Our morning will be spent in Strasbourg, the seat of the European Parliament. On arrival, we board a glass-topped boat to enjoy a river cruise around the heart of this beautiful city. Retaining its old-world charm, there are three bridges spanning the River Ill, massive fortified towers and the pedestrian streets around the Place de la Cathédrale and Place Broglie are a delight. Take time to enjoy one of the numerous cosy bistros and cafés. Late afternoon and evening are at leisure in Triberg, in the very centre of the Black Forest, famous for its cake, and home to the world’s largest cuckoo clock and Germany’s highest waterfall – Triberger Wasserfälle.

Meals:  B

Meals:  B D

This morning we visit the capital of the Black Forest – the gothic city of Freiburg. Sensitively restored, Freiburg is one of the most charming of German cities, located where the Black Forest meets the Rhine Plain. Arcaded shopping streets and little streams lead through the old town to its great gothic cathedral. Lunch today is included in a restaurant on the shores of Lake Titisee, offering the most splendid panoramic views across the lake to the forest. Afterwards, enjoy a cruise on the crystal clear waters of this famous lake and time to explore in the lake resort town of Titisee. Your evening is at leisure in Schonwald.

Meals:  BL

Meals:  BD

Hotel:  Hotel Hirsch in Füssen or similar

Meals:  B

Meals:  BD

We have allowed a full day to explore Salzburg – the baroque city of Mozart. A local guide will take us on a walking tour of this enchanting city, including several locations used in the film ‘The Sound of Music’. Your afternoon will be at leisure to explore the myriad of narrow, cobblestoned streets, ornate squares and churches, fascinating shops and traditional coffee houses. The views from the enormous Festung (Fortress), sitting high above the city, are magnificent.

A fascinating day ahead as we visit Berchtesgaden and Hitler’s Eagles Nest. We take a breathtaking bus journey up the winding Kehlstein road and then, joined by a local guide, and in Hitler’s personal luxurious brass elevator, we ascend inside the mountain for a guided tour of the Kehlsteinhaus. This alpine retreat is better known as Hitler’s Eagles Nest and the mountain views are spectacular. Lunchtime will be spent in the picturesque and historic town of Berchtesgaden before we visit the old Salt Mines. After dressing up in a salt miner’s uniform, we enjoy a fun-filled ride on a small train deep underground, take wooden slides (or steps) and then float on a barge across a crystal clear underground lake, beautifully illuminated by a light show.

Our day is spent exploring the Austrian Lakes District! After a leisurely start, we explore the picturesque town of Hallstatt. Set on a rocky terrace jutting into the quiet dark water of the lake and surrounded by towering peaks, this is considered the oldest inhabited village in Europe and perhaps the most beautiful in Austria. Lunchtime is at leisure in St. Wolfgang, on the extraordinarily picturesque Lake Wolfgangsee, Our return journey to Bad Reichenhall takes us alongside Wolfgangsee (lake) and around Lake Fuschl.  Your evening is free in Bad Reichenhall.

Entering Germany, we stop in the town of Prien on Lake Chiemsee. Here we board a boat to cross over to the island of Herreninsel where we enjoy a guided tour through ‘Mad’ King Ludwig’s Royal Palace of Herrenchiemsee. Utterly extravagant, the State Rooms were modelled on the Palace of Versailles. Later, we continue to Munich. Tonight, we enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.

Meals:  BD

Meals:  BD