German Vista

Willkommen in Berlin! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Historic Berlin This morning, join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour of Berlin featuring 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. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 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 more reachable, and it became a national symbol of peace and unity. Today it is Berlin's most famous landmark.

German Jewels This morning, depart Berlin and drive to Dresden. Enjoy some free time for lunch, then follow your Local Guide on a walking tour 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 the Zwinger Palace courtyard. Revered for its stunning Baroque architecture and beautiful gardens, this spectacular palace complex is one of the most famous buildings in Dresden.

The Romantic Road Reach the delightful medieval town of Rothenburg. After some free time for lunch, join an orientation walk of the historic center. Admire St. Jakob’s church, the Marktplatz, Ratstrinktube, the Town Hall, and beautiful views of the Tauber Valley. There is plenty of free time to explore even more with an [LOCAL FAVORITE] overnight stay in this fairytale town. (B) LOCAL FAVORITE 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.

Fairytale Endings This morning, relax on a scenic drive along the world-famous Romantic Road, considered Germany’s most beautiful route, as it is dotted with timbered houses, pretty lakes, and rolling vineyards. Arrive in Neuschwanstein for a [LOCAL FAVORITE] guided visit of King Ludwig’s castle, probably one of the most recognizable in the world, a source of inspiration for Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Enjoy some free time this evening and perhaps try some local specialties for dinner. (B) LOCAL FAVORITE King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the “Fairy-tale 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.

Bavarian Blessings Enjoy the views as you drive to the beautiful Bavarian village of Oberammergau. Join an orientation walk to see the outdoor auditorium where the Passion Play is held once every 10 years. Take time to browse before continuing to Munich. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to get acquainted with lively Munich, considered the richest city in Germany, BMW’s hometown, and location of the world’s largest beer festival. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Centuries ago, the residents of the beautiful Bavarian village of Oberammergau made a promise to God to re-enact Christ’s Passion if he would spare them from an outbreak of the Black Plague of 1633. Since then, hundreds of local townspeople perform this epic production every 10 years in Oberammergau. Stroll the picturesque town and see the large outdoor auditorium.

Spend Your Day Your Way in Munich Explore more of Munich with your choice of an included Globus Choice excursion. 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!

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)