fbpx

Highlights of Germany

Highlights of Germany

From $ 3,690 AUD

Description

Oh Germany, what can’t you do? A land of history, fairytales, cobblestones, perfume, bratwurst, wine and beer, this is a country to fall in love with. Take a whiff of Cologne and its incredible cathedral then sample the local wines in Rüdesheim. You’ll have to drag yourself away though, because Freiburg and the Black Forest is waiting, a region that inspired Hansel and Gretel and countless legends. Finish in Munich, one of Europe’s prettiest cities, and indulge in what many would consider the best beer (and food) in the world.

Trip Name
Highlights of Germany
Last Updated
2020-08-11
Days
9
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Find out why people of Cologne are so proud of its city’s landmark, the mighty Cologne Cathedral.
  • Explore Germany's answer to Tuscany during your stay in Rüdesheim am Rhein, a wine-making town.
  • Explore the Rhine River on a morning boat tour to Koblenz.
  • Discover the dark, slightly sinister canopy of evergreen hills, valleys and rivers in the mighty Schwarzwald, also known as Black Forest. Taste the treasures of the region; local ham, black forest cake and bread.
  • Explore Munich, arguably one of the prettiest cities in Europe. Check out why beer halls are always full with locals during the included traditional Bavarian dinner.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Please note that many sights, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes even Tuesdays). We recommend you carefully consider which sites and museums you are going to want to visit and that you do some research and make your reservations in advance where required/possible.

Day 1 - Cologne
Willkommen in Köln! Welcome to Cologne, located on the Rhine River and famed for its gothic architecture among many other things. Meet your group at 6 pm then hit Cologne for an included dinner at a local restaurant with a glass of kolsch beer, the local brew.
Day 2 - Cologne
Take a leader-led walk around the centre of Cologne and visit the famous, drop-dead gorgeous Gothic cathedral. More than just an orientation point, Cologne Cathedral has dominated the city's skyline since it was completed in 1880 and it's impossible not to feel slightly religious in its presence. Cologne, unsurprisingly, is the home of the original eau de cologne and has smelt seriously good for a seriously long time. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the city and the water front. Stroll along the river by dark and pull up a pew in one of the city's beer halls.
Day 3 - Rüdesheim am Rhein
Today you'll take a train from Cologne to Rüdesheim (approx 2.5 hours). Straight out of a velvet Christmas stocking or a wood-chipped miniature house, Rüdesheim is famous for its overly traditional feel. Set on the banks of the Rhine, this small town is packed full of half-timbered houses, vineyards and enthusiastic residents. Check in to the hotel on arrival. Then it's time to travel by cable car up the hillside to the UNESCO listed 19th century Niederwald Memorial, commemorating the German unification of 1871. From here you will have some gorgeous views across vineyards and the Rhine Valley. Later on taste some wines. Rüdesheim is a a winemaking town, so if zesty riesling is your tipple you're in for a real treat. In the evening perhaps enjoy a traditional German meal by the Rhine River and maybe share some stories with the friendly locals.
Day 4 - Koblenz / Rüdesheim am Rhein
Depart Rüdesheim in the morning for a boat cruise on the Rhine to Koblenz, a 2000-year-old town that really is awfully pretty. Surrounded by small mountains and vineyards and characterised by winding alleys and historic buildings, Koblenz is the perfect place to explore by foot. Take a quick orientation walk with your leader then enjoy a free afternoon getting to know this beautiful corner of the world. You'll catch the evening train back to Rüdesheim, arriving a touch before 8pm, at which point you can call it an evening or polish your palate with some local wines.
Day 5 - Freiburg
Catch the morning train from Rüdesheim to Freiburg (approx 3 hours). Situated on the edge of the beautiful Black Forest region, this tasty town is known for its sunny weather, beautiful surroundings and the strange gutters in its streets, which carry water diverted from the river for livestock and fighting fires. Well, that's what they used to be for, now they just sound nice. The city suffered heavy bombing during WWII but has bounced back and is now a beacon of sustainability, with a government heavily invested in environmental progress. Check in to your hotel on arrival, then take an orientation walk around town with your leader. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.
Day 6 - Black Forest / Freiburg
Transfer by private vehicle from Freiburg into the Black Forest. This is fairytale country and the forest where Hansel and Gretel encountered the wicked witch, but rest assured there's no evil here, just stunning European scenery featuring mossy streams, green valleys and the cutest houses you can imagine. The exact itinerary depends on the time of year, but usually we visit Titisee Lake and stretch our legs on the Black Forest's highest mountain, the Feldberg, at 1,494 metres. You'll also indulge in traditional Black Forest cake at a local cafe. In the afternoon you'll return to Freiburg for a free evening to enjoy the buzzing university atmosphere.
Day 7 - Munich
Today will be your longest travel day, coming in at approximately five hours, albeit on a comfy intercity train. Arrive in Munich in time for a late lunch and take a walk with your leader afterwards. The city may be best known for its yearly Oktoberfest, but there's so much else to see and do here apart from, you know, beer. Though the beer is ridiculously good. Munich is one of the prettiest cities in Europe, so walking around the city is extremely rewarding and once you've finished, you've definitely earned one of those tasty beers we can't stop talking about.
Day 8 - Munich
Today is a free day to discover all that Munich has to offer. Visit some of the impressive museums such as the Royal Palace and Bavarian National Museum, or perhaps check out one of the art galleries. The Alte Pinakothek is one of the oldest galleries in the world or, if you feel like getting out of the city, a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle is a great option. Built by the reclusive Bavarian King Ludwig II, this castle was Walt Disney's inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's castle and is visited by over a million people every year. Back in the city, you could also check out the surfers at the Eisbach, Munich's famous river wave. Meet up with your group in the evening for a typical Bavarian farewell dinner and beer. Think schnitzel, think bratwurst, think sauerkraut and think beer. Lots of delicious beer.
Day 9 - Munich
Your adventure comes to an end today after breakfast. There are no more activities planned and you're able to depart the accommodation after check-out.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
11-10-202019-10-2020AUD $ 3,690-

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotel (8 nights)

Transport

Train,Private vehicle,River boat,Cable car

Map