Germany Only ground transport Tours & Trip Packages

Germany Only ground transport Tours & Trips

1,135 Germany trips. Tours from 134 tour companies. 1,437 reviews. 4.5/5 avg rating.

274 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Only ground transport
Danube Bike & River Cruise: Budapest to Prague
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their unique emphasis on immersive cultural experiences combined with active exploration with personalized cycling experiences.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Budapest, Prague

Highlights

  • Unpack once, then bike and boat along the Danube in four countries and three cultural capitals—all on one trip.
  • Follow the car-free and scenic Danube and EuroVelo 6 bike paths in this bicycle-friendly region.
  • Enjoy an exclusive Viennese concert with the music of Strauss and Mozart.
  • Choose to be as active or relaxed as you wish from our menu of cycling routes and walking tours.
  • Visit one of the oldest breweries in the world in Weltenburg.

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We just returned from our fifth VBT trip - this time to the Dolomites. It was a great trip and we are adding it to our "best" VBT trip list, along with the Czech Republic and the Tuscan Coast. Our friends at home thought we must be biking maniacs to bike in the Dolomite mountains, but we told them we would be in the flat valleys. Actually, we were wrong - much of the biking is not even flat, it is downhill! One day we started high in the valley above Merano, Italy, at scenic Lake Resia, and biked downhill back to Merano on a beautiful dedicated bike path along the Adige river. Our guides were fantastic. Martin is from Bolzano and is a font of information about the South Tyrol region. Christian, from the south, has a classic cheerful Italian personality and told us many facts (and jokes) about Italian idiosyncrasies. As always, the hotel accommodations (and breakfasts!) were excellent - better than we would sign up for if we on our own vacation."

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Rhine Bike & River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their unique emphasis on immersive cultural experiences combined with active exploration with personalized cycling experiences.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Den haag, Koblenz, Zurich

Highlights

  • Enjoy the best of both worlds: an all-inclusive river cruise and VBT Bicycling Vacation.
  • Touch the shores of four countries—Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands—but unpack your bags only once.
  • Delve into the wine culture of Alsace as you cycle France’s famous Route des Vins.
  • Explore the historic cities of Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Koblenz, and Cologne with local guides.
  • Cruise the charming canals of Amsterdam.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We just returned from our fifth VBT trip - this time to the Dolomites. It was a great trip and we are adding it to our "best" VBT trip list, along with the Czech Republic and the Tuscan Coast. Our friends at home thought we must be biking maniacs to bike in the Dolomite mountains, but we told them we would be in the flat valleys. Actually, we were wrong - much of the biking is not even flat, it is downhill! One day we started high in the valley above Merano, Italy, at scenic Lake Resia, and biked downhill back to Merano on a beautiful dedicated bike path along the Adige river. Our guides were fantastic. Martin is from Bolzano and is a font of information about the South Tyrol region. Christian, from the south, has a classic cheerful Italian personality and told us many facts (and jokes) about Italian idiosyncrasies. As always, the hotel accommodations (and breakfasts!) were excellent - better than we would sign up for if we on our own vacation."

Trip dates & details
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A Taste of Scandinavia
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Berlin, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Oslo, Scandinavia

Highlights

  • Take a ferry to Vrango Island, a stunning fishing town in the Gothenburg Archipelago, and discover this rocky nature haven by kayak (summer months only).
  • Don't miss Gothenburg's Haga district, with its picturesque wooden houses and the iconic Skansen Kronan, as well as laid-back Langgatan street.
  • Join a local guide and cafe-hop your way around Alingsas, a town known as the Capital of Fika (Swedish cafe and food culture). Learn of the local love affair with coffee, discover the story behind the cafe culture and, of course, treat your tastebuds to sweet Swedish delicacies.
  • Explore Copenhagen like a local and hop on a bike. There is no better way to see the major sites, as well as explore hidden corners of this beautiful city.
  • Discover Norway's quirky, colourful capital of Oslo, join your leader for a guided orientation walk and then head out to stroll the city at your leisure - going wherever your heart leads.
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Germany, Luxembourg & France Bike & Boat: Mosel River Valley, Aboard the Princesse Royal
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their unique emphasis on immersive cultural experiences combined with active exploration with personalized cycling experiences.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Berlin, Koblenz, Luxembourg, Trier

