Overview
This encompassing tour of Germany kicks off in Frankfurt with a river cruise along the vineyard-dotted Rhine, picks up speed with a train ride from Cologne read more to Berlin, and then makes its way from the restored city of once war-ravaged Dresden to the best of Bavaria and the enchanting Black Forest. Castle-topped hills, snow-capped peaks, and foam-topped pilsners present the sweetest of sights while traditional Black Forest Cake and Nuremberg Gingerbread are your just desserts.
PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Munich so you can plan your day your way.
12 Days
Frankfurt
Frankfurt
Classic
4 - 4.5 Star
Premium
5-99 Years
45
Fully Guided
ZD
Itinerary
Welcome to Frankfurt!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Views & Brews in Cologne
Begin your German Highlights tour with a relaxing cruise along one of the most scenic parts of the River Rhine. After disembarking, continue to Cologne for a refreshing visit to one of the city's most famous breweries, the Cölner Hofbräu Früh, to enjoy a local beer. Next, join an orientation walk featuring a visit to the incredible cathedral, plus free time to explore more. (B/D) 137 mi / 220 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: For more than a century, the Cölner Hofbräu Früh has served its delicious Kölsch beer according to the family tradition started by the founder Peter Josef Früh. Raise your glass to timeless tradition and hospitality with Germany's famous, foamy brews.
Historic Berlin
This morning, board the high-speed first-class ICE train to Berlin. On arrival, meet your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour which features views of the State Opera House, Museum Island, the Reichstag, Tiergarten Park and the elegant Ku-Damm. Stop to take photos at the Brandenburg gate, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, and the Holocaust Memorial. (B/D) 367 mi / 590 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOTS: In 1961 East and West Berlin became physically divided by a concrete wall, leaving the Brandenburg gate isolated in a restricted area. As the wall began to fall in 1989, the Brandenburg Gate was once more reachable, and became considered a national symbol of peace and unity. Today it is Berlin's most famous landmark.
The Boulevards of Berlin
Enjoy a free day in Berlin, absorb more art, culture and history in one of the many museums, browse the stores, sink your teeth into some of the local specialties, or join one of the optional excursions. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: Berlin is a city to be explored and enjoyed. See the street art of the East Side Gallery where a portion of the Berlin Wall now serves as a memorial of freedom painted by local artists. See the classic Cosmonaut mural in Mariannenstrasse or head to the Kreuzberg district for a leisurely stroll along Landwehr Canal.
German Jewels
This morning, depart Berlin and drive to Dresden. Enjoy some free time for lunch, then follow your Local Guide on a walking tour that features the Zwinger Palace courtyard. Enjoy free time this evening to explore more of Dresden. (B) 137 mi / 220 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURAL GEM: Explore the heart of Dresden with a walk to Zwinger Palace courtyard. Revered for its stunning Baroque architecture and beautiful gardens, this spectacular palace complex is the most famous building in Dresden.
On Tap in Nuremberg
This morning, drive through Saxony to reach Bayreuth in Bavaria, Wagner's city of festival. Join an orientation tour to see important landmarks including the Festival Hall. Continue to historic Nuremberg for a walking orientation of the center before savoring a delicious dinner with local specialties at the Bratwurst Röslein restaurant. (B/D) 236 mi / 380 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Bring a big appetite to dine on brats and beer in the biggest Bratwurst restaurant in the world! Enjoy authentic specialties at Bratwurst Röslein in the heart of Nuremberg's town hall square, where warm welcomes have been greeting clients since 1493.
The Romantic Road
Reach the delightful medieval town of Rothenburg and join an orientation walk of the historic center. Admire St. Jakob's church, Marktplatz, Ratstrinktube, the Town Hall, and beautiful views of the Tauber Valley. Time to browse before continuing to Munich. Free time this evening to get acquainted with lively Munich, considered the richest city in Germany, BMW's hometown, and location of the world's largest beer festival. (B) 205 mi / 330 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: Get that old romantic feeling with a walk through the well-preserved medieval town of Rothenburg. Here, along Germany's historic Romantic Road region, you'll find half-timbered houses, medieval walls, and cobblestone streets, that will win your heart in the heart of Northern Bavaria.
Spend Your Day Your Way in Munich
This morning, delve deeper into Munich with an orientation drive and guided sightseeing tour. Explore more of Munich with your choice of included Globus Choice Excursions.
- Timeless Münich: a Walk Through the Old Town - Step into the heart of Munich and feel centuries of stories echo through cobbled lanes, majestic courtyards, and grand facades. This immersive walking tour leads you through the vibrant Old Town, where the past and present blend seamlessly. From gothic towers to royal elegance and hidden medieval corners, discover the soul of the Bavarian capital through fascinating tales, local legends, and authentic charm.
- Toasting Tradition - Prost! Lift a stein in Bavarian style with your Local Guide to drink in Munich's brewing heritage on a tour brimming with Oktoberfest stories in one of the city's oldest buildings. Discover Bavarian beer history and culture, then celebrate with a fresh pint in the cozy museum tavern. A must-visit for beer lovers and culture fans alike!
Bavarian Blessings & A Storybook Castle
A leisurely morning with free time to explore the picturesque village of Füssen. Later, a short drive brings you to Neuschwanstein for a guided visit of King Ludwig's castle, probably one of the most recognizable in the world as it provided inspiration for Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDARY LIVES: King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the “Fairytale King,” built a fantastical 1800s castle with all the modern conveniences (aka plumbing), while emphasizing the romantic vision of a storybook castle. His love for Wagnerian opera is literally plastered on the walls inside, with panoramas and frescoes of scenes from the composer's great works. So romantic and fanciful of design, the Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Walt Disney's blueprint of a castle fit for Sleeping Beauty herself.
