Austrian Highlights and Bavaria – Munich to Vienna

Itinerary Details

Day 1 Munich

Fly to Munich where you will be met and transferred to the Sofitel Munich Bayerpost hotel for three nights.

Day 2 Munich.

Included today: Guided sightseeing, see the Marienplatz. This morning, a Local Guide will show you the highlights including Nymphenburg Palace, Marienplatz, the Old and New Town Halls, and the striking Gothic Frauenkirche. Later, enjoy free time to explore. Watch the famous Glockenspiel, visit St Peter’s church or explore the Viktualienmarkt, a large and popular fresh produce market with a traditional maypole. Or, maybe visit one of the many Biergartens or breweries to sample one of the Bavarian beer specialties. (B)

Day 3 Munich.

Included today: Excursion to Neuschwanstein and Oberammergau. This morning, drive into the garden-like landscapes of the Bavarian Alps and visit King Ludwig’s fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, perched high above the village of Hohenschwangau. Continue to the town of Oberammergau, famous for its once-a-decade production of the Passion Play. After free time to admire the traditional Bavarian houses, many beautifully painted with trompe l’oeil, end your day with a visit to the smallest of King Ludwig’s three castles – Linderhof Palace, inspired by Paris’ Palace of Versailles. (B)

Day 4 Munich – Passau.

Enjoy a free morning in Munich, then, in the afternoon, drive to Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube. Alternatively, you might like to join a full-day optional excursion to Salzburg, which will end in Passau with embarkation on your ship. Meet your crew at a welcome reception this evening. (B, D)

Day 5 Passau – Linz.

Included today: Passau walking tour
Passau is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician houses. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture, houses one of the world’s largest church organs with 17,774 pipes. Join your Local Guide for a walking tour through this charming town, and find out much more about the ‘City of Three Rivers’. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Linz

Included today: Guided walk in Linz.
Linz is Austria’s third-largest city and an important river port where culture plays a significant role in everyday life. This morning is free to do as you like. A guided tour of the city shows you the 13th-century Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square, and the Trinity Column, built in 1723 as thanks for the city escaping the ravages of the plague, war, and fire. Perhaps wander around the old castle grounds and take in the beautiful views of the river, or visit the neo-gothic New Cathedral, Austria’s largest church, with capacity for 20,000 visitors. This afternoon relax on board enjoying the views of the peaceful riverscapes from the comfort of the Sky Deck or join an optional excursion. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Melk – Durnstein.

Included today: Excursion to Melk Abbey; Guided walk in Durnstein.
A day of charming towns and magical scenery awaits you today! Join a GUIDED VISIT of the magnificent 11th-century BENEDICTINE ABBEY of Melk, one of Europe’s largest monasteries. Melk’s abbey towers over the town and its church houses stunning frescoed ceilings and an ornate library with a large collection of medieval manuscripts. Next, head into the heart of the Wachau wine region to Drnstein known for its magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue faade, – and join a Certified Local Guide for a GUIDED WALK. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Vienna.

Included today: Guided sightseeing. Also known as the ‘City of Music’, Vienna inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss and was once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire. A showcase of gilded architecture, see the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex, with its Vienna Boys’ Choir and Lipizzaner stallions, the impressive neo-Renaissance Vienna Opera House, and awe-inspiring St Stephen’s Cathedral on your included city sightseeing tour with a local guide. Later, perhaps stroll on the Krntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrdel in a classic Viennese coffee house. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Vienna.

Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight home to the UK. (B)