Overview:  The  true Sound of Music story of the “Von Trapp Family” in beautiful Salzburg, Austria Eagle’s Nest or Obersalzburg tour, Fascinating adventure of the Salt Mines!

More than a film, The Sound of Music is a cherished memory, filled with laughter, tears, and, of course, some of the most memorable music ever written.  Based on the true story of the Von Trapp family, Maria joins them as a governess to the motherless children of the Baron von Trapp.  After captivating them with her love and musical talents, she married the Baron and, as the Nazi army closes in, the family flees their homeland.  They escape over and through the mountains, finally settling in America, where they still live.

Follow their route through these same mountains to find the Eagle’s Nest, the Obersalzburg bunkers and the Salt Mines of the Berchtesgaden area.  WWII history comes alive in the Alpine peaks with fascinating details of German construction and mountaintop development.  Sitting in a prime position commanding some of the best views anywhere of Europe’s Alps is the Kehlsteinhaus, or the Eagle’s Nest. This building, situated at the summit of the Kehlstein, was given to Adolf Hitler for his 50^th birthday by his close friend Martin Bormann.  Nearby are the bunkers of the protection system in place for the members of Hitler’s top staff, filled with important photos and  documentation.  Saltworks have been providing income in the alpine region since the early 1500’s.  In shafts extending far underground the mountain here, visitors are permitted to enter aboard a wooden train which takes them deep inside. Here you will see how the mine works, with original machinery and equipment set up in disused shafts. Visitors also take a raft ride across an underground lake, and descend down wooden shafts like a fairground slide. 

Day 1: Night departure from various pick up points.  After breakfast en route (not included), we will travel directly to Salzburg: city of Mozart and one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  En route, watch scenes from the original Sound of Music movie, to whet your appetite for the sites and sounds of Salzburg!  The morning is dedicated to the Sound of Music tour and the city of Salzburg: famous castles, Mozart, music, casino, and the traditional Austrian lifestyle.  The Sound of Music tour, which has been Salzburg’s most popular tour for over 20 years, is a combination of this historical city and the beautiful lakes and mountains surrounding the area. You will see the highlights and film locations of The Sound of Music, including Leopoldskron Castle (setting for the Von Trapp family home), Nonnberg Abbey, Hellbrun Castle, Mirabel Gardens (with the Do-Re-Mi fountain), and much more.  You’ll have plenty of free time for visiting the fortress, Mozart’s home, lunch or shopping.  Afterwards, we will check into our hotel for a relaxing night.  Your tour guide can assist with evening dinner and entertainment arrangements.

Day 2:  After breakfast (included), travel from Salzburg to the Obersalzburg region of Germany. 

In warmer weather, enjoy the soaring Eagle’s Nest Tour and a fun and fact-filled stop at Berchtesgaden’s Salt Mines!  The Eagle’s Nest is a mountain-top conference center built as a 50^th birthday present to Adolf Hitler.  While there you will see details about the construction as well as the use of the picturesque teahouse.  Specially equipped busses take tourists up the 27% grade on the 4 mile road leading to the parking lot, where we enter the marble-clad tunnel to the brass-lined elevator for a ride up through the heart of the Kehlstein Mountain (406 feet straight up) into the building itself.  With some free time for photos and refreshments, the special mountain bus will return you to Obersalzburg where our tour bus awaits.  After a self-service lunch opportunity (not included), our appointment awaits at the Salt Mines - famous not only for their important product, but for the interesting and entertaining visit they provide.  Delve into a part of economic history and see how the miners used to work.  Experience the mine train and ride the slide into the crystal world below Berchtesgaden.    Both the Kehlstein Mountain and the Salt Mines can be cool even in warm weather.  Bring appropriate clothing!

When the conditions do not permit ascending to the Eagle’s Nest we will visit the Obersalzburg museum and bunkers.   Obersalzburg was transformed from a sleepy Bavarian mountain community into Hitler’s Southern Headquarters by the Nazi Party and Martin Bormann.  Nearly 4 miles of underground bunkers were built as an air raid shelter, war headquarters and last refuge for the Nazi leaders Hitler, Göring and Bormann.  The tour is detailed, objective and delivered in an understandable and personable way.  After a self-service lunch opportunity (not included), our appointment awaits at the Salt Mines - famous not only for their important product, but for the interesting and entertaining visit they provide.  Delve into a part of economic history and see how the miners used to work.  Experience the mine train and ride the slide into the crystal world below Berchtesgaden.    Both the Bunkers and the Salt Mines can be cooler than expected.  Bring appropriate clothing!

Depart Berchtesgaden at about 3 p.m. for return to points of departure with a stop for refreshments en route (not included), arriving about 11:30 p.m.