A Journey through Germany
Tour summary
12 meals
- 9 breakfasts
- 3 dinners
Twin-share / double / double for single occupancy
Fall head over heels as you trace the south of Germany – where half-timber houses stand stoic in medieval towns, majestic pine trees whisper in ancient forests and towering mountains stretch towards the sky. From savouring a slice of decadent Black Forest gâteau to soaking up views of verdant valleys along the Romantic Road and losing yourself in the intricate beauty of Renaissance and baroque architecture – your memories of Germany will remain long after your journey’s end.
Tour highlights
- Enjoy a beer tasting at Weltenburg Abbey, the world’s oldest monastic brewery
- Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the Ammergau Alps
- Unravel the fascinating history behind some of Germany’s magnificent medieval towns
Tour itinerary
Day 1 - Munich (Germany)
The Bavarian capital of Munich is where we’ll begin our journey through this picturesque and historic country. After meeting our Tour Leader and fellow travellers at the hotel, we’ll clink glasses over a sumptuous welcome dinner.
The Bavarian capital of Munich is where we’ll begin our journey through this picturesque and historic country. After meeting our Tour Leader and fellow travellers at the hotel, we’ll clink glasses over a sumptuous welcome dinner.
Included today
Accommodation
Hotel Europa (or similar)
Meals
- Dinner
Day 2 - Munich – Regensburg and Weltenburg – Bamberg
After breakfast, we’ll board the mini-coach and move on to our first stop: Regensburg. Located on the mighty Danube River and known for its medieval city centre – we’ll relish some free time to stroll across the 12th-century Stone Bridge, marvel at the magnificent Gothic Cathedral and enjoy lunch at our leisure. Then: we’ll move on to Weltenburg Abbey. Here, we’ll be treated to a tour of the oldest monastic brewery in the world and savour a tasting of the Abbey’s award-winning beers. Winding up our day in Bamberg, we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure.
After breakfast, we’ll board the mini-coach and move on to our first stop: Regensburg. Located on the mighty Danube River and known for its medieval city centre – we’ll relish some free time to stroll across the 12th-century Stone Bridge, marvel at the magnificent Gothic Cathedral and enjoy lunch at our leisure. Then: we’ll move on to Weltenburg Abbey. Here, we’ll be treated to a tour of the oldest monastic brewery in the world and savour a tasting of the Abbey’s award-winning beers. Winding up our day in Bamberg, we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure.
Included today
Accommodation
Welcome Hotel Residenzschloss Bamberg (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 3 - Bamberg
This morning, the city will be brought to life as we embark on a walking tour with a local guide. Unravel the intriguing history of Bamberg as we wander around Cathedral Square and the Old Town Hall – hearing fascinating stories that have been passed down from generations as we go. Equipped with our newfound knowledge, we’ll have the afternoon to explore at our own pace. What you choose to do is up to you, although we recommend a visit to Altenberg Castle – which dates back to 1109 and has a rich history to uncover. This evening, we’ll have time to savour some delicious Bavarian cuisine at a local restaurant or spend at our leisure back at the hotel.
This morning, the city will be brought to life as we embark on a walking tour with a local guide. Unravel the intriguing history of Bamberg as we wander around Cathedral Square and the Old Town Hall – hearing fascinating stories that have been passed down from generations as we go. Equipped with our newfound knowledge, we’ll have the afternoon to explore at our own pace. What you choose to do is up to you, although we recommend a visit to Altenberg Castle – which dates back to 1109 and has a rich history to uncover. This evening, we’ll have time to savour some delicious Bavarian cuisine at a local restaurant or spend at our leisure back at the hotel.
Included today
Accommodation
Welcome Hotel Residenzschloss Bamberg (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 4 - Bamberg – Würzburg – Rothenburg
Today, we leave Bamberg behind as we continue onwards to Würzburg. After an orientation tour of the Old Town with our Tour Leader, we’ll turn our attention to the splendid Würzburg Residence. An exquisite example of baroque architecture and one of the most significant palaces in Europe – we’ll have plenty of time to admire the ingenious interior design, ornate rooms and grandiose Garden and White Halls. After lunch at our leisure, we’ll continue our journey along the Romantic Road to Rothenburg – where a delicious group dinner awaits.
