Germany: Berlin to Bavaria

Arrive in Berlin, the capital of Germany, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, gather for cocktails followed by a welcome dinner. Stay: Hotel de Rome (D)

Discover historic Berlin, starting with a visit to the Reichstag Building, viewing panoramas of the city from its large glass dome. Stroll through Potsdamer Platz and stop at Checkpoint Charlie, a former border crossing between East and West Berlin. Also visit the Topography of Terror, a museum that stands over land once occupied by the SS and the Gestapo, and challenges visitors to confront the legacy of the Nazis. Break for lunch, and then enjoy your afternoon at leisure. Gather this evening for dinner. Stay: Hotel de Rome (B/L/D)

Today, meet a local artist to learn about the history of the Berlin Wall at the iconic East Side Gallery, a series of murals painted on the longest section of wall still standing. Continue to a privately guided tour of the Stasi Museum to discover how East Germany's secret police exerted control over every aspect of society. Round out your experience with a complimentary pass to a range of other museums. Stay: Hotel de Rome (B)

Delve into the world of exquisite Meissen porcelain on a guided visit to the manufacturer's workshop that includes lunch on their famous porcelain. Afterward, drive to Proschwitz Castle for a guided walk of this medieval manor, exclusively opened for A&K guests, and savour a wine tasting in the castle's vineyards. Continue to Dresden, where you check in to your hotel. Settle in, and then enjoy a Scenic Sundowner overlooking the city, followed by dinner. Stay: Gewandhaus Dresden (B/L/D)

Uncover the splendour of Dresden on a guided walk, starting with the Zwinger Complex, a historic Baroque-style palace built in 1728 for the Dresden Court. Visit the Dresden Frauenkirche, and then explore the New Green Vault, a museum in the Dresden Castle containing Europe's largest treasure collection. Eat lunch at the renowned Pfunds Dairy, followed by time at leisure to explore the city your way. Stay: Gewandhaus Dresden (B/L)

Depart for Munich, stopping en route in Leipzig for a guided walk revealing St. Thomas's Church, where the legendary composer Johann Sebastian Bach worked as music director for 27 years. Enjoy some time to explore on your own, and then journey by high-speed train to Munich. Arrive at your luxury hotel with time to relax before dinner. Stay: The Charles Hotel (B/D)

This morning, set out on a walking excursion to see why the city is a global centre of art, culture and architecture. Stroll through Marienplatz in the heart of Munich's Old Town and watch the famous Rathhaus-Glockenspiel display its stories of 16th-century Bavarian culture. Marvel at the Frauenkirche cathedral's twin onion-style domes, and then, at lunchtime, set out for an extensive foodie tour, indulging in the best tastes of the region, such as schmalznudel (a Bavarian-style doughnut), sausages, local cheeses and beers, for a fun and satisfying Chef's Table experience. Later, delight in a brewery visit and eat dinner in a traditional beer hall. Stay: The Charles Hotel (B/D)

Discover the fairy-tale landscape of southern Bavaria, exploring “Mad” King Ludwig's iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. Continue to the Alpine village of Oberammergau, strolling its charming streets to see the detailed, storytelling murals on its buildings. Return to Munich for an evening at your leisure. Stay: The Charles Hotel (B/L)

Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

• Discover the Dachau Memorial on a guided visit, and explore history at the Documentation Centre.
• Experience Munich by Bike, cycling with a local guide who expertly reveals the fascinating sights and cultures of the bustling Bavarian capital.
• Explore the Deutsches Museum with a Guide, taking in its extensive collections devoted to science and technology.

Tonight, celebrate at a farewell dinner, toasting your journey through Germany. Stay: The Charles Hotel (B/D)

After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for your departing flight. (B)