Germany's Historic and Romantic Journey

Upon your arrival in Berlin, we'll arrange your transfer to the hotel, setting the stage for your exciting journey. Once settled, take the opportunity to unwind and enjoy some leisure time. In the afternoon, essential details about the start of your tour can be found displayed on the boards at the hotel reception. 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.

On the second day of your journey, we'll delve into the vibrant culture and rich history of Berlin, Germany's bustling capital. Our day begins with a guided panoramic tour of the city, offering a fascinating glimpse into its storied past and modern attractions. We will explore the historic centre, where landmarks such as the impressive Museum Island and the magnificent Reichstag stand proud. We'll pause at the iconic Brandenburg Gate and have time to browse the bustling shopping streets. A highlight of our tour includes the serene, beautifully maintained city parks, providing a touch of nature amidst the urban setting. We will also pay our respects at significant sites like the Holocaust Memorial and gain insight into the city's turbulent history at the Berlin Wall Memorial Museum. For those eager to explore further, there's an optional excursion to Potsdam, famed for its stunning palaces and beautifully landscaped gardens.

On the third day, our journey takes us to the state of Lower Saxony. We begin with a visit to Wolfsburg, a city established in 1938 as a purpose-built settlement for Volkswagen workers during the Nazi era. Wolfsburg is synonymous with the German automotive industry, and we include entry to Autostadt, an automotive theme park featuring beautifully landscaped gardens and fascinating exhibitions. After exploring Autostadt and enjoying lunch, we'll continue to the charming town of Celle. You'll have time to wander through the historic Old Town, renowned for its exquisite half-timbered houses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, and admire the grand Renaissance castle. Later in the afternoon, we arrive in Hannover, the capital of Lower Saxony. Here, you can explore this vibrant city, known for its impressive blend of historic and contemporary architecture and expansive green parks. Overnight accommodation will be in Hannover.

Following breakfast, we depart for the historic Rammelsberg Mines near Goslar, a silver mining site that operated continuously from the Middle Ages. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a captivating insight into the region's industrial history, with a museum visit included to further explore the lives of the miners and the site's legacy. Our journey then leads us to Goslar, famed for its stunning medieval old town, also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town delights with its beautifully preserved half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and the impressive Church of St. Peter. We then head towards Göttingen, a lively hub of academia and science, once home to the Brothers Grimm. Here, enjoy a leisurely lunch and a stroll through its charming historic centre. The afternoon takes us across the Thuringian landscape, with a stop in the enchanting spa town of Bad Sooden, nestled among verdant hills. With its well-preserved timber-framed architecture and peaceful ambience, it truly is a hidden gem. Later, we arrive in Eisenach, which boasts a magnificent historic centre enriched with Baroque and Renaissance architecture. The town is famous for the Bach House, the birthplace of the illustrious composer, as well as Luther's House, an important landmark in the life of the Protestant Reformer. Dinner is provided, allowing you a chance to savour the local culinary delights.

We begin our day with a visit to the majestic Wartburg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched high above Eisenach. This historic fortress, where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German, offers a unique insight into German history alongside splendid views of the surrounding landscapes. After our tour of the castle, we return to Eisenach, where you have free time to enjoy lunch and explore at your leisure. If you're interested in music, consider visiting the Bach House, the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach. Alternatively, you might explore the Automobile Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of vintage vehicles housed in the former main factory of East Germany's car industry.Our journey then takes us to Gotha, where we admire the exterior of its grand Baroque palace and take a leisurely stroll through its enchanting historic centre. We continue on to Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, renowned for its impressive cathedral and beautifully preserved medieval old town. One notable feature is a picturesque bridge lined with shops and homes, continuously inhabited for over 500 years. By late afternoon, we'll arrive in Leipzig, a city rich in cultural and historical heritage. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Leipzig has been home to famous composers such as Bach and Wagner and played a significant industrial role during the GDR era. Today, it is a lively metropolis with a population exceeding half a million.

As we leave Leipzig, our first highlight of the day is the remarkable Monument to the Battle of the Nations. Inaugurated in 1913 and standing an impressive 91 metres tall, this monument pays tribute to a pivotal battle of the Napoleonic Wars. We'll then venture to Dresden, the capital of Saxony, famed for its stunning Baroque and Renaissance architecture, opulent palaces, and charming riverside promenades along the Elbe River. Finally, our journey takes us to Bavaria, where we'll arrive in Bamberg, a vibrant city where a stroll through the quaint district of Little Venice is a must. We conclude the day by heading to Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, brimming with a rich tapestry of history—a visit to the site where Hitler's Coliseum once stood is highly recommended.

Today promises a series of intriguing experiences. Our journey begins in Kelheim, where we'll embark on a brief cruise along the picturesque Danube Valley, navigating through the Danube Gorge. Our first stop is the Kloster Weltenburg, an exquisite Benedictine monastery established in 1040. Following this, we'll make our way to Dachau to visit the museum of the Nazi concentration camp, providing a solemn insight into this poignant period of history. After lunch, we continue to Munich, where we'll explore the remarkable BMW Welt, a multifunctional exhibition space showcasing the celebrated BMW Group's vehicles. Additionally, we'll visit the Olympiastadion, a fascinating architectural feat that hosted the 1972 Olympic Games. Later, you have free time to wander through Munich's historic centre. You may choose to explore Marienplatz, the bustling heart of the city, peruse the vibrant Viktualienmarkt open-air market, unwind in the serene Englischer Garten, or experience the allure of traditional beer houses. Please note that in winter or if the Danube's water level is insufficient, the cruise will not operate, and we will adjust the journey to include a visit to Landshut. The Kloster Weltenburg will be closed during winter months, but you'll still have the opportunity to view it from outside.

We begin our day amidst the picturesque alpine landscapes on our way to Füssen and the enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle. Nestled in a setting fit for a fairytale, we’ll journey by bus to Mary’s Bridge for stunning views of the gorge below. Afterwards, you may choose to return on foot or enjoy a horse carriage ride—this option is not included but offers an exceptional way to savour the scenery. Continuing along the charming Romantic Road, we’ll arrive in Rothenburg, a quaint, walled city. Here, we delight in a visit to the charming Christmas Museum, with admission included, to further immerse in the festive spirit. As our day draws to a close, we make our way to Frankfurt, Germany’s bustling financial hub, where our journey continues.

Following breakfast, our remarkable journey draws to a close, leaving you to treasure the delightful memories of your travels through Germany. As you depart from Frankfurt, take a moment to reflect on the vibrant cities, historical landmarks, and captivating stories that have coloured our experience together.