Germany — Bavaria, Rhine & Berlin

Arrival in Berlin

Arrive at Berlin Brandenburg Airport and transfer to your hotel in the central Mitte district. Spend the afternoon walking along Unter den Linden boulevard past the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag building, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Welcome dinner at a historic Berlin restaurant featuring regional specialties like Wiener Schnitzel and Berliner Weisse.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Berlin Mitte

Berlin — History & Culture

Morning guided tour of the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse, followed by Checkpoint Charlie and the Topography of Terror exhibition documenting the city's divided past. Cross to Museum Island for an afternoon exploring the Pergamon Museum, home to the monumental Ishtar Gate of Babylon, and the Neues Museum with its iconic bust of Nefertiti. Evening free to explore the trendy Kreuzberg neighborhood's street food scene and vibrant nightlife.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Berlin Mitte

Berlin to the Rhine Valley

High-speed train west to the romantic Rhine Valley region. Check into a riverside hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the medieval town of Bacharach with its half-timbered houses, vine-covered hillsides, and the ruins of Werner Chapel. Dinner at a traditional Weinstube, sampling Riesling wines produced from the steep terraced vineyards that line the river banks.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in the Rhine Valley

Rhine River Cruise & Heidelberg

Morning scenic cruise along the Rhine, gliding past the legendary Lorelei rock, medieval castles perched on every hilltop, and storybook villages. Disembark at St. Goar and travel to Heidelberg, home to Germany's oldest university. Tour the magnificent Heidelberg Castle ruins and walk through the picturesque Old Town along the Philosophers' Way with sweeping views over the Neckar River.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Heidelberg

Heidelberg to the Romantic Road

Drive south along Germany's famous Romantic Road, stopping in the perfectly preserved medieval walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Walk the ramparts, explore the Christmas Museum, and browse artisan shops along cobblestone streets that have remained virtually unchanged for 500 years. Continue to the charming town of Dinkelsbuehl before arriving in Augsburg for the evening.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Augsburg

Neuschwanstein Castle & Fussen

Morning visit to the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle, perched dramatically above a gorge with the Bavarian Alps as a backdrop. Tour the ornate interior featuring Byzantine-inspired throne room and swan-themed décor. Walk across the Marienbrucke bridge for the iconic castle photograph. Continue to the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle and the quaint town of Fussen.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Garmisch-Partenkirchen area

Bavarian Alps to Munich

Morning free to enjoy the Alpine scenery, with an optional excursion to the Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak at 2,962 meters. Afternoon transfer to Munich and an orientation walking tour of the Bavarian capital, visiting Marienplatz to watch the famous Glockenspiel, the grand Residenz palace, and the Viktualienmarkt gourmet food market. Evening at a traditional beer hall for a Bavarian dinner of Schweinshaxe, pretzels, and freshly brewed lager.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in central Munich

Munich — Dachau Memorial & City Exploration

Morning guided visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial, a profoundly important site for understanding the history of the Holocaust, with a respectful guided tour of the grounds, museum, and memorial. Return to Munich for an afternoon at leisure to explore the Englischer Garten, one of the world's largest urban parks, visit the Pinakothek art museums, or shop along Maximilianstrasse. Farewell evening in the lively Schwabing district.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in central Munich

Departure from Munich

Final morning at leisure for last-minute shopping at the Viktualienmarkt or a relaxing coffee in a Bavarian cafe. Transfer to Munich Airport for your departure flight, taking with you memories of castle spires, Rhine vineyards, Berlin's dynamic culture, and the warmth of Bavarian hospitality.