DAY 1: UK - Munich.
Fly to Munich, the capital of Bavaria, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for one night.

DAY 2: Munich - Lake Chiemsee - Salzburg.
Sometimes dubbed Germany's 'secret capital', Munich is a captivating mix of traditional Bavarian charm and modern chic and oozes 'gemutlichkeit' - a jovial atmosphere typified by its famous beer halls and breweries. Today, enjoy an included orientation drive of this magnificent city with stops to admire its splendid Marienplatz square, old and new town halls and the twin-towered Gothic church, the Frauenkirche. This afternoon set off on our journey to Salzburg, calling en route at beautiful Lake Chiemsee, Bavaria's biggest lake, before continuing on to Mozart's charming birthplace. (B, D)

DAY 3: Salzburg (included sightseeing) - Melk - Vienna.
Immortalised as the film location of 'The Sound of Music', Salzburg is a feast for the eyes with its charming streets, palaces and churches set beneath an imposing 11th century castle. Take a fascinating tour of the city this morning, ambling through its historic centre to marvel at the magnificent Domplatz Cathedral, Residenzplatz, Festival Hall and medieval Getreidegasse, the cobbled street housing the building where Mozart was born, which is now a museum. Perhaps even sample one of Salzburg's famous Mozartkugel chocolates on your way! This afternoon, drive to Melk for a visit to the 1,000-year old Benedictine Abbey, where you'll have time to soak up the splendours of this beautiful edifice perched high on a hill overlooking the Danube. From here, we trace the banks of the Danube through the stunning Wachau Valley, passing rich vineyards, fairytale castles and villages such as Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Arrive in Vienna, Austria's glittering capital, late this afternoon, for two nights. (B)

DAY 4: Vienna. Included sightseeing.
Once the seat of the mighty Habsburg Empire and the former home to composers Strauss, Brahms, Beethoven, Haydn and Mozart, Vienna blends ornate Baroque architecture with an irresistible musical heritage - you can almost hear the strains of some of classical music's greatest works as you stroll along its streets. There's much to enthral you on our tour today with a chance to admire the fabulous State Opera House, Hofburg Palace and Parliament House amongst other monuments before visiting the superb 12th century St Stephen's Cathedral. Later, why not try some of Vienna's heavenly Sachertorte cake at a traditional coffee house or enjoy a horse-drawn Fiaker carriage ride? This afternoon, don't miss our optional excursion to the exquisite Schönbrunn Palace. Surrounded by glorious gardens and once home to Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Maria Theresa, this breathtaking palace is best known for its Hall of Mirrors, where Mozart once played, and the spectacular ceiling frescoes of its Great Gallery. Tonight brings an unmissable chance to experience a world-class classical concert. (B)

DAY 5: Vienna - Semmering Pass - Graz.
Sit back and soak up the stunning mountain scenery of the Styrian Alps this morning as you cross the famous Semmering Pass towards Graz, Austria's second largest city, for an overnight stay. This afternoon, why not savour the many charms of this historic city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to six universities, on our optional tour? Admire its medieval main square, the Hauptplatz, with its famous painted Gemaltes Haus, covered with frescoes of the Roman gods, together with its quaint cobbled narrow streets and alleyways, impressive castle and other major landmarks. (B, D)

DAY 6: Graz - Grossglockner Pass - Zell am See - Kitzbühel - Innsbruck.
This morning, more scenic wonders await with your journey through pretty Klagenfurt and around Lake Worth to the Grossglockner Pass. This breathtaking pass is the highest in Austria and one of the most spectacular in Europe, with thrilling views of the 12,460ft Grossglockner Mountain, lush dairy pastures and picturesque villages. Once through the Pass, continue on to the lakeside ski resort of Zell am See, set in the heart of the wonderful Hohe Tauern National Park. From there, it's on to the picturebook medieval town of Kitzbühel with its classic Tyrolean chalets and beautiful cobbled centre, dating back to the 9th century. Later, travel on to Innsbruck, the capital of Austria's wondrous Tyrol, for one night. (B, D)

DAY 7: Innsbruck - Munich.
Surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, the Tyrolean capital is undoubtedly one of Austria's prettiest cities, and this morning there's plenty of time to explore its charms and delve into its delightful streets. Admire the resplendent Golden Roof, a 15th century, gold-and-copper roofed balcony built to provide Emperor Maximilian I with a royal box for viewing tournaments in the square below, and marvel at the handsome Hofburg Palace. Grab the opportunity to enjoy some last-minute Austrian souvenir shopping, maybe snapping up some of the legendary Swarovski crystal, which was first produced in the nearby town of Wattens. This afternoon, bid farewell to beautiful Innsbruck as you leave for Munich. Tonight, there's the chance to end your holiday on a high note by joining the optional evening outing to an authentic Bavarian Folklore show, where you can toast your adventure with some Bavarian beer. (B)

DAY 8: Munich - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)