Bavaria to Berlin

Today, we’ll spend a full day discovering the vibrant city of Munich, beginning with a tram ride to the world-famous Deutsches Museum – showcasing around 125,000 exhibited objects across 50 different fields, the museum offers an inspiring look into human ingenuity and innovation. You’ll have plenty of time to explore at your own pace and enjoy the fascinating exhibits.

From here, we’ll take a pleasant walk to Marienplatz, Munich’s lively central square, to witness the Rathaus-Glockenspiel in action. With its 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures, this spectacular clock performance brings Munich’s history to life, a must-see experience. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to have lunch at your leisure, explore nearby shops, or simply soak up the city’s atmosphere before we regroup and make our way to the opulent Residenz Palace, the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria and the largest city palace in Germany.

With its origins dating back to the 14th century, The Residenz served as the official residence, seat of government, and cultural centerpiece for the Bavarian rulers from 1385 until 1918, when the monarchy ended. Expanded over many years, it was the Baroque and Rococo transformations in the 17th-18th centuries that created the heart of building we see today – painstakingly reconstructed in the years since being severely damaged by two years of allied bombing in World War 2. Enjoy an audio tour of the Residenz Palace, delving into its rich history and marvelling at its opulent interiors, art, and architecture.

We’ll conclude our day with dinner at a local restaurant, where you can relax and savour authentic Bavarian cuisine in a truly regal setting.

Overnight: Eurostars Grand Central Hotel, Munich (B, D)

This morning after breakfast, we’ll board our private coach and set off on a scenic journey through the picturesque Bavarian countryside to one of Germany’s most enchanting landmarks,  the UNESCO listed Neuschwanstein Castle – a fairytale castle immortalised by the Disney brand.

On arrival in the village of Hohenschwangau, nestled amid the forested Ammergau Alps, and the start point for our castle visit, there’ll be free time to admire the charming Bavarian architecture and the historic childhood home of King Ludwig II – Hohenschwangau castle, wander its quaint streets, browse local boutiques, and stop for lunch at leisure at one of the inviting cafés or traditional restaurants.

After lunch, we’ll transfer by shuttle bus to Neuschwanstein Castle, dramatically perched above the valley. Commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria (1845–1886), nicknamed the “Swan King” or “Mad King Ludwig”, the castle was built as a personal retreat and an homage to his friend, the composer Richard Wagner. A true masterpiece of Romantic architecture, the design and interior celebrate Wagnerian mythology (e.g., Tannhäuser, Lohengrin, Parsifal). As this was a personal retreat, Ludwig borrowed heavily to fund the construction, leading to financial ruin, and sadly, he lived there only 172 days before being deposed in 1886. Three days later, he died mysteriously in Lake Starnberg – the official verdict was drowning, likely suicide.  

Once here, you’ll be given English audio-guides (the best way to explore this place) to wander the opulent halls, listen to fascinating stories and marvel at the artistic vision behind Ludwig’s dreamlike creation at your own pace. Highlights include the Byzantine-inspired throne room, with a mosaic floor of 2 million pieces and a chandelier weighing a massive 1 tonne; Ludwig’s intricately carved oak bedroom that took 14 carvers 4.5 years to complete; and the Grotto, a quirky artificial cave with colored lighting, connecting the study and living room.

Upon our return to Munich, the evening is yours at leisure.

Overnight: Eurostars Grand Central Hotel, Munich (B)

After breakfast and checking out, we’ll leave our luggage for private transport and walk the short distance to the Munich railway station to take our first-class seats on a morning train for a scenic 3.5-hour journey to Frankfurt.

Upon arrival in Frankfurt, there’ll be time for lunch at leisure before embarking on a guided walking tour of this historic city, the 1749 birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, widely regarded as one of the greatest figures in Western literature, science, and thought.

