Insight - Oktoberfest The Germanic Experience (09/2023 - 09/2023) (CF0146GL02)

11 Days From Berlin to Vienna 
Tour Style: Custom Group
Insight Brochure Price from $4,325.00
Brochures: Global Tours
Visits: Germany, Austria

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Discover the Germanic awe of the world’s longest running beer festival at Oktoberfest in Munich, with exclusive seating in the Ochsenbraterei Tent—your very own VIP beer hall among a sea of six million festival goers. Meet Patrick von Ritchthofen, a direct descendant of the Red Baron, before journeying across the Austrian border for a Danube River Cruise, sailing past the mountainside vineyards and lush green surrounds of the Wachau Valley. After touring Berlin’s iconic sights, everything sparkles at a once-in-a-lifetime Dresden dinner, hosted at the King of Saxony’s former summer residence. Enjoy a meal of delicious abundance at the Schloss Hotel Dresden-Pillnitz, a baroque castle complex originally built for the King Augustus II in 1720.
Choice Highlights

Well-being

• : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
• : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
• : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Travel Director

• : "Munich is the capital of beer, so taking guests into the famous Hofbräuhaus, at any time of year, gives them a small idea of what it’s like to attend Oktoberfest."

Summary

• : Guided sightseeing tour with Local Expert in Berlin, Dresden, Salzburg and Vienna • Orientation tour of Nuremberg and Munich.
• : Breathtaking scenic drive through Berchtesgaden countryside to Maria Gern chapel.

Top Rated Highlights

• : Visit the world famous Oktoberfest in Munich • BMW Museum in Munich • The imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress with Funicular ride in Salzburg • Hitler’s notorious “Eagle’s Nest” in Berchtesgaden • River Cruise along the stunning Wachau Valley • Wachau style wine tasting • Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna.
• Berlin: You Local Expert provides a tour of this vibrant city. Drive along the Ku'Damm, passing the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and through Tiergarten to the Reichstag building. See the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House and visit Alexanderplatz.
• Dresden: Your guided tour with a Local Expert shows you the Frauenkirche, the colossal 'Procession of the Dukes' mosaic, the cathedral, Semper Opera House and Zwinger Palace. You'll also learn about the traditional German Christmas Pyramids.
• Nuremberg: Nuremburg is steeped in history and famous for its magnificent landmarks including the imperial castle and the old walled town. Although much of the city was destroyed in WWII, the medieval parts of the old town have been faithfully reconstructed. The City is also famous for the Nuremburg Trials, carried out between 1945 and 1949.
• Munich: Join this giant and unforgettable celebration of great local beers – in fact over seven million liters of beer get consumed each year at Oktoberfest. Revelers also munch their way through thousands of giant sausages and pretzels! Lose yourself in the colorful parades, enjoy fairground rides and admire those in traditional Bavarian costume.
• Munich: During your orientation of the city with your Travel Director, see Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the English Garden, the Hofbräuhaus, St. Peter's Church and the famous Marienplatz.
• Munich: This elegant museum serves as an architectural landmark of both Bayerische Motoren Werke and Munich’s cultural life. Its centrepiece is a permanent exhibition of some 110 exhibits, complemented by temporary exhibitions dedicated to special themes.
• Salzburg: This impressive fortress sits high above the rooftops of Salzburg’s Baroque historical district, offering stunning 360° views of the city. The largest fully preserved castle in Central Europe, roam the magnificent halls and walls, and admire intricate artworks.
• Salzburg: Join your Local Expert to visit the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace and Residence Square - both locations used in 'The Sound of Music.' You will also see the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse.
• : Admire breathtaking views on a scenic drive through the stunning Berchtesgaden countryside, alongside snow capped peaks and lush green meadows. Visit the picturesque Pilgrimage church, Maria Gern Chapel, a pristine white architectural gem, perched on the hillside.
• Vienna: Stroll through the 18th century Crown Prince Garden and manicured grounds with your Local Expert.