Today, we leave Bamberg behind as we continue onwards to Würzburg. After an orientation tour of the Old Town with our Tour Leader, we’ll turn our attention to the splendid Würzburg Residence. An exquisite example of baroque architecture and one of the most significant palaces in Europe – we’ll have plenty of time to admire the ingenious interior design, ornate rooms and grandiose Garden and White Halls. After lunch at our leisure, we’ll continue our journey along the Romantic Road to Rothenburg – where a delicious group dinner awaits.
Included today
Accommodation
Hotel Altes Brauhaus (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 5 - Rothenburg
This morning, a walking tour of Rothenburg awaits. Joining our expert Tour Leader, we’ll wander through the medieval town – taking in charming houses, cobbled streets and captivating atmosphere. After, the rest of the day is yours! Wander along the old town walls, built in the 14th century to stop battling intruders. Crane your neck skyward to watch the town clock chime in Markplatz, then climb the tower to spot vast, green countryside. And fill your stomachs with as many pastries, meats and local beer as your heart desires.
This morning, a walking tour of Rothenburg awaits. Joining our expert Tour Leader, we’ll wander through the medieval town – taking in charming houses, cobbled streets and captivating atmosphere. After, the rest of the day is yours! Wander along the old town walls, built in the 14th century to stop battling intruders. Crane your neck skyward to watch the town clock chime in Markplatz, then climb the tower to spot vast, green countryside. And fill your stomachs with as many pastries, meats and local beer as your heart desires.
Included today
Accommodation
Hotel Altes Brauhaus (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 6 - Rothenburg – Heidelberg – Baden-Baden
A visit to Germany’s oldest and most famous university town is on the agenda today. Looming high above the Altstadt (Old Town), the red-sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle are a remarkable example of Renaissance architecture – and we’ll have plenty of time to explore the castle grounds at our own pace. Choose to take lunch in the cafe-lined Marktplatz and marvel at the Gothic Heiliggeistkirche church towers, before we continue on to the spa town of Baden-Baden. The evening will be free to enjoy some local fare in town or relax at the hotel.
A visit to Germany’s oldest and most famous university town is on the agenda today. Looming high above the Altstadt (Old Town), the red-sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle are a remarkable example of Renaissance architecture – and we’ll have plenty of time to explore the castle grounds at our own pace. Choose to take lunch in the cafe-lined Marktplatz and marvel at the Gothic Heiliggeistkirche church towers, before we continue on to the spa town of Baden-Baden. The evening will be free to enjoy some local fare in town or relax at the hotel.
Included today
Accommodation
Heliopark Bad Hotel zum Hirsch (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 7 - Baden-Baden – Schonach – Freiburg
This morning will see us say farewell to Baden-Baden and set a course for Central Black Forest. We’ll make a scenic stop in the quaint village of Schonach, where a visit to a traditional cuckoo clock manufacturer is in store. Then: we’ll wind our way through this enchanting forest in search of one of the many mesmerising waterfalls in the area. Later, we’ll arrive in the vibrant city of Freiburg – where we’ll be free to wander the cobblestone streets lined with water-filled runnels at our leisure.
This morning will see us say farewell to Baden-Baden and set a course for Central Black Forest. We’ll make a scenic stop in the quaint village of Schonach, where a visit to a traditional cuckoo clock manufacturer is in store. Then: we’ll wind our way through this enchanting forest in search of one of the many mesmerising waterfalls in the area. Later, we’ll arrive in the vibrant city of Freiburg – where we’ll be free to wander the cobblestone streets lined with water-filled runnels at our leisure.
Included today
Accommodation
The Alex Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 8 - Freiburg
Today, we’ll begin with a tour of Freiburg’s charming farmer’s market at Münsterplatz. Sample various delicious regional specialties, including cheese, bread, sweets and wines, made by local artisans. The afternoon is then yours to spend how you wish. You could choose to visit one of the many fascinating museums and galleries scattered around Freiburg’s city centre or relax in the picture-perfect Rathausplatz. This evening, we suggest seeking out more scrumptious cuisine within the medieval Altstadt – and perhaps sample a slice (or two) of the decadent Black Forest gâteau hailing from this area.
