Bob's Special Tours

I believe you can do both. Neither one should be missed. For the SOM, Bob's tours run mini-vans with small groups as opposed to Panoramic, which has large buses with 50-60 people. I am sure your hotel/bb could make arrangements for you, although Bob's has a web site. Eagle's Nest is a must...it is called Kehlstein in German. There is also a Nazi Documentation Center right there that is really interesting, especially for WW2 fans. You will be in Obersalzburg, which was home to many of Hitler's honchos. You may not have to book ahead. We are returning to do both (last there in 2005) at the end of May..You will enjoy them very much!

Last summer I took the SOM tour from Bob's Special Tours. I called the afternoon before for the next AM. We left around 8 or 8:30 and were back by noonish I think. Visiting the Mirabell gardens was the next thing to do. I thought the tour was great fun.

Pam

Kasey,
Please report back after your trip. I will be visiting the same sites in October and am anxious to hear other opinions before I go.

You can do both - each on separate days of course. I took the Eagles Nest Tour last year as mentioned in Rick Steves' Book with David Harper. I am a huge history buff so I enjoyed it. He pointed out really small details at the Eagles' Nest that you would not even be aware of. (Hitler had heating vents in his car tunnel to keep himself/car warm). He pointed out small details like that. You do not have time to visit the museum there though. Before the tour, you can visit the nearby salt mines. It is a great way to kill time before the tour. It is definitely geared towards the younger crowd, but it's nice to have fun every now and then and slide down into the mines. I went on a SOM tour and was disappointed, you can watch the DVD and get the same thing out of it. I am a fan, but only really enjoyed walking in the gardens/looking at the fountain. This is just my opinion, though. Other people seem to really enjoy SOM tour. Book ahead for the Eagles Nest. Either way, hope you have fun! :)

kasey,

You might want to check with the Tour companies regarding the Eagle's Nest Tours. I was at Bob's office in Salzburg this morning, and they checked on the road conditions for me. Apparently the road to the Eagle's Nest will be opening late this year, and may not be open by May 17 / 18?

I'm booked for the Mountain Tour tomorrow (which visits Berchtesgaden), so will post comments later.

Cheers!

Wow, thanks for the input. . .I'll have to send them an email.