Romantic Germany

Tour begins at 6:00 PM, Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof. A transfer is included from the Frankfurt Airport to the luxury Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof in the heart of Frankfurt's historic and financial district. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner. Stay Two Nights: Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof (D)

Your day begins with a walking tour in the wine town of Rüdesheim, including an opportunity to ascend above the vineyards by gondola to learn more. Enjoy some time at leisure to explore as you please before returning to Frankfurt, where a walking tour introduces you to key sites, past and present. Your evening is free; your hotel is in easy reach of the pubs, restaurants and nightlife of the Left Bank district. (B)

Travel along the "Yellow Roads" through typical villages of the agricultural region known as the Bergstrasse en route to the enchanting medieval town of Heidelberg, where a tour leads you to the ruins of its Gothic castle that was the inspiration of poets and painters. A local guide shares insights and information on a visit through impressive Heidelberger Schloss, overlooking the Neckar Valley – an eclectic mix of architectural styles.

Spend some free time in town before continuing to your hotel, Traube Tonbach, known as the grande dame of Black Forest spa resorts. Dine at leisure in the hotel this evening. Stay Two Nights: Traube Tonbach (B/D)

Choose between a self-guided tour of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart – a treasure trove of historic cars and exhibits that trace the evolution of the legendary automaker – or an interactive cooking lesson at the hotel, with chefs who'll demonstrate the art of regional delicacies, from Maultaschen to Black Forest Cake. Enjoy time at leisure then join us for dinner at a romantic Pudelstein hut in the Black Forest. (B/L/D)

Drive the scenic Black Forest into the foothills of the Alps en route to a private visit and lunch at the Neus Schloss Meersburg ("New Castle in Meersburg"), a historic 18th-century former bishop's castle overlooking Lake Constance, now home to several museums.

Continue on to Neuschwanstein and AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa, located at the foot of famed Neuschwanstein Castle. Dine at your hotel tonight. Stay: AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa (B/L/D)

Eccentric King Ludwig II, who reigned from 1864 to 1886, built three magnificent castles including Linderhof Palace, his personal retreat that was built in splendid Rococo style. This morning, enjoy a privately guided visit that provides insights and a close-up look at his royal abode.

Continue on to Munich, stopping for a visit to the village of Oberammergau, renowned for its Passion Play that is performed here by the locals every ten years; have lunch and a tour of the theatre. Arrive in Munich, and dine this evening at your choice of restaurants in your landmark hotel. Stay Two Nights: Hotel Bayerischer Hof (B/L/D)

Your morning begins with a sightseeing tour of Munich, which is the Bavarian capital. Your tour includes the celebrated Maximilianstrasse, the 17th-century Residenz, the old town hall, and a visit to Nymphenburg Palace, which was a favorite home of generations of Bavarian royalty originally designed as their summer residence – explore the carriage museum at the palace (subject to availability). Spend the remainder of the day as you wish, or you can join us for a poignant visit to Dachau Memorial Site. (B)

Today, you'll visit the medieval town of Rothenburg, on Germany's legendary "Romantic Road." You'll have free time to explore on your own – sights include Rothenburg's renowned Gothic cathedral, charming cobblestone streets and gabled houses that have remained much the same over the centuries. Stay: Hotel Rappen Rothenburg ob der Tauber (B/L/D)

Depart Rothenburg for a drive back in time when you ride aboard old-timer Aaglander cars, "horseless carriages," to a picnic lunch – complete with sparkling wine (weather permitting). Arrive in Dresden, where your lovely hotel is located in the heart of Old Town and the city's center, close to landmark sites such as Zwinger Palace, the Frauenkirche Dresden and Semper Opera House; your evening is free to spend as you please. Stay Two Nights: Taschenbergpalais Kempinski (B/L/D)

Your journey continues today with a guided sightseeing tour of the city of Dresden. Before World War II, Dresden was known as "The Jewel Box" for its magnificent art treasures and Baroque architecture. Heavily bombed during the war, much of the city's former glory has since been restored, including the Royal Palace, whose museum, dating back to the 1720s, displays some 4,000 works of art. Tauck's private tour through the New Green Vault takes in Renaissance and Classicist treasures, including jeweled gems of gold, silver, ivory and mother of pearl.

The afternoon and evening are free to explore on your own. (B)

Spend the morning in Dresden pursuing what interests you most, perhaps exploring one of the city's renowned museums. Travel to Berlin for a three-night stay at a five-star hotel in the heart of the German capital, overlooking the Brandenburg Gate.

Tonight, join us for dinner at the trendy rooftop restaurant atop the German Bundestag (the restored Parliament building). A prominent domed landmark, it is the meeting place of the Bundestag, Germany's main legislative body, and was first used in 1894, before a fire destroyed it in 1933. Reopened in 1999, it is a symbol of the reunification of East and West Germany; the views are spectacular! Stay Three Nights: Hotel Adlon (B/L/D)

Join our local guide for a tour of remarkable Berlin, capital of a reunified Germany. View the Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral) and the Französischer Dom (French Cathedral); Unter den Linden Boulevard; Brandenburg Gate; the Reichstag; and Checkpoint Charlie, the controversial crossing point between the former East and West Berlins during the Cold War era. The rest of the day is yours to explore this historic city as you wish. (B)

Set off for Berlin's Museumsinsel (Museum Island), not far from your hotel. This UNESCO World Heritage Site houses five museums and priceless cultural treasures that will astonish even the most seasoned museum visitor! You have your choice of guided visits at several museums today; your pass includes an audio guide for the museums of your choice. Then join us for a Spree river cruise.

Later, you'll have some time to explore more of Berlin as you like, perhaps sampling one of the locals' favorite foods, currywurst, a dish so tasty and emblematic of Berlin that there's a museum devoted to it. If you're curious to see a remaining section of the Berlin Wall, you might go to the East Side Gallery, a stretch of wall inventively painted by commissioned artists after reunification to commemorate that momentous occasion. Please join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner at the hotel. (B/D)

Tour Ends: Berlin. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin to Berlin Brandenburg Airport. You should allow 3 hours for check-in at the airport. (B)