Oktoberfest The Germanic Experience
Oktoberfest The Germanic Experience
Oktoberfest The Germanic Experience
11 Days Starting in Berlin and ending in Vienna
Visiting: Berlin, Dresden, Munich, Salzburg, Berchtesgaden, Vienna
Tour operator:
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Berlin
Location: Berlin
Accommodation: PULLMAN BERLIN SCHWEIZERHOF
Accommodation Name: PULLMAN BERLIN SCHWEIZERHOF
On arrival at Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport, transfers leave for the hotel at 10:30. 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. This evening at 17:30, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner with wine.
Day 2: The Spirit Of Berlin
Location: Berlin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a Local Expert to see some of Berlin's many highlights. Travel along the Ku'Damm past the Memorial Church. Drive through the Tiergarten to see Norman Foster’s glass dome that crowns the reconstructed Reichstag building. Continue with a visit to the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of the reunification, and down along the Unter den Linden, past the Humboldt University and State Opera. Stop on Museum Island before enjoying some time at leisure in this once divided city. Perhaps visit the KaDeWe department store - the shopping centre of West Berlin which during 40 years of division, became the shop window of the West.
Day 3: Dresden, A Baroque Phoenix On The Elbe
Location: Berlin, Dresden
Meals Included: Breakfast
In Dresden, join your Local Expert to see the splendours of the city. From the Frauenkirche, which has risen again from the destruction of World War II, walk past ‘The Procession of the Princes', a mosaic of colossal proportions on the Royal Palace facade. See the huge cathedral, Semper Opera House and Baroque Zwinger Palace. Although the town was heavily bombed during World War II, it remains a treasure trove of early German history and baroque architecture.
Day 4: Journey To Munich
Location: Dresden, Munich
Meals Included: Breakfast
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’?
Day 5: Munich And Oktoberfest
Location: Munich
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning take the opportunity to travel through time and experience fascinating BMW, with a history spanning 9 decades.This afternoon enjoy the festival atmosphere, amusement rides, entertainment, beer and local Bavarian specialties for dinner. With tables reserved, your dedicated host will ensure you have a memorable time.
Day 6: Explore Munich Relaxed Start
Location: Munich
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a relaxed start, take the opportunity to visit Schloss Nymphenburg with its Baroque gardens. 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.
Day 7: Journey To Salzburg
Location: Munich, Salzburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8: Explore Berchtesgaden
Location: Berchtesgaden, Salzburg
Accommodation: ARCOTEL Castellani, Salzburg
Accommodation Name: ARCOTEL Castellani, Salzburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 9: Journey To Vienna
Location: Salzburg, Vienna
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 hotel.
Day 10: Discover Vienna
Location: Vienna
Meals Included: Breakfast
Much of Vienna’s present day charm is due to the long reign of the Habsburgs, so in the morning, join a Local Expert for a guided visit of Maria Theresa’s Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. 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. As night falls, experience an extraordinary concert of Viennese classical music. The best-loved works of Johann Strauss and Mozart, performed by highly acclaimed soloists and dancers, are combined with a delicious meal of traditional Austrian fare, with drinks included.
Day 11: Auf Wiedersehen Vienna
Location: Vienna
Meals Included: Breakfast
A transfer arrives at Vienna airport at 08.00
Check out our Q&As
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions