The best of Germany: cities, castles & countryside

Munich

Day 1: Welcome to Munich

Arrive into Munich's international airport, where you'll pick up your rental car and transfer to your hotel in the city center. Located near the snow-capped Bavarian Alps and boasting beautiful natural surroundings, this modern metropolis is steeped in tradition and makes a great first port of call.

Settle down here before enjoying a private half-day walking tour, personalized to suit your needs. Your local guide will feel much like an old friend, as they help you immerse yourself into this historic Bavarian city. Stroll the Old Town, visit the scenic Englischer Garten, sit down for a beer at a local market, or stop by a restaurant to savor Bavarian delicacies - the options are endless and entirely up to you! Your guide will make sure you're getting the Munich experience you want, and a taste of its real and authentic city life.

Munich

Day 2: Tour the dazzling Nymphenburg Palace

One of the jewels in Bavaria's royal crown is without a doubt the Nymphenburg Palace, which you'll enjoy a private tour of, complete with private transfers. Once the summer residence of Bavarian monarchs, it was built in the 17th century by elector Ferdinand Maria as a gift to his consort Henriette Adelaide of Savoy - it's a true showcase of love and gratitude, having been designed in the architectural style of her home city, Turin.

Carry on to take a private and personalized food tour of Munich, with a local guide by your side to help you discover the city's many fantastic flavors. Explore the Old Town with your taste buds, trying typical Bavarian dishes and some surprising options, such as samples of Afghan food. Follow your guide and your nose throughout the city and towards a street food market, not missing the chance to sip and savor the local beer!

Munich - Schwanstein - Munich

Day 3: Explore the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle & beyond

King Ludwig II built two incredible dream castles, tucked away among the mountains outside of Munich: Neuschwanstein and Linderhof. Both attest to the vision of Bavaria's fairy tale king, and are known for their elaborate construction and design. On a very special full-day excursion, today you'll have the chance to explore both (and more!)

You'll begin with a visit to Linderhof Castle, inspired by the Palace of Versailles itself, before taking a quick tour of charming Oberammergau. Then, you'll arrive at the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, taking your time to roam its grounds over four hours, before returning to Munich in the early evening.

Munich - Nuremberg

Day 4: Journey to pretty Nuremberg

Leaving Munich today, you'll make tracks for the ever-charming Nuremberg, about two hours' drive away. This city has played a large part in Germany's World War II history, having hosted many Nazi activities and later being the stage of the Nuremberg Trials war crimes tribunal. Nowadays, it's an especially popular destination for Christmas market enthusiasts!

Upon your arrival, take the time to unwind before enjoying a private walking tour, uncovering a wealth of history as you go. Stroll through narrow streets along the city walls, admire the old timbered houses and Gothic stylings of the Frauenkirche, and learn about the Nazi Trials and history of the Third Reich.

Nuremberg - Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber

Day 5: Journey to the fairy-tale Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Today, hop back into your rental car for a journey of over an hour to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a beautiful town that will make you feel like you've stepped back in time. Spend a while in its almost-untouched medieval center, relaxing as you stroll its cobblestone lanes lined with half-timbered houses. The town is best visited during the festive season, when it comes alive with magic and cheer.

Rothenburg Ob Der Tauben - Frankfurt

Day 6: Get to know Frankfurt on two wheels

Bidding farewell to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, it's time to make tracks for Frankfurt. Located on the River Main, this business hub is home to one of the world's largest stock exchanges, as well as the headquarters of the European Central Bank. There, you'll set your things down and relax before embarking on a tour of the old town by bike!

There is no better way to explore this historic part of the city than on two wheels. Explore all the highlights on this two-hour excursion: cycle past the Deutschordenskirche and Museumsufer, cross the oldest bridge over the lower course of the river, marvel at the Gothic-style Frankfurt Cathedral, make for the historic Römerberg market square, and tour scenic local parks. Other highlights will include St Paul's Church, the Unity Monument and the Goethe House museum, and your guide will provide plenty of interesting commentary along the way.

Frankfurt - Dresden

Day 7: Discover Dresden, Germany's Florence on the Elbe

Today, you'll take a drive of around five hours to reach charming Dresden, known as the Florence on the Elbe. There, you'll rest before heading out on a private tour to discover a great variety of attractions - from notable art treasures and royal gems, to breathtaking landscapes.

