Central Europe: Dresden, Prague, Vienna

For much of the trip south you will pass through the great forests of the Speewald, an area designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1991. The language and customs of the Slavic tribes that originally inhabited the region have been largely preserved to the present day.

You will cross the border near the German city of Breitenau, about 35 km south of Dresden. Although the Czech Republic joined the EU in 2004, border controls remain in place, so all passengers should have their passports ready. After crossing the border you will enter Bohemia, a region historically settled by ethnic Germans that has been the object of much contention through the centuries.

You will first cut through the south-east section of Bohemia to Jihlava, an ancient mining town situated on the boundary between the regions of Bohemia and Moravia. From there you will head straight south to the Austria border, which you will cross near Slavonice. You should be prepared to show your passports at the border crossing.

As you proceed eastwards from Lower Austria to Upper Austria you will move further and further into the shadow of the Alps. Just west of Linz you will pass Mauthausen, site of the largest concentration camp in Austria during WW II (now a museum). Before reaching Salzburg you will pass the town and lake of Mondsee, considered one of the most scenic locations in Upper Austria.

will cross the border into Germany just a few km outside of Salzburg. The short distance to be covered allows time for a stop at scenic Lake Chimsee. One of Ludwig the Mad's (Ludwig II) most spectacular projects after Neuschwanstein is located on the island of Herrenchiemsee: An opulent palace designed as a replica of the Palace of Versailles.