Discover the extraordinary landscapes and charming cities of Germany on a 12-day journey! From Frankfurt, you’ll stop off at famous historical sites and explore famous medieval cities, including Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Munich, and Rothenburg. Gaze the magnificent towers of the Neuschwanstein Castle which rises in all their majestic splendour in the midst of the German Alps. Cross the Rhine River into France and visit Colmar and Strasbourg in the Franco-German region of Alsace. Head on a sightseeing tour through Strasbourg and enjoy a traditional Alsatian lunch before returning to Germany!
Arrival at Frankfurt airport and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to spend at your leisure. Frankfurt is the financial and commercial heart of Germany, a city full of fascinating contrasts between modern development and historic landmarks. At 7 pm meet your guide at the welcome dinner at the hotel. Meals: D
After breakfast travel to Rüdesheim. A short tour of the city‘s historic center. Next board a ship and sail along the most picturesque stretch of the Rhine – the Lorelei valley. During the cruise enjoy a wine tasting. Disembark in St. Goar and return to Frankfurt. Meals: B
In the morning travel to Heidelberg to visit the famous castle, followed by a tour of the historic city center. Idyllically located on the shores of the Neckar River, Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town and one of the most popular destinations in the country. Travel to Baden-Baden, the former summer residence of the European nobility and worldwide known for its thermal baths. Then continue the tour to lovely Freiburg, famous for its beautiful church tower. Meals: B
The Rhine River forms the natural border between Germany and France. After crossing the river arrive in Colmar. This city is known for its outstanding wines and architectural heritage that reflect the long history of this region and the German and French influences. Enjoy a typical Alsatian Lunch. After that continue to Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace. Sightseeing tour of the city. Being the base of several European institutions, Strasbourg is also a symbolic capital of Europe. In the afternoon return to Freiburg. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Meals: B, L
After breakfast drive to the Black Forest and enjoy a short presentation on the cuckoo clock production. Continue to a small traditional Black Forest farm where you will have a cheese tasting and see the real Black Forest. After that continue the tour to the small island of Lindau in Lake Constance, which offers spectacular views of the Alps. Depending on weather conditions, take the Alpine road from Lindau to Oberstaufen and Immenstadt to our final destination Füssen, the southernmost point on your tour of Romantic Germany. Meals: B
Start the day with a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, built by Ludwig II, the notorious “Mad King“. At midday, travel to Oberammergau, famous for its Passion Play and lovely crafts. Along the way, visit the Wieskirche Church and take a brief stop at the Ettal Benedictine Abbey before continuing the tour to visit Linderhof Castle. This is one of the three castles built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and the only one where the king actually lived for a significant amount of time. Return to Füssen. Meals: B
In the morning travel to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Visit the city’s main attractions, concluding the tour at the Marienplatz square with its famous clock tower. Munich, the capital of the state of Bavaria is famous for its Oktoberfest, which is annually celebrated in September. The afternoon is free to explore at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Bavarian dinner. Meals: B, D
After breakfast, start your day excursion to Berchtesgaden. Berchtesgaden is a typical traditional Alpine village at the foot of Mount Watzmann. The region’s attractions include the salt mines, Lake Königssee and Obersalzberg with the Eagle’s Nest, once the site of Hitler’s mountain retreat. After a visit to the infamous Eagle’s Nest (depending on the weather conditions), you have time to take a boat tour on Lake Königssee (not included). In the afternoon, return to Munich. Meals: B
In the morning travel to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Romantic Germany. Sightseeing tour of this lovely medieval town concluding with a Schneeballen (snow ball) tasting, a pastry considered the signature dish of Rothenburg. Next, travel to Nuremberg. Visit Nuremberg’s historic city center and learn more about its impressive history with a tour of the well-preserved castle, Gothic churches, romantic houses and peaceful squares. Meals: B
Today visit the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Ground. Still today, the gigantic remains of buildings in the southern districts of Nuremberg are a reminder of the megalomania of the National Socialist regime. Across eleven square kilometres, a monumental backdrop was to be created for the self-staging of the Nazi Party. Today the unfinished Congress Hall houses the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds. Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Meals: B
In the morning travel from Nuremberg to Würzburg. Arrival at Würzburg, a pretty town on the banks of the Main. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. One of the tour highlights is a visit to the Residenz Palace in Würzburg. On the way to Frankfurt make a brief stop at the Mespelbrunn Castle. Meals: B
After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Meals: B
2020 Guaranteed Departures: May 16, June 20, July 18, August 8, September 12 & October 10
