Compare Oktoberfest The Germanic Experience - 2022 by Insight Vacations vs Royal Danube, Berlin & Kraków - Eastbound 2021 by Tauck

Day 1: Welcome to Berlin

On arrival at Berlin’s Brandenberg Airport, transfers leave for the hotel at 10:30 & 13:30. This afternoon, perhaps visit nearby Check Point Charlie - once the best-known Berlin Wall crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Later, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception with the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.

Day 2: Discover Berlin

Marvel this morning at the landmarks of the old East and West sections of Berlin during your sightseeing tour with a Local Expert. See the Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden and the Reichstag Building which were all major points of focus in 1990 during the reunification of East and West Germany. Also see the Tiergarten and Kurfürstendamm famous for its shopping and entertainment. Stop a while on Museum Island before enjoying an afternoon at leisure in this once divided city.

Day 3: Journey to Dresden

A short drive south brings you to Dresden – known as ‘Florence on the Elbe’. Join a Local Expert to see the splendours of the city. From the Frauenkirche, which has risen again from the destruction of World War II, walk past ‘The Procession of the Dukes’, a mosaic of colossal proportions on the Royal Palace façade. See the enormous cathedral, Semper Opera House and Baroque Zwinger Palace. Tonight we’ll go to Dresden-Pillnitz, where we enjoy dinner with wine at the Schloss Hotel. The baroque castle complex was built upon order of the King Augustus II the Strong in 1720, with inspiration from the Far East. Until 1918 the palace served as the summer residence for the House of Wettin.

Day 4: Journey to Munich

In Nuremberg witness the charming blend of stone and timbered dwellings in the Old Town as well as the massive ramparts. Perhaps shop for delicious Lebkuchen (gingerbread)? Continue across the Danube to Munich, the capital of the state of Bavaria, lying near the foot of the German Alps. At night, perhaps consider dinner at one of Munich’s famous ‘Bier Kellers’?

Day 5: Munich

Be welcomed into fun-loving Munich for an orientation tour which shows you the Feldernhalle on the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, English Garden, Hofbrauhaus, St Peters Church, and the famous Marienplatz. Munich hosts the most famous beer festival in the world: Oktoberfest, which has been running since 1810 and now sees over six million visitors each year. This afternoon enjoy the festival atmosphere, amusement rides, entertainment, beer and local Bavarian specialties for dinner. With tables reserved, your dedicated host will ensure you have a memorable time.

Day 6: Visit the BMW Museum Relaxed Start

After a relaxed start, take the opportunity to travel through time and experience fascinating BMW, with a history spanning 9 decades. See some of the most famous and valuable automobiles, motorcycles, and engines during a tour of the museum.  In the evening, join special guest Patrick von Richthofen, a descendent of Manfred von Richthofen otherwise known as ‘The Red Baron’, for an unforgettable dinner.

Day 7: Journey to Salzburg

A short drive over the Austrian border leads to Salzburg, steeped in musical history. A Local Expert will show you the gardens of the Mirabell Palace, the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress, the cathedral in the old town, Mozart’s birthplace, and locations that brought the city alive with the Sound of Music.

Day 8: Explore Berchtesgaden

Our day trip today takes us into ‘real’ Alpine Bavaria. Drive over the German border, past picturesque farmhouse, and villages to Obersalzberg. Nearly 75 years ago, this small mountain paradise was the summer playground for top Nazi brass. Here we transfer to special coaches for a scenic drive up the mountain to Hitler’s notorious “Eagle’s Nest”. Used as a restaurant since the 50’s, there are splendid views through the arches up to the ‘Hohen Goll’ and across the snow-capped peaks. A breath-taking drive to appreciate the picturesque scenery of the region takes past hill tops and mountain villages. We stop at the Maria Gern Church and look inside before looping back to Salzburg.

Day 9: Journey to Vienna

Cross the Austrian border and head east through the rolling countryside to stop in the shadow of the great Monastery of Melk. Join a river cruise along the stunning Wachau Valley, where the Danube meanders below forested cliffs, topped with picturesque churches and ruined castles. Pass the fortress of Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart languished in prison until discovered by his faithful Welsh minstrel, then alight beneath the vine laden cliffs of Krems. Immerse yourself in the vineyards and cellars of the local winery to learn about and sample the unique Wachau style wine. Finally, we head for the Austrian capital, and to our central hotel.

