tour packages around germany

Germany tours

Discover the culture, history, and beauty of this incredible country. Raise a stein of beer at Oktoberfest, learn about World War II history, or float down the Rhine River on guided tours of Germany.

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Travel tips for germany trips.

Germany is beautiful any time of year, but the off-season most certainly shines. It's during the fall and winter months that some of the country's most famous festivities kick off. While you may need to contend with some crowds hoping to take in the seasonal ambiance, it's the best time to visit Germany if you're looking for a real peek into German culture.

Of all the places to see in Germany, the Christmas markets are some of the most breathtaking. These stunning events can be found in almost every city during late November and December. Set off on one of our Christmas market tours to pick up authentic souvenirs like cuckoo clocks and ornaments, try traditional food and drinks like Glühwein , and see festive winter displays at these seasonal celebrations.

If you're planning to visit Germany a bit earlier, reserve your spot on any of our Oktoberfest tours in September and early October to take part in Munich's world-renowned Oktoberfest celebrations. Think that Oktoberfest is all about beer? That's a big part of it, but the food, music, games, and dancing are all part of the fun, too!

While a winter trip to Germany may be relatively cold, the spring and summer are mild—there's a good reason why May through October are the most popular times to go on tours of Germany! The warmer months are ideal times to book Germany tour packages if you'd like to drink local beers and eat authentic dishes at the many outdoor biergartens , or beer gardens, throughout the country. Plus, the famous Passion Play hits the stage in Oberammergau once every 10 years during these peak travel months. Check out our Oberammergau tours if you'd like to attend this historic performance in 2020.

Interested in Germany guided tour packages? Good news: There are countless places to visit in Germany that are brimming with amazing history and culture. One of the country's most storied destinations include the fabled Black Forest. Legends come to life as you explore this hilly area, which served as the setting for many of the Grimm brothers’ fairy tales and is where the cuckoo clock and Black Forest cake came into being.

Along with the Black Forest, other historic places in the Bavaria region include the city of Munich (especially during autumn's lively Oktoberfest celebrations!), the Bavarian Alps, and the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Plus, visiting the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle is one of our 5 favorite moments in historic Germany . These spots are the highlight of any Germany vacation package.

Other popular stops include Hamburg, Berlin , and the Rhine River Valley. If you're looking to experience one of the world-renowned Christmas Markets, some of the most famous celebrations pop up in Dresden, Nuremberg, Heidelberg, and Freiburg–although any German Christmas market is sure to impress. These seasonal celebrations could be considered some of the most famous tourist attractions in Germany.

A highlight of all Germany tours is authentic German food, which is typically synonymous with comfort food. Among the country's hearty, substantial specialties you'll find rich dumpling stews, sauerkraut, Wienerschnitzel, a variety of sausages, smoked cheeses, and dark breads.

While most of the country's typical dishes can be found year-round, don't miss out on the classic seasonal treats that fill the stalls of Germany's Christmas markets. Here are some seasonal culinary moments worth seeking out:

• Sip Glühwein, an iconic German tipple of hot mulled wine brewed with spices and citrus.
• In Dresden, snack on the city’s sweet holiday invention, Dresdener Stollen , a traditional cake made with dried fruit and marzipan.
• Look for giant circles of flourless gingerbread called Elisenlebkuchen in Nuremberg.

Visiting Germany during Oktoberfest in Munich? It may come as a surprise, but this annual festival is just as much about the food as it is about the steins of beer. Visit any tent during the Oktoberfest celebrations and you're sure to find:

• Bavarian pretzels, Brezen, dipped in a spicy beer cheese called Obatzda
• Cheese-covered noodles called Käksespätzle
• Potato dumplings called Knödel
• Hendl , which is spit-roasted chicken
• All types of sausage! Bratwurst and white Weisswurst are popular

Of Germany's many traditional products, beer is one of the most important—and for good reason. Germany produces over 5,000 brands of beer in 1,300 breweries. In fact, the highest density of breweries in the world is reportedly found just outside Bamberg in Bavaria. On tours of Germany, it's a must to sip Bavarian-style white and wheat beers, Kölsch from Cologne, Oktoberfest Märzen, and dark, malty lagers called Dunkel. Set off on our Food & Wine: Beers of Belgium & Germany tour to try them all!

The thought of classic German drinks may immediately call strong lagers to mind, but don’t count the country’s wines out. Crisp, citrusy Rieslings full of minerality thrive in Mosel, Pinot Noir can be found in Rheingau, and lightbodied reds and white varietals made from Silvaner grapes from Rheinhessen are worth a try.

While preparing for tours of Germany, remember that temperatures can vary depending on the season and region. Bring rainwear so you're ready in the event of unexpected rain showers, and have a light jacket on hand in case temperatures drop near the Alps. It's best to stick to simple basics–Germans often wear casual yet fashionable clothing.

Winters in Germany are generally cold. Bring a warm coat, hat, and gloves for outdoor sightseeing and Christmas market visits. On the other hand, you can't go wrong with T-shirts and shorts during Germany's warm summers, and a light scarf always comes in handy when you need to dress up an outfit. Keep in mind that it's best to wear sneakers or sturdy boots during a trip to Germany; the cobblestone streets found in many historic cities and towns aren't well-suited for high heels or flimsy footwear.

