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See all the sights on this jam-packed Best of Germany trip. From cutting-edge Berlin, you’ll travel back in time and enjoy a medieval banquet in a castle, watch life along the Rhine unfold on a cruise and see how the beauty of the Black Forest inspired fables and fairy tales.
See all the sights on this jam-packed Best of Germany trip. From cutting-edge Berlin, you’ll travel back in time and enjoy a medieval banquet in a castle, watch life along the Rhine unfold on a cruise and see how the beauty of the Black Forest inspired fables and fairy tales.
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 Römerplatz 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.
Cruise along the Rhine and journey to Cologne and Düsseldorf
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, then continue to Düsseldorf.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Leonardo Royal Königsallee/Leonardo Düsseldorf
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
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 the rest of the day 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 along the city's waterways and discover why Hamburg is called Germany's 'Gateway to the World'. Tonight, we will dine at our hotel.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Crowne Plaza City Alster/Holiday Inn Berliner Tor
Despite being located 110 km (68 miles) inland, Hamburg is often referred to as 'Germany's Gateway to the World', due to the sheer number of ships that pass through the city. With our Local Specialist, we'll enjoy a relaxing cruise with refreshments as we see Hamburg's skyline, historic fish market and shipyards, while we learn about the city's maritime traditions.
Adult Price: €32.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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-Renaissance Reichstag, the Tiergarten, Brandenburg Gate and Unter den Linden. Enjoy some time at leisure this afternoon to explore the city on your terms.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Sheraton Grand Esplanade/Hilton
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
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: €60.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 5
Discover the Grit and Glamour 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 this afternoon to explore 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.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
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: €32.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
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: €70.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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.
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: €57.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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 evening at leisure indulging in grilled Nürnberger Rostbratwurst with sauerkraut.
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: €49.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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 following part of the Romantic Road through villages and countryside to Munich.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Leonardo City Olympiapark
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Bavarian Evening
MA 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: €62.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Explore Munich
Today is yours to immerse yourself in the diversity and splendour of Munich. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city's landmarks and see the Wittelsbach Royal Family Residenz and Marienplatz, home to the Town Hall Glockenspiel. Explore the museums, history and perhaps even beer halls of this capital of Bavaria.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
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. (On occasion, audio guides will be provided instead of a Local Specialist).
Adult Price: €33.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 10
Admire Neuschwanstein Castle and the Black Forest
Snap your fingers and be transported to a land of fables and folklore. This morning, we tread in the footsteps of shy King Ludwig II and view his Neuschwanstein Castle, 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.
Witness a Black Forest treasure as you Dive Into Culture and learn about the centuries-old craft of cuckoo clock making. Later, travel into the Rhineland to view the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps, as well as the Baroque-style Old Town with its bustling market squares and colourful façades. Spend the rest of the afternoon finishing up some last-minute shopping before continuing on to Frankfurt. Tonight we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with our newfound friends, reminiscing over the iconic and unexpected highlights of our trip.
After breakfast, we say a fond farewell after a memorable holiday. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 3
The Port Of Hamburg Harbour Cruise
Despite being located 110 km (68 miles) inland, Hamburg is often referred to as 'Germany's Gateway to the World', due to the sheer number of ships that pass through the city. With our Local Specialist, we'll enjoy a relaxing cruise with refreshments as we see Hamburg's skyline, historic fish market and shipyards, while we learn about the city's maritime traditions.
Adult Price: €32.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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: €60.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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: €32.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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: €70.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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: €57.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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: €49.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Bavarian Evening
MA 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: €62.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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. (On occasion, audio guides will be provided instead of a Local Specialist).
Adult Price: €33.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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About this trip
About this trip
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
11 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
16 Meals
1 Be My Guest, 1 Farewell Dinner, 1 Welcome Reception, 11 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
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On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect With Locals
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
Watch as skilled craftsman capture the distinctive sound of the cuckoo demonstrating the centuries' old craft of clock making in the Black Forest.
Sightseeing highlights
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Explore Berlin with a Local Specialist
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Discover Frankfurt, Cologne, Hamburg, Dresden, Nuremberg, Rothenburg, Munich and Heidelberg
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Visit the Berlin TV Tower, Mödlareuth Open Air Museum and Neuschwanstein Castle
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Optional Experiences and free time
Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews
Best of Germany trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Best of Germany 2022. Absolutely!
Trip Rating
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5
Of course it's not cheap but you get what you pay for. I have done other tours with this company and with a lesser one and it's definitely worth paying more for the details. You always have to remember that you are in another country and not everything is the same is at home so not everything will be the same but certainly the hotels were quite central and easy to walk to things or access to local transport.
The overall experience was excellent. I got to see so many things and have so many memorable experiences. The food was wonderful and everything was well planned. The tour guide was knowledgeable and the driver was very good and made us feel safe. The local tour guides were a nice touch that brought things to life and added specifics and details to the extra experiences. The accommodations were very nice and varied. It was an experience that will never be forgotten. Prost!
The driver and Director Rob were great and knowledgeable about the whole trip. Bus was clean and hotels great. Rob did a few extras to make everyone feel comfortable. Everything was great.
********* was awesome! Very organized and informative.The tour was well organized. The hotels were excellent wellness director and bus driver were great
It was an outstanding trip with an exceptional Tour Director in *********. great sites and exceptional briefings by knowledgeable tour guides. Trafalgar did an exceptional job in keeping us safe from Covid during the trip.
My husband and I really enjoyed “The Best of Germany” trip. It was well-organized with great accommodations. We could not have asked for a better experience. Thank you!
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.