German Heritage and Fairy Tale Journey - 11 Days

Welcome to Berlin! Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel, where you have time to unwind and explore your surroundings at your leisure. In the afternoon, important details about the start of your itinerary will be displayed on the boards in the hotel reception area, ensuring you are well-prepared for the adventures ahead. Enjoy the opportunity to relax and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Germany's capital city. 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 our second day in Berlin, we will delve into the vibrant cultural tapestry of Germany's capital with a professionally guided panoramic tour. This immersive exploration will take us through the historic heart of the city, where we will marvel at iconic sites such as Museum Island and the impressive Reichstag, the seat of Germany’s parliament. The tour will also lead us to the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of Berlin's tumultuous history and unity, before we explore the bustling shopping areas and tranquil city parks that provide a modern contrast to the city’s storied past.

Our visit includes poignant stops at the Holocaust Memorial, dedicated to the six million Jews who died during the Holocaust, and the Berlin Wall Memorial Museum, preserving the history of a city once divided. In your own time, you have the option to join an excursion to Potsdam, a short journey away, where you can admire the splendid palaces and gardens that reflect Prussian grandeur.

On day three, we'll set off for Dresden, a city situated along the River Elbe, where you'll have the opportunity to admire its magnificent palace. Our journey will then take us to Bavaria, as we arrive in the vibrant and charming city of Bamberg – be sure to explore the area known as Little Venice. We'll continue to Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, which is steeped in rich history. We recommend a visit to the site where Hitler's Coliseum once stood, offering a poignant glimpse into the past.

Today promises a series of captivating experiences. Departing from Kelheim, we will board a boat for a brief cruise through the picturesque Danube Gorge. Our first stop is Kloster Weltenburg, a magnificent Benedictine monastery that dates back to 1040. From there, we proceed to Dachau to visit the poignant Nazi concentration camp museum. After lunch, our day continues in Munich, where we explore the impressive BMW Welt, a modern exhibition centre by the renowned BMW Group. We'll also visit the park housing the Olympiastadion, famed for hosting the 1972 Olympic Games. Later, you’ll have some free time in Munich’s historic centre, where you can wander through Marienplatz, explore the vibrant Viktualienmarkt, relax in the Englischer Garten, or enjoy a pint at a traditional beer house. Please note that during winter or if the Danube's water levels are low, the cruise will not be available. In such cases, we will adjust our route to include a visit to Landshut instead. Although Kloster Weltenburg is closed during winter, the exterior can still be admired.

On Day 5, we journey amidst stunning alpine vistas to Füssen, home to the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. We'll take a bus to Mary's Bridge, offering splendid views of the surrounding gorge. From there, you may choose to return on foot or by horse carriage at your leisure (this option is not included). Our adventure continues along the Romantic Road towards Rothenburg, a charming medieval town. Here, we'll explore the enchanting Christmas Museum, a delightful step into festive history with admission included. As the day winds down, we make our way to Frankfurt, the financial hub of Germany.

Today, we'll delve into the historic and picturesque landscapes of the Rhine and Moselle Valleys. We'll embark on a brief cruise on the Rhine, travelling between the charming villages of Rüdesheim and Sankt Goar, renowned for being one of the most scenic stretches of the river. Following this, our journey takes us to the banks of the Moselle River, where we'll pause for lunch in the quaint village of Cochem, dominated by its impressive castle that dates back over a millennium. Afterwards, we'll proceed to Cologne, where you'll have the opportunity to explore its majestic Gothic cathedral. Once the tallest structure in the world, this architectural icon remains a stunning sight. Additionally, you can wander along the bustling city centre and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Rhine River before we set off for our accommodation in Dortmund. Please note that during fairs or congresses, we may arrange for accommodation in a nearby area.

Today, we invite you to embark on a delightful journey through the enchanting towns along the celebrated Fairy Tale Route. Our adventure commences in Trendelburg, a charming, fortified village where we'll step back in time at the medieval castle, complete with its iconic Rapunzel Tower, offering an atmosphere that instantly inspires fairy tale dreams – entrance included.

