German Highlights

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 Begin your German Highlights tour with a relaxing cruise along one of the most scenic parts of the River Rhine. After disembarking, continue to Cologne for a refreshing visit to one of the city’s most famous breweries, [LOCAL FAVORITE] the Cölner Hofbräu Früh (FRÜH am Dom), to enjoy a local Kölsch beer. Next, join an orientation walk with free time to explore more. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITE For more than a century, the Cölner Hofbräu Früh has served its delicious Kölsch beer according to the family tradition started by the founder Peter Josef Früh. Raise your glass to timeless tradition and hospitality with Germany’s famous, foamy brews.

Historic Berlin This morning, board the high-speed ICE train to Berlin. On arrival, meet your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour which features views of the State Opera House, Museum Island, the Reichstag, Tiergarten Park, and the elegant Ku-Damm. Stop to take photos at the Brandenburg Gate, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, and the Holocaust Memorial. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT In 1961 East and West Berlin became physically divided by a concrete wall, leaving the Brandenburg Gate isolated in a restricted area. As the wall began to fall in 1989, the Brandenburg Gate was once again reachable and became a national symbol of peace and unity. Today it is Berlin's most famous landmark.

The Boulevards of Berlin Enjoy a free day in Berlin to absorb more art, culture, and history in one of the many museums. Browse the stores, sink your teeth into some of the local specialties, or join one of the optional excursions. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME 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 This morning, depart Berlin and drive to Dresden. Enjoy some free time for lunch, then join an orientation walk that features the Zwinger Palace courtyard. Enjoy free time this evening to explore more of Dresden. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT 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 This morning, drive through Saxony to reach Bayreuth in Bavaria, Wagner’s famous city of festival. Join an orientation tour to see important landmarks including the Festival Hall. Continue to historic Nuremberg for a walking orientation of the center before savoring a [LOCAL FAVORITE] delicious dinner with local specialties at the Bratwurst Röslein restaurant. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITE Bring a big appetite to dine on brats and beer in the biggest Bratwurst restaurant in the world! Enjoy authentic specialties at Bratwurst Röslein in the heart of Nuremberg’s town hall square, where warm welcomes have been greeting clients since 1493.

The Romantic Road Reach the delightful medieval town of Rothenburg and join an orientation walk of the historic center. Admire St. Jakob’s church, Marktplatz, Ratstrinktube, the Town Hall, and beautiful views of the Tauber Valley. Take time to browse before continuing to Munich. Enjoy free time this evening to get acquainted with lively Munich, considered the richest city in Germany. It is BMW’s hometown and the location of the world’s largest beer festival, Oktoberfest. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT 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.

Spend Your Day Your Way in Munich This morning, delve deeper into Munich with an orientation drive and guided sightseeing tour. Explore more of Munich with your choice of an included Globus Choice excursion. Timeless Münich: a Walk Through the Old Town Step into the heart of Munich and feel centuries of stories echo through cobbled lanes, majestic courtyards, and grand facades. This immersive walking tour leads you through the vibrant Old Town, where the past and present blend seamlessly. From gothic towers to royal elegance and hidden medieval corners, discover the soul of the Bavarian capital through fascinating tales, local legends, and authentic charm. Toasting Tradition Prost! Lift a stein in Bavarian style with your Local Guide to drink in Munich's brewing heritage on a tour brimming with Oktoberfest stories in one of the city's oldest buildings. Discover Bavarian beer history and culture, then celebrate with a fresh pint in the cozy museum tavern. A must-visit for beer lovers and culture fans alike!

Bavarian Blessings & A Storybook Castle Enjoy a leisurely morning with free time to explore the picturesque village of Füssen. Later, a short drive brings you to Neuschwanstein for a guided visit of King Ludwig’s castle, probably one of the most recognizable in the world as it provided inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT 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 This morning, drive to Lake Constance and spend time exploring the charming island of Lindau. Next, stop in Birnau, which boasts great views of the lake, and visit the elaborate Baroque church with its seven altars. Continue to Lake Titisee for a real treat, a private electric boat cruise with an aperitif. For even more local tastes, enjoy a traditional Schwarzwaldkuchen (Black Forest Cake) tasting during dinner at your hotel. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Lake Titisee is the largest natural lake in the Black Forest and considered to be one of the most beautiful in Germany. What better way to see it than by sailing on it! Relax on your private electric boat cruise and enjoy an aperitif while soaking up the stunning views of the surrounding Black Forest.

Cuckoo Clocks & Castle Walks Before departing this morning, watch a local craftsman demonstrate the skill behind the famous cuckoo clock. Reach Heidelberg and enjoy some leisure time to have lunch. Explore the Old Town with an orientation walk before taking a funicular ride to visit the castle. This evening, arrive in Frankfurt for a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT 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 vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)