Once you've reserved one of our Germany tour packages, we'll send you detailed information about what to bring with you. Don't forget to download the Go Ahead Tour Companion app before you take off, so you’ll have all the info you need about your trip right in your pocket. That includes a detailed packing list you can check off so you don’t leave anything behind!

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Germany Tours & Packages

Write your own storybook ending on one of our 8 - 25 day German tours by exploring the fairy-tale castle of Neuschwanstein, walking the stalls of quintessential European Christmas Markets, or raising a stein of frothy beer at the Hofbräuhaus. Prost!

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Germany tours by region.

A visit to Germany delivers the European experience you’ve dreamed of: castles clinging to wooded mountaintops, grand cathedrals, riverside vineyards, sidewalk cafes on cobbled streets, and more. Savor the contrast of contemporary art and architecture with buildings and neighborhoods that have endured for hundreds of years. From picturesque villages to cosmopolitan cities, Germany will meet your appetite for adventure, history, culture, and fine cuisine. (All washed down with world-class beer and wine, of course!) Book one of our tours of Germany in the summer, and enjoy long days exploring this fascinating country's forests, towns, and cities. Take your Germany vacation in early winter, and visit the magical Christmas markets where you can sample local specialties and confections and shop a tempting array of handicrafts. Or experience Germany via a Rhine River cruise , castle-spotting from the comfort of your vessel’s deck as you drift past historic towns and bucolic farmland. From the cultural riches of the big cities to the natural wonders of the Bavarian Alps and the Black Forest, Germany offers something marvelous every way you turn.

Southern Germany & Bavaria

Southern Germany is a forested wonderland punctuated by old-world cities, picturesque villages, and captivating castles. In southeast Germany lies Bavaria , the largest state in Germany, where the world-famous Oktoberfest is celebrated each fall in Munich, the state capital. Lively beer halls beckon all year round – don’t miss Hofbräuhaus, dating from 1589 and the most famous. Munich is rich with attractions, including the Rathaus Glockenspiel, an elaborate clockwork display on the town hall, and the Munich Residenz, Germany's largest urban palace and former seat of Bavarian royalty. Wander Nuremberg’s cobbled streets, where castle ramparts and Gothic architecture evoke centuries past, visit the Christmas market if your timing is right. Just south, the Franconian Lake District attracts visitors for summer sailing and swimming. Overlooking the beautiful Bavarian forest, the Bavarian Alps, adjacent to Austria, are an international skiing and hiking destination. Enjoy stunning alpine views from the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle. The village of Oberammergau, renowned for its annual Passion Play , is another Bavarian Alp attraction. The woodlands stretch westward, where the mountainous Black Forest inspired the renowned Brothers Grimm fairytales. Prepare to be enchanted by farmhouses and fields, castles, and cuckoo clocks.

Eastern Germany

On your tour of Eastern Germany, encounter Berlin , one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. A UNESCO “City of Design,” Berlin hums with creative energy. Enjoy cafes, restaurants, glittering nightlife, and the Tiergarten, an expansive city park. You’ll also come face-to-face with the once-divided city’s turbulent history by visiting remnants of the Berlin Wall , Checkpoint Charlie, and landmarks of Berlin's East and West sections. From atop the Berlin TV Tower, marvel at the 360-degree views of the now-unified, modernized city. Back on the streets, you’ll see relics of history, including the Baroque cathedral, the neo-Baroque Reichstag building, and the Brandenburg Gate, an iconic 18th-century military monument. You’ll also see modern, cutting-edge architecture, edgy street art, and contemporary boutiques, and winter visitors can visit dozens of Christmas markets . Just two hours south lies elegant Dresden, a city rebuilt following devastating bombing during WWII, dotted with gorgeous Baroque facades. Visit the Zwinger Palace and Semper Opera house and the fully reconstructed Frauenkirche with one of the largest domes in Europe. Dresden hosts the world’s oldest Christmas market, dating back to 1434.

Central German Metropolitan Region

Central Germany is a metropolitan crossroads of commerce and history. Frankfurt's nickname is “Mainhattan,” referring to the Main River on which it lies and the dynamic skyline of this high-powered business hub. High-rises may dominate the views, but the city retains its historical flavor in the medieval center, where half-timber buildings and charming taverns line cobble-stone lanes. More medieval architecture beckons at the Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a fortified city east of Frankfurt. Once larger than Frankfurt and Munich, Rothenburg is encircled by an intact 14th-century wall with gates and towers. Enjoy the beautiful and authentic medieval market square lined with multi-story half-timber buildings. Rothenburg also has a seasonal Christmas market. West of Frankfurt, visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, located at the juncture of the Rhine and Main rivers. Named after Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of movable metal type, this museum about printing honors one of civilization’s landmark innovations. Right across the street, admire the massive red sandstone St. Martin’s Cathedral, a thousand years old. This Romanesque marvel is near the market square and is perfect for people-watching over coffee.