Highlights

  • Experience three countries—Germany, Luxembourg, and France—up close, by bike.
  • View quaint villages, lush vineyards and forests, and fairytale castles as you roll along a scenic river.
  • Explore the ancient Roman and medieval treasures of Trier.
  • Enjoy a private wine tasting.
  • Relax on your barge and sip Germany’s finest Rieslings and beers.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We just returned from our fifth VBT trip - this time to the Dolomites. It was a great trip and we are adding it to our "best" VBT trip list, along with the Czech Republic and the Tuscan Coast. Our friends at home thought we must be biking maniacs to bike in the Dolomite mountains, but we told them we would be in the flat valleys. Actually, we were wrong - much of the biking is not even flat, it is downhill! One day we started high in the valley above Merano, Italy, at scenic Lake Resia, and biked downhill back to Merano on a beautiful dedicated bike path along the Adige river. Our guides were fantastic. Martin is from Bolzano and is a font of information about the South Tyrol region. Christian, from the south, has a classic cheerful Italian personality and told us many facts (and jokes) about Italian idiosyncrasies. As always, the hotel accommodations (and breakfasts!) were excellent - better than we would sign up for if we on our own vacation."

Trip dates & details
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Baltic Experience
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Berlin, Helsinki, Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, Warsaw

Highlights

  • With its perfectly preserved medieval wall and watchtowers, Tallinn's quaint Old Town is a great place to explore on foot.
  • Explore 13th-century Turaida Castle on a guided tour, then wander through pristine woodlands and along the winding Guaja River.
  • Aukstaitija National Park offers unique opportunities for both action and relaxation. Kayak across pristine lakes, indulge in home-cooked meals or cleanse yourself in a traditional sauna.
  • Cycle along the endless dunes and stunning beaches of Lithuania's Curonian Spit National Park on a full-day bike tour, making a visit to charming Nida village.
  • See the whimsical and ornate architecture of Riga’s Old Town, where the narrow and pastel-coloured buildings house bars and restaurants.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

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European Trail: Capitals & Cafés
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Alps, Amsterdam, Berlin, Bruges, Budapest, Colosseum, Eiffel Tower, Florence, Krakow, Ljubljana, Paris, Prague, Rome, Venice, Vienna

Highlights

  • Visit the galleries and cafés of paris
  • Take in the natural beauty of the swiss alps
  • Marvel at the beauty of florence
  • Get a taste of eastern charm in kraków
  • Party in budapest and prague

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Europe by Rail - London to Prague
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By TruTravels
preferred
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Berlin, London, Paris, Prague

Highlights

  • Paris exploration
  • See the eiffel tower
  • Visit montmartre & climb the dome
  • Visit amsterdam’s red light district & bar crawl
  • Underground amsterdam tour
Show more

What travelers are saying

"My experience with TruTravels has been one of the best travel experiences to date. I was a little concerned about having a small group - but the tour leaders have made every activity fun and engaging. I would definitely say they are friends. The organisation and local knowledge was great, they were great fun whilst remaining professional and in control. The nights out in Canggu were great, getting to meet the other tour leaders and Tru staff meeting the other tour groups is a great idea. I really cannot stress enough how much of a great trip I've had with TruTravels. From booking, to pre-tour communications, through to the last 10 days - it has been well organised, managed and delivered by amazing guides. Thanks so much to Rianna, Marta and Jonny for their enthusiasm throughout the tour, their concern for when I was sick and generally for everything they did to make this an amazing Bali Experience. Much love for the tour guides!!!I would definitely recommend a trip with TruTravels!!"

