Unforgettable Historical Journey Through Germany - 8 Days

Your journey begins with a warm welcome as we set off from Berlin, heading to the picturesque city of Dresden, renowned for its stunning architecture and riverside charm. Here, you'll have the opportunity to admire the city's magnificent palace situated on the banks of the River Elbe. As we continue our adventure, we'll make our way to Bavaria, stopping in the vibrant city of Bamberg. Known for its enchanting scenery, Bamberg boasts a delightful area referred to as "Little Venice," which is certainly worth a visit. Our day concludes as we head to Nuremberg, the second largest city in Bavaria, steeped in history and culture. Here, we recommend taking some time to explore the historic site where Hitler's Coliseum once stood. 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.

Today's journey is set to be full of intriguing sights and experiences. We will start in Kelheim, where we will embark on a short cruise along the Danube valley, gliding through the striking Danube Gorge. Our first stop takes us to Kloster Weltenburg, a picturesque Benedictine monastery originally established in 1040. We will then make our way to Dachau to visit the poignant museum at the Nazi concentration camp. After lunch, our journey continues to Munich, where we will explore the impressive BMW Welt, a hub for the iconic German automobile brand. We will also wander through the Olympic park, home to the architectural wonder of the Olympiastadion, built for the 1972 Olympic Games. Afterwards, you will have free time to discover Munich's historic centre at your leisure. You can stroll through Marienplatz, the vibrant heart of the city, enjoy the bustling atmosphere at Viktualienmarkt, relax in the serene Englischer Garten, or perhaps visit one of the traditional beer halls. Please note: during winter or if the water levels of the Danube are too low, the cruise will not be available. In such cases, the itinerary will be adjusted, possibly including a stop at the charming town of Landshut. Kloster Weltenburg can be viewed from the outside in winter as it will be closed.

On our third day, we will journey through scenic alpine landscapes to reach Füssen, where the enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle awaits. After parking, we will take a bus to Mary's Bridge, offering spectacular views over the gorge. From here, you have the option to return by foot or opt for a traditional horse carriage ride back (please note, this is not included in the tour). Continuing our travels along the famous Romantic Road, next stop is Rothenburg, a charming walled city renowned for its medieval streets and architecture. Here, we will explore the captivating Christmas Museum, with the entrance fee covered as part of the tour. Our day concludes as we travel onwards to Frankfurt, the bustling financial heart of Germany.

Today, we'll immerse ourselves in the enchanting landscapes of the Rhine and Moselle Valleys, regions steeped in history and dotted with picturesque villages. Our adventure begins with a leisurely cruise along the most scenic stretch of the Rhine, from Rüdesheim to Sankt Goar. Afterward, we'll head to the charming village of Cochem on the Moselle River for lunch, where you can admire its centuries-old castle that offers a glimpse into a bygone era. Later, we'll journey to Cologne, a city renowned for its impressive Gothic cathedral, which once held the title of the tallest building in the world until the late 19th century. You'll have time to explore the vibrant city centre and enjoy the lively atmosphere along the Rhine before we continue to our hotel in Dortmund. Please note, during fairs or congresses, our accommodation might be situated in a nearby city.

Today, we embark on a captivating journey along the enchanting Fairy Tale Route, a path steeped in the lore of the Brothers Grimm. Our adventure begins in the idyllic village of Trendelburg, where we'll explore the formidable medieval castle, famed for its iconic Rapunzel Tower. Admission to this historic site is included. As we travel through charming landscapes and dense forests, echoes of Hansel and Gretel's tale come to life. We'll pause for a delightful lunch in Höxter, a vibrant town where the impressive Corvey Abbey awaits. This ancient monastery, a World Heritage Site dating back to the 9th century, offers a glimpse into the region's storied past, with admission included in our tour. Our next stop is Polle, home to the evocative ruins of Cinderella's Castle, where admission is also included. The tale of the Pied Piper echoes in our hearts as we reach Hamelin, where you can follow the legendary mouse tracks and soak in the town's rich history. Our day concludes in Hannover, where there will be time to explore the charming area around the old town hall. Please note that during fairs or conferences, accommodation may be arranged in a nearby city, and Corvey Abbey is closed from November to February.

After breakfast, we set off for the historic Rammelsberg Mines near Goslar. These ancient silver mines, continuously in use from the Middle Ages, offer a fascinating insight into the area's industrial heritage and are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission to the museum is included, giving us an opportunity to delve into the history and stories of the miners who once worked here.

Next, we head to Goslar itself, a town celebrated for its medieval old town, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll be charmed by its beautifully preserved half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, along with the impressive Church of St. Peter.

Our journey continues to Göttingen, a lively city with a rich academic history, once home to the Brothers Grimm. Here, you’ll have the chance to savour lunch and wander through its delightful historic centre.

In the afternoon, we travel across Thuringia to the spa town of Bad Sooden, set amidst forested hills. Known for its well-maintained timber-framed architecture and peaceful vibe, it's a true hidden gem.

We conclude our day in Eisenach, a town steeped in Baroque and Renaissance architecture. It's famed for being the birthplace of composer Bach and for its connection to Martin Luther, with the Lutheran house marking an important chapter in the Protestant Reformation. Dinner is provided as part of your evening.

Today begins with a visit to the striking Wartburg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched above Eisenach. This fortress not only offers a glimpse into a significant chapter of German history—it is where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German—but also rewards with stunning views of the surrounding area. Following our exploration, you'll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore Eisenach at your own leisure. If music intrigues you, consider visiting the Bach House, the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach. Alternatively, the Automobile Museum, located in the former main factory of East Germany’s car industry, boasts an intriguing array of vintage vehicles.

Our journey continues to Gotha, where we'll take in the exterior of its grand Baroque palace and enjoy a leisurely stroll through its charming historic centre. We then journey to Erfurt, the vibrant capital of Thuringia, renowned for its grand cathedral and beautifully preserved medieval old town. A highlight here is the stunning bridge lined with historical houses, continuously inhabited for over 500 years. By late afternoon, we make our way to Leipzig, one of Germany’s most culturally significant cities. This bustling city, historically rich and once home to composers such as Bach and Wagner, played a vital role during the era of the GDR and continues to thrive with a vibrant cultural scene and a population exceeding half a million.

Departing from Leipzig, we begin the day with a visit to the impressive Monument to the Battle of the Nations. This towering memorial, standing at 91 metres, was inaugurated in 1913 to commemorate the significant battle of the Napoleonic Wars. We then continue our journey to Dresden, Saxony's capital, celebrated for its exquisite Baroque and Renaissance buildings, impressive palaces, and charming riverside walks along the Elbe.

Our next stop is Meissen, a city famous for producing porcelain since the 18th century. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the vibrant old town, enjoy lunch, and perhaps admire its prominent castle and cathedral.

In the afternoon, we head to Moritzburg, where you can take a leisurely stroll by 'Cinderella’s Castle.' This enchanting site is situated on an island surrounded by an artificial lake and is known for its stunning architecture and expansive gardens.

Finally, we travel onward to Berlin, arriving around 7:00 p.m. As we conclude our itinerary, we trust that your journey has been filled with unforgettable moments and cherished experiences. Please confirm your flight time in case an additional night in Berlin is needed.