Fairy Tale Journey Through Germany - 9 Days

Welcome to the vibrant city of Berlin, the starting point of your exciting journey. Upon your arrival, we will ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel, allowing you to settle in with ease. Once checked in, you will have some leisure time to explore the city at your own pace or simply relax and take in the new surroundings. Later in the afternoon, please visit the hotel reception area to find detailed information regarding the commencement of your tour. We recommend making use of this time to plan your upcoming experiences in the captivating German capital. 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 in Berlin, we delve deep into the city's rich cultural tapestry with a guided panoramic tour of Germany’s capital. We explore the historic centre, visiting major landmarks such as Museum Island, the Reichstag, and the iconic Brandenburg Gate. Our journey also includes the bustling shopping streets and serene city parks. Moving through poignant history, we take time to reflect at the Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall Memorial Museum. In your free time, you can opt for an excursion to Potsdam, where you can explore its remarkable palaces.

We begin our day with a journey to Dresden, a city beautifully set on the banks of the River Elbe. Here, you can admire its magnificent palace and take in the remarkable architecture and artistic heritage that define this city. Our travels then lead us to the enchanting region of Bavaria, specifically to Bamberg. This lively and picturesque town has a charm all its own, characterised by its unique area known as Little Venice. Explore the canals and half-timbered houses that give this area its distinct Bavarian feel. From Bamberg, we proceed to Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, celebrated for its profound history. As you wander the streets, consider visiting the location where Hitler's Coliseum once stood, offering a stark reminder of the city's past.

Today promises to be filled with intriguing sights and rich history. From Kelheim, we start with a short cruise along the Danube Valley, gliding through the scenic Danube Gorge. Our first stop is Kloster Weltenburg, the stunning Benedictine monastery founded in 1040, where you can appreciate its historical grandeur. Next, we make our way to Dachau for a deeply moving visit to the Nazi concentration camp museum. This important historical site offers a profound insight into the past. After lunch, we proceed to Munich. Our exploration here includes the impressive BMW Welt, a sleek, multifunctional exhibition centre of the esteemed BMW Group, along with a view of the Olympiastadion – the headquarters of the 1972 Olympic Games with its remarkable architecture. You'll then have some free time to explore Munich’s historic centre at your leisure. You may wish to visit Marienplatz, the vibrant heart of the city, discover the bustling Viktualienmarkt open-air market, unwind in the Englischer Garten, or partake in the lively atmosphere of traditional beer houses. Please note, the Danube cruise operates seasonally; in winter or when water levels are low, we'll adapt this part of the trip, with a visit to Landshut as an alternative. Kloster Weltenburg will be viewable only from the outside in winter.

We set off amidst the stunning alpine landscapes heading towards Füssen, where the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle awaits. A short bus ride will take us to Mary’s Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the gorge below. From this vantage point, you can choose to return by foot or opt for a charming horse carriage ride, although this is not included in the itinerary. Continuing our journey along the Romantic Road, we arrive at Rothenburg, a fairy-tale walled city steeped in charm. Here, we visit the enchanting Christmas Museum, with admission included in our tour. Finally, we proceed to Frankfurt, Germany's bustling financial hub, rounding off a day of captivating exploration.

On day six, we'll delve into the scenic beauty of the Rhine and Moselle Valleys, renowned for their rich history and charming villages. Our day begins with a leisurely cruise on the Rhine, navigating the stunning stretch between Rüdesheim and Sankt Goar. This region is famed for its picturesque landscapes and vineyards. Afterwards, we move on to the Moselle River, where we'll pause for lunch in the enchanting village of Cochem. Set against the backdrop of a majestic castle that dates back over a millennium, Cochem offers a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Following our meal, we journey to Cologne, home to an awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral that soars 154 metres high, once the tallest building in the world until the late 19th century. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore the vibrant city centre and perhaps take a leisurely stroll along the Rhine River. As the day concludes, we continue to Dortmund, where we'll spend the night. Please note, accommodation may be arranged in a nearby city during fairs or congresses.

Today, we embark on a charming journey along the Fairy Tale Route, delving into the enchanting world that inspired the Brothers Grimm. Our adventure begins in Trendelburg, a delightful, walled village where we'll explore the grand medieval castle, famous for its Rapunzel Tower—admission is included. As we travel along picturesque roads, we traverse forests reminiscent of the Hansel and Gretel tale, before stopping for lunch in Höxter. This vibrant town hosts Corvey Abbey, a remarkable 9th-century monastery and World Heritage Site, where admission is also included. Our next stop is in Polle to discover the ruins of Cinderella's Castle, again with admission covered. Our journey continues to Hamelin, the famed setting of The Pied Piper story. After following the mouse tracks left by this folklore, we end our day in Hanover, where you'll have the opportunity to wander near the old town hall. Please note that during fairs or conferences, you may be accommodated in a nearby city, and Corvey Abbey is closed from November to February.

Once you've enjoyed breakfast, we will set off for Goslar, renowned as one of Germany's most enchanting villages. Its charming wooden architecture and ancient squares make it a sight to behold. Here, you'll have the opportunity to wander around and soak in the atmosphere. We then travel onward to Quedlinburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its remarkably preserved historic centre. With over 2,100 half-timbered houses, it offers a glimpse into centuries past. The town hall and the Collegiate Castle are particularly captivating. You'll have free time to explore and have lunch at your leisure. We will continue our journey to Berlin, where we'll arrive in the evening, ready to settle into the city for the night.

Following breakfast, your adventure concludes, leaving you with a trove of wonderful memories from your journey.