German Highlights in deep 2010

Frankfurt- Koblenz- Bacharach- Cologne- Eisenach - Erfurt- Dresden- Meissen- Leipzig- Salzburg- Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Fussen- Frankfurt

16 days / self drive

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9th Day / Salzburg

Breakfast.

10th Day / Salzburg

Breakfast.

Today make a full day excursion to Berchtesgaden.

Welcome to Berchtesgaden

When the word "vacation" had not yet been invented, Berchtesgaden had long been visited by prominent guests. Bavaria's kings chose the land at the foot of Mount Watzmann as their summer residence. What the nobility once kept for them is, today, enjoyed by all for what it has to offer: culture and cures, excitement and recuperation. At the heart of the climatic cure region, Berchtesgaden is truly a spring of health. Visitors also enjoy the art and culture of the area's numerous museums, exhibits and concerts. Immersed in centuries of history, Berchtesgaden is surrounded by majestic mountains a top one of which is the "Eagle's Nest". Deep below ground the visitor is transported into the fairy tale world of the Salt Mines.
The historical town centre boasts decorated façades, churches and the Royal Palace. Perched on a hillside is the famous pilgrimage church of Maria Gern, a Baroque jewel set in an exquisite alpine jewel box, not far from Berchtesgaden is the Königsee, it is the deepest lake in Germany. The lake was formed by glaciers during the last ice age. It is 7.7 kilometres long and about 1.7 kilometres across at its widest point.
You can also take a boat trip at the Königsee.

Today you have loads of possibilities to choose from.

You can visit Eagle's Nest, Hitler's conference place high up in the mountains, or you visit the famous Salt mines, where you get a glimpse of the salt production in this region. If the weather is nice, you can take a boat trip at Lake Königsee to St. Bartholomew chapel which dated back to the 12th century. Should the weather be rainy or you wanting some time to relax, you can visit the Watzmanntherme, a regional spa.

Transfer back to Salzburg
Remainder of the day and dinner under your own arrangement.

11th Day / Salzburg

Breakfast.

Drive south for an excursion to the Austrian Alps and Austrians highest mountain.

At 3,798m the Grossglockner is not only the highest mountain in Austria, it also counts among the highest peaks in the Alps. The first ascent was in 1800 but victory and defeat accompanied other expeditions. The Pallavicini Trough is named after Margrave Alfred Pallavicini, who met his death on the Glockner in 1886.
The Grossglockner and Pasterze Glacier have been owned by the Austrian Alpine Association since 1918. In 1951, Oskar Kühlken, author of the "Glockner Book" described the myth behind the mountain as follows:
"The Grossglockner is more than just the highest mountain in Austria. It is enveloped in the aura of an extraordinary personality, cast on all who fall under its spell."
With the building of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, the majestic peak acquired a new dimension. As a popular excursion destination it is the epitome of an impressive natural experience for many people: size and power can be felt here, one is subject to the fascination of the eternal ice and the elemental force of nature.

Take your way up at the High Alpine Road, enjoy the panoramic view which is offered to you.

In the afternoon drive back to Salzburg
Remainder of the day and dinner under your own arrangement.

12th Day / Salzburg- Fussen

Breakfast and check out.

Today you will leave Austria to travel via Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Fussen.

Welcome to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is located at the foot of the Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany (2,962 m/9,724 ft), and is both one of the principal climatic health spas in the Bavarian Alps and Germany's premier winter sports metropolis. The city hosted the 1936 Winter Olympics and the 1978 World Championship. A walk through the streets and lanes of Garmisch-Partenkirchen will give you a feel for the town's very special combination of international flair and Bavarian tradition. Elegant boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops carry both traditional handicrafts and original souvenirs, and are the perfect place for an afternoon's shopping.
Have time for lunch in Garmisch-Partenkirchen before you continue to Fussen to your hotel for check-in.

Welcome to Fussen

Fussen is a town in Bavaria, Germany, in the district of Ostallgäu situated 5 kilometres from the Austrian border. It is located on the banks of the Lech river.

The "Hohes Schloss" (High Castle), the former summer residence of the prince bishops of Augsburg and one of Swabia's largest and best preserved late Gothic castle complexes, is Füssen's landmark. Today the castle houses a branch gallery of the Bavarian State Collections of Paintings, which focuses on late Gothic and Renaissance works of art. Below the Hohes Schloss is the baroque complex of the former Benedictine monastery of St. Mang, whose history goes back to the 9th century.

Remainder of the day and dinner under your own arrangement.

14th Day / Fussen-Frankfurt

Breakfast and check-out.

You will leave Fussen this day and enjoy a drive along the romantic road to Frankfurt.
You can stop along this stunning road, where you want and have lunch there, or a stroll around.

Transfer to your hotel for check in.

15th Day / Frankfurt

Breakfast.

Enjoy a half day guided city tour through this "Main"hattan. This city walk through the old town centre (Römerberg) focuses on Frankfurt history, incl. its role as an electoral site for German-Roman kings and host city for the coronation ceremonies of Holy Roman emperors. Frankfurt's tradition as a free trade city and its role in the first German National Assembly held here in 1848 are also highlighted.

Remainder of the day and dinner under your own arrangement.

16th Day / Departure

Breakfast and check out.

Transfer to Frankfurt airport, return your rental car and departure.