Western Germany & The Rhine Valley

In Western Germany, the Rhine River flows through scenic valleys dotted with terraced hillside vineyards, then passes through the dynamic metropolises of Cologne and Düsseldorf. Weaving through quaint towns and bucolic farmland, the Rhine River gazes up at a series of castles dramatically perched above – some in ruins, some housing museums, hotels, or restaurants. The Moselle Valley and the Moselle River , a tributary to the mighty Rhine, offer still more storybook castles, charming towns, spectacular vistas, and wine-tasting opportunities. This area is highly regarded for its white wines and Riesling grapes. After the gorgeous countryside of Rhineland, set your sights on the urban rewards of Cologne and Düsseldorf. The must-see High Gothic Cologne Cathedral is the tallest twin-spired church in the world at 515 feet and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View the river and the old town center from a viewing platform on the south tower. Explore the Altstadt (old town) and see artifacts and ruins dating back to the Romans. Just north lies Düsseldorf, Germany’s capital of fashion and art, where galleries and elegant boutiques ensure world-class window shopping. Both Düsseldorf and Cologne host Christmas markets .

Frequently Asked Questions About Germany Tours

• How many days do you need to see Germany? A country with rich history and architecture has a lifetime of attractions. To explore the whole country, try to book at least 8-10 days. You can also see several countries by booking a river cruise on the Rhine or Danube Rivers.
• What is the best way to tour Germany? Choose one of our land tours or all-inclusive river cruises, and we’ll ensure you see the historical and cultural sites that mustn’t be missed. You’ll also dive into the local culture and cuisine for an intimate look at Germany’s delights.
• What are the best cities in Germany to visit? Munich is sure to please. Its iconic Hofbräuhaus is a lively year-round attraction, and the glockenspiel is positively enchanting. Visit Frankfurt for a beguiling combination of modern urban culture and historic architecture. Hamburg is an inland port city crisscrossed by a network of canals reflecting stately 19th-century brick buildings.
• Which part of Germany should you visit? Outdoorsy travelers gravitate to Bavaria, the Black Forest, and the Rhine Valley for biking and hiking fueled by local wine and beer tasting. Lovers of traditional and folk arts will enjoy the Christmas markets and the cuckoo clock culture of the Black Forest. If you travel for art, museums, culture, and cuisine, the lively cities of Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Düsseldorf will be your happy places.
• What is the best month to visit Germany? The summer months offer long days to enjoy the fantastic scenery and the warmest, driest weather. If you crave the Christmas markets, the ideal travel time is December before Christmas, although some markets stay open before and after this period. Celebrate Oktoberfest festivities during the last couple weeks of September into early October.

Why You Should Visit Germany

A country blessed with many of Europe’s most incredible sights, Deutschland surprises its visitors with an endless array of natural beauty and man-made treasures. There are endless opportunities for exploration on a Germany vacation. Visitors are drawn by the spectacular scenery, with rugged mountains, floral meadows, and winding rivers punctuated by elegant cities and delightful villages. Bavaria entices with its cheerful beer halls, fairytale Neuschwanstein, and medieval villages lined with half-timbered houses. Nuremberg inspires with its heart-warming holiday traditions and wintertime festivities. And Berlin amazes visitors with its mix of profound history and modern innovation.

Our tours of Germany take you to the heart of the action to experience the highlights and more. Whichever tour of Germany you choose, you’ll enjoy eye-opening encounters, expert guides, and special access to legendary sites. You’ll go beyond the guidebook with memorable insider experiences – like learning the secrets to making perfect German pastries, exploring King Ludwig’s chambers with a local specialist, or gaining insight into the ancient techniques of clock making. Whether you dream of sailing past castles on a luxury river cruise of the Rhine or joining the celebrations at Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets, you’ll find the perfect Germany trip and create memories you’ll never forget.

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Germany Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 1,074 most popular germany trips. compare tour itineraries from 134 tour companies. 1,390 reviews. 4.5/5 avg rating., popular germany tours.

Danube Bike & River Cruise: Budapest to Prague

• 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.

The Euro Trip

• Visiting the likes of Paris, Interlaken, Rome, Split, and Ljubljana
• Overnight ferry
• Enjoy exploring and discovering local life, without the added pressure of having to tick off those famous tourist sights.
• Visit Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital city is the hidden gem of Europe on this rail holiday, an interrail route favourite!
• UNESCO World Heritage Site

Imperial Europe

• 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
• 9 Breakfast (B)
• 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
• 1 Dinner (D)
• 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

The Beautiful Blue Danube

• CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS Tour the major capital cities along the Danube
• Bask in the idyllic landscapes of the Wachau Valley
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED: Imperial Vienna and Schoenbrunn Palace, the former summer residence for the Hapsburg monarchs, with splendid gardens and lavish rooms
• Budapest, 2000 years of history

Northern Capitals (2024, Classic Group)

• Berlin: You Local Expert provides a tour of this vibrant city. Drive along the Ku'Damm, passing the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and through Tiergarten to the Reichstag building. See the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House and visit Alexanderplatz.
• Gedser: Cross the Baltic Sea from Germany to Denmark.
• Copenhagen: Make the most of the long summer nights at the glittering Tivoli Gardens, the world-famous entertainment park, full of fantasy, fun and charm.
• Copenhagen: With a Local Expert, witness the regal interior of Christiansborg Palace, with its stunning tapestries, furnishings and decor.
• Copenhagen: With your Local Expert, view Christiansborg Palace and the cathedral where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. You'll also see Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, the Renaissance Stock Exchange and the unusual Rundertaarn, which is the oldest functioning Observatory in Europe.