We’ll explore Kaiserstraße and Goethestraße, vibrant streets lined with shops, cafés, and stunning architecture, and visit the Goethe House and Museum for an immersion into the life and works of Germany’s most celebrated writer.  We’ll visit St. Paul’s Church (Paulskirche), a symbol of German democracy dating back to 1848 when the Frankfurt Parliament – the first freely elected German legislative body – convened here. We’ll explore Römerberg, Frankfurt’s historic centre, stopping to admire medieval buildings, the Römer (city hall), and the Old St Nicholas Church. We’ll also explore the New Old Town (Neue Altstadt), a beautifully reconstructed historical area with striking architecture, and visit the Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom), a Roman Catholic Gothic masterpiece dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, with origins tracing back to the 7th century.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll travel by private coach to Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. After checking into our riverside hotel and being reunited with our luggage, we’ll enjoy dinner together in the hotel restaurant.

Overnight: Mercure Hotel Koblenz, Koblenz (B, D)

This morning after breakfast, we’ll walk the short distance to the Pier and embark on an unforgettable full-day cruise, including lunch, through the picturesque Middle Rhine Valley on the legendary historic paddle steamer,  RMS Goethe.

Described as “sightseeing for connoisseurs”, the Nostalgia Route takes you from Koblenz, through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Middle Rhine Valley, past the icons which symbolise the romance of the Rhine, and on to Rüdesheim, the little town regarded as ‘typically German’. 

There’s a special atmosphere on board as the giant paddle wheels churn and plough through the waters of the Rhine, creating RMS Goethe’s own, unmistakable soundtrack. The interior also recreates the atmosphere of the year the ship was built, 1913 – shimmering bronze handrails, polished wood, and decorative forms evoking the early Art Deco period. 

Whether you’re sitting out on the deck or down below, you’ll enjoy cruising past Marksburg Castle, Stolzenfels Castle, Castle Katz, Pfalz Castle near Kaub, Stahleck Castle and the Mouse Tower in Bingen, not to mention all the picturesque villages, large or small, which nestle at the foot of the many vineyards along the banks of the river. 

Upon arrival in Rüdesheim, we’ll disembark. The rest of the day and evening is yours at leisure, so take your time to explore this charming village and return to Koblenz by train when it suits you, or travel back with your tour leader.   

Overnight: Mercure Hotel Koblenz, Koblenz (B, L)

Today is all yours to explore Koblenz at your own pace. 

Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, Koblenz offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. You may choose to stroll along the Rhine promenade, enjoy the riverside cafés and shops, or visit the Deutsches Eck (German Corner), where the two rivers meet, crowned by the impressive equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I.

For those seeking panoramic views, the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is accessible by cable car and offers stunning vistas over the Rhine Valley. Alternatively, wandering through Koblenz’s historic Old Town allows you to admire its charming streets, market squares, and beautiful churches.

If you prefer, you can jump on the train and revisit some of the picturesque villages you passed yesterday on the Rhine River cruise. 

Overnight: Mercure Hotel Koblenz, Koblenz (B)

After handing our luggage over to our private courier, it’s a lazy breakfast this morning before checking out, regrouping mid-morning and transferring to the railway station to board our ICE train for the scenic one-hour journey to Cologne.  

Upon arrival at midday, we’ll walk just two minutes to our hotel, the Hilton Cologne, ideally located amidst the city’s Romano-Germanic historic sites, including Cologne Cathedral, the Old Town, and the bustling shopping streets of Hohe Straße and Schildergasse.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll embark on a private guided tour of Cologne Cathedral. This awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site, the tallest twin-spired church in the world, stands as a monument to German Catholicism and Gothic architecture. Construction began in 1248 but was halted around 1560, leaving the Church unfinished for over three centuries until completion in the 1840s. You’ll have time to marvel at its towering spires and intricate stained glass windows, and for those who wish, ascend the 533 steps of the tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Rhine River below.

Dinner this evening will be in the hotel restaurant.

Overnight: Hilton Cologne, Cologne (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast, we’ll set out to discover the heart of Cologne on a captivating guided walking tour through centuries of history and architectural marvels. 

