From Fairy Tales to Berlin's History

Welcome to the beginning of your adventure in Frankfurt! Upon arrival, we'll ensure you're comfortably settled with a transfer to your hotel. The day is yours to unwind and explore at your leisure – perhaps you'd like to take a stroll through the nearby streets or relax at one of the local cafés. In the afternoon, make sure to visit the hotel reception area, where you can find all the details you need about the start of your exciting tour. Embrace this opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Frankfurt from the get-go. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

We begin our day by exploring the scenic Rhine and Moselle Valleys, known for their rich history and charming villages. Our journey starts with a delightful short cruise along the Rhine, between the picturesque villages of Rüdesheim and Sankt Goar. This section of the river is particularly renowned for its stunning views. Following the cruise, we will visit the Moselle River and pause for lunch in Cochem, a charming village renowned for its impressive castle that has stood for over a thousand years. Next, we head to Cologne, where you can explore its magnificent Gothic cathedral, once the tallest building in the world until the late 19th century. You will also have the opportunity to take a leisurely walk along the Rhine riverbank and through the vibrant city centre. Later in the day, we continue our journey to Dortmund, where our accommodation awaits. Please note that during fairs or congresses, our stay may be in a nearby city.

Today, we embark on an enchanting journey along Germany's Fairy Tale Route, where we'll be drawn into the charming world of the Brothers Grimm. Our adventure begins in Trendelburg, a quaint village encased in medieval walls. Here, we explore the impressive castle and the renowned Rapunzel Tower, with admission included. As we travel along scenic roads, lush forests reminiscent of the Hansel and Gretel tale envelop us. Our next stop is Höxter, a lively town where we pause for lunch and visit Corvey Abbey, a 9th-century monastic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site (admission included).Continuing our journey, we stop at Polle to explore the evocative ruins of Cinderella's Castle, once more with admission included. Our storybook tour leads us to Hamelin, a town forever associated with the legend of the Pied Piper. After discovering the town's historic allure, we make our way to Hanover. Here, you'll have the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll near the old town hall and soak in the city's rich atmosphere. Please note, during fairs or conferences, accommodation arrangements may be in a nearby city. It's also important to mention that Corvey Abbey is closed from November to February.

Following breakfast, our adventure takes us to the historic Rammelsberg Mines near Goslar. This enduring silver mining site, operational from the Middle Ages and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers insightful glimpses into the region's industrial legacy. Admission to the museum is included, allowing us to delve deeper into the miners' lives and the site's remarkable history. Next, we journey to Goslar, famed for its stunning medieval old town, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can wander the charming cobblestone streets flanked by beautifully preserved half-timbered houses and visit the impressive Church of St. Peter. Our route continues to Göttingen, a lively centre renowned for its university and scientific contributions, and once the residence of the Brothers Grimm. There will be ample time to savour lunch and explore its delightful historic centre at your leisure. In the afternoon, we traverse the picturesque region of Thuringia, pausing in Bad Sooden, a serene spa town nestled amidst forested hills. This hidden gem captivates with its well-preserved timber-framed buildings and tranquil ambience. Later, we arrive in Eisenach, celebrated for its grand historic centre and rich Baroque and Renaissance architectural heritage. Here, you can embrace the town's cultural offerings, including the Bach House, Johann Sebastian Bach's birthplace, and Luther’s House, significant in the narrative of the Protestant Reformer. Tonight's dinner is included.

We begin our day in Eisenach with a visit to the remarkable Wartburg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its role in Martin Luther's translation of the New Testament into German. This historic fortress, perched grandly above the town, not only offers a captivating glimpse into German history but also provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. After our castle tour, you'll have free time in Eisenach for lunch and personal exploration. Music enthusiasts may wish to visit the Bach House, the birthplace of the renowned composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Alternatively, the Automobile Museum, housed in the former main factory of East Germany’s car industry, offers a fascinating collection of classic vehicles. Our journey then takes us to Gotha, where we will admire the exterior of its splendid Baroque palace and wander through the delightful historic centre. From there, we travel to Erfurt, Thuringia's charming capital, known for its grand cathedral and immaculately preserved medieval old town. One highlight not to miss is the scenic bridge lined with half-timbered houses, continuously inhabited for over 500 years. Later, we arrive in Leipzig, a city steeped in cultural and historical significance. This vibrant metropolis, home to illustrious composers like Bach and Wagner, played a crucial industrial role during the GDR era and continues to thrive today with a diverse population.

Departing from Leipzig, our first stop will be at the Monument to the Battle of the Nations. Standing 91 metres tall, this grand structure was inaugurated in 1913 to commemorate a significant battle from the Napoleonic Wars. Next, we’ll head to Dresden, the stunning capital of Saxony, where you'll be enchanted by its Baroque and Renaissance architecture, grand palaces, and pleasant riverside walks along the Elbe. Following our exploration of Dresden, we'll visit Meissen, a charming city celebrated for its fine porcelain, crafted here since the 18th century. There will be time to enjoy a leisurely lunch and wander through the old town, where the impressive castle and cathedral dominate the skyline.Our journey then takes us to Moritzburg, where we'll take a stroll around the magnificent "Cinderella's Castle." Set on an island in an artificial lake, the castle boasts splendid architecture and extensive gardens. Finally, we’ll make our way to Berlin, where we aim to arrive around 7:00 p.m.

Today, we delve into the vibrant culture and rich history of Berlin, the remarkable capital of Germany. Guided by a local expert, we’ll experience the city from the comfort of our coach, taking in notable sites such as Museum Island, the Television Tower, and the bustling city centre. We’ll also pass by the remains of the old cathedral, damaged during World War II, and visit iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag, surrounded by Berlin’s vast green parks. Our tour includes poignant stops at the Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall Memorial Museum, both serving as powerful reminders of Germany's complex past. After the tour, the afternoon is yours to discover Berlin further at your leisure. In the early evening, we’ll head to the lively Kantstrasse area, providing the perfect opportunity to explore its vibrant atmosphere.

Following breakfast, we conclude our journey through Germany's rich cultural and historical landscapes, bringing with us a wealth of cherished memories.