Fairytale Forests
This morning, drive to Lake Constance and spend time exploring the charming island of Lindau. Next, stop in Birnau, which boasts great views of the lake, and visit the elaborate Baroque church with its seven altars. Continue to Lake Titisee for a real treat, a private electric boat cruise with an aperitif; and for even more local tastes, enjoy a traditional Schwarzwaldkuchen (Black Forest cake) tasting during dinner at your hotel. (B/D) 186 mi / 300 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - SCENIC RIDES: Lake Titisee is the largest natural lake in the Black Forest and considered to be one of the most beautiful in Germany. What better way to see it than by sailing on it! Relax on your private electric boat cruise and enjoy an aperitif whilst soaking up the stunning views of the surrounding Black Forest.
Cuckoo Clocks & Castle Walks
Before departing this morning, watch a local craftsman demonstrate the skills behind the famous cuckoo clock. Reach Heidelberg and enjoy some leisure time to have lunch and explore the Old Town before taking a funicular ride to visit the castle with a walking tour. This evening, arrive in Frankfurt for a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B/D) 155 mi / 250 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ARCHITECTURAL GEM: Ascend 300 feet above Heidelberg to visit its historic castle, posing a commanding presence above the town below. The breathtaking Schloss Heidelberg features buildings and courtyards reflecting unique architectural eras, as well as the biggest wine barrel in the world! Just as the city below delivers a powerful view of the castle, you'll take in the panoramic views of Heidelberg below the terraces and gardens of the hilltop fortress. Cast your eyes across the Neckar River and valley, with views as far as the Rhine plain and Mannheim on a clear day.
Auf Wiedersehen, Germany!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Scenic cruise on the Rhine River
- Visit to Cologne's Cathedral plus a complementary beer at the [LF] Cölner Hofbräu Früh
- Guided sightseeing in Berlin includes stops at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the Holocaust Memorial, and the Brandenburg Gate
- Walking tour in Nuremberg plus [LF] dinner with local specialties at the Bratwurst Röslein restaurant
- Globus Choice Excursions in Munich − included in your tour with your choice of a guided walking tour of the Old Town or a guided tour of the Beer & Oktoberfest Museum with a tasting
- Guided visit to King Ludwig's castle in Neuschwanstein
- Private electric boat cruise on Lake Titisee
- Cuckoo Clock demonstration and traditional Schwarzwaldkuchen (Black Forest cake) tasting in the Black Forest
- Walking tour in Heidelberg Old Town includes funicular ride to visit castle
- Orientation walks in Dresden and Rothenburg
- Visit to Bayreuth, Oberammergau, Fussen, Lindau. Birnau
- High-speed ICE train from Cologne to Berlin
- 11 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners
- Frankfurt: Avani Frankfurt City (Superior First-Class):
This stylish hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Frankfurt, just a short walk awa from the bustling Zeil shopping center. All 256 contemporary guest rooms are light, bright and spacious with fun pops of color and wooden floors, features include a rain shower, tea and coffee-making facilities, minibar, in-room safe and Free Wi-Fi. The property has an all-day bar serving snacks and drinks as well as a fitness room and sauna. - Rhineland: NH Essen (First-Class):
This modern hotel is conveniently located in the city center with an all-day bar serving snacks and drinks. All 182 air-conditioned guest rooms are decorated in soft colors with wooden floors and feature minibar, in-room safe and Free Wi-Fi. The property also has a complimentary workout room. - Berlin: NH Collection Berlin Mitte Am Checkpoint Charlie (Superior First-Class):
Located in the historic city center; close to shopping & attractions; hotel has an on-site Italian restaurant & bi-lingual staff. - Dresden: NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt (Superior First-Class):
Situated in the heart of the Old Town, overlooking Dresden's Market Square, this modern 240 room property offers Free Wi-Fi access throughout, a refined restaurant serving German and Spanish fare, as well as a funky cocktail bar with a cigar lounge. Other amenities include a gym and a wellness area with sauna and steam bath. - Nuremberg: NH Collection Nuernberg City (Superior First-Class):
Located in the heart of Nuremberg, this 244-room property has a striking modern design and offers a Free Wi-Fi connection throughout. The restaurant serves regional and Mediterranean food with a summer terrace for al fresco drinks and dining, other amenities include a contemporary bar and Gym with sauna and steam room. - Munich: Hilton Munich City (Superior First-Class):
Conveniently located in Munich's entertainment district, this 480-room upscale property provides a relaxing atmosphere alongside an exciting array of culinary delights and ambience in its lobby and signature bar. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, there is a 24-hour fitness room and its direct access to a metro station ensures fast easy connections to the city center and all major sites. - Fussen Area: Best Western Plus Hotel Fuessen (First-Class):
This modern smoke-free hotel with 88 spacious rooms is located just a stone's throw away from the historic city center of Füssen and offers Free Wi-Fi access, a fitness center, steam room and sauna. Hearty German dishes, Mediterranean and International specialties are served in the restaurant or weather permitting outside on the patio, for night owls, creative drinks can be enjoyed in the lounge bar. - Black Forest: Hofgut Sternen (First-Class):
A comfortable hotel in typical Black Forest style, situated in a quiet park area within easy access from the B31 between Freiburg and Titisee. Nearby are mountain bike rentals, Black Forest cuckoo clock and glassblower's workshop with gift shop and St. Oswald's chapel, the oldest chapel of the Higher Black Forest.
- 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.
- Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle may prove challenging to guests with physical limitations or reliant of mobility devices such as wheelchairs due to stair access.
- We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice Excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability.
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