Day 10: Discover Vienna

Much of Vienna’s present day charm is due to the long reign of the Habsburgs, so in the morning, join a Local Expert for a guided visit of Maria Theresa’s Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens.  Then get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament Building. Demel is a well-known Viennese institution for its cakes and pastries. Previous noble costumers include Empress Elizabeth and Princess Pauline von Metternich. Enjoy coffee and cake in one of the splendid Coffee houses to begin your leisurely afternoon in this imperial city. As night falls, experience an extraordinary concert of Viennese classical music. The best-loved works of Johann Strauss and Mozart, performed by highly acclaimed soloists and dancers, are combined with a delicious meal of traditional Austrian fare, with drinks included.

Day 11: Auf Wiedersehen Vienna

Your journey concludes after breakfast with transfers arriving at Vienna Airport at 07:00 and 09:00.

Day 1 Arrive Berlin

Tour Begins: 5:00 PM, Hotel Adlon Kempinski. A transfer is included upon arrival at Berlin Tegel Airport or Berlin Central Train Station to the Hotel Adlon Kempinski, ideally located near Brandenburg Gate, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Settle in, then join us for a special welcome dinner where a local expert shares a personal perspective of life behind the Iron Curtain.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin

PORTOFCALL : Berlin, Germany

Day 2 A choice of Berlin city sights

In the years since the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, Berlin has emerged as one of the most exciting cities in the world. Explore it on your choice of excursions today – a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Museum Island for guided museum tours of either the Pergamon Museum or the Neues Museum, or an in-depth tour of Berlin’s Jewish Heritage sites. Everyone meets up for lunch and a boat ride, followed by your choice of time at leisure to explore Germany’s vibrant capital as you wish.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin

PORTOFCALL : Berlin, Germany

Day 3 Berlin or historic Potsdam

Today you can choose to experience the city from one of three perspectives. Join us for a guided visit to the Baroque city of Potsdam, where the WWII-in-Europe-ending treaty was signed, attractively rebuilt after its wartime losses and a showcase of beautiful gardens and grand palaces. Your second sightseeing choice is an opportunity to explore World War II history in Berlin – and your third sightseeing choice is also in Berlin, an opportunity to learn more about the unification of the split city through a tour of contrasting sights and stories. Spend the remainder of the day as you please; if you wish, take an optional bicycle ride to see Berlin from a different, modern-day perspective.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin

PORTOFCALL : Berlin, Germany

Day 4 Embark your riverboat in Nürnberg

A ride aboard the fast train speeds you from Berlin to Nürnberg today, where your riverboat awaits. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner onboard in your choice of dining venues, from the formal Compass Rose to Arthur’s intimate bistro, followed by evening entertainment in the piano lounge.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : ms Joy

PORTOFCALL : Berlin, Germany

Day 5 Discover Bavarian Bayreuth or Nürnberg

Follow your passions today on a choice of morning sightseeing excursions... three of which will delight music lovers with a visit to nearby Bayreuth – once home to German composer Richard Wagner and the Hungarian composer Franz Liszt – and begin with a walking tour that visits the city's Baroque opera house and views its magnificent Baroque palaces. Your Bayreuth choices then focus on either the life of Wagner at the Richard Wagner Museum; a brewery experience at Maisel Beer Adventure World; or a tour of Bayreuth's Steingraeben Piano Factory. A fourth choice offers a locally guided tour of the Bavarian city of Nürnberg that focuses on its role in World War II, with opportunities to visit the Courthouse, the Zeppelin Field rally grounds, and other sites associated with the war and its aftermath. Return to the riverboat for lunch and an afternoon cruise.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Joy

PORTOFCALL : Bayreuth, Germany

Day 6 In Kelheim, an abbey, a gorge or BMWs

After a morning at leisure onboard your riverboat, disembark in Kelheim, located at the confluence of the Danube River and the Danube-Main Canal, for a choice of excursions. On one, take a walk through Kelheim, followed by visits to the Danube Gorge – a scenic stretch of the Danube lined by limestone cliffs, also known as the Weltenburg Narrows – and nearby Weltenburg Abbey, Bavaria's oldest monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On another, drive into the country for a tour of a working BMW factory, schedule permitting.  You may wish to enjoy free time in Kelheim, perhaps riding along picturesque bike paths on one of your ship’s complimentary bicycles. Return to the riverboat for dinner onboard tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Joy

PORTOFCALL : Kehlheim, Germany

Day 7 Exploring Straubing, your way

Wake up this morning aboard your riverboat in Straubing. An ancient settlement that dates back to 6,000 BC and is steeped with Roman roots, Straubing is the quintessential Bavarian city. Explore it as you wish, choosing from two themed afternoon tours offering a different perspective of the city – one featuring the unique St. Peter's Church and its historic graveyard, and another touring Straubing's main square and its late-Baroque Ursuline Convent Church.  Return to the riverboat for lunch and an afternoon cruise to Deggendorf, then overnight to Linz.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Joy