Witness the striking beauty of the Dresden Castle, one of the oldest buildings in the city, before stopping by the Baroque Zwinger Palace. Gaze in awe at the Hofkirche on the banks of the River Elbe, before strolling by picturesque bridges along the promenade that follows the contours of the river. This tour is guaranteed to fill you with wonder and joy, as well as help you relax and soak up the city's alluring atmosphere.

Dresden - Bohemian Saxon - Dresden

Day 8: Into the heart of the Bohemian Switzerland National Park

Good morning! Wake up to a thoroughly enjoyable day-trip excursion into the heart of Bohemian Saxon Switzerland.

This small group tour will be a great opportunity to explore the National Park's riches, from Bastei Bridge on the German side of the park, to the entrancing gorges of the Kamenice River. There, you'll board a small boat for a journey through a canyon carved deep in the surrounding sandstone walls.

Make a quick jaunt across the German-Czech border to explore the colorful village of Hřensko, before being taken back to your accommodation in Dresden for the evening.

Dresden - Berlin

Day 9: Explore Berlin on a river cruise

From Dresden, take a drive of just over two hours to reach Berlin, the German capital that has undergone an impressive transformation in the 30-plus years since the Wall came down.

Once there, you'll enjoy a Spree river boat trip through the center, exploring this bright metropolis from the water. Sit back and soak up the sights, which will include the emblematic TV Tower, Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, parliament and government district, and much more. This tour will offer a great and unique first introduction to the city; you'll then disembark to spend the rest of the day relaxing at your own pace.

Berlin

Day 10: Take a full-day tour of Berlin, steeped in history

Good morning, Berlin! It's time for another program of cultural discovery, as you set out on a private full-day tour of the city's highlights. Amongst many other things, this compehensive excursion will allow you to: visit the historic Reichstag Building; explore moving memorials to the horrors of World War II; marvel at the remains of the Berlin Wall and stop at Checkpoint Charlie; visit the resplendent Gendarmenmarkt square with its concert hall and cathedrals; stroll around the UNESCO-listed Museum Island; and explore the history of the East Side of Berlin.

The city has become a thriving hub of fashion, music, film, theater and dance, yet it doesn't shy away from its dark and storied past - you'll have ample opportunities to get your fill of history on this eye-opening tour.

Berlin

Day 11: The many marvels of Potsdam

On the border of Berlin is the marvelous city of Potsdam, which you'll get to explore on a private day tour today. Learn all about the fascinating history of Frederick II, who made great efforts to beautify the city with palaces and gardens straight out of a fairy tale.

You'll also get to dip into Potsdam's more recent history, as you cross the bridge where the CIA and KGB spies used to exchange confidential information during the Cold War. You'll pass the palace where Stalin met with Winston Churchill and Harry S. Truman in order to divide Germany, then dive into the Dutch Quarter and explore the Sanssouci Palace. This tour invites you to indulge in a leisurely walk, spending a day outdoors while discovering a bit more of Germany’s astounding culture, history and traditions.

Berlin - Hamburg

Day 12: Journey to historic Hamburg

Leaving Berlin behind, you'll take the three-hour and 15-minute drive on to Hamburg - a hub of culture and great wealth, having risen up over the years as a center of international trade. After arriving and settling down here, you'll embark on a sightseeing cruise along the Alster tributary, sailing near the shore to marvel at popular landmarks from the water.

Hamburg

Day 13: Explore Hamburg's icons & foodie thrills

Spend another day exploring the cultural riches of Hamburg, setting out on a private walking tour of more iconic sights. Arrive at the waterfront district to begin your two-hour stroll through hidden narrow alleys and over canals. Pass by the iconic red-brick warehouses of the Speicherstadt district, and finish the tour in modern Hafencity, a harborside area that's home to the Elbphilharmonie.

Afterwards, you'll get to enjoy a second tour: a private and personalized experience of the city's culinary delights. Eat like a local, feasting on sausages, schnitzels, sauerkraut and more across various neighborhoods - from the bohemian area of Sternschanze to the banks of the River Elbe, where you'll relax with a beer in hand.

Hamburg

Day 14: Goodbye, Germany!

Goodbye, Germany! Sadly, all good things must come to an end. At a suitable time, you'll check out of your hotel and journey to the airport, where you'll drop off your rental car and prepare for your onward flight home.