European Whirl (Paris, Base)

• Florence: Eight generations of history with plenty of stories to tell. Enjoy a traditional Be My Guest lunch with the Landi family at their home near Florence, set within a garden of oak trees against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves.
• Amsterdam: Led by your Travel Director, wander the city to see the floating flower market, Dam Square and the Royal Palace.
• Rhineland: 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.
• Heidelberg: Explore one of Germany's most enchanting cities during an orientation with your Travel Director.
• Munich: 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.

The Ultimate Bucket List

• First stop on this Eurail package is none other than Amsterdam!
• Take a walk in the Old Town in Krakow
• Visit the poignant Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial
• Visit Hidden gem of Europe included on this package, capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana!
• Visit the magical split

From Prague to Berlin: Cruise on the Vltava and Elbe Rivers

• CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS EXCURSIONSINCLUDED EXCLUSIVE TO CROISIEUROPE Cruise on board a paddle riverboat Our ship is moored in Prague Discover: Golden Prague Litomerice, charming city full of history Elbe Sandstone Mountains, natural and architectural wonders Dresden, the Florence of the Elbe Meissen and its porcelain Lutherstadt Wittenberg, birthplace of the Reformation Potsdam, and the gardens of the Sanssouci Palace Berlin, symbolic capital

All Germany , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Germany

Small Group Germany Tours

Cycling on the Danube from Passau to Vienna

• Discover the rich culture and historical architecture of Vienna
• Ride on dedicated cycle routes
• Visit infamous castles, ruins and palaces along the Danube
• Sample the fine wines of the Wachau Valley

A Taste of Scandinavia

• 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.

Lakes & Mountains of Bavaria Cycling

Baltic Experience

• 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.

Imperial Cities of Europe - 6 Countries

• Cruise along the Danube River and experience the beautiful sights of Budapest
• Admire the beautiful gardens and Rococo interior of the majestic Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna
• Feel the medieval spirit of the Golden city – Prague
• Enjoy the German way, tasting sausages and beer in a centuries-old restaurant
• Ring the wishing bell on the island in the middle of the picturesque Lake Bled

Germany, Czech Republic, Austria & Hungary in 11 days - Capitals of Central Europe - CHARM BY BUS

Alps/Bavarian Grand Tour

• A relaxed paced tour of Bavaria and the Alps
• Days spent in Munich, where your upgraded accommodations are in the heart of the attractions, shopping and dining.
• Days spent in Switzerland to explore all of the area’s culture.
• Visit some of Switzerland’s most iconic mountains, taking several modes of passage.
• Limited tour group size

Explore Central Europe

• Explore sections of the berlin wall
• Explore prague's old town
• Taste the world-famous sacher torte in vienna
• Visit the bustling market with a foodie-guide

Best Germany Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Germany Tours by Price

Top Germany Attractions & Experiences

Top Germany Experiences

• River cruising along the beautiful Rhine , including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley.
• Standing in front of the massive Brandenburg Gate in Berlin , once the symbol of the division of East and West Berlin and part of the infamous Berlin Wall .
• Hiking along the trails of the dense Black Forest.
• Follow the popular Romantic Road tour route to the old imperial city of Rothenburg - self-guided walking tours make stops at the 13th-century Town Hall, the St. Georgs-Brunnen Fountain and picturesque Plönlein.
• Visiting the historic city of Lindau, a historic city.
• Taking in the views from the Zugspitze massif, reachable by cog railway or cable car - walk through the 800-meter-long tunnel and peer out the many viewing windows.
• Celebrating and meetin new friends over classic German beers during the Oktoberfest.
• Climbing the 533 steps of the Cologne Cathedral for the best views of Cologne , a quintessential right of passage on a German tour.
• Enjoying walking or biking and taking in the sites in Heidelberg.
• Pondering the Berlin Wall itself and reading the names on the wall at Checkpoint Charlie of those who chanced escape.
• Venture into the Baltic Sea to Rügen, the largest of the German Baltic islands, and explore Jasmund National Park.
• Touring the ancient town of Bamberg, one of Germany’s best-preserved towns and home to a 13th-century cathedral.
• Feeling like royalty in one of Europe’s most beautiful castles, the Neuschwanstein Castle , in the town of Füssen.

Germany Tours & Travel Guide

Germany Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Germany is a land of contrasts, where walled Medieval towns coexist with high-speed Mercedes-filled autobahns, and where quaint Black Forest and Bavarian villages share the same soil as ultra-hip Berlin and pulsating cities like Munich and Hamburg.

Rhine River cruises and Moselle River cruises are ever-popular, and the long-defunct "East Germany" has been resurrected -- witness the total rebuilding of Dresden, firebombed during World War II and now a showplace. Heidelberg, Nuremberg, Cologne, Lubeck, Stuttgart, Leipzig -- the list of intriguing German cities is long, but the alluring countryside beckons as well. 

Vast History

History buffs will love visiting Germany. There are a multitude of museums for you to visit to learn about the area. In Berlin, pay your respects at the Holocaust Memorial, or explore the remains of the wall that used to separate East and West Germany.

Many German cities such as Frankfurt and Munich offer walking tours, so make sure to join one to get a new view of the city. While in Munich, visit the Nymphenburg Palace to see where Ludwig was born. 