Day 8 Lovely Linz & the lakes of Austria

Welcome to Austria, a land of great musical traditions, alpine beauty and Imperial lifestyles. Wake up this morning in Linz, inhabited since Roman times and one of Austria’s leading cultural centers. Today you may choose to stay in town and join our local guides for a walking tour of Old Town Linz, then hop aboard the historic mountain tram to Pöstlingberg for panoramic views of the countryside and time at leisure to visit the beer gardens or the pilgrimage basilica. Alternatively, you may choose to spend a full day in the Salzkammergut Lake District – enjoying a boat ride across a lake, a scenic journey by coach to Lake Wolfgangsee, and a visit to St. Wolfgang in Salzkammergut to see the famous Gothic winged altar in its 14th-century church.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Joy

PORTOFCALL : Linz, Austria

Day 9 Krems and Wachau Valley Wines

Your riverboat arrives in the 1,000-year-old city of Krems this morning, located at the beginning of the Wachau Valley, celebrated for its exquisite Austrian wines. You may choose a walking tour through town with a local guide, or a bicycling excursion through the Krems area and the lush vineyard-lined landscapes of the Wachau Valley. This afternoon’s wine tasting excursion offers an authentic taste of the grape and reveals time-honored secrets of the Austrian winemakers. It’s on to Vienna this afternoon, where an evening arrival offers you the opportunity to see the city at night.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Joy

PORTOFCALL : Krems, Austria

Day 10 Vienna, Past and Present

The Austrian capital of Vienna is a compact city with an abundance of important sights. Many are clustered around the Hofburg, the former Imperial Court. Farther afield you’ll find palaces like Belvedere and Schönbrunn palaces, graced by gardens and gilded treasures. The city’s historic Jewish Quarter, Judenplatz, is in the heart of the city, and Vienna’s contemporary center, including the new Hauptbahnhof and the university campus, is also nearby. You will have a choice of exploring the city’s Jewish Heritage sites, contemporary sights or Schönbrunn on different excursions with our local guides. Spend the afternoon as you like, then dress for an exclusive royal dinner at the private Palais Pallavicini with sparkling entertainment, a highlight of your cruise!

 

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Joy

PORTOFCALL : Vienna, Austria

Day 11 Disembark in Vienna & drive to Krakow

Disembark your riverboat in Vienna after breakfast and journey on a day’s drive across the border to Kraków, Poland, for a three-night stay. Pass through the ancient kingdom of Moravia in the easternmost part of the Czech Republic en route to Kromeriz; this town is best known for its Archbishop Castle and gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Arrive at your grand hotel in Kraków in late afternoon, ideally located near historic Wawel Castle. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Sheraton Grand Krakow

PORTOFCALL : Kraków, Poland

Day 12 Krakow sights & Auschwitz

For nearly six centuries, Kraków reigned as the capital of Poland, its rulers residing at Wawel Castle until the court and parliament moved to Warsaw in 1609. Today it’s renowned for preserving its country national identity with its prestigious university, royal castle, Gothic cathedral and still thriving Old Quarter. Enjoy a walking tour of the city with a local guide, and choose to join us on a drive into the countryside for a poignant visit to the Auschwitz Memorial and Museum, site of the infamous Nazi concentration camp, or remain in Kraków to spend some time on your own. Please note: the Kraków walking tour and the Auschwitz visit could be either in the morning or afternoon, depending on ticket availability at the Auschwitz site. Your evening is free to spend as you wish; you can enjoy an included meal at your hotel either for dinner tonight or lunch tomorrow, your choice.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Sheraton Grand Krakow

PORTOFCALL : Kraków, Poland

Day 13 Zakopane in the Tatras or Kazimierz

Nestled in the foothills of the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane was first established as a resort town at the end of the 18th century, known for helping heal tuberculosis patients; not long after, skiers flocked to the town attracted by its alpine landscapes. Today it retains its role as a picturesque resort town that is enjoyed year-round. You will have an opportunity to sample its charms on an excursion that includes time to explore the area on your own. Or, you may wish to explore Kraków's Kazimierz District to learn more about its Jewish history with a visit to Schindler’s Factory, now a museum. Join us this evening for a memorable Tauck experience – a fascinating descent down a shaft into the nearby historic Wieliczka Salt Mine for an underground farewell reception and dinner. If you wish, you can choose to take a robust walking tour of the mine complex prior to tonight's special reception and dinner.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Sheraton Grand Krakow

PORTOFCALL : Kraków, Poland

Day 14 Journey Home

Tour ends: Kraków. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Sheraton Grand Krakow to Saint John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice or Kraków Main Train Station. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Kraków, Poland