Ninety-nine bottles of beer on the wall, centuries of fascinating history, and more sausage stands than you can count await on this delicious introductory tour of Germany. As you follow the delectable scent of sizzling bratwurst and freshly baked pretzels from bustling Berlin to Bavarian Munich, your eyes will be as pleased as your taste buds. The elegantly restored city of Dresden, the charming medieval town of Rothenburg, the Passion Play pilgrimage town of Oberammergau, and the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle present picture-perfect backdrops for your memory books. While Munich’s theatrical Glockenspiel clock may announce the time three times a day, the lively Biergarten throughout Germany will happily tell you it’s always “beer thirty.” PLUS, your tour includes your choice of an excursion in Munich so you can plan your day your way.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVE IN BERLIN, GERMANY
Willkommen in Berlin! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2
BERLIN
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.
Day 3
BERLIN–DRESDEN
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.
Day 4
DRESDEN–ROTHENBURG
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.
Day 5
ROTHENBURG–NEUSCHWANSTEIN
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.
Day 6
NEUSCHWANSTEIN–OBERAMMERGAU–MUNICH
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.
Day 7
MUNICH
Spend Your Day Your Way in Munich 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!
Day 8
MUNICH
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
Meals
7 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
Hotels
Berlin
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Scandic Charlottenburg
First-Class
Berlin,
Germany
Lietzenburger Str. 89
Free WiFi
Located in the heart of West Berlin where elegant boulevards meet the famous, Kurfürstendamm shopping boulevard and iconic Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. This charming hotel offers a welcoming base for exploring the German capital with excellent public transport connections, providing easy access to Berlin's major attractions and cultural highlights. The generously sized stylish guest rooms are designed with comfort in mind. Each room features modern amenities including air conditioning, Free Wi-Fi internet access, a flat-screen TV, an in-room safe, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Guests can start the day with Scandic's renowned breakfast buffet, offering a wide selection of fresh and organic options and the hotel restaurant provides a welcoming setting for relaxed dinners. The lively bar is the social heart of the hotel and the perfect place to relax with a coffee or an evening drink. Other facilities include a gym and sauna.
* Hotel as shown or similar
Dresden
|
NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt
Superior First-Class
Dresden,
Germany
An Der Kreuzkirche 2
Free WiFi
Situated in the heart of the Old Town, overlooking Dresden's Market Square, this modern 240 room property offers Free Wi-Fi access throughout, a refined restaurant serving German and Spanish fare, as well as a funky cocktail bar with a cigar lounge. Other amenities include a gym and a wellness area with sauna and steam bath.
This historic 30 room property is full of charm and is set directly in the very heart of this picturesque town, the dining area and terrace has a beautiful view overlooking the valley and the Tauber river and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available in the public areas.
* Hotel as shown or similar
Hohenschwangau
|
Mueller
First-Class
Hohenschwangau,
Germany
Alpseestrasse 16
Free WiFi
Situated at the end of Bavaria's famous "Romantic Road", this charming 40-room family run property is set in a stunning scenic setting, the perfect place from which to visit King Ludwig's Royal Castles. Regional Gourmet cuisine is served in the Bavarian-style restaurant which also has a cozy lounge area, sweet and savory snacks can be found in the casual bistro and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available in all public areas and guestrooms.
* Hotel as shown or similar
Munich
|
Hilton Munich City
Superior First-Class
Munich,
Germany
Rosenheimer Strasse 15
Free WiFi
Conveniently located in Munich's entertainment district, this 480-room upscale property provides a relaxing atmosphere alongside an exciting array of culinary delights and ambience in its lobby and signature bar. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, there is a 24-hour fitness room and its direct access to a metro station ensures fast easy connections to the city center and all major sites.