26 days in Croatia, Germany & Salzburg Itinerary

Germany is the home of high culture, fine art, classical music, world-class sports, award-winning cuisine--and some of the world's best beers. It's also one of the major economic and political powers of the European continent. One of the founding members of the European Union, Germany is a federation of 16 states. Each boasts its own distinct culture, art, cuisine, regional traditions, and array of things to do. The country is known worldwide for its precision engineering and high-tech products. Equally, though, Germany is admired for its old-world charm and what is locally known as gemutlichkeit (coziness). This is one of the easiest countries in the world to explore, offering an abundance of sightseeing opportunities. German transportation runs with German efficiency. Therefore, getting around the various regions is almost always easy, quick, and pleasant. Visit the cities to explore museums, art galleries, modern restaurants, and trendy shops. Also be sure to venture deeper into the countryside. Here, you can discover ancient castles and bustling little villages. Often in these off-the-beaten-path areas, the main tourist attraction remains the simple hospitality of the friendly locals.

Situated in the Central European Alps, Austria combines an alluring bundle of elegant urban architecture, cultural centers, and dramatic landscapes. This German-speaking country of 8.5 million residents is known for its rich history, dating back to the Hapsburg Empire, as well as its art, music, and scenery. Along with the neighboring country of Switzerland, Austria serves as the winter sports capital of Europe and is home to some of the continent's most popular ski resorts. This landlocked nation draws visitors from across the globe to its mountains, historical villages, and culturally rich cities. Experience trekking in the Alps one day and drinking regional wine at a crowded pub after a day of sightseeing in the capital Vienna the next.

Once situated on the edge of empires between the Balkans and Central Europe, Croatia represents a land of great natural diversity and rich cultural heritage. Croatian cultural tourism relies on the charming juxtaposition of contrasts. Venetian palaces sit next to Napoleonic forts, Viennese mansions face Socialist Realist sculpture, and early Slavic churches built on the sites of ancient Roman settlements offer countless sightseeing opportunities. Croatia's museums present the main stages of the history of Europe. The country's sapphire seawater and long coastline speckled with islands draws visitors, as do numerous nature reserves, marinas, ancient fortified towns, and sandy and rocky beaches. In recent years, Croatia's shoreline has become a famed center for nautical tourism and naturism, and is a promising diving destination. Hikers explore outdoor landscapes of canyons, underground grottoes, dramatic waterfalls, stony peaks, and scenic lakes of the Dinaric Alps, which hug the coastline. Inland areas showcase mountain resorts, national parks, pine forests, vineyards, and spas.