Journey Through Germany's Historic Hidden Gems

Welcome to your tour! Our adventure begins as we set off for Lower Saxony, where we'll visit Wolfsburg. This unique city was founded in 1938 to accommodate workers at the Volkswagen factory, a cornerstone of German automotive history. Here, we include a visit to Autostadt – the city of cars – featuring stunning gardens and intriguing exhibitions. You’ll have leisure time for a walk and perhaps lunch before we continue to Celle. In Celle, you can wander around the enchanting old town, famous for its charming half-timbered houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as its magnificent Renaissance castle. By mid-afternoon, we'll arrive in Hannover, the capital of Lower Saxony, known for its blend of historic and modern architecture and expansive parks. Here, you can explore this vibrant city, a notable hub for culture, science, and economy in Germany. Accommodation will be arranged in this lively city. 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.

Following breakfast, we'll set off to explore the Rammelsberg Mines, a historic silver mining site near Goslar. This UNESCO World Heritage Site operated continuously from the Middle Ages, offering a captivating insight into the region’s industrial past. We'll provide entry to the museum, where we'll delve into the lives of the miners and the enduring legacy of this remarkable location.Our journey continues to Goslar, famed for its splendid medieval old town, also recognised by UNESCO for its heritage. The town charms visitors with its beautifully preserved half-timbered houses, quaint cobblestone streets, and the impressive Church of St. Peter.Next, we make our way to Göttingen, a lively university city known for its academic excellence and historical significance, once home to the Brothers Grimm. You'll have time to enjoy lunch here and wander through its lovely historic centre at your leisure.In the afternoon, we'll journey through the scenic region of Thuringia, making a stop in the picturesque town of Bad Sooden. Tucked amidst forested hills, this serene spa town is a hidden treasure with its well-preserved timber-framed architecture and peaceful ambience.Later, we'll arrive in Eisenach, a town marked by its magnificent historical centre and rich Baroque and Renaissance architecture. Notable sites include the Bach House, birthplace of the renowned composer, and Luther’s House, pivotal in the life of the Protestant Reformer. Dinner is included, rounding off a day rich in history and culture.

On day three, we will begin by exploring Wartburg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site prominently perched above Eisenach. This historical fortress is where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German, offering both a journey through significant German history and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscapes. After our visit, we return to Eisenach, where you’ll have the afternoon to enjoy lunch and explore independently. Music enthusiasts might want to visit the Bach House, the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach. Alternatively, you could explore the Automobile Museum, which houses a fascinating collection of vintage vehicles in the former main factory of East Germany’s car industry.Our journey then takes us to Gotha, where we will admire the exterior of its grand Baroque palace and wander through the charming historic centre. We continue to Erfurt, the vibrant capital of Thuringia, renowned for its imposing cathedral and beautifully preserved medieval old town. Notable highlights include a picturesque bridge lined with houses that have been continuously inhabited for more than five centuries. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Leipzig, a city rich in cultural and historical heritage. Known for being the home of composers such as Bach and Wagner, Leipzig played a significant industrial role during the GDR era and today thrives as a bustling metropolis with over half a million residents.

Departing from Leipzig, we begin our day with a visit to the Monument to the Battle of the Nations. Inaugurated in 1913, this towering 91-metre structure commemorates a significant battle of the Napoleonic Wars. We then make our way to Dresden, the capital of Saxony. Known for its impressive Baroque and Renaissance architecture, Dresden offers beautiful riverside promenades along the Elbe River that you can explore at your leisure. After soaking in the sights of Dresden, we journey into Bavaria, arriving in the lively and picturesque city of Bamberg. Take a stroll through its charming district known as Little Venice, with its delightful canals and historic charm. Our day continues as we head towards Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city, rich in history and culture. While here, consider visiting the site of Hitler’s Coliseum to gain insight into the city's past.As the day concludes, you'll reflect on a journey filled with cultural and historical discoveries across some of Germany's most fascinating cities.

Today's adventure promises to be full of intriguing experiences. Our day begins in Kelheim, where we embark on a scenic boat cruise through the stunning Danube Gorge. Our first stop is Kloster Weltenburg, a remarkable Benedictine monastery established in 1040, where you can appreciate its historical significance amidst beautiful surroundings.We then proceed to Dachau, to visit the concentration camp museum, an important site for reflection and understanding of the past. After pausing for lunch, our journey continues to Munich, where we'll explore the impressive BMW Welt, an innovative exhibition space showcasing the prestigious BMW Group. Here, you'll also take in the extraordinary architecture of the Olympiastadion, the venue for the 1972 Olympic Games.The remainder of the day in Munich is yours to discover the delights of the city. Stroll through Marienplatz, the bustling heart of the city, explore the lively Viktualienmarkt, or unwind in the vast Englischer Garten. Alternatively, you might indulge in the convivial atmosphere of the traditional beer houses. Please note that if cruising conditions on the Danube are unfavourable, we will adapt our itinerary to include a visit to Landshut, allowing you a glimpse of Kloster Weltenburg from the outside during winter months.

On day six, we embark on a journey through the stunning alpine landscapes to reach Füssen, home to the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. We'll take a bus up to Mary's Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the gorge below. You may choose to walk back or opt for a horse-drawn carriage (at your own expense). Continuing our adventure along the Romantic Road, we'll make our way to Rothenburg, a charming medieval town. Here, we'll explore the enchanting Christmas Museum, with admission included. Our day concludes in Frankfurt, the financial hub of Germany.

Following breakfast, your tour reaches its conclusion. We hope you depart with an array of wonderful memories to cherish from your journey.