Highlights
- Kick off your adventure with a guided bike tour around Berlin
- Enjoy a relaxing cruise on Dresden's scenic Elbe River
- Eat and drink your way through Munich's best beer gardens
- Visit three wineries in the stunning Rhine Valley during a day trip
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Berlin, Bicycle Tour | Berlin |
| Day 2 | Kreuzberg Neighborhood Tour | Berlin |
| Day 3 | Train to Dresden, Cruise the Elbe River | Dresden |
| Day 4 | Day Trip to Saxon Switzerland | Dresden |
| Day 5 | Train to Munich, Bavarian Food & Beer Tour | Munich |
| Day 6 | Guided Walking Tour of Munich | Munich |
| Day 7 | Train to Frankfurt, Guided Walking Tour | Frankfurt |
| Day 8 | Grape Escape in the Rhine Valley | Frankfurt |
| Day 9 | Half-Day Heidelberg Tour | Frankfurt |
| Day 10 | Depart Frankfurt |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Berlin, Bicycle Tour
Welcome to Berlin, Germany's exciting capital city! 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, then see some of Berlin's famous sights on a guided bicycle tour. Thankfully the city is full of flat green spaces, and you can ride safely along specific bike routes separated from automobile traffic.
Day 2: Kreuzberg Neighborhood Tour
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, Cruise the Elbe River
Say goodbye to Berlin today and travel south by train to Dresden, a city near the Polish and Czech borders. After you arrive and get settled at your hotel, embark on a relaxing cruise along the Elbe River. This is your chance to sit back and marvel at Dresden's architecture, including the elegant Dresden Opera House, the majestic Royal Palace, the exquisite Zwinger Palace, the towering Dresden Cathedral, and the iconic Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche).
Other sites to keep an eye out for include the famous Blue Wonder Bridge, an impressive steel structure that is a symbol of the city's engineering prowess. You'll also pass by the lavish Albrechtsberg Castle, which stands perched on a hill overlooking the Elbe. Not only will your guide teach you how Dresden rebounded after its near-total destruction at the end of World War II, but they'll also share interesting facts about Central Europe's ecology and wildlife.
Day 4: Day Trip to Saxon Switzerland
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Get out into nature today as you take a self-guided day hike through the enchanting landscape of the Saxon Switzerland National Park in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. While the park offers many options for outdoor activities, your destination today is Painters' Way, one of Germany's most beautiful trails. This hike provides countless opportunities for photography and connections with nature, from densely wooded gorges to rugged rock formations.
Day 5: Train to Munich, Bavarian Food & Beer Tour
After breakfast at your hotel in Dresden, you'll take the train to Munich. The city is famous for its Oktoberfest beer festival, but you don't need to visit during autumn to experience Bavaria's atmosphere and traditional food and drink. Once settled at your hotel, begin a fantastic food and drink-focused tour with a local expert. Walk around the city and visit famous beer halls and outdoor gardens while sampling local snacks like pretzels, sausages, and cheese.
At the end of the tour, take a brief walk around Munich's famous Oktoberfest grounds, where you'll learn about the importance of the festival for residents as well as the broader region of Bavaria.
Day 6: Guided Walking Tour of Munich
Explore Munich's cultural and historic side today on a guided walking tour. This immersive experience will take you beyond the city's iconic landmarks, delving into the love stories, political intrigue, and cultural milestones that have shaped Munich over the centuries. Your adventure begins at the heart of Munich, where you'll discover the origins of the city's central square, Marienplatz, and the significance of Mary's Column. You'll also admire the Old and New Town Halls, learning about their storied past and the famous Glockenspiel in the clock tower.
In addition to the sights, your guide will tell you about the captivating love affair between King Ludwig I and Lola Montez and the enigmatic King Ludwig II. Delve deeper into Munich's political history by learning about Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich and the courageous "White Rose" underground resistance movement founded by local students. You'll also hear the incredible story of Georg Elser, a carpenter who attempted to assassinate Hitler with a bomb to prevent the outbreak of World War II.
Next, experience the vibrant atmosphere of Viktualienmarkt, a market offering local delicacies and Bavarian beer. Finally, take in the stunning architecture of Max-Joseph Square, home to the Opera House and Royal Palace Residenz. Wander through Odeons Square with a view of Siegestor, Munich's Arch of Triumph, and then window shop along Maximilian Street to finish the tour.
Day 7: Train to Frankfurt, Guided Walking Tour
Travel by train to Frankfurt today, Germany's modern financial hub, and much more. You'll learn all about it on a guided walking tour that starts at the 600-year-old Römer, Frankfurt's medieval city hall and one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Then continue to the Emperors' Cathedral, a majestic Gothic church that has witnessed the coronation of several Holy Roman Emperors. Next is St. Paul's Church, often considered the birthplace of German democracy and the meeting place for the first freely elected German parliament in 1848.
From here, walk down to the Museum Embankment, a cultural hub boasting several world-class museums along the banks of the River Main. As you stroll along the riverfront promenade, enjoy the views of Frankfurt's skyline. Your guide will happily provide recommendations for museums and restaurants to visit after the tour.
Day 8: Grape Escape in the Rhine Valley
Today you'll take a day trip to the Rhine Valley and visit some of Germany's finest wineries. Your tour will take you through historical villages along the winding Rhine River, culminating in the picturesque town of Ruedesheim. Your first stop will be at one of the region's award-winning German vineyards, where you'll learn about the area's rich wine history, which dates back to Roman and Cistercian monks' winemaking traditions.
Throughout the day, you'll visit two more top wineries, with opportunities to swirl, sniff, and sip German sparkling wine, riesling, and other varieties under the winemakers' guidance. There will also be a stop for lunch. Afterward, return to your hotel in Frankfurt.
Day 9: Half-Day Heidelberg Tour
Today you'll take a half-day tour of one of Germany's most interesting historic towns, Heidelberg, located within easy reach of Frankfurt. Your guide will take you around the cobblestone streets of Old Town, providing insights into the town's storied past. Consider the well-preserved Renaissance architecture as you pass by notable landmarks such as the Karl Theodor Bridge and the Church of the Holy Spirit.
You'll also have time to visit the ruins of the magnificent Heidelberg Castle overlooking town. As you explore the grounds, learn about the various architectural styles incorporated into the structure over the centuries. Your guide will also share stories about the castle's role in the town's history, including its destruction during the Thirty Years' War and subsequent rebuilding efforts. Make sure to check out the Heidelberg Tun, the world's giant wine barrel. After exploring the castle, take some time to wander around Old Town before returning to Frankfurt.
Day 10: Depart Frankfurt
It's time to say goodbye to Germany! Depending on your departure time, squeeze in a few more Frankfurt attractions at the Museum Embankment or grab a final German lunch (and beer!) before heading to the airport. Gute Reise!
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