Highlights
- Drive to different wineries around the Rhine Valley, sampling local pours
- Get to know Berlin's contemporary culture through its food scene
- Learn about Dresden's World War II history and reconstruction efforts
- Walk around the manicured gardens of Munich's Nymphenburg Palace
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Frankfurt, Guided Walking Tour | Frankfurt |
| Day 2 | Wine Tasting Tour in the Rhine Valley, Drive to Cologne | Cologne |
| Day 3 | Tour Cologne's Street Art Scene, Drive to Hanover, Explore | Hanover |
| Day 4 | Drive to Berlin, Culinary Tour | Berlin |
| Day 5 | Drive to Dresden, Cruise on the Elbe River | Dresden |
| Day 6 | Drive to Munich, Bavarian Food & Beer Tour | Munich |
| Day 7 | Tour the Nymphenburg Palace & Gardens, Depart Munich |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Frankfurt, Guided Walking Tour
Welcome to Frankfurt! This modern German city is perhaps best known as a global financial hub, evidenced by its sleek skyline, but there is plenty of history to explore, too.
After settling into your hotel, meet your guide for a walking tour, starting at the 600-year-old Römer, Frankfurt's medieval city hall and one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. 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.
Finish the tour by strolling along the riverfront promenade to get to the Museum Embankment, a cultural hub boasting several world-class museums along the banks of the River Main. If you like, your guide will happily recommend restaurants to consider after the tour.
Day 2: Wine Tasting Tour in the Rhine Valley, Drive to Cologne
After a good night's rest, begin a guided tour of the Rhine Valley, stopping at some of Germany's finest wineries. This scenic route takes you through historical villages along the winding Rhine River, culminating in the picturesque town of Ruedesheim. Your first stop is one of the region's award-winning and historically significant German vineyards, where you'll learn about the area's rich wine history, which dates back to Roman and Cistercian monks' winemaking traditions.
In addition to three tastings, with opportunities to swirl, sniff, and sip German sparkling wine, Riesling, and other varieties under the winemakers' guidance, the tour includes a lunch stop to keep your palate balanced and your stomach full amid all the wonderful wines.
Following the tour, you'll pick up your rental car and make the two-hour drive to Cologne, northwest of Frankfurt, a city spanning the Rhine River.
Day 3: Tour Cologne's Street Art Scene, Drive to Hanover, Explore
Today you'll experience Cologne's vibrant contemporary culture today on a walking tour of the Ehrenfeld neighborhood, known for its eclectic street art scene. For approximately two hours, your guide will lead you through the area, showcasing a diverse collection of art pieces. You'll also have the chance to experience Ehrenfeld's lively atmosphere, characterized by its trendy cafés, unique shops, and bustling squares. Get your guide's recommendations on where to eat, drink, or shop in the area, so you can continue exploring on your own.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
In the early afternoon, you'll drive 3.5 hours to Hanover, a northern German city that's a delightful place to break up the journey between Cologne and Berlin. Upon your arrival in the late afternoon, you might want to check out the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen and Herrenhausen Palace, admire the Sprengel Museum's modern and contemporary art collections, take a stroll in the Eilenriede City Forest, or relax by the picturesque Maschsee Lake.
Day 4: Drive to Berlin, Culinary Tour
In the morning, make the 3.5-hour drive from Cologne to Berlin, Germany's hip capital city, where you'll join a food-focused tour that will give you an insight into the city's diversity.
At the appointed time, meet your guide and learn about Berlin's traditional German food and multicultural influences while exploring its unique neighborhoods. 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. 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 5: Drive to Dresden, Cruise on the Elbe River
Today you'll drive 2.5 hours south to Dresden, a city near the Polish and Czech borders. Upon arrival, take a leisurely cruise down the Elbe River, marveling at the stunning views of Dresden's skyline, 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). Learn how Dresden has risen from the ashes after its near-total destruction at the end of World War II.
As you continue your journey, sail under the famous Blue Wonder Bridge, an impressive steel structure symbolizing the city's engineering prowess. Also, watch for the lavish Albrechtsberg Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the Elbe. Your guide will also provide fascinating insights into the ecology and wildlife of this part of Central Europe.
Day 6: Drive to Munich, Bavarian Food & Beer Tour
This morning, make the five-hour drive to Munich, the city that hosts the famous Oktoberfest beer festival. 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.
After dropping off your rental car, 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 unique atmosphere and world-famous brews. It's a great way to appreciate local life and culture, too.
Day 7: Tour the Nymphenburg Palace & Gardens, Depart Munich
Make the most of your last morning in Germany with a tour of the elegant Baroque Nymphenburg Palace and its sprawling gardens. Nymphenburg also houses an acclaimed porcelain factory, where delicate creations are still painstakingly handcrafted. When it's time to catch your onward flight, you'll be transferred to Munich airport. Safe travels!
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