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Generous cancellation

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A Walk to Remember end Amsterdam
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4.6/5 Excellent
66 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Prague, Rhone Rhine Canal

Highlights

  • Discover the most beautiful area of the Rhine Valley, drawing medieval villages, castles, vineyards, hills, small churches
  • Explore Prague beautiful landscapes en route. Hills. Picturesque villages
  • City tour of Prague, visit to Castle
  • Explore Amsterdam and pass through Dam Square with the Town Hall and Royal Palace, the canals and their marvellous bridges, the river Amstel and the floating houses
  • Visit Volendam, on a short boat trip on the Jsselmeer lake we will go to Marken

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, Overland Journeys

What travelers are saying

"No travel with then completely desaster First and last Hotel accommodations really cheap, they mix you with 40 people in the same bus"

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Germany Reviews & Ratings

4.5/5  Excellent
1,437  Reviews
See all Germany tour reviews
Excellent
1,162
Great
473
Average
71
Disappointing
61
Terrible
15
B

Barbara

Apr 2024

Written on

Imperial Europe

Tour included highlights of the cities visited and brief visits to smaller cities in route to the next city. Tour director was excellent and professional and seemed...

R

Robert Cusworth

Apr 2024

Written on

Imperial Europe

First, our guide, **********, was fantastic! Informative and extraordinarily thoughtful. He kept us informed, organized and on time. He dealt thoughtfully with the m...

S

Stephen English

Apr 2024

Written on

Imperial Europe

Had a great trip with Trafalgar. Got to visit the great imperial cities of middle Europe. The highlights were definitely Prague and Budapest. Those are two cities...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Imperial Europe

It’s thorough and it’s exhausting! I would do it again, but I’d be well-rested at the beginning. Wonderful Central European countries, their capitals and other towns...

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Germany Tour Selection Trips

  • Focus on just one or two regions of Germany on your trip. It's a large country and you can't expect to see everything the first time.
  • Consider the time of year you’re visiting Germany and whether you like to be warm or cold. If you’d like to ski, of course, winter is great, but those who want to tour castles, museums, the Moselle Valley and the Black Forest may prefer the pleasant temperatures of summer.
  • Pay attention to whether your Germany tour includes attractions views or visits. If there are particular sights that are of importance to you - the Brandenburg Gate or Neuschwanstein Castle - look for those on your itinerary and ask how long you’ll be stopping there.
  • Trains are a cost and time-efficient way to get from city to city.
  • Think about how many people you want to travel with. Small-group tours of Germany may have an easier time getting from place to place and allow for more local and up-close experiences when sightseeing and dining.
  • To see a lot of Germany in one trip, consider a river cruise - you’ll unpack only once and your “floating hotel” will stop at the major cities along the river, as well as the quaint storybook villages that line the banks. You’ll be able to hop off your Germany river cruise vessel to explore with your guide or on your own.
  • Figure out how long you have to stay in Germany and choose your tour operator accordingly. You can get a great feel for German culture and see a beautiful city or two and explore the Alps in as little as three or four days, or stay up to three weeks and add in all the major cities, the Mosel Valley, the Black Forest and more.

Additional details

Do’s and Don’ts for Traveling in Germany

When preparing for your trip to Germany, consider these do’s and don’ts to help make your stay more enjoyable. First, a few things to keep in mind not to do, or to be aware of.

  • Don’t jaywalk unless you want to be scolded by a nearby German who will quickly call out any rule breakers. 
  • Don’t forget the pfand, a deposit on all glasses and bottles in Germany. If you keep the mug as a souvenir, you’ve likely already paid that deposit, otherwise, get your money back by turning your glass back in to the bartender after leaving a beer garden.
  • Please don’t break out the selfie sticks at concentration camps and Jewish memorial sites - honor the memorial with the respect and soberness it deserves. 
  • Don’t plan to shop or visit many of the country’s museums on a Sunday as they’ll likely be closed. 
  • Don’t test your inner race-car driver on the Autobahn - those not comfortable driving at high speeds shouldn’t try it for the first time here.
  • Don’t be late for a reservation - punctuality is of utmost importance in Germany.