Authentic Dining

• Dresden: Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at Schloss Hotel Dresden-Pillnitz. Situated on the premises of the former summer residence of the King of Saxony. Majestic gardens, the stunning architecture of the previous centuries create a truly magical atmosphere.
• Munich: Join special guest Patrick von Ritchthofen, a direct descendant of Manfred von Ritchthofen, otherwise known as ‘The Red Baron’, for an unforgettable conversation and a Dinner.
• Dining Summary: 5 Dinner with Wine (DW), and 12 Breakfast (B)

Insight Experiences

• Vienna: Indulge your senses with a magical concert of classic Viennese music and dance. Enjoy a delicious traditional Austrian dinner, then watch the works of Mozart and Strauss come to life.

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Insight Tour Itinerary

Day 1	Welcome to Berlin
	On arrival at Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport, transfers leave for the hotel at 10:30, 13:00 and 16:00. Your time is yours to explore, perhaps visit nearby Check Point Charlie - once the best-known Berlin Wall crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. This evening at 18:30, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner with wine.
	Visits: Berlin
	Meals: Dinner with Wine
	Accommodation: Hilton Berlin.
Day 2	Discover Berlin
	This morning, marvel 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. Explore the central district of Tiergarten, with its magnificent park, and stroll the Kurfürstendamm, one of the most famous avenues in Berlin, known for its shopping and entertainment. Stop a while on Museum Island before enjoying an afternoon at leisure in this fascinating, once divided city.
	Visits: Berlin
	Meals: Breakfast
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 splendors of the city. From the Frauenkirche, which has risen again from the destruction of World War II, walk past “The Procession of Princes”, a mosaic of colossal proportions on the Royal Palace facade. See the enormous cathedral, Semper Opera House and the Baroque Zwinger Palace. Tonight we’ll go to Dresden-Pillnitz, where we enjoy dinner with wine at the Schloss Hotel. The impressive baroque castle complex was built by 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.
	Visits: Dresden
	Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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’?
	Visits: Dresden, Munich
	Meals: Breakfast
	Accommodation: Munich Marriott Hotel.
Day 5	Munich and Oktoberfest
	Be welcomed into fun-loving Munich as you join your Travel Director this morning for an orientation tour. Explore the Feldernhalle on the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the English Garden, Hofbrauhaus, St Peters Church, and the famous Marienplatz. Then this afternoon join the festivities of Oktoberfest, the most famous beer festival in the world! Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, amusement rides, entertainment, beer and local Bavarian specialties for dinner. With tables reserved, your dedicated host will ensure you have a memorable time.
	Visits: Munich
	Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
	Accommodation: Munich Marriott Hotel.
Day 6	Visit the BMW Museum Relaxed Start
	After a relaxed start, take the opportunity to travel through time and experience the fascinating world of BMW, with a history spanning nine 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.
	Visits: Munich
	Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
	Accommodation: Munich Marriott Hotel.
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.
	Visits: Munich, Salzburg
	Meals: Breakfast
Day 8	Explore Berchtesgaden
	Our day trip today takes us into the heart of Alpine Bavaria. Drive over the German border, past picturesque farmhouses and villages to Obersalzberg. Nearly 75 years ago, this small mountain paradise was the summer playground for top Nazi brass. Take a scenic drive up the mountain to Hitler’s notorious “Eagle’s Nest”, used as a restaurant since the 1950’s. From here you can enjoy splendid views through the arches up to the “Hohen Goll” and across the snow-capped peaks. Soak up the picturesque scenery of the region as we continue past hill tops and mountain villages. Stop at the Maria Gern Church for a look inside, before looping back to Salzburg.
	Visits: Berchtesgaden, Salzburg
	Meals: Breakfast
	Accommodation: ARCOTEL Castellani, 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.
	Visits: Salzburg, Vienna
	Meals: Breakfast
	Accommodation: Hilton Vienna Park.
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. 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.
	Visits: Vienna
	Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 11	Auf Wiedersehen Vienna
	Your journey concludes after breakfast with transfer arriving at Vienna Airport at 08:00.
	Visits: Vienna
	Meals: Breakfast

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Available Room Types: Single, Triple, Twin
Child: ages 5 to 17