BudgetEurope.net
18 day Bohemia & Bavaria Tour
Travels through Czech, Austria and Germany
From the Czech Republic’s golden capital to the romantic castles and fabled cities of Germany and Austria.
Day 1: Prague
Transfer from Prague airport to our centrally-located Hotel.
Day 2: Prague
Prague is one of Europe’s most charming and beautiful cities and since 1992 its historic center has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Today we will spend all day sightseeing in Prague, visiting the Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock.
Day 3: Karlštejn Castle, Plzeň
Guided tour of the Gothic castle in Karlštejn, one of the most famous in the Czech Republic, founded in the 14th century by Charles IV. We then visit Plzeň and its Gothic Cathedral, founded in the late 13th century, the tower of which is the highest in the country. Plzeň is also well-known for the Pilsner Urquell (since 1842) and Gambrinus (since 1869) breweries and we will take the the brewery tour. The pilsener style of beer was developed in Pilsen in the 19th century.
Day 4: Rožmberk, Hluboká nad Vltavou
Transfer to an historic village in the South Bohemian region of the Czech Republic. Rožmberk is an idyllic town of around 330 inhabitants, featuring a picture-perfect castle built in 1253. On the way we will visit the town of Hluboká nad Vltavou, a favourite of Charles IV, who often visited when residing in České Budějovice. It has a famous Windsor style chateau.
Day 5: Český Krumlov
All day sightseeing in a town famous for fine architecture and art. Old Český Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Krumlov Castle is the second biggest Czech castle after Prague. A complex of forty richly decorated Renaissance and Baroque buildings and palaces create an impressive noble residence, situated around five castle courts, with the Baroque castle garden spanning an area of ten hectares. Enjoy a guided tour around these historic surroundings.
Day 6: Salzburg
Transfer to Salzburg in Austria, with afternoon sightseeing at the Castle and Residenz Palace. Salzburg’s Old Town with its world famous baroque architecture is one of the best-preserved city centers in the German-speaking world, and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Its architectural heritage is complemented by its beautiful Alpine setting.
Day 7: Salzburg, Hallstatt
Salzburg is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting for parts of the musical and film The Sound of Music. We will spend the morning at Mozart’s Birthplace and Residence, with an afternoon trip to Hallstatt, a beautiful small village with World Heritage status, sited picturesquely on a lake.
Day 8: Berchtesgaden, Eagles Nest, Obersalzberg and Salt Mines in Berchtesgaden
Day trip to the Berchtesgaden region in the nearby German Bavarian Alps, where we will tour the fascinating Berchtesgaden salt mine, in operation since 1517. In former times only privileged dignitaries were allowed to visit! We’ll also take an Eagle’s Nest tour. The Kehlsteinhaus is a chalet-style building built as part of the Obersalzberg complex by the Nazis on Kehlstein mountain (1835m) that offers spectacular views to its visitors. Graffiti left by allied troops is still visible in some of the woodwork. Hitler’s small study is now a store room for the cafeteria.
Day 9: Munich
Transfer to Munich, capital of Bavaria and Germany’s third largest city, with afternoon sightseeing in the old town. The city is an inspiring mix of historic buildings and impressive new landmarks of architecture.
Day 10: Munich
All day sightseeing in Munich, noted for its architecture and culture, and its annual Oktoberfest beer celebration. Although it was heavily damaged by allied bombing during World War II, many of its historic buildings have been rebuilt and the city centre appears mostly as it did in the late 1800s.
Day 11: Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau
All day sightseeing in these famous castles, including lunch. Hohenschwangau Castle (literally Castle of the High Swan County) was the childhood residence of King Ludwig II of Bavaria and was built by his father, King Maximilian II of Bavaria. Neuschwanstein was built by Ludwig II when he became king as a retreat and as an homage to Richard Wagner. It is the most photographed building in Germany. It also served as the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland.
Day 12: Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Transfer to Rothenburg ob der tauber, one of the finest medieval towns in Europe. We’ll take an evening night watchman’s tour of the town.
Day 13: Rothenburg ob der Tauber
All day sightseeing around Rothenburg.
Day 14: Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen
Day trip to nearby Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen with lunch in Dinkelsbühl. Walk the walls of this historic town with its 30 towers and cobbled streets. You will also enjoy the walled town of Nördlingen, built in the crater of a meteor that struck here 15 million years ago.
Day 15: Sluknov, Würzburg
Transfer to Šluknov, the northernmost town of the Czech Republic, along the Romantic road. On the way we will visit Würzburg, on the Main River, surrounded by forests and vineyards and the centre for art and beautiful architecture and delicate wines. We’ll visit the castle Fortress Marienberg and museum.
Day 16: Bautzen, Dresden
Bautzen has a very compact and well preserved medieval town centre with a multitude of churches and towers and an impressive city wall on the steep embankment to the river Spree, with one of the oldest preserved waterworks in central Europe (built 1558). Dresden, on the Elbe River, is capital of the German federal-state of Saxony. It also has a beautiful Old Town (Altstadt).
Day 17: Northern Czech
Final day sightseeing around the beautiful wilderness area of northern Czech Republic including the many small villages and sites in this region.
Day 18: Prague
Transfer to Prague airport.
Date
- 12 June – 29 June 2012
Cost & Inclusions
Cost
Price is per person twin share, 15% single supplement.
- Australian dollars: $5,100 AUD convert
Inclusions
All accommodation (3 or 4 stars), fully escorted with 2010 model mini van, sightseeing kitty of 250 euro, all vehicle costs including tolls, petrol.