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Best of Germany

Everyday Price From

$4,572

$5,195

12 days

No Countries

Overview

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 traditional meal in a medieval castle, watch life along the Rhine unfold on a cruise and see how the beauty of the Black Forest inspired fables and fairy tales.

Locations Visited

Frankfurt, Sankt Goar, Kamp-Bornhofen, Cologne, Hamburg, Berlin, Dresden, Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich, Black Forest, Heidelberg

Countries Visited

Germany

Travel Style

Country Explorer

Accommodations

11 nights included

Age Requirements

Minimum Age 5

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Itinerary

COLLAPSE ALL EXPAND ALL

Day 1

Welcome to Frankfurt

Welcome to Frankfurt and savor 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, enjoy a Welcome Reception with your fellow travelers, including a light dinner and welcome drink to kick off your discovery of the best of Germany.

  • Accommodation

    Sheraton Offenbach Frankfurt


Highlights

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Explore Frankfurt

Spend the day exploring the sights of Frankfurt.

Resist the alluring calls of Loreley and board your leisurely cruise along the Rhine. Glide past vineyard-clad hills, stopping at lunch for 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.

  • Accommodation

    Steigenberger Hotel Köln


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Lunch

Highlights

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Lunch in a Medieval Castle High Above the Rhine River Valley

Enjoy lunch in a medieval castle overlooking the Rhine Valley and learn about warrior knights who once lived here as you visit with Klaus and Anita.

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Explore Cologne

Enjoy a trip to Cologne and admire its spectacular cathedral.

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Rhine Valley Cruise

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.

Journey through the lush green landscape of Lower Saxony as we make our way to the international trade center 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 harbor and discover why Hamburg is called Germany's 'Gateway to the World'. Tonight, we will dine at our hotel.

  • Accommodation

    Crowne Plaza Hamburg - City Alster


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

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Admire Hamburg

Spend the day basking in the iconic sights of Hamburg and appreciating the local delicacies.

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 unified Berlin. See the Neo-Renaissance Reichstag, the Tiergarten, Brandenburg Gate and Unter den Linden.

  • Accommodation

    Catalonia Berlin Mitte Hotel


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Berlin City Tour

During a sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist, admire Berlin landmarks like the Tiergarten and the neo- Renaissance Reichstag.

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.

  • Accommodation

    Catalonia Berlin Mitte Hotel


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Berlin TV Tower Visit

Take in panoramic views of the city from the observation platform of the Berlin TV Tower.

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.

  • Accommodation

    Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel Dresden


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Explore Dresden

Stroll through the historic center of Dresden and learn about the city's reconstruction. 

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 specialties.

  • Accommodation

    Park Plaza Nuremberg


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Explore Mödlareuth

Visit the village of Mödlareuth and gain insights into its divided history at the town's open-air museum. 

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Nuremberg Orientation

Explore Nuremberg, perhaps indulging in the wonderful food at the Haupmarkt main square.

Stroll through the narrow lanes of Rothenburg – its beautiful medieval center 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 traveling through the Bavarian countryside to Munich.

  • Accommodation

    Holiday Inn Munich Westpark


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Visit Rothenburg

Encircled by intact medieval walls, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of Germany’s best-preserved towns. Wander its cobbled lanes, admire colorful half-timbered houses and see the Old Town Hall and market square.

During your time in Munich, see the distinctive towers of the Cathedral, stroll through Marienplatz, and admire the impressive town hall with its charming Glockenspiel. A short walk from here takes you to the 13th-century St. Peter’s Church, the Viktualien food market square, and a traditional beer hall. Later, join a Local Specialist for a guided visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial, a powerful experience that offers insight into this dark chapter of history. 

  • Accommodation

    Holiday Inn Munich Westpark


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Munich Orientation

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.

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Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Visit

Join a Local Specialist for a guided visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial, a powerful reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust. Walk through the former barracks and memorial sites, hear the stories of those who were imprisoned here, and gain a deeper understanding of this dark chapter in history. 

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 over dinner, we learn from a local expert about Hofgut Sternen’s innovative design and the traditions of the Black Forest on MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®  Experience.

  • Accommodation

    Hofgut Sternen


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

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Neuschwanstein Castle Visit

Admire the magical countryside at the Neuschwanstein Castle.

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Hofgut Sternen

A Local Specialist will introduce you to Hofgut Sternen as a sustainable destination in the heart of the Black Forest. Learn how they work to conserve their beautiful environment through using their own energy plant and working with the natural resources of the region. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land. A Local Specialist will introduce you to Hofgut Sternen as a sustainable destination in the heart of the Black Forest. Learn how they work to conserve their beautiful environment through using their own energy plant and working with the natural resources of the region. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

 

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 ruins 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.

  • Accommodation

    Sheraton Offenbach Frankfurt


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

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Visit the Black Forest and discover the centuries' old craft of clock making

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

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View Heidelberg Castle

See the magnificent castle built in red sandstone, overlooking the Student Prince’s town. 

After breakfast, we say a fond farewell after a memorable holiday.

  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

Must-see Highlights

  • Explore Berlin

  • Discover Frankfurt, Cologne, Hamburg, Dresden, Nuremberg, Rothenburg, Munich and Heidelberg

  • Visit the Berlin TV Tower, Mödlareuth Open Air Museum, Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial and Neuschwanstein Castle

  • View Cologne Cathedral and Heidelberg Castle

  • See the Lorelei Rock and the Bavarian Alps

  • Scenic Cruise along the Rhine River

What's Included

Travel Director

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Hotels

  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized

Meals

  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Sightseeing

  • Must-see sightseeing

Audio

  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Transport

  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optionals

  • Optional Experiences and free time

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Definite Departures Only

Special Offers

Airfare is not included, but can be added to quote upon request.

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Terms & Conditions

Trip Notes:

  • ​International Air: Please note that airfares are not included. We will quote you the lowest possible airfare available on the day you book.
  • ​Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 of itinerary.

Terms & Conditions:

  • Prices listed are per person, land only and based on double occupancy in CAD. Single room supplements are available. 
  • ​'Price with Current Deals' reflects current applicable 'Early Payment Discounts', 'Last Minute Deals' or 'Early Booking Discounts'. Early Payment Discounts (land only) savings vary by itinerary, are not valid on all vacations/departure dates and are subject to availability; not valid with all other promotional offers. Last Minute Deals or Early Booking Discounts are available on select departures only and only available to travelers departing from Canada; not combinable with Early Payment Discounts or any other promotional offers; full payment due at time of booking. All discounts are for new bookings only, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Call or request a quote for complete details.
  • ​'Exclusive Costco Member Price' is available upon member login. 
  • For 'Costco Vacations of a Lifetime itineraries the price shown is the final base price, exclusive to Costco members and already reflective of any special member savings. *Please note may not be available at all gateways/cities. Where unavailable, will offer a discount for up to $100 USD.Additional, limited-time discounts are not applicable, other conditions apply. Please refer to Terms & Conditions
  • ​​​Trip prices and information are correct at the time of the trips going live online, however are subject to confirmation - please confirm all details at time of quote and booking.
  • For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions page.
  • Other conditions may apply