Germany to Paris A Historic Odyssey

Upon your arrival in Berlin, we will ensure your smooth transfer to the hotel. You'll then have some free time to start exploring this vibrant city at your own pace or simply relax after your travels. Later in the afternoon, you can gather information regarding the details and commencement of your tour by checking the notices on the boards located at the hotel reception. Whether you choose to venture out or unwind at the hotel, Berlin's unique atmosphere is sure to captivate you from the outset. Enjoy the start of your journey! 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.

Delve into the vibrant heart of Berlin today with our guided panoramic tour of Germany's intriguing capital. We'll explore notable landmarks such as Museum Island, the historic centre, and the iconic Brandenburg Gate, all while soaking in the city's dynamic blend of modern vitality and historical depth. Our tour will lead us through charming shopping streets and lush city parks, creating a well-rounded Berlin experience. You'll also have the opportunity to reflect on history at the Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall Memorial Museum. Should you wish to explore further afield, consider joining an optional excursion to Potsdam, famed for its splendid palaces that offer a glimpse into royal grandeur.

Today, we travel to the state of Lower Saxony. Our first stop is Wolfsburg, a city established in 1938 as a planned community for Volkswagen factory workers. Here, we’ll visit Autostadt, an automotive theme park showcasing fascinating gardens and exhibitions. Following some leisurely time for exploring and lunch, our journey continues to Celle. You can enjoy a casual stroll through its charming old town, renowned for its picturesque half-timbered houses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as its grand Renaissance castle. We will then proceed to Hannover in the mid-afternoon. This vibrant city, the capital of Lower Saxony, is a significant centre for economy, culture, and science, offering an intriguing blend of historic architecture and modern buildings, enhanced by extensive parks. The evening is yours to explore Hannover at your own pace before settling in for the night.

After breakfast, we journey to the remarkable Rammelsberg Mines near Goslar. This historic silver mining site operated continuously from the Middle Ages and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We include entry to the museum, where we gain insight into the lives of miners and the heritage of this extraordinary site. Our travels then take us to the impressive medieval town of Goslar, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved half-timbered houses, quaint cobblestone streets, and the magnificent Church of St. Peter.We proceed to Göttingen, a lively university and scientific hub that once hosted the Brothers Grimm. Here, you'll have time to savour lunch and explore its charming historic centre at your leisure. In the afternoon, we traverse the region of Thuringia, stopping at the quaint spa town of Bad Sooden. Nestled among forested hills, this town offers a serene atmosphere and well-preserved timber-framed buildings, a true hidden gem.We conclude our day in Eisenach, where we are surrounded by a wealth of Baroque and Renaissance architecture. This town is notably the birthplace of famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach and holds significance in the life of Protestant reformer Martin Luther. Dinner is included as we settle in for the evening.

We begin our day with a visit to Wartburg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its historical significance. It was here that Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German. This impressive fortress offers not only a journey through pivotal moments in German history but also stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. After our tour, we return to Eisenach where you have free time to explore. You might choose to visit the Bach House, the birthplace of the composer Johann Sebastian Bach, or explore the Automobile Museum, showcasing a fascinating collection of vintage vehicles. Our journey continues to Gotha, where we’ll take in the splendour of its Baroque palace from the outside and wander through the charming historic centre. We then make our way to Erfurt, the lively capital of Thuringia, celebrated for its grand cathedral and well-preserved medieval old town. One of the highlights is a unique bridge lined with houses, which has been continuously inhabited for over 500 years. By late afternoon, we reach Leipzig, a city rich in cultural and historical significance. Known as the home of luminaries such as Bach and Wagner, Leipzig played a key industrial role during the GDR era and is now a vibrant metropolis of over half a million people.

As we depart from Leipzig, our first stop is the imposing Monument to the Battle of the Nations, a towering 91 metres high structure inaugurated in 1913, commemorating the pivotal battle against Napoleon's forces. Continuing our journey, we reach Dresden, Saxony's cultural jewel, famed for its splendid Baroque and Renaissance architecture, palatial structures, and scenic promenades along the Elbe River. From there, we travel onwards to Bavaria, arriving in Bamberg. This lively city enchants with its picturesque district known as Little Venice. The day's adventure concludes in Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, steeped in history. While here, you might choose to visit the site where Hitler's formidable Coliseum once stood.

Today's journey offers a wealth of discoveries. We begin in Kelheim, where we embark on a brief river cruise through the scenic Danube Gorge. Our first destination is Kloster Weltenburg, a remarkable Benedictine monastery established in 1040. Following this, we visit the poignant Dachau concentration camp museum, providing insight into an important chapter of global history. After lunch, we proceed to Munich and explore the captivating BMW Welt, an exhibition venue for the renowned German automaker. Our exploration also includes the Olympiastadion, famous for hosting the 1972 Olympic Games. Later, you have free time in Munich’s historic centre, enabling you to wander through Marienplatz, browse the vibrant Viktualienmarkt, unwind in the Englischer Garten, or savour the atmosphere of traditional beer houses. Please note: During winter or when the Danube’s water level is low, the cruise won't operate, and the itinerary will adjust to include a visit to Landshut. Kloster Weltenburg will also be closed in winter, but its exterior remains accessible for viewing.

Today, we set out from Munich, travelling amidst the majestic alpine peaks to the enchanting town of Füssen. Our main destination is the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, a fairy-tale fortress that has inspired countless stories and imaginations. We'll journey by bus to the vantage point of Mary’s Bridge, where you can soak in the magnificent views of the surrounding gorge. You may choose to return by foot or indulge in a horse-drawn carriage ride, a charming option at your own expense.Our adventure on the famed Romantic Road continues as we make our way to Rothenburg, a picture-perfect walled town brimming with medieval charm. Here, we will visit the captivating Christmas Museum, a delightful exploration of festive traditions. Our day's journey will conclude as we travel to Frankfurt, celebrated as Germany’s financial powerhouse. Enjoy the evening in this vibrant city, exploring its dynamic blend of historical sights and modern architecture.

We begin our day travelling from Frankfurt to France, with our first stop being the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. This petite nation features a unique blend of German (Luxembourgish dialect) and French. Upon arrival, we'll explore Luxembourg City, a cosmopolitan hub that harmoniously combines its historic charm with modern elements as a financial centre and a key site for European institutions. Highlights to look forward to include the UNESCO-listed old town, impressive fortifications, the Grand Ducal Palace, and the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral. After lunch, we'll resume our journey into France, heading to the heart of the famous Champagne region. Here, in Reims, stand in awe of the majestic Gothic cathedral, famed as the site of numerous French royal coronations. By day's end, we'll arrive in Paris, marking the close of our journey filled with unforgettable experiences and lasting memories. Remember to confirm your flight details, as you may require an extra night in Paris.