3-Week Epic All Around Germany Tour

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Guided Excursion to the Rhine River

Journey along the romantic Rhine on a full-day guided excursion from Frankfurt and take in the UNESCO-listed wonders of the Rhine Valley. Set sail on a river boat from the town of Rüdesheim and cruise past sweeping vineyards, medieval towns and mountaintop castles.

9:15 AM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains depart from Frankfurt hbf (i.e. Frankfurt Main Station) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

Morning to Afternoon

Excursion to the former West German capital of Bonn

Take a less than half hour train ride to what was until the fall of the Berlin Wall the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany). Bonn has reverted back to provincial status, but plenty remains to see of its former capital status, including the modern government district and a general spread of fascinating museums, all located near a very attractive stretch of the Rhine River. The city also makes the most of its associations with Beethoven, who was born here and whose birthplace has been turned into a museum also. You can also embark upon the Weg der Demokratie ("Path of Democracy"), a signposted walkthrough of sites associated with Bonn's period as the federal capital.

8:10 AM

Rail Taxi Dropoff

There are two main rail stations where visitors depart from Cologne. You will likely depart from the Cologne main station (Köln hbf, i.e hauptbahnhof), but be careful to check that you should not depart from the station Messe/Deutz, which is located just across the river. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

Morning/Mid-Day

Wander the Warehouse District of Speicherstadt

The warehouses of Speicherstadt helped make Hamburg a world-class port in the late 19th century, and despite severe damage in Allied bombing raids during the WWII, it's been restored to its pristine best.  Here you'll find the incredibly instructive nine-floor Maritime Museum, the world's largest model railway exhibition at Miniatur Wunderland, and the city's latest architectural icon, the Elbphilharmonie. Literally "Warehouse City," Speicherstadt contains the world's largest complex of warehouses, spanning an area of 260,000 square meters (a little over 64 acres). It was built on the Elbe river between 1883 and the late 1920s on thousands of oak piles. Its beautiful neo-gothic brick architecture makes for a curious contrast to the modern steel-and-glass constructions of neighbouring HafenCity.

Morning

Visit to the BallinStadt Emigration Museum

The BallinStadt Emigration Museum, located in the Veddel quarter of the borough of Hamburg Mitte, is a testament to Hamburg's importance in the 19th and 20th centuries as a marine gateway to the rest of the world. Around five million European emigrants left their homes at this port during that time to travel to greener pastures in America and other parts of the New World. This museum stands in order to tell their story and, perhaps, that of your own ancestors.

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Highlights of Berlin Guided Walking Tour

On this 3 hour tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Berlin and help you understand what makes this city so unique. Sites visited will include the boulevard Unter den Linden, the Gendarmenmarkt, Check Point Charlie, remnants of the Berlin Wall, Potsdamer Platz, the Holocaust Memorial, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Checkpoint Charlie and the Jewish Museum

The best-known Berlin Wall crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War, Checkpoint Charlie was the main gateway between the two Berlins for most non-Germans. Next to it is the Mauermuseum recounting the history of the Berlin Wall, while a few hundred yards away is the Topography of Terror depicting the history of the Nazi regime. Nearby, the Jewish Museum explores the fascinating history of Germany's Jewish heritage in a striking modern building - uneven floors, empty spaces, and sharp zig-zags reflect its turbulent experience in Germany.

Morning

Tour the Charlottenburg Palace and Gardens

Despite its many historic buildings, Berlin's modern architecture, constant construction, and hipness often make it feel like a thoroughly 21st century city.  It is nice, therefore, to escape the bustle of the city by visiting the beautiful palace of Charlottenburg and its idyllic park and gardens. Constructed in 1696, the palace was nearly completely destroyed in World War II, but was lovingly restored to its baroque grandeur.

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Guided Walking Tour of Old Town

During this 2 hour tour you will discover the most impressive sights of Dresden Old Town, like the world famous Zwinger Palace, the Semper Opera House, the Cathedral or the Royal Palace. Our guide will give you all the historic background. You will also have a chance to see the reconstructed Frauenkirche, a symbol of reconciliation and peace in the world, a real pride of inhabitants of Dresden.