We’ll wander across the reconstructed Hohenzollern Bridge, adorned with thousands of love locks. Originally built in 1907,  the madness of war saw German military engineers blow it up in March 1945 as Allied troops began their assault on Cologne. It was rebuilt as a train and pedestrian bridge only and is now one of the busiest in Europe, with 1,200 trains a day crossing it. You’ll explore the Romanesque beauty of Great St. Martin Church and the historic charm of the Old Fish Market and Historic Town Hall, and visit the Heinzelmannchen Fountain to uncover Cologne’s mythical folklore. Our exploration will end at Hohe Straße (High Street), Cologne’s largest shopping area, bustling with shops and cafes.

The rest of the day and evening is then yours to explore Cologne at leisure. You might like to visit the Museum für Angewandte Kunst Köln (Museum of Applied Arts) featuring applied arts, design, and contemporary art; or dive into the history of technology with exhibits on railway history and vintage train models at the Deutsches Technikmuseum Köln (German Museum of Technology Cologne); or be swept away into the wonderful world of perfumes at the Farina Fragrance Museum and discover three centuries of fragrance and cultural history, including the fascinating history of the original Eau de Cologne; or take a scenic ride across the Rhine on the Cologne Cable Car, offering breathtaking views of the city and river. 

Overnight: Hilton Cologne, Cologne (B)

This morning, after breakfast and check-out, we’ll again hand over our luggage for private transport and walk the short distance to the railway station for our journey to Wernigerode. There’ll be time to stock up on snacks for the train, just in case the journey whets your appetite more than anticipated.

With three train changes, you’ll truly feel like a seasoned traveller, following the railway through some breathtaking scenery. On the change in Goslar, there’ll be time for lunch at leisure before we jump on the last train leg for the day.

Upon arrival in Wernigerode, we’ll walk the short distance to our hotel and check in. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant, offering a taste of the region’s cuisine.

Overnight: Harzer Kultur and Kongresshotel, Wernigerode (B, D)

After a lazy start, we’ll return to the station to embark on an unforgettable journey on the Harz Railway, a historic narrow-gauge steam train to Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains. This spectacular line has been classified as a historical monument since 1972.  The sound of the engine’s whistle, smoke drifting past the window, and the smell of a real steam train will evoke memories of a bygone age as you wind through dense forests, charming villages, and rugged mountain landscapes.

Upon reaching the summit of Brocken, you’ll have free time to have some lunch at leisure, wander the trails, spend time at the historic botanical garden of about 1,600 alpine mountain plants, visit the observation platforms, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across the Harz region. There are many cafes and eateries where you can grab a bite to eat for lunch, before reboarding our train for the trip back to Wernigerode, arriving in the late afternoon.

Dinner tonight is at leisure.

Overnight: Harzer Kultur and Kongresshotel, Wernigerode (B)

This morning after breakfast we’ll travel back up into the Harz Mountains to the picturesque, mediaeval, UNESCO World Heritage town of Quedlinburg, famous for its old town of some 2,100 timber houses from six centuries. Known for its well-preserved architecture and rich, complex history, it’s said to have given rise to the term ‘the cradle of the Third Reich’ when Hitler appropriated Quedlinburg’s ancient symbolism of unification to legitimise their ideology. Established in the 9th century, it became the seat of a powerful abbey for noblewomen, ruled by abbesses who held imperial immediacy. Quedlinburg became a centre of influence under the Ottonian dynasty in the 10th and 11th centuries and was an influential and prosperous trading centre during the early Middle Ages.

Upon arrival you’ll enjoy a privately guided walking tour around the magical old city and up to the castle and abbey on Castle Hill, taking in the panoramic views and rich history. Our knowledgeable local guide will tailor the tour to your group’s pace, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. We’ll explore the bustling Market Square with its impressive Town Hall and the historic Roland Statue, visit the stunning St. Servatius Church, and wander through the charming Fachwerkstraße, lined with beautifully preserved half-timbered houses.