As we continue our journey, the scenic roads will lead us through lush forests reminiscent of the Hansel and Gretel story. We’ll pause for a lunch break in Höxter, a vibrant town home to the historic Corvey Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 9th century – again, admission is included. Our travels then bring us to Polle, where we explore the picturesque ruins of what is known as Cinderella’s Castle.

Our next stop is the town of Hamelin, renowned for the tale of “The Pied Piper of Hamelin.” Enjoy some free time here to follow the mouse tracks through Hamelin’s quaint streets. Finally, we make our way to Hanover, where you’ll have the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll around the area near the old town hall before our day concludes.

Please note, during fairs or conferences, your accommodation may be arranged in a nearby city. Additionally, Corvey Abbey is closed from November to February.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we will journey to the historic Rammelsberg Mines near Goslar, a site of immense historical significance that functioned continuously from the Middle Ages. Now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this former silver mining hub provides a captivating insight into the region’s industrial heritage. We'll include entry to the museum where you can learn about the miners' lives and the enduring legacy of this extraordinary site. Our exploration continues in Goslar, a town famed for its spectacular medieval old town—a UNESCO World Heritage marvel itself. Delight in the charming half-timbered houses, cobblestoned streets, and the impressive Church of St. Peter.

We will then set off for Göttingen, a vibrant and historic university town that once served as a home for the Brothers Grimm. You'll have time to enjoy a pleasant lunch and wander through its quaint historic centre. As the afternoon unfolds, our travels take us across the scenic Thuringia region, stopping at the idyllic spa town of Bad Sooden. Set amidst forested hills, its well-maintained timber-framed buildings and serene vibe reveal a well-kept secret gem.

Our day draws to a close in Eisenach, a town rich with Baroque and Renaissance architecture. Here, you will discover a wealth of history including the Bach House, the birthplace of the illustrious composer, and Luther’s House, a significant landmark in the Protestant Reformation. A delightful dinner rounds off your experience for the day.

Our day begins with a visit to the remarkable Wartburg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in historical significance. This fortress, where Martin Luther famously translated the New Testament into German, offers a window into Germany's past along with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. After exploring the castle, we return to Eisenach, where you'll have some free time for lunch and to explore at your leisure. For those interested in music, the Bach House, where the renowned composer Johann Sebastian Bach was born, is a must-see. Alternatively, visit the Automobile Museum, showcasing an impressive array of vintage vehicles from the era of East Germany's car industry.

Our adventure continues to Gotha, where we admire the splendid Baroque palace from the outside and take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting historic centre. We then travel to Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, celebrated for its grand cathedral and exquisitely preserved medieval old town. The iconic bridge lined with houses that have been inhabited for over 500 years is among its highlights.

Later in the afternoon, we arrive in Leipzig, a city rich in cultural and historical heritage. Known as the home of famous composers like Bach and Wagner, Leipzig played a significant industrial role during the GDR era and today resonates with the vibrancy of a large city, hosting over half a million residents.

Today, we depart from Leipzig and make a memorable stop at the Monument to the Battle of the Nations. This imposing structure, towering at 91 metres, was inaugurated in 1913 to mark a significant battle fought during the Napoleonic Wars. We then continue to Dresden, the capital of Saxony, famous for its stunning Baroque and Renaissance architecture, as well as its splendid palaces and charming riverside walks along the Elbe.

Nearby, in the quaint town of Meissen, you’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch in the historic centre. Meissen is noted worldwide for its exquisite porcelain, which has been crafted here since the 18th century. The town’s impressive castle and cathedral add to its captivating atmosphere.

Our journey then leads us to Moritzburg, where we’ll take a leisurely stroll around the enchanting "Cinderella’s Castle". Situated on an island amidst a man-made lake, this castle is renowned for its architectural beauty and extensive gardens.

We conclude our travels today as we journey back to Berlin, aiming to arrive by approximately 7:00 p.m., allowing you the evening to reflect on the day’s discoveries or explore the city further.

After enjoying breakfast, our journey in Berlin will conclude. As you prepare to depart, take with you the wonderful memories and experiences gathered throughout your travels.