German Historical Gems and Fairy Tales

Welcome to the first day of your tour in Frankfurt! Upon arrival, we'll arrange your transfer to the hotel, giving you some time to relax and explore your surroundings at your leisure. In the afternoon, be sure to check the hotel reception area for important information regarding the commencement of our tour. Enjoy the rest of the day in this vibrant city known for its impressive skyline and rich cultural heritage. 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 our second day, we'll delve into the enchanting landscapes of the Rhine and Moselle Valleys, renowned for their historical significance and quaint villages. We begin with a leisurely cruise on the Rhine, navigating between Rüdesheim and Sankt Goar—a truly picturesque stretch of the river. Following our cruise, we'll make our way to the Moselle River, pausing for lunch in the charming village of Cochem. This village is elegantly situated on the Rhine's bank, dominated by an impressive castle with a history spanning over a millennium. Our journey continues to Cologne, where you’ll have the chance to marvel at its remarkable Gothic cathedral. Once the tallest building in the world, this architectural wonder stands at 154 metres. Take the opportunity for a pleasant stroll along the Rhine and through the city’s vibrant centre before we proceed to our hotel in Dortmund. Please be aware that during fairs or congresses, accommodation might be arranged in a nearby city.

Today, we will embark on a journey along Germany's enchanting Fairy Tale Route, bringing to life the stories that inspired the Brothers Grimm. Our adventure begins in Trendelburg, a picturesque village with medieval walls, where you can explore the impressive castle and its renowned Rapunzel Tower. Continuing our journey, we traverse scenic roads lined with forests reminiscent of Hansel and Gretel, pausing for lunch in Höxter. Here, you'll visit Corvey Abbey, a 9th-century monastery and World Heritage Site.Our next stop is Polle, where we will explore the ruins known as Cinderella's Castle. The day unfolds further as we visit Hamelin, a town synonymous with the tale of the Pied Piper. After tracing the famed mouse tracks, we'll arrive in Hanover, where you will have the opportunity to stroll near the old town hall. Please note that during fairs or conferences, accommodation might be in a nearby city, and Corvey Abbey remains closed from November to February.

Following breakfast, we'll make our way to the historic Rammelsberg Mines near Goslar, a remarkable silver mining site that operated continuously since the Middle Ages and has earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission to the museum is included, allowing us to delve into the miners' lives and the legacy of this notable site. Our journey then continues to Goslar, famed for its medieval old town, another UNESCO gem. Explore its charming half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and the impressive Church of St. Peter. We proceed to Göttingen, recognised as a vibrant centre of academia and science, once home to the Brothers Grimm. Enjoy some free time for lunch and a leisurely walk through its delightful historic centre. In the afternoon, we'll travel through Thuringia, stopping in the picturesque spa town of Bad Sooden, nestled among forested hills. Known for its traditional timber-framed buildings and serene ambience, it truly is a hidden treasure. Later, we'll arrive in Eisenach, distinguished by its stunning historical centre and rich array of Baroque and Renaissance architecture. The town also boasts the Bach House, the birthplace of the famed composer, and Luther's House, a significant site in the Protestant Reformation. Dinner is included this evening.

We’ll start our day with a visit to the remarkable Wartburg Castle (tickets included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Martin Luther famously translated the New Testament into German. Located high above the town of Eisenach, this castle offers a fascinating journey through German history, alongside stunning views of the surrounding landscape. After exploring the fortress, we’ll return to Eisenach, allowing you free time to discover the town at your leisure. You might choose to visit the Bach House, the birthplace of the renowned composer Johann Sebastian Bach, or perhaps 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 continues to Gotha, where we’ll admire the majestic exterior of its Baroque palace and enjoy a stroll through the quaint historic centre. From there, we travel to Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, famed for its grand cathedral and beautifully preserved medieval old town. One highlight is a picturesque bridge lined with houses that have been continuously inhabited for over 500 years.By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Leipzig, a vibrant metropolis rich in cultural and historical significance. Known as the city of the composers, it was home to musical greats such as Bach and Wagner and played a major industrial role during the era of the GDR. Today, Leipzig thrives with a lively population exceeding half a million.

Departing from Leipzig, we'll first pause at the striking Monument to the Battle of the Nations. Inaugurated in 1913 and towering at 91 metres, this monument honours a pivotal clash from the Napoleonic Wars. Our journey then continues to Dresden, the capital of Saxony, famed for its stunning Baroque and Renaissance architecture, grand palaces, and elegant promenades along the Elbe River. Next, we travel towards Bavaria, arriving in Bamberg. This vibrant city, with its enchanting areas like Little Venice, is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Finally, we reach Nuremberg, the second-largest city in Bavaria, steeped in rich history. In your free time, you might consider exploring the historic site where Hitler’s Coliseum once stood.

Today promises to be a day full of enriching experiences. We start our journey in Kelheim, where we'll embark on a short cruise through the picturesque Danube Gorge. Our first stop is the historic Kloster Weltenburg, a stunning Benedictine monastery established in 1040. We then proceed to Dachau for a poignant visit to the Nazi concentration camp museum. After lunch, we'll continue to Munich, exploring the remarkable BMW Welt, an interactive exhibition centre showcasing Germany’s prestigious automobile brand. We will also visit the park that includes the Olympiastadion, a striking piece of architecture from the 1972 Olympic Games. In the evening, you will have free time in Munich’s historic centre, offering the chance to explore Marienplatz, the bustling Viktualienmarkt, the serene Englischer Garten, or perhaps savour the ambience of a traditional beer house. Note: The Danube cruise may be subject to seasonal restrictions or water level changes. If unavailable, the itinerary will adjust to include a visit to Landshut, while Kloster Weltenburg can still be admired from the outside during winter.

Today, we journey through stunning alpine landscapes as we make our way to Füssen, home to the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. We will take a bus to Mary’s Bridge, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding gorge. From this vantage point, you have the option to return on foot or by horse carriage (additional cost). Continuing along the renowned Romantic Road, we'll arrive in Rothenburg, a charming, well-preserved walled city. Here, we will visit the enchanting Christmas Museum (entrance included), which captures the magic of the festive season year-round. Our day concludes in Frankfurt, the financial heart of Germany, where we will settle in for the evening.

After enjoying breakfast, our tour concludes. You'll depart with cherished memories of an unforgettable journey.