Central Europe

10 Days / 9 Nights — Germany, Switzerland, Austria

A medieval masterpiece. Storybook castles, charming villages — there's a magnificent ambiance about this 10-day foray back in history.

DAY 1 — Frankfurt, The Rhine

Begin your first day heading for the majestic Rhine River with its storied castles overlooking the riverbanks at nearly every turn. Prepare yourself for the spectacular views from the 1,000-year-old castle of Schonburg, perched high above this extraordinary waterway. Lodging: Burghotel auf Schonburg

DAY 2 — The Rhine

Your full day to explore the castles and vineyards along the Rhine. The villages of the Rheingau read like a wine list; Rudesheim, Johannisberg and Eltville. Then you're off to the legendary Loreley Rock where sailors were lured to their doom by the songs of the Sirens. It's a wonderful day of medieval discovery. Lodging: Burghotel auf Schonburg

DAY 3 — The Black Forest

Your day begins with a drive via the Pfalz area into the Black Forest and the Roman spa town of Baden Baden. Then you'll travel deeper into the "Schwarawald" via the unique Gutach Falls, which plunges down the Mountainside in seven wild and spectacular stages. Lodging: Park Hotel Wehrle

DAY 4 — Lucerne

The drive today continues through the "Forest" via the famous Rhinefalls into the Swiss countryside, and on to the shores of the beautiful Lake of Lucerne. Settle into the regal Park Hotel Vitznau with its terrace and lawns that reach down to the water's edge. Lodging: Park Hotel Vitznau

DAY 5 — Lucerne

A day exploring the lakeside villages of Brunnen and Weggis — as well as a trip up to the Rigi-Kulm on the rack railway — for an unforgettable view over the surrounding lakes and mountains. Finish in Lucerne with its 15th and 16th century houses and medieval, covered bridges. Lodging: Park Hotel Vitznau

DAY 6 — Bavaria

Today's route takes you via the scenic German Alps Road to the very heart of the Bavarian Highlands, which is the gateway to the Royal Castles. Settle into the Hotel Muller, which combines the hospitality and tradition of a family-owned Bavarian Inn located at the base of the majestic Neuschwanstein Castle. Lodging: Hotel Muller

DAY 7 — Bavaria

You have a full day to explore the Bavarian villages, and to visit three of the most astonishing castles to be found anywhere: Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau and Linderhof. The legacy of Mad King Ludwig and his glorification of Richard Wagner and the "Sun King," Louis XIV, can be seen throughout these buildings. Lodging: Hotel Muller

DAY 8 — Salzburg

Continue via Garmisch and the famed "Deutsche Alpenstrasse" to the city of Mozart and the magnificent Schloss Monchstein. Here is a storybook castle with ivy-covered walls, as well as towers and turrets dating from the middle of the 14th century. In the 18th century, the castle was the site of musical soirees that featured both Mozart and Haydn. Lodging: Schloss Monchstein

DAY 9 — Salzburg

With its beginning as a Celtic and then a Roman settlement, Salzburg has a long and fascinating history. Mozart was born here in 1756, and you can visit his house with mementos of his musical life. Salzburg's musical tradition has been kept alive with the filming of the "Sound of Music," and you can visit sites where specific songs were performed. Lodging: Schloss Monchstein

DAY 10 — Vienna

Follow the Danube today as it winds its way past the great Abbey of Melk to Durnstein, where Richard the Lionhearted was imprisoned as he tried to make his way home from the Third Crusade. Arrive in Vienna where your Castle Road ends.

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