a gourmet three-course dinner as we fall under the spell of classical Mozart selections, performed by a string quartet.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7: InnsbruckToday, we travel winding roads within the pristine Austrian and Swiss Alps to our next destination, Rattenberg. Famous for its Austrian crystal, this small city on the Inn River offers historical art treasures and great shopping for us to enjoy during a leisurely stop. Our journey through Alpine beauty continues to the ski resort town of Innsbruck, where we view the Imperial Palace, former Olympic sites, and the iconic Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) during a guided tour. Tonight, we check in to our local hotel and savor a delicious dinner together.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8: SwitzerlandWe’re off to soak up the beauty of Switzerland this morning! On the way, we make a stop in Liechtenstein, Europe’s smallest principality, for time at leisure in Vaduz. This is the perfect opportunity to purchase the famous Roy Liechtenstein stamps. Upon arriving in Vitznau, Switzerland, we ascend 6,000-foot Mount Rigi on a historic cogwheel train ride. Breathtaking panoramic views of the Swiss Mittelland unfold at the highest point, Rigi Kulm. After descending by cable car, our travels take us along the shores of Lake Lucerne to the resort city of Lucerne, where we enjoy dinner and settle in for a two-night stay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9: LucerneA local guide joins us for a walking tour to explore Lucerne’s world-famous sights today, such as Chapel Bridge with the adjoining 13th-century water tower, Jesuit Church, and the Lion Monument. Next, we enjoy an authentic Swiss lunch at Stadtkeller Restaurant, featuring a folklore show with yodeling and Alpine Horns. The rest of the day is yours to explore or shop for local handicrafts, such as wood carvings, clocks, and watches.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 10: The Black Forest & Baden-BadenWe say ade to Switzerland this morning and drive back across the German border into the legendary Black Forest. Take in sights of mountains, quaint villages, and evergreen trees as far as the eye can see. We stop in Hofgut Sternen to see some of the area’s handcrafted cuckoo clocks and admire the impressive craftsmanship. Our journey continues to the spa town of Baden-Baden, where we check in to our accommodations and have an evening at leisure to enjoy the city’s artisanal springs and thermal baths that have attracted visitors since the Roman Empire.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 11: Rhine River CruiseOur morning begins with a drive to Rudesheim, a winemaking town in the Rhine Gorge. After a walking tour with a local guide, enjoy free time to eat lunch and explore on your own. This afternoon, we relax on a scenic cruise down the enchanting Rhine River. Have your camera ready to capture gorgeous vistas of vineyards on rolling hills, castles, and the famous Lorelei Rock. We disembark in St. Goar and drive to our accommodations in Weisbaden, then relive memories of our European vacation at a Farewell Dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 12: Fly HomeWe drive to the Frankfurt Airport this morning and board our flight home, returning with lasting memories of our time exploring Central Europe.
Meals Included: Breakfast
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 2 nights in Rothenburg, Germany
- 2 nights in Fussen, Germany
- 1 night in Salzburg, Austria
- 1 night in Innsbruck, Austria
- 2 nights in Lucerne, Switzerland
- 1 night in Baden-Baden, Germany
- 1 night in Weisbaden, Germany
Attractions & Highlights
- Germany’s Romantic Road
- Rothenburg guided walking tour & Night Watchman tour
- Munich guided walking tour feat. the Rathaus-Glockenspiel clock
- Viktualienmarkt: The Munich Farmers Market
- Bavarian, Austrian & Swiss Alps
- Fussen guided walking tour
- Neuschwanstein Castle guided tour
- Salzburg guided walking tour feat. Mirabell Gardens
- Innsbruck guided walking tour feat. Golden Roof
- Mt. Rigi cog railway
- Lucerne guided walking tour feat. Chapel Bridge
- The Black Forest feat. Hofgut Sternen Cuckoo Clock Shop
- Rhine River cruise feat. Lorelei Rock
- Rudesheim guided walking tour
18 Excellent Meals
- Welcome Dinner in Rothenburg
- Daily European breakfast buffet
- Private Mozart-themed dinner concert at St. Peter’s Stiftkeller in Salzburg
- Lunch at Stadtkeller Swiss Folklore Restaurant in Lucerne
- Farewell Dinner in Weisbaden
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
Birmingham - Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport