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Best of Germany

Operated by: Trafalgar

12 Days from $2,768 per person
APR - OCT 2023
Germany Munich Oktoberfest Beer Lederhosen

Countries Visited

Germany ...more Germany

Locations Visited

Frankfurt, Sankt Goar, Kamp-Bornhofen, Cologne, Hamburg, Berlin, Dresden, Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich, Black Forest, Heidelberg ...more Frankfurt, Sankt Goar, Kamp-Bornhofen, Cologne, Hamburg, Berlin, Dresden, Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich, Black Forest, Heidelberg
  1. Day 1 Welcome to Frankfurt

    Welcome to Frankfurt and savour an opportunity to see the sights on your own before meeting your Travel Director this afternoon for an orientation of Römerberg and the financial district. This evening, we enjoy a Welcome Reception with our fellow travellers, including a light meal and welcome drink to kick off our discovery of the best of Germany.

    meals Welcome Reception
    hotel Sheraton Offenbach
  2. Day 2 Cruise along the Rhine and journey to Cologne Connect with Locals

    Resist the alluring calls of Lorelei and board your leisurely cruise along the Rhine. Glide past vineyard-clad hills, stopping to Connect With Locals over lunch at a Be My Guest experience in a 13th-century castle perched high above the river valley. Share stories of knights and feuding lords and ladies over lunch before continuing to Cologne, where we’ll view the Gothic spires of its magnificent cathedral during our orientation of the city.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch
    hotel Mercure Koeln Belfortstrasse
  3. Day 3 Onwards to the Port City of Hamburg

    Journey through the lush green landscape of Lower Saxony as we make our way to the international trade centre of Hamburg, where we'll join our Travel Director for an orientation tour of the city's iconic sights. Spend some time at leisure exploring the city's seafaring heritage. Wander along the trendy Mönckebergstrasse, visit one of the city's brewhouses or consider a guided cruise through the city's harbour and discover why Hamburg is called Germany's 'Gateway to the World'. Tonight, we will dine at our hotel.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Crowne Plaza City Alster
  4. Day 4 Journey to Berlin

    Follow the picturesque Elbe Valley from Hamburg, crossing the former ‘Iron Curtain' to the historic city of Berlin, whose once-turbulent history has shaped its rebirth as a charismatic capital city. Join your Local Specialist to explore the iconic landmarks of a unified Berlin. See the neo-Baroque Reichstag, the Tiergarten, Brandenburg Gate and Unter den Linden.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Sheraton Grand Esplanade
  5. Day 5 Discover the History and Icons of Berlin

    Ascend the iconic Berlin TV Tower for 360° views of the city and Spree River. You'll learn how this landmark changed from being a symbol of the communist regime of East Germany to a symbol of a reunited Berlin before enjoying some time exploring Berlin your way. You could choose to join an Optional Experience to delve into the secrets of Berlin’s past, including a visit to the site of Checkpoint Charlie.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Sheraton Grand Esplanade
  6. Day 6 Off to Dresden

    A short drive south brings us to Dresden, the ‘Florence on the Elbe', where we'll hear about the city's restoration following its devastation during World War II as you admire its beautiful Baroque façades. See the Semper Opera, Zwinger Palace and the fully reconstructed Frauenkirche. Consider delving into the treasures of Dresden, joining an Optional Experience to explore this elegant city.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Pullman Newa
  7. Day 7 Venture to Historic Nuremberg

    Visit the village of Mödlareuth, which inherited the moniker of 'Little Berlin' due to its wall separating 'east' and 'west' Germany. Gain insights into a divided Germany at its open-air museum and see a section of the original wall with its security features. This afternoon, arrive in the Bavarian city of Nuremberg, once the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire and today the economic, social and cultural capital of Franconia. During your orientation see the mighty castle ramparts and stand in the Hauptmarkt main square which is dominated by the impressive Frauenkirche, a great example of the Gothic brick-style architecture of the region. Spend the rest of your day at leisure indulging in the local specialty of grilled Nürnberger Rostbratwurst with sauerkraut.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel NH Collection
  8. Day 8 Continue to Medieval Rothenburg and Munich

    Stroll through the narrow lanes of Rothenburg – its beautiful medieval centre seemingly frozen in time and encircled by a fortified town wall that remains intact after centuries. Admire the beautiful market square, lined with half-timbered houses, and the Old Town Hall before travelling through the Bavarian countryside to Munich.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Holiday Inn Westpark
  9. Day 9 Explore Munich

    Today is yours to immerse yourself in the diversity and splendour of Munich. See the distinctive towers of the Cathedral as well as Marienplatz, the central square and the impressive town hall with its charming glockenspiel during your orientation. The  13th C. St. Peter’s church and the Viktualien food market square and a beerhall are only a short walk from here.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Holiday Inn Westpark
  10. Day 10 Admire Neuschwanstein Castle and the Black Forest

    Travel through the beautiful countryside to a land of fables and folklore. This morning, we tread in the footsteps of shy King Ludwig II and visit his Neuschwanstein Castle (Subject to Availability), built as a retreat for the king to withdraw from public life. We continue through the magical countryside to the Black Forest, whose mystical landscape inspired fantasy and fiction from the famous Brothers Grimm. This evening, we dine at our hotel.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Best Western Hofgut Sternen
  11. Day 11 On to Heidelberg and Frankfurt Dive Into Culture

    Witness a Black Forest treasure as you Dive Into Culture and learn about the centuries-old craft of cuckoo clock making. Later, travel to Heidelberg and perhaps have the chance to capture views of the ruin s of Heidelberg Castle, as well as the Baroque-style Old Town. Spend the rest of the afternoon finishing up some last-minute shopping before continuing on to Frankfurt. Tonight we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your newfound friends, reminiscing over the iconic and unexpected highlights of our trip.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Sheraton Offenbach
  12. Day 12 Farewell Germany

    After breakfast, we say a fond farewell after a memorable holiday. Find out more about available airport transfers at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.

    meals Breakfast
Best Germany Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Whats Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Optional Experiences and free time

Dining Summary

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 11 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • 3 Dinner (D)

Be My Guest

  • Rhineland: In a medieval castle high above the Rhine River Valley, you'll enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest lunch and be transported back to a time of kings and knights.

Dive Into Culture

  • Black Forest: Watch as skilled craftsman capture the distinctive sound of the cuckoo demonstrating the centuries' old craft of clock making in the Black Forest.

Iconic Experience

  • Frankfurt: Spend the day exploring the sights of Frankfurt.
  • Cologne: Enjoy a trip to Cologne and admire its spectacular cathedral.
  • Rhineland: Cruise beneath the semi-ruined castles and terraced vineyards. Sleepy villages slip by as you saunter upstream to the Lorelei Rock where the enchantress lured sailors to their doom.
  • Hamburg: Spend the day basking in the iconic sights of Hamburg and appreciating the local delicacies.
  • Berlin: During a sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist, admire Berlin landmarks like the Tiergarten and the neo- Renaissance Reichstag.
  • Berlin: Take in panoramic views of the city from the observation platform of the Berlin TV Tower.
  • Dresden: Stroll through the historic center of Dresden and learn about the city's reconstruction.
  • Nuremberg: Visit the village of Mödlareuth and gain insights into its divided history at the town's open-air museum.
  • Nuremberg: Explore Nuremberg, perhaps indulging in the wonderful food at the Haupmarkt main square.
  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Visit the medieval center of Rothenburg.
  • Munich: During your orientation of the city with your Travel Director, see Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the English Garden, the Hofbräuhaus, St. Peter's Church and the famous Marienplatz.
  • Munich: Admire the magical countryside at the Neuschwanstein Castle.
  • Heidelberg: See the magnificent castle built in red sandstone, overlooking the Student Prince’s town.

Must-see Highlights

  • : Explore Berlin with a Local Specialist
  • : Discover Frankfurt, Cologne, Hamburg, Dresden, Nuremberg, Rothenburg, Munich and Heidelberg
  • : Visit the Berlin TV Tower, Mödlareuth Open Air Museum and Neuschwanstein Castle
  • : View Cologne Cathedral and Heidelberg Castle
  • : See the Lorelei Rock and the Bavarian Alps
  • : Scenic Cruise along the Rhine River

Whats Included

  • : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • : Optional Experiences and free time

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

Online Booking Process

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June 2023
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$3,095
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$3,195
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$3,225
Optional Add-Ons

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Hamburg

Available on Day 3

The Fab Four and Hamburg Harbour Cruise

See where the Beatles lived and developed the skills to become the biggest band in the World, where Paul McCartney and Pete Best were arrested, and much more. Take a selfie with the Fab Four at the Grosse Freiheit. Then, have a drink with us on a cruise around Europe's third largest port, where over 12,000 ships move 92 million tons of cargo in over 4 million containers around the world.
Adult Price: € 35

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Berlin

Available on Day 4

Berlin by Twilight with Dinner

Come along for a fun night of hearty food, wine, beer and music before we drive through the city as the sun goes down and the landmarks of this impressive German Capital illuminate.
Adult Price: € 63

Available on Day 5

Berlin's Secret Past Revealed

Uncover secrets of Berlin’s past with your Local Specialist on a guided tour of the city. View the Holocaust Memorial, touch a remaining section of the Berlin Wall, see the site of Checkpoint Charlie, and learn more about Berlin’s WWII and Cold War past.
Adult Price: € 32

Available on Day 5

Bridges, Lakes & Prussian Royalty

On the western outskirts of Berlin, we'll explore the area around Wannsee & Potsdam with our Local Specialist and discover the varied historical events and sights in this part of Germany. We stop on the shores of the Wannsee lake which was the setting for the infamous 1942 Wannsee Conference to plan the “Final Solution”. Continuing past harbours and houses we cross Glienicke Bridge, better known as the Spy Bridge from the Cold War era, and onto the beautiful and extensive gardens of Fredrick the Great’s summer palace Sanssouci, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To complete our journey across the centuries, we dine lakeside in a former royal hunting lodge and enjoy regional specialties in a charming setting.
Adult Price: € 76

Dresden

Available on Day 6

Dresden Royal Treasury and Moritzburg Castle

See the highlights of the fabulous Green Vault, one of the richest treasure chambers in Europe, with your Local Specialist. Afterwards, driving out of Dresden, we'll stop for refreshments before reaching Moritzburg Castle to discover its opulent baroque interior. The surrounding woodlands were once a favourite hunting area for the Kings of Saxony.
Adult Price: € 55

Nuremberg

Available on Day 7

Franconian Lunch And Rally Grounds Documentation Centre

You’ll enjoy a delicious light lunch with a drink at the world's largest bratwurst restaurant. Then we'll make our way to the rally grounds and unfinished Congress Hall of the former Nazi Party. This extraordinary structure has since been transformed and now houses an exhibition detailing the Nazi Party’s fascination with rallies and the causes and consequences of National Socialism. An audio guide is provided.
Adult Price: € 49

Munich

Available on Day 8

Bavarian Evening

A great evening dining in the local atmosphere of a typical Bavarian restaurant.  Enjoy traditional Bavarian food and sample some of Munich’s best beer – Prost!
Adult Price: € 66

Available on Day 9

The Dachau Memorial Site

Our Local Specialist will provide insight into Germany’s first concentration camp, opened immediately after Hitler’s rise to power, just outside Dachau. We'll learn about the camp, now maintained as a memorial, and the part it played in this tragic period in history.
Adult Price: € 35

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Kim Davis
Saturday, May 27, 2023
Service
Although the coach was less than desirable, the actual tour was great! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave lots of information and helpful hints. The local specialists were extremely good at their task and made interesting for everyone!
Vacation
It was a whole tour of all the areas of Germany. Each stop had its own part of history! City life, country life, life on a river, and life in a castle were all covered! Plenty of time was made available to explore or shop on your own!
Trusted Customer
Friday, May 19, 2023
Service
This was our first trip to Germany and it was awesome. Our tour director, Maja, did an excellent job of giving us the historical highlights of every town we visited. We are richer for the experiences that we enjoyed. The architecture, food and scenery was amazing.
Vacation
The food, experiences and scenery were all amazing. We will relive this trip through our memories and pictures.
Heidi Bale
Sunday, October 23, 2022
Service
Answered my questions and got the accurate amount.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your Best of Germany tour. Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We appreciate your feedback. Take care!
Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Vacation
Great tour guide and driver. Wish we had more than 1 night in some of the cities.
Brian Mauer
Monday, August 15, 2022
Service
The entire booking process was easy to accomplish.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are so glad you were able to easily book your vacation and that you enjoyed your tour of Germany. It sounds like you had a great time (and learned a little about the country at the same time)! Thank you so much for leaving a review. Your feedback is appreciated.
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Vacation
The tour of Germany was very good. Our trip director was excellent. He was organized and really paid attention to detail. Also, he was very knowledgeable about Germany and all the sites we saw/visited....
Eugene Lew
Sunday, July 10, 2022
Service
Your was well planned
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are glad you enjoyed your tour of Germany. Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We appreciate your feedback.
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
Vacation
All hotels and cities were good
Janet Farrar
Sunday, June 12, 2022
Service
Agents were responsive about postponing, airfare and extra hotel. But never gave us updated information in 2022, so we didn't know we were being transferred to Trafalgar. Maybe this is normal, our first time with GET. But there were many optional activities that we were not aware of until on the bus. That information was very lacking in advance. And I think the many of the optional activities should have been included anyway, that is why you take the tour.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Our apologies that it wasn't explained clearly that all of the trips we sell are operated by Trafalgar or Insight Vacations. We do try to include that information clearly on our brochure, web pages and tour documents. Thank you for bringing this to our attention and we will review this with our staff to make sure it is communicated clearly to all guests.
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Vacation
Lack of information in advance; cost of optional activites
Mary Gerstle
Monday, October 4, 2021
Service
Tess was knowledgable and was able to answer all my questions.
Vacation
we saw so much of Germany. The tour director ( Amy), and Well Being director ( Justine ) and our driver ( Ampad ) were all great.
Deborah Krautwurst
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Service
Excellent tour director and coach driver ... Great sights
Vacation
Hit many of the top attractions ... Chock filled with busy, early morning until night ... Using time well ...well planned
Veryl Kroon
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Service
Hit all the must see places as well as the out of the way places that gave insight and a feel of the country, people, and how they live and consider themselves. Close to full immersion.
Response from Grand European Travel:
It sounds as if you enjoyed every aspect of this trip. We're very glad to see that and thank you for your business and comments.
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Vacation
See above..................
Trusted Customer
Monday, October 21, 2019
Service
It was a good trip.But on this trip and the one I took two years ago there were just too many people. I prefer to travel with a smaller group.I would not recomendt GET for that reason and would probably not go again.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are sorry to hear this. It's nice to see that people are traveling again, but we understand the desire to be in a smaller group. We do offer trips that limit the number of guests that may be more to your liking.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Vacation
The trip included the places that I wanted to go, so that was good.. But as I said before, there were too many people. Also, the leader walked too fast for a mature group. Other people thought so too.
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