Duration: 12 Days
Bratwurst and beer, castles and cathedrals, and centuries of history and skilled craftspeople. The time has come to pack your lederhosen for the wonderful views and brews of Germany. From world-class cities to half-timbered towns and romantic river valleys to fairytale forests, we’ve compiled the country’s highlights for the ultimate Germany holiday. This encompassing tour of Germany kicks off in Frankfurt with a river cruise along the vineyard-dotted Rhine, picks up speed with a train ride from Cologne to Berlin, and then makes its way from the restored city of once war-ravaged Dresden to the best of Bavaria and the enchanting Black Forest. Castle-topped hills, snow-capped peaks, and foam-topped pilsners present the sweetest of sights while traditional Black Forest Cake and Nuremberg Gingerbread are your just desserts.
Traveller Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Please note: The itinerary for departures 1, 8, 13, 15 & 20 June have had a slight update. Please contact reservations for further details.
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.
Welcome to Frankfurt!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Views & Brews in Cologne
RHINE RIVER Take a scenic cruise on the historic river.
COLOGNE Visit the magnificent cathedral. Enjoy a beer at the [LF] Colner Hofbrau Fruh, one of Cologne's famous breweries. (B,D) 155 mi / 250 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL TASTES For more than a century, the Colner Hofbrau Fruh has served its delicious Kolsch beer according to the family tradition started by the founder Peter Josef Fruh. Raise your glass to timeless tradition and hospitality with Germany's famous, foamy brews.
Historic Berlin
COLOGNE Board the high-speed first-class ICE train to Berlin.
BERLIN Guided sightseeing includes the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and picture stops at Brandenburg Gate and the Holocaust Memorial. (B,D) 367 mi / 590 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS Explore the historic city of Berlin. Stop at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the symbolic heart of West Berlin, its towers rising as a symbol of peace between nations. See the vast Holocaust Memorial, the sombre site dedicated to the remembrance of the Jewish victims of the holocaust. Take photos of the symbolic monument to peace and unity at the Brandenburg Gate - Berlin's most famous landmark.
The Boulevards of Berlin
BERLIN Enjoy a free day to explore Berlin. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE Berlin is a city to be explored and enjoyed. See the street art of the East Side Gallery where a portion of the Berlin Wall now serves as a memorial of freedom painted by local artists. See the classic Cosmonaut mural in Mariannenstrasse or head to the Kreuzberg district for a leisurely stroll along Landwehr Canal.
German Jewels
DRESDEN Enjoy free time for lunch. An orientation walk features the Zwinger Palace Courtyard. (B) 137 mi / 220 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM Explore the heart of Dresden with a walk to Zwinger Palace courtyard. Revered for its stunning Baroque architecture and beautiful gardens, this spectacular palace complex is the most famous building in Dresden.
On Tap in Nuremberg
BAYREUTH Take an orientation tour of Wagner's city of festival.
NUREMBERG Walking tour includes the Old Town. [LF] Dinner with local specialties at the Bratwurst Roslein restaurant. (B,D) 205 mi / 330 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL TASTES Bring a big appetite to dine on brats and beer in the biggest Bratwurst restaurant in the world! Enjoy authentic specialities at Bratwurst Roslein in the heart of Nuremberg's town hall square, where warm welcomes have been greeting clients since 1493.
The Romantic Road
ROTHENBURG Orientation walk and free time to browse before continuing to Munich. (B) 205 mi / 330 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Get that old romantic feeling with a walk through the well-preserved medieval town of Rothenburg. Here, along Germany's historic Romantic Road region, you'll find half-timbered houses, medieval walls, and cobblestone streets, that will win your heart in the heart of Northern Bavaria.
The Heart of Munich
MUNICH Guided sightseeing includes Marienplatz with its Old and New Town Halls.
OBERAMMERGAU Enjoy free time before departing for Fussen. (B,D) 87 mi / 140 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Experience the geographical and cultural heart of Munich at its Marienplatz, the town square since 1158. Stroll through the home of historic buildings, including the Old and New Town Halls in the picturesque heart and soul of the city.
BAVARIAN BLESSINGS & A STORYBOOK CASTLE
FUSSEN Spend a free morning in the Bavarian village.
NEUSCHWANSTEIN Take a guided visit to King Ludwig's castle. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the "Fairytale King," built a fantastical 1800s castle with all the modern conveniences (aka plumbing), while emphasizing the romantic vision of a storybook castle. His love for Wagnerian opera is literally plastered on the walls inside, with panoramas and frescoes of scenes from the composer's great works. So romantic and fanciful of design, the Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Walt Disney's blueprint of a castle fit for Sleeping Beauty herself.
FAIRYTALE FORESTS
LINDAU Explore the island on Lake Constance.
BIRNAU Visit the Baroque church.
BLACK FOREST Enjoy a traditional Schwarzwaldkuchen (Black Forest cake) tasting during dinner. (B,D) 186 mi / 300 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ANGELS ABOVE THE VINEYARDS Nestling among the picturesque vineyards high above the lake rises the slender pinky-white tower of the magnificent baroque church of Birnau. Walk through the gates of this place of worship, and be transported to a different world filled with baroque opulence and religious devotion.
Cuckoo Clocks & Castle Walks
BLACK FOREST Enjoy a Cuckoo Clock demonstration at your hotel.
HEIDELBERG Take a walking tour of the Old Town with a funicular ride to visit the castle.
FRANKFURT Farewell dinner at your hotel. (B,D) 199 mi / 320 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ARCHITECTURAL GEM Ascend 300 feet above Heidelberg to visit its historic castle, posing a commanding presence above the town below. The breathtaking Schloss Heidelberg features buildings and courtyards reflecting unique architectural eras, as well as the biggest wine barrel in the world! Just as the city below delivers a powerful view of the castle, you'll take in the panoramic views of Heidelberg below the terraces and gardens of the hilltop fortress. Cast your eyes across the Neckar River and valley, with views as far as the Rhine plain and Mannheim on a clear day.
Auf Wiedersehen, Germany!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
