Highlights
- Learn about traditional and multicultural Berlin on a street food tour
- Cycle around elegant Dresden and the surrounding wineries
- Marvel at the fairytale-like splendor of Neuschwanstein Castle
- Browse the enormous art collection at one of the world's oldest art galleries
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Berlin, Street Food Tour | Berlin |
| Day 2 | Cultural Tour of Kreuzberg Neighborhood | Berlin |
| Day 3 | Train to Dresden, Bike Tour with Wine Tasting | Dresden |
| Day 4 | Day Trip to Bastei Bridge & Fortress Königstein | Dresden |
| Day 5 | Train to Munich, Food & Beer Tour, Evening Concert at Schloss Nymphenburg | Munich |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle & Oberammergau Village | Munich |
| Day 7 | Visit the Alte Pinakothek, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Berlin, Street Food Tour
Welcome to Berlin, Germany's hip, modern capital with centuries of dramatic history. Upon arrival, you'll be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel by private car. Take some time to settle in and relax before embarking on your first tour.
This afternoon you'll learn about Berlin's traditional German food and multicultural influences while exploring its unique neighborhoods on a guided food tour. Start with a hearty kebab, a reflection of the city's contemporary international culture, and wander through its hidden streets and bohemian neighborhoods, admiring the street art and war-torn ruins that reflect Berlin's 20th-century history. Along the way, you'll sample more of Berlin's famous dishes, including the Cold War staple currywurst, and have a chance to sip a pint of German beer at a local brewery.
Day 2: Cultural Tour of Kreuzberg Neighborhood
After a good night's sleep, get to know Berlin better during a three-hour walking tour through the hip Kreuzberg neighborhood. Start at the picturesque Oberbaumbruecke, a double-decker turreted bridge that crosses the River Spree. From here, follow your guide as you learn about the unique cultural identity of Kreuzberg, which immigrants, capitalists, anarchists, artists, and more have shaped.
You'll visit the picturesque Viktoriapark and meander around the historic Markthalle 9 market hall, where locals can trade artisanal and trendy food products. You'll also explore the area's street art and browse shops full of flowers, spices, and delicious takeaway foods. Learn how Kreuzberg continues to push back against gentrification and development while gaining a greater understanding of contemporary Berlin.
Day 3: Train to Dresden, Bike Tour with Wine Tasting
After breakfast in Berlin, you'll board a train for Dresden, a city near the border of both Poland and the Czech Republic. The journey south takes about two hours. Once you've arrived and settled at your hotel, it's time to embark on a delightful bike tour through the city on a multi-person bicycle, starting at Neumarkt. Dresden was destroyed by Allied bombing toward the end of World War II but has been lovingly restored in the decades since. Pedal through some of the most picturesque parts of the city, checking out highlights such as the reconstructed Frauenkirche and the neo-Renaissance Albrechtsberg Palace.
During the bike tour, you'll also head out to some of the vineyards outside the city to indulge in a wine-tasting tour. Sample three fine German wines and learn about the history of wine-making as you enjoy the beautiful views of the Saxon countryside. Return to the city in the afternoon.
Day 4: Day Trip to Bastei Bridge & Fortress Königstein
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Get out into nature today on a guided trip southeast to the beautiful Saxon Switzerland National Park, where you'll visit two of the region's most iconic landmarks: the Bastei Bridge and Königstein Fortress. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through the Elbe River Canyon, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Stop at the Bastei Bridge and walk across this magnificent structure, perched high above the River Elbe.
Next, head to the impressive Königstein Fortress. Throughout its 750-year history, the fortress has seen a wide range of architectural styles, from late Gothic and Renaissance to Baroque and 19th-century additions. As you explore the fortress, your guide will share fascinating stories and insights into its past, offering a unique glimpse into its rich history. Refuel with a tasty a la carte lunch of local specialties at a local restaurant before heading back to Dresden in the afternoon.
Day 5: Train to Munich, Food & Beer Tour, Evening Concert at Schloss Nymphenburg
This morning, take the train to Munich, a journey of around five hours. The city hosts the famous Oktoberfest beer festival, but even if you're not visiting in autumn, you can still get a taste of the action with a food and beer-focused city tour.
Start with a tour (and tasting) at the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum in downtown Munich. Savor traditional Bavarian delicacies such as white sausage and bretzel (pretzel) at the renowned Weißes Bräuhaus. You can also explore the local food market's specialties and, if weather permits, unwind in a beer garden to truly appreciate Munich's distinctive atmosphere and world-famous brews. It's a great way to appreciate local life and culture, too.
Day 6: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle & Oberammergau Village
Bavaria's fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle is one of Germany's most dramatic and recognizable buildings, and you can appreciate it for yourself today on a guided full-day tour of the castle and nearby Oberammergau village. The castle's history is as fascinating as its stunning Romanesque Revival architecture, built by the eccentric "Mad" King Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1869 as a tribute to the works of Richard Wagner. Explore the castle's breathtaking interiors and marvel at the king's artistic expression and eccentricity.
After your tour of the castle, grab some lunch, then transfer to the charming village of Oberammergau, known for its woodcarvers, richly-painted houses, and the "Passion Play." The Biblically-inspired play has been performed every decadal year since 1680 by the town's residents. While the next play won't be held until 2030, you can learn about its rich history while touring the town and admiring its handicrafts and architecture. Return to Munich in the afternoon.
Day 7: Visit the Alte Pinakothek, Depart
Today is your last day in Germany, but you still have one more attraction to enjoy before your departure. Discover centuries of exceptional artwork at the Alte Pinakothek, one of the world's oldest art galleries, established in 1836 by King Ludwig I. Check out some of the 800 German, French, Dutch, Flemish, Italian, and Spanish paintings dating from the 1200s to the 1800s that are on display here. The collection includes masterpieces by renowned artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Albrecht Dürer, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Rembrandt.
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