Overview
Some of the less-known highlights of this tour are Lübeck, a Hanseatic city and UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in the 12th century, and Veste Coburg Castle, one of Germany’s largest castle complexes. Enjoy an orientation drive in Hamburg, time in Munich’s Marienplatz, and a guided tour of Dresden, to see, among other highlights, the Zwinger Carillon Pavilion, where the 40 bells of the Glockenspiel sound every quarter of an hour. From beautiful scenery and exciting cities to historic sights and fun experiences, this Germany tour has it all!
10 Days
Munich
Frankfurt
Classic
3 - 3.5 Star
Affordable
5-99 Years
47
Fully Guided
Itinerary
Welcome to Germany! Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for the welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
Today's highlight is an included Rhine cruise to enjoy scenic views of the Rhineland, past vineyards, castles, and quaint villages. Next is the city of Cologne, the city known for its joyous attitude, with free time to visit the city center. Today's Distance: 193 mi/ 310 km (B)
Journey into Niedersachsen to visit Hamelin. The medieval town center, with its historical buildings and magically fancy gables, still echoes the “Pied Piper” legend. Continue to Hamburg. Today's Distance: 304 mi/ 490 km (B)
Start the day with an orientation drive in Hamburg, one of Germany's greatest maritime cities. Later, depart for Lübeck, formerly a free Hanseatic city and independent state. Lübeck, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered the cultural capital of northern Germany. Thomas Mann, Günther Grass, and Willy Brandt—all Nobel laureates—were among the famous residents of this city. Later, arrive in Berlin and enjoy your first evening in the capital of Germany. (B) Today's Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km.
No longer divided but every bit as fascinating, Berlin was once the city of contrasts with the wall separating two different worlds. Now, the city has developed into a harmonious blend of new and old, preserving its historical buildings and impressive boulevards as well as creating brand new buildings in contemporary architectural styles. See all of this on the included city sightseeing with a Local Guide. (B)
Travel southwest to Dresden, the old capital of Saxony and at one time called the “Florence on the Elbe.” On the included guided sightseeing tour, see the Zwinger Carillon Pavilion where the 40 bells of the Glockenspiel sound four times per hour, and much more. Then it's on to Leipzig, where composers Johann Sebastian Bach and Felix Mendelssohn lived the last years of their lives. It was Mendelssohn who founded the Leipziger Conservatory in 1843. (B/D) Today's Distance: 227 mi/ 365 km.
Leave Leipzig to visit Weimar, home to many intellectuals of the past but mainly known for the name given to the historical period of the “Weimar Republic.” This city is also famed as the home to the Bauhaus architectural movement in the 1920s. Next stop is Coburg. Visit the mighty Veste Coburg Castle, built in 1225. Continue to Nuremberg and stroll its town center, dominated by the imperial castle. (B) Today's Distance: 270 mi/ 435 km.
As you leave Nuremberg, stop for a photo at the famous Zeppelinfield. On the way to Munich, visit the quaint Medieval village of Rothenburg on the Romantic Road. Marvel at its towered gates and battlements, squares of half-timbered houses and decorated fountains; you'll feel like stepping back in time. Today's Distance: 221 mi/ 355 km (B)
With a Local Guide, take advantage of the included sightseeing tour of the city known as Germany's “Secret Capital.” Time to admire the beautiful main square, Marienplatz, do some shopping, visit one of the important museums, and sample Munich's famous beer! (B)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Scenic Rhine River cruise
- Visit to Cologne
- Orientation tour of Hamelin
- Visit to Lübeck
- Guided sightseeing tour of Berlin
- Guided sightseeing in Dresden with visit to Zwinger Carillon Pavilion
- Visit to Leipzig
- Orientation tour of Weimar
- Admission to Veste Coburg Castle in Coburg
- Visit to Rothenburg on the Romantic Road
- Guided sightseeing in Munich, including the Marienplatz
- The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, complimentary headsets, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
- 9 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
- Frankfurt: Hotel Frankfurt Messe Affiliated by Meliá (First-Class)
- Rhineland: Moxy Dortmund City (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Hamburg: NH Altona Hamburg (First-Class)
- Berlin: Vienna House Easy By Wyndham Berlin Prenzlauer Berg (First-Class)
- Leipzig: NH Leipzig Messe (First-Class)
- Nuremberg: B&B Hotel Nürnberg-City (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Munich: NH Muenchen Messe (First-Class)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Oktoberfest departures September 11 and 25, 2026
- Christmas market departures December 04 and 11, 2026, include visits to the Christmas Markets of Cologne, Lübeck, Dresden, Nuremberg, Rothenburg, and Munich.
Operator
Enjoy inside visits to Europe's the must-see sites with a great mix of included excursions, free time and affordable value. Read more
Cosmos build free time into every one of their vacations, so you can eat, shop, and explore the way you want. Read more
Cosmos' easy going, fun-filled and multilingual Tour Directors and Local Guides love exploring as much as you do. Read more
Trip Reviews (18)
The tour director, did a great job, especially in the way she had to handle a passenger with physical and medical conditions that developed within this and an immediately previous tour. The included tours with local guides were good, as were some of the optional tours, the highlight for us being the "River Danube Evening Dinner Cruise", not for the dinner but the stunning views of all the buildings illuminated along the river. As always, we feel the optional tours are a little expensive, but we have come to accept that.
Things that we felt were not good were that following a 10 hour coach journey from Prague to Budapest to go straight to a restaurant for dinner before checking into the hotel was not on. Also, in Salzburg it took at least 15 minutes to walk back to the coach, in pouring rain, from dinner at a city restaurant. Accepting that Cosmos are not responsible for the weather, the consideration of the restaurant's location should be taken into account when they know that majority of the passengers are elderly and find walking a long way difficult at the best of times. As usual, the booking process with Global Journeys was faultless, many thanks to Georgie for her professional work once again! (Ed: Review based on slightly different itinerary. Trip name and itinerary updated this season)
The Hungarian tour director was amazing. She could speak a little bit of most languages in the countries we visited and was very knowledgeable about the places we went to. She also tried to give us free time where the schedule permitted. Most of the local guides were also very good. Overall I feel the tour was good value for money and provided what was advertised. I got a taste of the culture and history of some of Europe's Imperial Capitals in a short period of time. (Ed: Review based on slightly different itinerary. Trip name and itinerary updated this season)
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Cosmos Europe (2026)
Enjoy handpicked hotels, the insight of skilled Tour Directors, guided more explorations led by knowledgeable Local Guides, and worry-free transportation - all curated to ensure each journey is effortless and enriching. From legendary landmarks to stunning natural wonders, now is the perfect time to explore Europe’s treasures—without stretching your budget. Travellers trust Cosmos for seamless planning and incredible value, so all that’s left is to pack and simply say, “Let’s go!”
Dates & Pricing
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cosmos. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
