Compare Romantic Germany 2022 by Tauck vs Best of Germany - Classic Group Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1 Arrive Frankfurt

Tour begins at 6:00 PM, Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof. A transfer is included from the Frankfurt Airport to the luxury Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof in the heart of Frankfurt's historic and financial district. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner.

MEALS : D

PORTOFCALL : Frankfurt, Germany

Day 2 Cruise the Rhine River to Rüdesheim

Begin today's travels aboard a morning riverboat cruise on the Rhine from St. Goarshausen to Rüdesheim. Glide past green hillsides and romantic castle ruins, and hear the legendary story of the Lorelei. Disembark in the wine town of Rüdesheim for time at leisure; check out its famous Dros­sel­gasse, a cobblestone lane of half-timbered houses, wine taverns and cozy cafes. Return to Frankfurt, where you're free to explore on your own tonight; your hotel is in easy reach of the pubs, restaurants and nightlife of the Left Bank district.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Rüdesheim, Germany

Day 3 Medieval Heidelberg to the Black Forest

Travel along the "Yellow Roads" through typical villages of the agricultural region known as the Bergstrasse en route to the enchanting medieval town of Heidelberg, where a tour leads you to the ruins of its Gothic castle that was the inspiration of poets and painters. Enjoy some free time in town before continuing to your hotel, Traube Tonbach, the grande dame of Black Forest spa resorts. Dine at leisure in the hotel tonight.

MEALS : B, D

PORTOFCALL : Heidelberg, Germany

Day 4 Luxury cars or cooking & Black Forest romance

Choose between a self-guided tour of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart – a treasure trove of historic cars and exhibits that trace the evolution of the legendary automaker – or an interactive cooking lesson at the hotel, with chefs who'll demonstrate the art of regional delicacies, from Maultaschen to Black Forest Cake. Enjoy time at leisure then join us for dinner at a romantic pudelstein hut in the Black Forest.

MEALS : B, L, D

PORTOFCALL : Baiersbronn, Germany

Day 5 A castle in Meersburg en route to the Oberammergau region

Drive the scenic Black Forest into the foothills of the Alps en route to a private visit and lunch at the Neus Schloss Meersburg ("New Castle in Meersburg"), a historic 18th-century former bishop's castle overlooking Lake Constance, now home to several museums. Continue on to the Oberammergau region in the Bavarian Alps for a two-night stay and tomorrow's once-in-a-lifetime performance of the 2020 Oberammergau Passion Play; dine at your hotel tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

PORTOFCALL : Oberammergau, Germany

Day 6 Oberammergau & the Passion Play

You're off to the village of Oberammergau this morning. Enjoy a walking tour with a local guide, followed by some free time to explore as you please; along with the Passion Play, the village is also renowned for its tradition of skilled woodcarving and the charming lüftimalerei (frescoes) that decorate many homes, depicting scenes from Bavarian folktales. Early afternoon marks the beginning of one of Europe's most beloved and venerable traditions, the performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play (or Passionsspiele) depicting the story of the Passion of Christ. In the 1630's, as the plague raged throughout Europe, the people of Oberammergau vowed to perform a play about the life of Jesus Christ every ten years if they were spared from the epidemic... and they have kept their promise. The play begins early afternoon; following a dinner break, it continues into the evening. An English libretto is provided to enhance your enjoyment of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

MEALS : B, L, D

PORTOFCALL : Oberammergau, Germany

Day 7 Discoveries in Munich

Depart the Oberammergau area after breakfast and head to the legendary city of Munich. Upon arrival, take a sightseeing tour of the Bavarian capital that includes the celebrated Maximilianstrasse, the 17th-century Residenz, and the old town hall. Explore more of Munich at your leisure this afternoon; this evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure at your historic hotel, the Bayerischer Hof.