Now, as you plan for your trip to Germany, a few Do’s to remember:

  • Learn a few words in Germany, but rest assured that most people speak English (Guten Appetit, Prost, Guten Tag, etc.)
  • Place your order fairly quickly in restaurants - unlike in the US, the waitstaff will not keep coming back to your table if you’re taking your sweet time. 
  • Get familiar with the train timetables - this is the quickest, easiest way to travel around Germany to all of its  most popular sightseeing spots.
  • If your guided tour of Germany takes you into a local resident’s home, remove your shoes and bring a small hostess gift.
  • Travel with cash - not all restaurants accept credit cards.

Ask your Germany tour guide for additional tips and tricks while visiting Germany so that you feel comfortable and don’t immediately stand out as a foreign tourist.

How Long Are Most Germany Tours?

A Germany trip may range anywhere from 3 days to three weeks, depending on your mode of travel, what you want to see and any individual interests (hiking, river cruising, cycling, castles, etc.).

If you have just three days, consider touring Munich and the Bavarian Alps. A week in Germany might also include the Rhine Valley (perhaps on a short river cruise) and Rothenburg. Stay two weeks and tack on Berlin, the Mosel Valley (another great opportunity for Germany river cruising) and Nurnberg.

And if you have upwards of three weeks, add in the Black Forest, Trier and Baden-Baden. To see the majority of the country’s top attractions and regions, the popular tours range from 12 to 15 days. 

Who Will Enjoy Germany Tours?

With so many things to do in Germany, the country serves as the perfect starting point for a grand European tour or as a stand-alone destination full of beauty, culture, history and cuisine. It sits in the very heart of Europe and is touched by nine country’s borders.

Those who enjoy city life can visit modern, yet historic Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Berlin, Munich and Rothenburg. Those seeking wineries and pastoral cycling routes can take a river cruise along the Rhine or Mosel, stopping in storybook villages in lush, green valleys for guided tours and meeting local residents.

German history tours satisfy those with an interest in the ancient side of Europe - visit castle after castle, including the Disney-inspiring Neuschwanstein Castle - and more than 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Beer and brat lovers are in for a treat with Germany’s traditional food culture. Festival fans can find an event to attend practically any month of the year - some of the most popular festivities include Oktoberfest in Munich, pumpkin festivals and Christmas markets.

Germany Weather 

When to travel to Germany is almost entirely dependent on your personal weather preference and resilience. Visitors arrive at this popular European country year-round despite its chilly winters and hot, often rainy summers. The weather in Germany is ever-changing, but if you’re well prepared (layers!) and flexible, you’ll still make the most of your visit. 

Germany’s high seasons are the summer months and then again around the winter holidays - thanks in large part to the popular German Christmas markets.

Fall can be a particularly lovely time to visit Germany, if mainly for its many wine-related and harvest festivals, as well as Oktoberfest in late September-early October. Wine tours in Germany will also run in late spring into early summer, taking advantage of the warming temperatures for wine festivals and tastings.

The best weather months in Germany are May through September and the country’s driest months are typically July and September, also a perfect time to visit the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle. 

Germany in Winter

Pack a heavy coat and hat and you’re ready to travel to Germany for winter - and with good reason! Beyond the Christmas markets (more on those in a moment), there is a winter wonderland air throughout the country during these colder months.

Consider a cold-weather tour of the Black Forest, where snow activities include everything from skiing and snowboarding to ice-skating and snowshoeing. Look for tours that follow the Black Forest Panoramic Route - and ask if you can stop for the renowned wine and cake in Sasbachwalden. Snow-draped castles and jaw-dropping lights displays add to the allure of Germany in the winter. 

