Oktoberfest with Insight Vacations
Price: $5,375CAD Per Person
(Pricing is per person, land only, based on double occupancy.)
Departure Date: September 18, 2022
Return Date: September 28, 2022
Photo: Oktoberfest
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.
Inclusions
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organizer, and friend overseas.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
Photo: Map of Oktoberfest, The German Experience Itinerary
Oktoberfest, The German Experience Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Berlin
On arrival at Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport, transfers leave for the hotel at 10:30 and 13:30. 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.
Later, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception, and get to know your fellow travel companions over a pleasant evening dinner with wine.
Hotel: Hilton Berlin
Included Meals: Dinner with Wine
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.
Hotel: Hilton Berlin
Included 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.
Hotel: Hilton Dresden
Included 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’?
Hotel: Munich Marriott Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast
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.
Hotel: Munich Marriott Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: Visit the BMW Museum
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.
Hotel: Munich Marriott Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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.
Hotel: ARCOTEL Castellani
Included 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.
Hotel: ARCOTEL Castellani
Included Meals: Breakfast
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.
Hotel: Hilton Vienna Park
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Discover Vienna
This morning, join a Local Expert for a guided visit of Maria Theresa’s Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. Learn about the Hasburg family dynasty, and how much of Vienna’s present-day charm is due to their long reign.
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.
Stop and savor the finest coffee and cake at Demel, the famous Viennese pastry shop, before spending the afternoon at your leisure.
As night falls, experience an extraordinary concert of Viennese classical music. Enjoy the best-loved works of Johann Strauss and Mozart, performed by highly acclaimed soloists and dancers, over a delicious meal of traditional Austrian fare.
Hotel: Hilton Vienna Park
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 11: Auf Wiedersehen Vienna
Your journey concludes after breakfast with transfers arriving at Vienna Airport at 07:00 and 09:00.
Included Meals: Breakfast