MEALS : B, D

PORTOFCALL : Munich, Germany

Day 8 Rothenburg on the Romantic Road

Today, you'll visit the medieval town of Rothenburg, on Germany's legendary "Romantic Road." You'll have free time to explore on your own – sights include Rothenburg's renowned Gothic cathedral, charming cobblestone streets and gabled houses that have remained much the same over the centuries.Travel late this afternoon to the historically charming Franconian town of Bad Windsheim for the night.

MEALS : B, L, D

PORTOFCALL : Rothenburg, Germany

Day 9 "Horseless carriages" & on to Dresden

Depart Rothenburg, and then travel in style aboard old-timer Aaglander cars – "horseless carriages." Pause for lunch, complete with sparkling wine, en route to Dresden. You'll stay in Dresden at an 18th-century palace, rebuilt in all its splendor as a luxury hotel, in the heart of the city's historic center.

MEALS : B, L, D

PORTOFCALL : Dresden, Germany

Day 10 Baroque Art in the City of Dresden

Your journey continues today with a guided sightseeing tour of the city of Dresden. Before World War II, Dresden was known as The Jewel Box for its magnificent art treasures and Baroque architecture. Heavily bombed during the war, much of the city's former glory has since been restored, including the Royal Palace, whose museum, dating back to the 1720s, displays some 4,000 works of art. Tauck's private tour through the New Green Vault takes in Renaissance and Classicist treasures, including jeweled gems of gold, silver, ivory and mother of pearl. The afternoon and evening are free to explore on your own.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Dresden, Germany

Day 11 Dresden at leisure & on to Berlin

Spend the morning as you please in Dresden, exploring the city's museums and enjoying lunch at leisure, then travel to Berlin for a three-night stay at a five-star hotel in the heart of the German capital, overlooking the Gendarmenmarkt Square in the city's historic Mitte district. Have dinner at leisure at your hotel this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

PORTOFCALL : Berlin, Germany

Day 12 A day well spent in Germany's capital city, Berlin

Join our local guide for a tour of remarkable Berlin, capital of a reunified Germany. View the Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral) and the Französischer Dom (French Cathedral); Unter den Linden Boulevard; Brandenburg Gate; the Reichstag; and Checkpoint Charlie, the controversial crossing point between the former East and West Berlins during the Cold War era. Explore more of this historic city on your own tonight.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Berlin, Germany

Day 13 Your choice of treasures in Berlin

Set off for Berlin's Museumsinsel (Museum Island), not far from your hotel. This UNESCO World Heritage Site houses five museums and priceless cultural treasures that will astonish even the most seasoned museum visitor! You have your choice of guided visits at several museums today; your pass includes an audio guide for the museums of your choice. Then join us for a Spree river cruise. Later, you'll have some time to explore more of Berlin as you like, perhaps sampling one of the locals' favorite foods, currywurst, a dish so tasty and emblematic of Berlin that there's a museum devoted to it. If you're curious to see a remaining section of the Berlin Wall, you might go to the East Side Gallery, a stretch of wall inventively painted by commissioned artists after reunification to commemorate that momentous occasion. Please join us this evening for a farewell reception at the hotel followed by dinner at the trendy rooftop restaurant atop the German Bundestag (the restored Parliament building)... the views are spectacular!

MEALS : B, D

PORTOFCALL : Berlin, Germany

Day 14 Journey home

Our tours of Germany end in Berlin. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Regent Berlin to Berlin Brandenburg Airport. You should allow 3 hours for check-in at the airport.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Berlin, Germany

Day 1: Welcome to Berlin

On arrival at Berlin's Brandenburg Airport, transfers depart at 10.30, 13:00 & 16:00. In the afternoon, perhaps visit the KaDeWe department store - the shopping centre of West Berlin which during 40 years of division, became the shop window of the West. At 18:30, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with your Travel Director and travel companions at the Kreuzberger Himmel restaurant. Discover how this establishment helps support refugees as they integrate into German society over a Welcome Dinner with wine.