Medieval Legacies

Germany has its share of castles and medieval villages just waiting to be explored. Stop in Heidelberg to see a 12th century castle and Germany's oldest university. While you're there, take a slow stroll along the river and imagine what life used to be like. While in Munich, treat yourself to a day trip to see the famous Neuschwanstein Castle and soak up the beauty of the Bavarian Alps. You'll feel like you're in a fairy tale (Sleeping Beauty's castle was supposedly based off of it, after all)!

Beer and Bratwurst

When you think Germany, you may think beer, and for a good reason. It's best known for Oktoberfest, a 16-day beer festival which takes places in late September in Munich. Be sure to bring your lederhosen for the experience of a lifetime! After you've had your share of beer, head south to Bavaria to try some mouthwatering sausage. The west side of the country has their share of tasty treats as well. Explore the markets in Cologne to get some German sweets.

Other Areas

Germany is such a big country, so you have a huge selection to choose from when planning your trip. Head to Cologne to see Cologne's Dom, a giant Gothic cathedral that took over 600 years to build. If nature is more up your alley, venture into the Black Forest to learn about its history and its past with cuckoo clocks. For impressive architecture, the gothic town of Rothenburg will amaze you with its cobblestone lanes and 16th century houses. Germany is sure to have something to please everyone!

Festivals in Germany

Despite the stereotypical predilections swirling around about Germans - stern, punctual - they are quite the fun-loving, festival-going bunch.

Here are a few Germany festivals and celebrations to time your Europe tour around: 

1. Oktoberfest in Munich - Granddaddy of all famous German festivals, Oktoberest is a must if you’re in Munich between late September and early October. It’s the largest folk festival in the world, taking over this Bavarian capital for two weeks.

This most quintessential of Germany’s festivals is a top tour attractions for its general merriment, drinking, eating and the chance to visit Munich’s castles and monuments.

Teetotalers, take note: Oktoberfest admission doesn’t require a mug of beer in hand at all times - enjoy the carnival games and rides, eat to your heart’s content and shop for your own traditional German dress clothes.

2. Carnival -  Your spring German tour may coincide with what is also called the “Fifth Season” in Germany, the highlight of which is the Rose Monday Parade. The cities most renowned for their Carnival festivities are Cologne, Düsseldorf, Muenster and Mainz.

3. Berlin International Film Festival -  Film buffs flock to the annual film festival for more than 400 movies from around the world, grand parties and special events open to almost anyone.

4. Rhine in Flames -  If you’re taking a river cruise along the Rhine in May and September, look for this festival of lights that illuminates the river banks and the castles, making the whole ambience even more magical.

5. Bach Fest in Leipzig -  Music tours in Germany may center on this world-class festival celebrating Johann Sebastien Bach, who lived in Leipzig . Take in a classical performance by celebrated artists in historic venues, including the gorgeous Thomas Church (Thomaskirche). 

6. Wurstmarkt in Bad Dürkheim -  Despite its moniker as “sausage market,” this Rhineland Palatinate festival is the world’s biggest wine festivals. River cruises focusing on the wine-growing regions of the Rhine River won’t want to miss this September festival!

7. Christmas Markets throughout Germany -  Get into the holiday spirit with old-fashioned festival fun at holiday markets brimming with homemade treats, mulled wine and traditional song and dance. Read about the most popular German Christmas Markets in our Germany in Winter section.

German Cuisine

Germans love their food as much as their beer - savor late, lingering dinners and soak up the traditional and the haute cuisine throughout your Germany tour. Be sure to try:

• Spätzle : Pasta lovers, you’ll fawn over this egg, flour and salt dough that puffs up and melts in your mouth when accompanied by meats, soups and Swiss cheeses. The ultimate German comfort food.
• Schnitzel : Unlike in Austria, where actual law mandates that Wiener Schnitzel be made with veal, in Germany, schnitzel is typically made with pork. Try it with a variety of delicious sauces: Jägerschnitzel (mushroom sauce), Zigeunerschnitzel (bell pepper sauce), Rahmschnitzel (creamy sauce), to name a few. 
• Fischbrötchen : You’re right, it’s a fish sandwich, but you won’t want to miss this favorite food of northern Germany. Look for fischbrötchen with Bismarck herring, rollmops or salmon from the North and Baltic seas.
• Currywurst : You’re likely to run across a street food stall during your Germany tour selling currywurst, a popular grilled sausage delicacy, smothered in a ketchup-and-curry-powder sauce. If you’re in Berlin or Hamburg, it’s typically served with fries or a roll. 
• Bratwurst : With over 1,500 types of sausage made in germany, you won’t run out of options (this seasoned sausage made of pork and veal and typically served with sauerkraut is a street food favorite in just about every German city). Also look for knockwurst (boiled) and Weisswurst (bacon sausage).
• Potato pancakes : Similar to a latke, typically served with applesauce and sour cream or with eggs for breakfast.
• Kartoffelkloesse : Traditional German potato dumplings.
• Sauerkraut : Finely cut, fermented cabbage that is served with just about every sausage you’ll eat in Germany.
• Apple cake : Buttery pastry filled with apples, spices and raisins.

