Great Tours: Germany and Austria

Your journey starts in Vienna, the cultural, political, and historical epicenter of Austria. In a sweeping tour, visit sites such as the iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral; the palaces, museums, and parks of the Ringstrasse (Ring Road); and the architectural treasure trove of the Hofburg, winter quarters of the Hapsburg emperors. Also, visit the cafes and beer taverns that typify life in Vienna.

Leaving Vienna along the Danube, enjoy the rich sights of the Wachau Valley. Learn about the great wines of Krems and its medieval history. Continue to the charming hamlet of Mautern, and the astonishing monasteries of Stift Göttweig and Melk, both boasting treasures of architecture and art. Finish at Melk's incredible Stiftskirche, one of the most glorious baroque churches in the world.

Stop first at the vibrant city of Linz, Austria's contemporary mecca for art, culture, and technology. Glimpse the city's era under the Nazis, then take in cutting-edge museums, majestic cathedrals, and the historic inner city. Crossing into Germany, discover Passau, with its great Veste Oberhaus castle, stunning baroque cathedral, and culture of edgy performing arts and regional cuisine.

In this UNESCO-designated medieval city, explore the winding cobblestone streets and Wohntürme (patrician houses) of the Alstadt (old city), and other treasures of medieval architecture, among them the Rathaus, an administrative seat of the Holy Roman Empire, and the must-see St. Peter's Cathedral. Along the way, learn about the city's trademark Bratwurst sausages and superb Bavarian beers.

At Ingolstadt, enjoy the city's imposing medieval fortifications, the facilities of Audi motors, and two of Ingolstadt's signature breweries. Next, encounter the city of Munich, stopping first at the futuristic headquarters and museum of BMW, and then at the city's renowned film studios. Finally, delve into Munich's historic architecture surrounding Marienplatz, and the city's great beer gardens.

Begin at Ulm, a city with a proud Swabian German heritage and dialect. Take in the extraordinary Ulmer Münster, and sights such as the historic Fisher's Quarter, with its half-timber houses and great river festival. In beautiful, scenic Tuttlingen, learn the amazing story of the town's rebuilding after a fire in 1803, and its current role at the center of the med-tech industry.

Dig into the sights of the famed city of Salzburg, beginning with its role in the salt trade, and historic landmarks such as St. Peter's Abbey, and the mighty citadel of Festung Hohensalzburg. Trace the history of Salzburg's powerful prince-archbishops as you travel the Altstadt, with its palaces and stunning baroque churches. End with a look at the majestic Alps at Zell am See.

Now begin your journey along the Rhine, with a stop at Duisburg, where the Rhine and Ruhr Rivers converge. Take the measure of Duisburg's inland harbor, Europe's largest, its signature pilsner beer, and its vibrant steel industry. Then visit the multicultural metropolis of Düsseldorf. Discover the city's lively waterfront, its role as a capital of fashion, and its own iconic beverage, Altbier.

Uncover the 2,000-year history of Cologne-encompassing imposing Roman ruins, Germany's oldest town hall, and the city's monumental Gothic cathedral-home to dazzling Christian treasures, stained glass, and art. Learn the story of Cologne's eponymous perfume and glimpse the extravagant yearly season of Karneval, celebrated passionately with Kölsch, the city's top-fermented beer.