Enchanting German Castles and Fairy Tales - 9 Days

Upon arrival in Munich, we'll take care of your transfer to the hotel, ensuring a smooth start to your journey. You'll have some free time to unwind and perhaps explore the lively streets of this vibrant Bavarian city. In the afternoon, make sure to check the hotel reception area for information regarding the commencement of your tour. This will ensure you're fully prepared for the exciting days ahead. Although accommodation is not included for the night, you'll have the opportunity to get accustomed to your surroundings and perhaps experience some of Munich's local culture and cuisine at your leisure. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On the second day, we'll journey amidst the stunning alpine scenery to Füssen, where we'll visit the renowned Neuschwanstein Castle. We'll travel by bus to Mary's Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding gorge. From there, it's your choice to return either by foot or horse carriage, though please note the carriage option is not included in our package. Our adventure continues along the famed Romantic Road to Rothenburg, a charming, historic walled city. Here, we'll explore the enchanting Christmas Museum, with admission included. After soaking in the festive atmosphere, we'll proceed to Frankfurt, the bustling heart of Germany's financial district.

Today, we will delve into the scenic Rhine and Moselle Valleys, areas steeped in history and dotted with enchanting villages. Our day begins with a short cruise along the Rhine River, navigating the idyllic stretch between Rüdesheim and Sankt Goar, renowned for its picturesque beauty. Next, we make our way to the Moselle River for a lunch break in Cochem, a delightful village on the Rhine's banks shadowed by its ancient castle, standing prominently for over a thousand years. Following our time here, we journey to Cologne, where you will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral. At a towering height of 154 metres, it was the tallest building worldwide until the close of the 19th century. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Rhine River and explore the city's vibrant centre before we head to our accommodation in Dortmund. Please note that during fairs or congresses, we may arrange accommodation in a nearby city.

Today, we set off on a journey inspired by the enchanting tales of the Brothers Grimm as we traverse the famed Fairy Tale Route. Our adventure begins in Trendelburg, a quaint village fortified by walls. Here, we explore the expansive medieval castle and its renowned Rapunzel Tower, with admission included. As we continue, the scenic roads draw us through lush forests reminiscent of the Hansel and Gretel tale. Lunchtime sees us in Höxter, a lively town where we visit Corvey Abbey, a venerable monastery from the 9th century, recognised as a World Heritage Site – entrance is included. Our route then takes us to Polle to view the remnants of Cinderella’s Castle, also with included admission. Our journey proceeds to Hamelin, a town immortalised by the legend of The Pied Piper. Here, you can follow the iconic mouse tracks through town. Our day concludes in Hanover, where you'll have the opportunity to wander around the vicinity of the historic old town hall. Please note that during fairs or conferences, our accommodation may be in a neighbouring city, and Corvey Abbey is closed from November to February.

After breakfast, we set off to explore the historic Rammelsberg Mines near Goslar, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site with a legacy of silver mining dating back to the Middle Ages. Included is admission to the museum, where we delve into the lives of the miners and the industrial significance of this remarkable site. We continue our journey to the charming town of Goslar, famous for its extraordinarily preserved medieval old town, which also enjoys UNESCO status. The half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and the grand Church of St. Peter all evoke a bygone era. Our travels then take us to Göttingen, a vibrant hub of education and science and once the home of the Brothers Grimm. You can enjoy lunch and a wander through its delightful historic centre. In the afternoon, we travel through Thuringia and pause in the scenic spa town of Bad Sooden, tucked away amongst wooded hills and known for its exquisite timber-framed buildings and serene atmosphere. Later, we arrive in Eisenach, a town full of Baroque and Renaissance architecture, renowned as the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach and a significant location in Martin Luther's life. Dinner is included.

We’ll begin our day with a visit to the historic Wartburg Castle, perched high above Eisenach. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fortress offers a fascinating journey through German history, having been the location where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German. Its commanding position also allows for spectacular views of the countryside.

After our tour, you will have some free time in Eisenach to enjoy lunch and explore as you wish. If you have an interest in music, the Bach House is a must-see, marking the birthplace of the legendary composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Alternatively, the Automobile Museum awaits car enthusiasts with its impressive collection of vintage vehicles, housed in what was once East Germany’s main car factory.

Our travels then take us to Gotha, where we’ll admire the exterior of its splendid Baroque palace and wander through the charming historic centre. Continuing on, we proceed to Erfurt, Thuringia's bustling capital. With its grand cathedral and well-preserved medieval old town, Erfurt offers much to explore. One of its highlights is a picturesque bridge lined with houses that have been continuously inhabited for more than 500 years.

By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Leipzig, a city rich in cultural and historical significance. Known for its connections to prominent composers like Bach and Wagner, Leipzig also played a key industrial role during the era of the GDR. Today, it thrives as a vibrant city with a diverse population of over half a million residents.

As we depart from Leipzig, our first stop is the Monument to the Battle of the Nations, an imposing structure standing 91 metres tall and inaugurated in 1913 to commemorate a pivotal battle of the Napoleonic Wars. We then continue to Dresden, the capital of Saxony, celebrated for its stunning Baroque and Renaissance architecture. Take in the grandeur of its palatial structures and enjoy a leisurely walk along the scenic Elbe River. Our next destination is Meissen, renowned for its fine porcelain manufacturing since the 18th century. Here, we'll have the opportunity to wander through the charming old town, enjoy lunch, and admire the city's impressive castle and cathedral.

Our journey then takes us to Moritzburg, where we enjoy a stroll through the enchanting grounds of "Cinderella’s Castle," romantically situated on an island within an artificial lake. Its magnificent architecture and sprawling gardens offer a serene escape. As the day draws to a close, we head to Berlin, aiming to arrive around 7:00 p.m., ready for tomorrow’s explorations in Germany’s vibrant capital.

Explore Berlin, Germany’s fascinating capital, with a local guide. We'll take you on a panoramic coach tour, offering glimpses of the city’s iconic landmarks. You'll pass Museum Island, spot the Television Tower, roam the bustling shopping streets, and witness the remains of the old cathedral, devastated during the Second World War. Marvel at the historic Brandenburg Gate and the striking Reichstag, while enjoying views of Berlin’s expansive parks.

We will make stops at two poignant sites: the Holocaust Memorial, a moving tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, and the Berlin Wall Memorial Museum, offering insight into Germany’s turbulent 20th-century history. The afternoon is yours to discover Berlin at your leisure. You might explore its vibrant neighbourhoods, sample local cuisine, or delve further into its rich cultural scene. As evening approaches, we’ll head to the dynamic Kantstrasse area, setting you up for an engaging night out.

After breakfast, our tour in Berlin concludes, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your journey. From the vibrant cityscapes and historical landmarks to the enriching cultural experiences, we trust that your exploration has been truly memorable. We hope you carry these wonderful moments with you as you head home or continue on your travels.