Day 2: The Spirit of Berlin Relaxed Start

Join a Local Expert to see some of Berlin's many highlights. Travel along the Ku'Damm past the Memorial Church. Drive through the Tiergarten to see Norman Foster’s glass dome that crowns the reconstructed Reichstag building. Continue with a visit to the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of the reunification, and down along the Unter den Linden, past the Humboldt University and State Opera. Stop on Museum Island before enjoying a day at leisure in this once divided city. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the glorious palace of the Prussian Kings at Potsdam?

Day 3: Dresden, a Baroque Phoenix on the Elbe

In Dresden, join your Local Expert to see the splendours of the city. From the Frauenkirche, which has risen again from the destruction of World War II, walk past ‘The Procession of the Princes', a mosaic of colossal proportions on the Royal Palace facade. See the enormous cathedral, Semper Opera House and Baroque Zwinger Palace. Although the town was heavily bombed during World War II, it still remains a treasure trove of early German history and medieval architecture.

Day 4: Nuremberg and the Bavarian Capital of Munich

In the morning, depart Dresden and travel south to Nuremberg with a stop to take in the former rally grounds. Continue on to the vibrant city of Munich.

Day 5: Jewels of Munich

In the morning, visit Nymphenburg Palace and join a Local Expert to explore the beautiful Baroque gardens. Then step inside to admire the interiors and artworks of this vast residence, one of the largest Palaces in Europe. Continue to the site of the 1972 Olympic Games for a visit to BMW Welt. See the worldwide headquarters of this Bavarian icon and enjoy the exhibition. Explore Munich with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Local Expert for a foodie walking tour in the city centre visiting the famous Viktualienmarkt and Marienplatz. Alternatively, go on a guided bike tour in the beautiful English Garden and see the famous Munich surfers. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Bavaria's capital city. Perhaps visit one of its many art galleries and museums, or relax and enjoy a coffee in the delightful Marienplatz?

Day 6: Into the Black Forest to Freiburg Relaxed Start

Take a delightful drive into the Black Forest as you make your way to Freiburg. This evening, savour a Farm-to-Table Highlight Dinner, sourced from fresh local ingredients.

Day 7: Medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The Black Forest is the land of cherry cake and cuckoo clocks, where traditional farmhouses dip their thatched roofs almost to the ground. Stop to meet the locals who still make cuckoo clocks by hand, a tradition passed down over 300 years. Venture to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the best-preserved town on the Romantic Road. Plunge back into the 16th century during your orientation as you walk through narrow cobbled streets lined with high-gabled houses to the market square, dominated by its Renaissance town hall. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure for further exploration on your own. For your Dine-Around Evening, choose from a hand-picked selection of restaurants within the walls of the Old Town.

Day 8: The University City of Heidelberg and Mainz Relaxed Start

Head through the valleys, where villages and isolated farms nestle beside fast-flowing streams, before travelling north to Heidelberg. Visit Heidelberg Palace, or Heidelberger Schloss in German, one of the world's most impressive palace ruins, synonymous with the Romantic Movement. Venture inside to see the Heidelberg Tun, a gigantic wine vat built into the building's cellar in 1591 and able to hold 130,000 litres. Hear its associated tales of the dwarf court jester, Perkeo. Spend time in the vast and insightful Apothecary Museum, before marvelling at the panoramic vistas of the city and Neckar Valley from the castle fortress. Your hotel is in the nearby town of Mainz, a bustling and important town since the time of the Romans, see half-timbered houses and medieval market squares that the city is known for.

Day 9: Castles of the Rhine Experience Relaxed Start

Begin the day with a relaxing cruise past steep-sided vineyards, half-timbered taverns, hilltop castles and the infamous Lorelei Rock. Arrive at Boppard and continue to Koblenz where a gigantic equestrian statue of Wilhelm I guards the junction of the Rhine and Moselle. Have your camera ready as you return along the eastern bank. Enjoy the scenic views from the mighty Niederwald Monument. In the evening, round off your German experience with a farewell Celebration Dinner overlooking the River Rhine, complete with local wine. Prost!

Day 10: Auf Wiedersehen Frankfurt

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast, with departure transfers arriving at Frankfurt airport at 08:00 and 10:00.