As for those holiday markets … even the Grinchiest among us can’t resist the traditional, olden-style costumes, soul-warming gluhwein and scent of roasting chestnuts (on an open fire, no less) emanating from Christmas markets in large cities and tiny villages all over Germany between late November and Christmas Eve.

A few favorite Christmas markets to add to your list as you research your winter vacation in Germany:

  • Frankfurt’s Old Town - come for the picture-perfect, half-timbered houses of St. Paul’s Square; stay for the pealing of the bells on Christmas Eve
  • Aachen - famous for its incredible gingerbread-like cookies, the Aachener Printen, a perfect complement to your mulled wine
  • Nuremberg - visit in time for the opening ceremony to see the Christkind address the crowd with a traditional Christmas speech in Main Market Square (and be sure to pick up Nuremberg bratwurst, a favorite German delicacy and only available in this Bavarian city)
  • Cologne - more than 150 stalls of traditional German food and crafts, holiday performers and the largest tree in the Rhineland
  • Düsseldorf’s Old Town - step back in time on the century-old carousel, visit the life-size carved nativity scene and learn about the city’s history by way of the woodworkers, glassblowers and other artisans who set up shop in Renaissance-esque stalls 
  • Munich, on the Marienplatz - shop for holiday ornaments and nutcrackers to take home as your Germany souvenir at this, Munich’s biggest and oldest holiday market

Germany in Summer

Germany tours in the summer allow for ample outdoor activities, whether you’re strolling through the leafy Black Forest or cycling along the banks of the mighty Rhine River. Tour operators offering summer trips to Germany may include some of these favorite warm-weather activities:

  • Visiting Spreewald, a UNESCO biosphere reserve just an hour by train from Berlin, and ideal for leisurely walks and canoeing
  • Soaking up the university feel of Freiburg in the Black Forest - dip your toes in one of the Bächle water channels that run along the sides of the street (the locals do!) and while away a few hours at a bustling beer garden
  • Explore the Black Forest (Schwarzwald), one of the prettiest regions of Germany and famed for its storybook villages, cuckoo clocks, hiking, biking and more 
  • Check several German water castles off your must-see list in North Rhine Westphalia - they’re surrounded by moats and the high-ceilinged rooms inside are naturally air-conditioned, a nice respite from the summer heat
  • Take a river cruise on the Mosel from Trier to Koblenz - ask if your Germany tour includes a port stop in Beilstein, a cute little town with a Carmelite monastery and castle ruins 
  • Speaking of rivers, consider a summertime river cruise in Germany, making a point of exploring Passau, the “City of Three Rivers,” where the Danube, the Inn and Ilz all meet
  • Take advantage of the sunny days of summer and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Potsdam, capital of Brandenburg - many of the historic buildings here are more than a thousand years old and there are enough castles to keep you busy for at least a couple of days
  • Stay in the warmest region of Bavaria, in Regensburg, often called the “Northernmost Italian City” for its Italian eateries and gelato shops nestled along cobblestone alleyways and medieval architecture (it’s also one of Germany’s UNESCO World Heritage Towns)
  • Hike in Saxon Switzerland, a national park southeast of Dresden and a favorite area for summer hikes in Germany - make sure to snap a photo of the famous Bastei bridge, a natural rock formation over the Elbe River valley
  • Spend hours at a Cologne beer garden, enjoying a local Kolsch - many day river cruises embark from Cologne, so don’t miss the opportunity to sail along the mighty Rhine 
  • Leave a piece of your heart in the university town of Heidelberg, a charming summer destination in Germany for its Summer Festival, lush Philosophenweg walk, Neckar River views and Königstuhl above its beautiful castle
  • Join the student community of Karlsruhe in the Black Forest for countless warm-weather outdoor activities
  • Hike, boat, fish, raft, attend countless local festivals and visit Eagle’s Nest and the Salt Mines in Koenigssee (also known as Berchtesgaden) in southern Germany - a favorite German location for summer outdoor recreation

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