Lunch today is at leisure, giving you the freedom to choose from one of Quedlinburg’s many cafés or restaurants. Afterwards, there will be free time to explore the Old Town further at your own pace before we regroup at the train station for the journey back to Wernigerode.

Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Harzer Kultur and Kongresshotel, Wernigerode (B,D)

This morning after breakfast, check out, and passing our luggage to our private courier, we’ll head to the station to board our train to Leipzig, one of Germany’s most fascinating and historically rich cities, home to the oldest surviving Trade Fair in the world, the Leipzig Trade Fair, and boasting a legendary musical heritage.  

First documented in 1015 and endowed with city and market privileges in 1165, it progressively became both an important economic and artistic centre. The Trade Fair started in the Middle Ages, the University of Leipzig was founded in 1409, and over the years, more than 500 composers have lived there, including some of the greatest names from music history – Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, Clara and Robert Schumann, Richard Wagner, Edvard Grieg, Gustav Mahler and Hanns Eisler. 

Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy lunch at leisure before setting off on a captivating walking tour of the city’s highlights. Starting at the bustling Market Square (Marktplatz Leipzig), also known as Naschmarkt, a lively hub filled with vibrant activity,  we’ll explore the heart of Leipzig, including stops at the historic Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), Mädlerpassage, a beautiful glass-roofed arcade renowned for its stylish shops and elegant atmosphere; and both St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche) and St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche), famous for their association with Johann Sebastian Bach, who served as the church cantor for many years – Bach’s remains are interred at Thomaskirche, as are those of Martin Luther who preached from its pulpit in 1539.  

We’ll explore the Königshaus Passage and admire the Löwenbrunnen (Lion Fountain), wander down Universitätsstraße past the iconic Auerbachs Keller restaurant, Leipzig’s second oldest restaurant – established in the 15th century, it was the city’s most important wine bar by the 16th century, owing its worldwide reputation to Goethe’s play Faust, as the first place Mephistopheles takes Faust on their travels. Further on, we’ll arrive at the Central Leipzig University buildings, where we’ll spend some time in absolute awe at the history and architecture of one of the world’s oldest universities. 

Founded in 1409, the university now spreads across 38 locations in Leipzig, including a University Hospital and numerous prestigious museums, and has engaged in teaching and research uninterrupted for over 600 years. The university is associated with ten Nobel laureates, and famous alumni include Angela Merkel, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Leopold von Ranke, Friedrich Nietzsche, Robert Schumann, Richard Wagner, Tycho Brahe, and Georgius Agricola. 

Your tour will end back at the Naschmarkt right next to our hotel, a brilliant location for you to embark on the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure, checking in the hotel when it suits you.   

Overnight: Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel Handelshof, Leipzig (B)

This morning, after breakfast and check-out, we’ll leave our luggage for our courier and take a short walk to the Museum of Fine Arts to explore its extensive collection, the largest in Germany, featuring over 4,600 paintings from the late Middle Ages to the present, 1,800 sculptures, more than 70,000 works on paper, and over 5,000 photographs. You’ll be able to move at your own pace and enjoy a coffee in the museum café.  After the museum visit, we’ll head to the train station to board our ICE train to Dresden, stopping to grab some lunch at leisure along the way. 

Upon arrival in Dresden, we’ll transfer to the hotel and check in before regrouping for a short guided walking tour through the city to the magnificent Zwinger Palace – one of the most iconic landmarks in Dresden and a supreme example of late Baroque architecture and supremely landscaped gardens. Today, it houses several world-class museums and remains a symbol of Dresden’s cultural rebirth after near-total destruction in World War 2. Here, we’ll participate in the Zwinger Xperience tour, a multimedia journey that brings the palace’s history and art collections to life. 

Following the tour, the rest of the day and evening is at leisure, allowing you to further explore the Zwinger’s inner courtyards, outdoor galleries, and gardens, wander into Dresden’s historic streets, or return to the hotel for some downtime.