Top Historical Sites in Germany

• Brandenburg Gate -  What was once the gateway to Berlin is now a top historical site and a highlight of your Germany tour. Let your expert guide regale you with the story behind the structure that was modeled after the Acropolis in Athens and has now stood for more than 200 years as a symbol of freedom and unity.
• Berlin Wall -  A top must-see on your history tour of Germany, the Berlin Wall symbolizes the separation of East and West Germany between 1961 and 1989. Gaze upon the remains of the graffiti-adorned wall and learn about its storied history.
• Checkpoint Charlie -  Complementing the Berlin Wall as a popular historic attraction in Germany, this crossing point, where Allied forces were permitted to cross the border, is another important symbol of the Cold War.
• Imperial Baths of Trier -  Outside of Rome, these Ancient Roman baths are among the largest you’ll see anywhere in the world. 
• Schwerin Castle -  For history and art lovers on Germany tours, this beautiful castle was where the dukes of Mecklenburg lived and now houses local government and a comprehensive art collection, including 17th-century Dutch and Flemish masterpieces.
• Neuschwanstein Castle - Been to Disneyland? Now visit one of the most beautiful castles in Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for more than a few of Disney’s theme park palaces. This must-see attraction tops just about all sightseeing lists in all of Europe.
• Holstentor -  Wander through the arched entrance and two round towers of the “Holsten gate,” a favorite historic attraction in Germany. Built in 1464, today it is one of the remaining examples of Germany’s medieval defense. There’s an insightful museum inside to further understand this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Cologne Cathedral - Don’t miss the magnificent Gothic Cologne Cathedral, which began construction in 1248 and took more than 600 years to finish. One of the highlights of the Cologne Cathedral is the Shrine of the Three Magi.

Neuschwanstein Castle

It’s ironic - King Ludwig II built this magnificent castle to step away from the public eye due to his intense shyness. Today, Neuschwanstein Castle is one of Europe’s most popular castles, visited by nearly 1.4 million people every year. Shifting earth and climate factors are contributing to conservation issues with the beautiful castle, but despite some renovation efforts, all rooms are open to the public. 

Music tours of Germany will likely hone in on the fact that King Ludwig II was such a big admirer of renowned composer Richard Wagner that the castle was built in his honor - music lovers will notice that many of the rooms inside are inspired by Wagner’s operatic characters.

This fairytale castle has been the inspiration for many of Disney’s theme park palaces - it’s easy to see why with its picturesque Bavarian Alps location and traditional medieval architecture. At the time of its construction, Neuschwanstein Castle was quite technologically advanced.

Ask your Germany history tour guide about the automatically flushing toilets, water supply and air heating system that were part of the castle’s design. From the castle, it’s easy to explore the popular tourist town, Fussen.

Stroll around the brightly colored Old Town, then drive north along one of Germany’s most popular scenic routes, the Romantic Road, a must-drive stretch with countless traditional German towns and villages to visit.

Read more about the worlds best mountain castles >>

Outdoor Travel in Germany

Germany tours focusing on outdoor and adventure travel can be surprising in their breadth of activities. In a country most often recognized for its history and culture, it’s easy to overlook the natural beauty that lies in just about every corner of the country, from the Alps to the Black Forest.

Here’s a list of top outdoor adventures to have in Germany:

• Oberstdorf : Hike, ski, ice skate, paragliding and hang-glide in Oberstdorf in southern German’s central Bavaria region. The real stunner here is the Breitachklamm gorge, one of the deepest and most beautiful in Europe .
• Garmisch-Partenkirchen National Park : Zugspitze is Germany’ highest mountain and home to one of the country’ largest national parks, the Garmisch-Partenkirchen National Park. Hike along the trails of the Wetterstein Mountain Range and zoom up to the Zugspitze summit by cable car or train.
• Black Forest : The mythical, fairytale-inspiring Black Forest is one of Germany’s most popular outdoor travel destinations with good reason. Sail and surf on the Schluchsee Titisee lakes, hike and bike through the massive fir trees of the forest, canoe on the Rhine River, take a guided ATV tour deep into the woods and cross-country ski in the winter. 
• Bavarian Forest National Park : For wildlife viewing in Germany , look no further than the 300 kilometers of this vast and stunning park, home to lynx, bison, wolves and wild boars. Walk along the treetops on a 1,300-meter-long wooden walkway. Hike and bike past sweet brooks and stunning mountain vistas.
• Berchtesgaden National Park : If you’re seeking some of the best hiking in Germany, head to this biosphere reserve and national park, a favorite adventure travel destination in Germany. Hike past thundering waterfalls along the Almbach Gorge trail, climb to Eagle’s Nest, go rock climbing and try paragliding and hang-gliding.
• Bastei : One of Germany’s most beautiful hiking regions is Malerweg, or Painter’s Way, where you can see the stunning Bastei rock formation. From this renowned sandstone bridge, you can reach the Neurathen fortress and see the famous Elbe Sandstones. 

What to See and Do in Bavaria

Escape the crowds of Frankfurt and Berlin and head to one of Germany’s most beautiful and popular regions: Bavaria .

This is where your quintessential German tour will include traditional cuisine (bratwurst and beer, and lots of it), hiking through pleasant forests, getting to know the locals in rural villages and touring historic castles.

