Compare The Heart of Germany by Indus Travels vs Christmas in Central Europe, Berlin to Vienna by G Adventures

Upon arrival at Frankfurt airport you will be met by one of our representatives. You will be transferred to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day free to spend at your leisure. Frankfurt is the financial and commercial heart of Germany, a city full of fascinating contrasts between modern development and historic land- marks. At 7 pm you meet your guide at the welcome dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Frankfurt 

After breakfast, travel to Rüdesheim where you will enjoy a short tour of the city‘s historic center. Next, board a ship and sail along the most picturesque stretch of the Rhine: the Lorelei valley, learn about the legend and see why it is one of the most beautiful parts of the Rhine. During the cruise you will enjoy a wine tasting. After the short river tour, disembark in St. Goar and return to Frankfurt.

Overnight in Frankfurt 

In the morning, travel to Heidelberg to visit the famous castle. The Heidelberg Castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. It has only been partially rebuilt since its demolition in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is located 80 metres (260 ft) up the northern part of the Königstuhl hillside, and thereby dominates the view of the old downtown.  After the visit to the castle, tour the historic city center. Idyllically located on the shores of the Neckar River, Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town and one of the most popular destinations in the country. Travel to Baden- Baden, the former summer residence of the European nobility and worldwide known for its thermal baths. Then, continue the tour to lovely Freiburg, famous for its beautiful church tower.

Overnight in Freiburg 

The Rhine River forms the natural border between Germany and France. After crossing the river we arrive in Colmar, France. This city is known for its outstanding wines and architectural heritage that reflect the long history of this region and the German and French influences. Enjoy a typical Alsatian lunch before continuing to Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, being the base of several European institutions, Strasbourg is also a symbolic capital of Europe. In the afternoon you will return to Freiburg where you will spend the balance of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Freiburg 

After breakfast, drive to the Black Forest and enjoy a short presentation on the cuckoo clock production. Continue to a small traditional Black Forest farm where you will have a cheese tasting and you see the real Black Forest. The Black Forest is a region that has vineyards, river valleys, sunny peaks, wide panoramic views, calm forests, revitalizing spas, exciting family destinations and a cuisine that is the most elaborate in Germany. After that, continue the tour to the small island of Lindau in Lake Constance, which offers spectacular views of the Alps. Depending on weather conditions, you will take the Alpine road from Lindau to Oberstaufen and Immenstadt to our final destination Füssen, the southernmost point on our tour.

Overnight in Füssen

Start the day with a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, built by Ludwig II, the notorious “Mad King“. At midday, travel to Oberammergau, famous for its Passion Play and lovely crafts. Along the way, visit the Wieskirche Church and take a brief stop at the Ettal Benedictine Abbey before continuing the tour to visit Linderhof Castle. This is one of the three castles built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and the only one where the king actually lived for a significant amount of time.

Overnight in Füssen

In the morning, travel to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Visit the city’s main attractions, concluding the tour at the Marienplatz square with its famous clock tower. Munich, the capital of the state of Bavaria is famous for its Oktoberfest, which is annually celebrated in September. The afternoon is free to explore at your leisure. In the evening, you enjoy a traditional Bavarian dinner.

Overnight in Munich

After breakfast, start our day excursion to Berchtesgaden. Berchtesgaden is a typical traditional Alpine village at the foot of Mount Watzmann. The region’s attractions include the salt mines, Lake Königssee and Obersalzberg with the Eagle’s Nest, once the site of Hitler’s mountain retreat. After a visit to the infamous Eagle’s Nest (depending on the weather conditions), you have time to take a boat tour on Lake Königssee (not included). In the afternoon you will return to Munich.

Overnight in Munich

In the morning, travel to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Romantic Germany. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of this lovely medieval town that will conclude with a Schneeballen (snow ball) tasting, a pastry considered the signature dish of Rothenburg. Next, travel to Nuremberg, visit the historic city center and learn more about its impressive history with a tour of the well-preserved castle, Gothic churches, romantic houses and peaceful squares.

Overnight in Nuremberg

Start the day with a visit to the city of Bamberg, which is famous for its beer and old town. The city impresses with buildings listed for preservation, medieval charm and baroque architecture. Continue to Bayreuth, which has the most beautiful preserved Baroque Theatre in Europe. The city is also famous for its Richard Wagner Festival. After a panoramic tour we return to Nuremberg.

Overnight in Nuremberg

In the morning, travel from Nuremberg to Würzburg, a pretty town on the banks of the Main. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, one of the tour highlights is a visit to the Residenz Palace in Würzburg. On the way to Frankfurt, you will have a brief stop at the Mespelbrunn Castle.

Overnight in Frankfurt

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and, at the arranged time, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your return flight. 

Day 1 Berlin

Arrive at any time. After settling into your hotel, attend a welcome meeting with your CEO before enjoying a local dinner as a group.

Day 2 Berlin

Set out on an orientation walk with your CEO to get your bearings. See famous sights like the Berlin Wall Memorial, Brandenburg Gate, and the historical Museum Island. Enjoy a Bratwurst/Currywurst tasting and do some shopping in Alexanderplatz. End your day with visits to the Christmas markets in Gendarmenmarkt square. Search for handmade souvenirs to bring home, and choose to try Glühwein (mulled wine) to warm yourself up as you wander through the little stalls.

Day 3 Berlin/Munich

Travel by train to Nuremberg this morning to visit one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world and arguably the most famous. Make sure to try some Nuremberg Lebkuchen, a German cake or cookie that is similar to gingerbread, before wandering through this charming winter fairytale filled with wooden stalls, old-fashioned carousels, and if you’re lucky some lazy snowflakes. In the late afternoon, travel to Munich where you can enjoy more markets with your CEO and then take advantage of free time to explore Bavaria’s capital on your own.

Day 4 Munich/Salzburg

Enjoy some free time this morning to explore Munich on your own. View the streets from above with a climb up to the tower of Old St Peter’s Church, give ice skating a try at Karlsplatz, or join a curling match on the Nymphenburg Schlosskanal, which turns into Munich’s longest curling rink in the winter. Depart for Salzburg in the afternoon and stop at the Hellbrunner Christmas Market. This especially atmospheric Christmas Market has been held here for almost 20 years and features over 700 conifers decorated with red Christmas balls and lights immersing the area in a warm glow. In the evening, you’ll have a chance to visit more of Salzburg’s markets with your CEO and group.

Day 5 Salzburg/Vienna

In the morning choose to walk the historic squares and quaint little side streets of Salzburg Old town. Climb Festungsberg Hill to visit Hohensalzburg Castle, or check out the birthplace of Mozart and visit the museum there. Then, the group will depart for Vienna, stopping at some local Christmas markets en route. Once in Vienna take advantage of free time to get acquainted with the city. Opt to explore Schönbrunn Palace which is like the Versailles of Vienna, or climb to the top of St. Stephen’s cathedral in the centre of the city for unparalleled views. In the evening, opt to go for dinner as a group and continue experiencing the capital of Austria.

Day 6 Vienna

It’s all about Vienna today. Set out on a CEO led orientation walk around the city. Then, take a break and indulge in some coffee and cake in one of the famous Viennese coffee houses. In the afternoon, wander around Vienna’s Christmas markets with your CEO and sip a warm mug of Glühwein for one last chance to experience the lively atmosphere of this European holiday tradition. The rest of the day is yours. Choose to visit famous landmarks in the city like, The Vienna State Opera House, Belvedere Palace, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, or Vienna City Hall.

Day 7 Vienna

Depart at any time.