Morning

The Zwinger Palace and the Old Masters' Gallery

Once you see the superb collection of old masters in the magnificent Zwinger Palace, you'll understand why Dresden is known as the "Florence of the North". A visit to the "Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister" is an absolute must for any art lover. The collection is renowned for its Italian Renaissance art, with major works by Giorgione, Titian, Correggio, Mantegna, Botticelli, Parmigianino, Veronese, Tintoretto, and Raphael, including his priceless “Sistine Madonna”. It is also famous for its collection of 17th-century Dutch and Flemish masters, which includes paintings by Rembrandt and his school, as well as Ruysdael and the great Flemish artists Rubens, Jordaens and Van Dyck.

9:20 AM

Dresden Rail Dropoff

A private transfer service will pick you up from the N/A and deliver you to Dresden Main Train Station. Your itinerary will provide detailed information on navigating the train station and finding your train, making the whole process simple and stress-free.  IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Morning/Mid-Day

Tour of the Documentation Center & Nazi Rally Grounds

Perhaps more than any other German city, Nuremberg was unequivocally linked to the National Socialist German Workers’ Party or Nazi Party. Once Hitler declared Nuremberg “City of Nazi Party Rallies” in 1933, construction began on grand buildings for the party’s mass meetings. Today's visit to the grounds is both enthralling and haunting, as what was once the heart of the Nazi Party Rallies now lies in ruins as a reminder of the megalomania of the Nazi party regime.

9:15 AM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains depart from Nürnberg Hbf station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option, and you can easily reach the station from almost anywhere in the city, as it is the public transport hub. Uber is not yet available in Nuremberg, but if staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags.

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Guided Walk Tour of Historic Munich

Munich contains many reminders of a long and varied history but also encompasses the modern features of a strong and vibrant city. The insights of a local help make sense of the traditions, trends, and promises of Bavaria's Capital - sometimes referred to as the city of laptops and lederhosen. On this tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Munich and point out the many hidden treasures.

Morning to Late Afternoon

Excursion to Neuschwanstein Castle

An inspiration for the Disney Castles, numerous fairy tales, and countless dreamers, the Castle of Neuschwanstein is perhaps the most famous castle in the world. The eccentric Bavarian King Ludwig II created this amazing palace in the 19th century as an idyllic version of a medieval castle. You can visit by taking a guided tour from Munich or traveling independently by train and bus. In addition to enjoying spectacular views you can take a guided tour of the castle interior which is well worth the experience (but keep in mind that there a lots of steps to negotiate). If traveling independentally, be sure to book your interior tour reservations at least two days in advance.

8:45 AM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains depart from Müchen Hbf station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Guided Walking Tour of the Heidelberg's Altstadt and Castle

On this 4 hour tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Heidelberg and help you understand what makes this city so unique. Sites visited will include the Heidelberg University, the Old Bridge, Altstadt, Town Hall and Heidelberg Castle.

8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Guided Excursion to the Black Forest

With over 6,000 square kilometres of rolling hills, magnificent mountains, and pristine old forests, the Black Forest (Schwarzwald in German) is truly a national treasure. Outdoors enthusiasts travelling to Heidelberg are not to miss out on a visit to this incredible region filled with some of Europe’s best hiking and mountain views.

To Be Determined

Take a Train, Taxi, or Bus to Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt Airport is by far the most convenient airport to Heidelberg, and the most affordable and fast way to reach it is by train or bus. Trains depart frequently from Heidelberg's main station and take only an hour to reach the airport. The airport train station is actually located within the airport, making it especially convenient. In most cases you will take a train which connects in Mannheim. Direct buses also drop off at the airport train station. If you must take a taxi, your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi service, but keep in mind that this will be an expensive and potentially long journey depending on traffic. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about 3 hours and 15 minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with about 2 hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra thirty minutes. Uber is not available in Heidelberg.