Today, we’ll begin with a tour of Freiburg’s charming farmer’s market at Münsterplatz. Sample various delicious regional specialties, including cheese, bread, sweets and wines, made by local artisans. The afternoon is then yours to spend how you wish. You could choose to visit one of the many fascinating museums and galleries scattered around Freiburg’s city centre or relax in the picture-perfect Rathausplatz. This evening, we suggest seeking out more scrumptious cuisine within the medieval Altstadt – and perhaps sample a slice (or two) of the decadent Black Forest gâteau hailing from this area.
Included today
Accommodation
The Alex Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 9 - Freiburg – Friedrichshafen and Lindau – Ammergau Alps
Today’s journey will begin with a stop at Friedrichshafen – a city known for its significant historic contribution to the aviation industry. We’ll pay a visit to the fascinating Zeppelin Museum before having some free time to wander the lakeside promenade and savour lunch at our leisure. Then: we’ll take in the marvellous views over the Bodensee as we continue to Lindau for a brief photo opportunity. Our day will end amid the breathtaking Ammergau Alps – the perfect setting for our delectable farewell dinner.
Today’s journey will begin with a stop at Friedrichshafen – a city known for its significant historic contribution to the aviation industry. We’ll pay a visit to the fascinating Zeppelin Museum before having some free time to wander the lakeside promenade and savour lunch at our leisure. Then: we’ll take in the marvellous views over the Bodensee as we continue to Lindau for a brief photo opportunity. Our day will end amid the breathtaking Ammergau Alps – the perfect setting for our delectable farewell dinner.
Included today
Accommodation
Schlosskrone Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 10 - Ammergau Alps – Neuschwanstein – Munich
Before our tour comes to a close, we’ll pay a visit to the imposing Neuschwanstein Castle – known as the ‘castle of the fairytale king’. Dramatically located above the village of Hohenschwangau, we’ll have time to wander the 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace at our own pace. After, we’ll make our way back to Munich – where we’ll say our goodbyes.
Before our tour comes to a close, we’ll pay a visit to the imposing Neuschwanstein Castle – known as the ‘castle of the fairytale king’. Dramatically located above the village of Hohenschwangau, we’ll have time to wander the 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace at our own pace. After, we’ll make our way back to Munich – where we’ll say our goodbyes.
Included today
Meals
- Breakfast
Things we think you'll love
A monastic brewery
Peek into the past to the humble beginnings of the world's first brewery. Our local guide will share the brewery's oldest secrets as we compare flavours during a tasting of award-winning beers.
Moment among the Alps
Settle in for a moment among the Ammergau Alps - views of towering, snow-dusted peaks like these don't come around often!
Storybook town strolls
Saunter through fairytale towns filled with quaint homes and charming markets as local guides reveal ancient secrets and tales of the past.
Read the reviews
Verified customer feedback powered byFeefo
Kelly Mu October 2024
Small groups was the way to go, Our tour guide was amazing, She kept us on track and organized things for us and many suggestions when we were on our own for an afternoon. Loved seeing the small towns...
Read full reviewAnonymous October 2024
This was a wonderful tour of Bavarian towns. We had delicious meals planned for us, lots of sightseeing spots, and extra time to explore on our own. I would definitely recommend this tour.
Our friendly Customer Service team are available to advise you Monday to Friday.
Full tour details covering accommodation, transport and included experiences are available in our tour notes.
Our thoughtfully selected accommodation is full of charm and historic details – expect elegant country inns, grand town centre hotels and even the odd castle! For this reason, rooms vary in size, and most hotels don’t have lifts – meaning you’ll likely need to access your room via stairs. Porterage will be included wherever possible.
Although air conditioning is mostly unavailable in historic buildings, fans will be provided during hot spells. Most hotels have bathtubs with overhead showers (rather than walk-in showers), so you’ll be able to enjoy a soak at the end of the day.
All the tour details in one handy document available to read at your leisure!
Download tour notesYou may also like
Explore Eastern Europe
From $3,659
Mountains, Valleys and Lakes of Switzerland
From $5,669
Alpine Escape: Germany, Austria and Italy
From $4,519
Code: BGHMM6