Here are a few of the top things to do in Bavaria:

• Visit Munich : Munich is the capital of Bavaria and if you’re on a tour of Germany that includes hiking, you’ll likely access the Alps through this beautiful city. 
• See Neuschwanstein Castle : You’ll feel like you’re in Sleeping Beauty’s palace, straight out of Disneyland, at Neuschwanstein, quite possibly the most famous castle in the world. Tour the somewhat gaudy interior, including the over-the-top Minstrels’ Hall. 
• Attend Oktoberfest : A fall Germany tour wouldn’t be complete without a day at Oktoberfest, the world’s largest fair with more than six million worldwide attendees. Sing, dance and dine along to merry-making Bavarian bands.
• Tour Nuremberg : Take a guided history tour of 950-year-old Nuremberg, home to the Imperial Castle, a romantic Old Town full of half-timbered houses, theSchoner Brunnen fountain (rub it for good luck) and the Nazi Rally Party Grounds. If you tour Germany in the winter, consider including Nuremberg for its famous Christkindlmarkt holiday market. And don’t miss the best Nuremberg food, the signature Rostbratwurst.
• Hike the Bavarian Alps : Germany tours focused on outdoor recreation focus on the hiking, biking and skiing opportunities of the Bavarian Alps and Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain. Among the ski resort towns to check out are Fussen (close to Neuschwanstein Castle), Berchtesgaden and Oberstdorf.
• Visit Eagle’s Nest : The Nazi party gifted Eagle’s Nest (near Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps) to Hitler for his 50th birthday. Today, you can tour this historic sightseeing attractions - atop a mountain, no less - and see its underground bunkers and original brass elevator. 
• Bamburg : Some call Bamburg the “Franconian Rome” - German history tours often include this Bavarian town for its huge Old Town center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s a satisfying collegiate vibe here, thanks to the University of Bamberg, as well as a thriving brewery industry - try the Rauchbier (smoked beer)!

Cities in Germany

1. Heidelberg 

One of the prettiest Germany cities, Heidelberg escaped destruction in World War II. Explore the charming, cobblestone streets with your expert guide, snapping photos on the Old Bridge across the placid Neckar River, touring the ruins of Heidelberg Castle and hiking the lush Philosophenweg across the river from the city.

Take time for a visit to the university, one of the world’s best education institutions, which gives the city its scholarly, youthful ambience. 

2. Freiburg

Sunny, warm friendly and brimming with historic and culinary treasures, Freiburg is one of the loveliest cities in Germany. It’s also one of the oldest - during your Freiburg tour, visit the Gothic cathedral, local-run restaurants and breweries and the large weekly farmer’s market in the cathedral square. Festivals run throughout the year - from International Kulturborse in January to a massive Christmas Market. 

Include Hamburg in your German tour for its Roman history, World War II stories and modern aerospace and naval industries. Check out one of Hamburg’s most interesting museums, the Miniature Museum, as well as the famous fish market, open early each Sunday at the port.

Visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Cologne, which was founded by the Romans and is known for its sky-high cathedral (which also just happens to contain the bones of the Three Kings).

Take a tour of old town and the banks of the Rhine River (many Europe river cruises stop here), pop in to excellent art galleries and museums and most definitely partake in a glass (or two) of the local Kolsch (beer of Cologne). As for festivals, Cologne reigns during Carnival season in Germany with huge parades, festive balls and general merriment before Lent.

Your Bavarian tour will center on Munich, the region’s capital and famous for its Oktoberfest celebrations and multicultural atmosphere. Visit Munich’s beautiful parks and gardens, tour its flea markets, dine on every manner of cuisine, including traditional German food, and snap a photo of the famous Glockenspiel on City Hall.

Tour Germany’s capital and its biggest city, reunited in 1990 after a Cold War separation into East and West. Head to Mitte for ethnic street food, explore countless museums and art galleries and enjoy some of Germany’s best festivals and certainly its popular Christmas markets.

Your Berlin tour is sure to include the grand Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and the East Side Gallery, a portion of the inner Berlin Wall that has been long preserved and displays years of graffiti art.

7. Dresden  

Extend your Berlin tour to include nearby Dresden, a treasure trove of art and Baroque architecture. Believe it or not, much of the historic center of the city was destroyed during World War II but much has been restored to its former glory.

Top Dresden sights include the Church of Our Lady in Dresden, the Procession of Princes (a huge porcelain mural), the Zwinger Palace and the Bruhlsche Terrasse. Reminisce about your favorite Dresden tour moments at one of the city’s countless biergartens.

8. Dusseldorf

Include Dusseldorf in your tour of the most popular German cities - it’s recognizable by its Gehry and Chipperfield architecture and the whimsical symbol of the Dusseldorfter Radschlager (boy who does cartwheels), seen everywhere throughout the city.

German art tours celebrate the city’s rich art scene, both on stage and on canvas - Robert Schumann and Mendelssohn lived here and Joseph Beuys and Gerhard Richter graduated from the Dusseldorf Art Academy.

Dusseldorf is also a popular shopping destination in Germany - a huge fashion show takes place here each January and upscale shops line King’s Avenue (known by the locals at Kö). The beer of choice in Dusseldorf, a top-fermenting German-style brown ale called an Altbier.

Germany Reviews & Ratings

Excellent trip.

This is an easy ride; and the route is varied and very attractive. Virtually none of the cycling is along roads with motor traffic; and I appreciated how the sign-...

Beautiful scenery, safe cycling

The vast majority of this trip is in cycle paths separated from road traffic with some lightly trafficked roads and only very occasional roads with significant tra...

