Insider's Austria and Germany

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Friday March 19: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Saturday March 20: Rothenburg

Arrive in Frankfurt, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and drive to Rothenburg. Once settled in, you can begin to explore and familiarize yourself with this medieval gem of a city. Imagine battle cries in the Town Hall Square and inspect the intricate carvings in St. Jakob's Church. (D)

Day 3, Sunday March 21: Munich

Depart this morning for Munich, stopping en route to visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial. This former prison camp was not one of the “death camps” but is still a vivid reminder of Nazi atrocities during World War II. Participate in a discussion about the rise of the Nazi Party and learn why every Munich school child must also visit this poignant site. In Munich, refuel with a pretzel tasting followed by an evening visit to the Olympic Park. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday March 22: Munich

Explore Bavaria's capital with an expertly guided sightseeing tour to sites like Marienplatz with its famed Glockenspiel, the Viktualienmarkt food and flower market and the surfers on the Isar River. Later today, discover the city's hidden gems during a Munich by bike tour of unique neighborhoods and sights off the beaten path. Pedal down historic old streets, peek into delightful courtyards, ride along the city's river and explore the popular 910-acre Englischer Garten, one of the world's largest urban public parks. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday March 23: Salzburg

Journey to the opulent Herrenchiemsee Palace, the largest of Ludwig II’s royal residences. Ride a boat across the lake to the island-perched palace, visiting its apartments, Hall of Mirrors and gardens. Then continue on to Salzburg in the afternoon. Tonight’s dinner is truly something special: Stiftskeller St. Peter’s is central Europe’s oldest restaurant and is tucked inside one of the courtyards of the old abbey. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday March 24: Salzburg

This morning a sightseeing tour with a local guide shows you the lovely, manicured gardens in front of the Mirabell Palace, the Sound of Music Churchyard and the stunning Baroque Dom Cathedral. Next visit Mozart’s Birthplace Museum on the crowded shopping street, the Getreidegasse. In the afternoon, we take you out to the Hallein Salt Mine, where you journey deep beneath the ground to learn more about how this precious mineral deeply influenced Salzburg’s (or, literally, Salt Town) history. Besides, you get to slide down the long wooden slides the miners used and traverse a dark lake deep inside the mountain mine. Return to Salzburg in time for dinner. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday March 25: Vienna

Journey today the great abbey-palace of Melk, where the monks of St. Benedict have lived and worked for over 900 years, through the Reformation and occupation by both Napoleon and the Nazis. Tour the interior of this Baroque wonder and visit the beautiful surrounding Abbey Park—don't miss the exotic frescoes in the Baroque garden pavilion. Then continue to Vienna and begin to explore this city known for its rich musical heritage. Beethoven, Strauss and Haydn are some of the composers who have drawn on its quaint streets, lively squares and Baroque façades for inspiration. You'll head out in the evening for a walk through the amusements of Prater Park. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday March 26: Vienna

This morning tour the grounds and interior of Schönbrunn Palace, the massive Habsburg summer retreat, including the Imperial state rooms and private quarters of the Austrian Emperors. Included audio guides enhance your visit. Then embark on a sightseeing tour of Vienna where an expert local guide shows you the glory of the former Imperial capital including the Ringstrasse, Hofburg Palace complex, Opera House and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Later a local master will mesmerize you with a demonstration of the world famous Viennese Waltz before you take to the floor to give it a try. All that dancing earns you a taste of the city's famed coffee house culture—visit one of Vienna's many glittering cafés to savor some mélange coffee or hot chocolate and Sachertorte. The rest of the afternoon is free to further explore the city on your own or shop for souvenirs. You will have earned your traditional Austrian dinner to celebrate your last night in Europe. (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday March 27: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)