Overnight: Hotel Suitess, Dresden (B)

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll embark on a scenic journey to the breathtaking Saxon Switzerland National Park, using the light rail to Dresden Bahnhof Mitte and then a train to Bad Schandau.

Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a ferry ride across the river, followed by a leisurely 10-minute walk through the charming town to the starting point of the Kirnitzschtal Tram. This picturesque tram ride will take us through the beautiful Kirnitzsch Valley, culminating at the Lichtenhainer Waterfall, where you’ll have free time to admire the scenery and take in the natural beauty of the falls.

After returning by tram, you’ll have free time in Bad Schandau to explore the Kurpark (Healing Park), wander through the serene gardens, stroll along the riverfront promenade, poke in the charming shops, and enjoy lunch at leisure.

In the mid-afternoon, we’ll board the Sächsische Schweiz paddle steamer for a scenic cruise back to Dresden – take in the stunning views of the Elbe Valley and surrounding landscapes as you enjoy a light dinner on board.

Overnight: Hotel Suitess, Dresden (B, D)

A leisurely breakfast again this morning before we take the now familiar light rail option back to the train station for a day filled with unique train rides and historic exploration.

At the station, we’ll jump on a train for a quick 10-minute trip to Radebeul station.  Here, we’ll board the charming Lößnitzgrundbahn, a historic steam narrow-gauge railway, for a scenic ride through the beautiful Saxon countryside to Moritzburg, home to the stunning Moritzburg Castle, renowned for its magnificent Baroque architecture, picturesque setting, and, of all things, the world’s most important collection of red deer antlers, all aged between 270 and 400 years old. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the castle, learning about its rich history and admiring its opulent interiors and beautiful surroundings.

It’s then back to Dresden, the way we came – by train. Upon arrival at the station, we’ll walk to a delightful early dinner at the Greek restaurant Acheron, where you can savour delicious Mediterranean cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

After dinner, you’re free to stay in the area and explore some more, making your way back to the hotel at your leisure, or travel back to the hotel on the light rail with your Tour Leader.  

Overnight: Hotel Suitess, Dresden (B, D)

This morning, after breakfast, check out, and handing our luggage to our courier, we’ll transfer to Dresden station to board an InterCity train for our scenic journey to Berlin, the last leg of our adventure.

We’ll disembark at Berlin’s Potsdamer Platz – once a desolate wasteland during the Cold War, it’s now a vibrant hub filled with skyscrapers, movie theatres, casinos, and the iconic Sony Centre – and walk the short distance to our hotel to drop our bags. We’ll then head straight to the magnificent Reichstag Building to enjoy lunch in the fabulous rooftop restaurant before being met by our guide for an extensive walking tour of the city.  

Our walking tour will take in all the sites, including the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the magnificently manicured Tiergarten – Berlin’s largest inner-city park, the Anhalter Bahnhof Ruins, the sobering Topography of Terror, and a poignant visit to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. This haunting installation features 2,711 concrete slabs arranged in a grid, representing the millions of Jews murdered in the Holocaust. 

This evening is at leisure.

Overnight: Berlin Marriott, Berlin (B, L)

This morning, you’ll be given a Berlin Museum Pass, giving you free entry to over 30 museums across the city. You can spend the whole day exploring the museums at your own pace or alternatively, immerse yourself at your favourite ones in the morning and join your Tour leader after lunch at leisure to visit the Berlin Cathedral to marvel at its stunning architecture and rich history, and the Gemäldegalerie, one of the world’s premier museums of European painting from the 13th to the 18th centuries, and home to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Botticelli, Titian, and Dürer.

We’ll regroup back at the hotel in the late afternoon for a farewell dinner to toast the end of your journey and reflect on the wonderful experiences you’ve had.  Again, drinks are on us!   

Overnight: Berlin Marriott, Berlin (B, D)

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. If you’re staying a bit longer in Berlin, your museum pass will still be valid, so feel free to make good use of it!

If you’re travelling home or onwards, you’re well positioned next to the railway station (or the cab rank at the hotel) to make your transfer to the airport.

(B)