The title of the trip was appropriate.

The organisation worked well. Trip notes and maps together made route finding easy. The route was varied and interesting; opportunities for eating and drinking wer...

Very beautiful and easy

A wonderful trip on perfectly manicured cycle path and very very flat, short hops each day and its an ideal beginners trip, a couple of bike ferry crossings which ...

A relaxing diversion, with interesting things to see on the way

My wife has been keen on a trip through vienna for a while. We chose the passau to vienna trip as other reviewers rated it higher than the similar vienna to Budape...

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Best Germany Vacation Packages

7 nights from $1,619*

Discover with a Rental Car the Romantic Road a famous Germany vacation destination that possesses the perfect embodiment of German scenery and culture. Visit Munich (famous for its beautiful architecture, fine culture, public park, museums and the annual Oktoberfest beer celebration); Fussen (a charming Bavarian town rich in history and beauty, historically been a major centre for violin making, with the eclectic Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle lie southeast of the town); Rothenburg ob der tauber (medieval town seemingly untouched by the passage of time within undamaged 13th-century city walls) and Frankfurt (known for being the financial capital of the EU, and for its famous for its buzzing nightlife, diversity, historic old town, and its cultural wealth). This is a flexible package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, category of car and activities.

• Flight into Munich and out of Frankfurt
• Rental Car for 8 days
• Hotel for 2 night in Munich
• Hotel for 2 nights in Fussen
• Hotel for 2 nights in Rothenburg
• Hotel for 1 night in Frankfurt

Driving Time Munich - Fussen: 1 hr. 50 mins. approx. Fussen - Rothenburg: 2 hrs. 30 mins. approx. Rothenburg - Frankfurt: 2 hrs. 10 mins. approx.

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Other Germany Vacation Packages

Berlin and Munich by Train

6 nights from $1,499*

Visit Germany with this distinctive vacation in Europe; Begin in Berlin (the capital city holding world cultural records for their opera, concert halls and symphonies; with a stoic heartbeat that fills the city and its ultra-modern buildings, lush parks and bustling pubs) then take the ICE (InterCity Express) train to Munich (big city style and rural charm permeate this capital of Bavaria; beer gardens, cool bars, delectable cuisine, local festivals, art treasures, lovingly restored architectural masterpieces). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Berlin and out of Munich
• Hotel for 3 nights in Berlin
• Train from Berlin to Munich
• Hotel for 3 nights in Munich

German Charms

11 nights from $2,079*

Fanstastic combination of cities along your trip in Germany . From Berlin (capital city of Germany after been reunited, known for its festivals, architecture, nightlife, contemporary arts and a high quality of living), take a train an travel to Munich (famous for its beautiful architecture, fine culture, and the annual Oktoberfest beer celebration). From there, with a Rental Car drive and visit Fussen (historically been a major centre for violin making, with the eclectic Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle lie southeast of the town) and after that, Rothenburg ob der Tauber (well known for its well-preserved medieval old town, a destination for tourists from around the world) and then, to Heidelberg (a city with a dreamy, romantic setting around the Old Bridge and the castle, nestled between the Neckar River and the foothills of the Odenwald forest). Drive back to Munich for one last stay. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Hotel for 2 night in Berlin
• Hotel for 2 nights in Munich
• Rental Car 8 days
• Hotel for 2 nights in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
• Hotel for 2 nights in Heidelberg
• Hotel for 1 night in Munich

Driving Time Munich - Fussen: 1 hr. 50 mins. approx. Fussen - Rothenburg ob der Tauber: 2 hrs. 25 mins. approx. Rothenburg - Heidelberg: 1 hr. 50 mins. approx. Heidelberg - Munich: 3 hrs. 30 mins. approx.

Berlin and Prague by Train

6 nights from $1,309*

A taste of two of the most fascinating countries in Europe with Germany and The Czech Republic , at your disposal with this unforgettable customizable package. Begin in Berlin (capital city of Germany after been reunited, known for its festivals, architecture, nightlife, contemporary arts and a high quality of living); and then, catch a train to Prague (known for its Old Town Square, with colorful baroque buildings, gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Berlin and out of Prague
• Hotel for 3 night in Berlin
• Train from Berlin to Prague
• Hotel for 3 nights in Prague

The Fairy Tale Alpine Route (Self Drive)

10 nights from $1,859*

Take an unforgettable vacation through Alpines cities in Germany with a Rental Car . Discover: Munich (famous for its beautiful architecture, fine culture, public park, museums and the annual Oktoberfest beer celebration), Fussen (historically been a major centre for violin making, with the eclectic Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle lie southeast of the town), Rothenburg (well known for its well-preserved medieval old town), Heidelberg (a city with a dreamy, romantic setting around the Old Bridge and the castle, nestled between the Neckar River and the foothills of the Odenwald forest) and Stuttgart (historical to modern and nature to architecture and known as the "cradle of the automobile", with home to famous automobile museums). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Munich and out of Stuttgart
• Rental Car for 11 days
• Hotel for 2 nights in Stuttgart

Driving Time Munich - Fussen: 1 hrs. 50 mins. approx. Fussen - Rothenburg: 2 hrs. 35 mins. approx. Rothenburg - Heidelberg: 1 hr. 50 mins. approx. Heidelberg - Stuttgart: 1 hr. 25 mins. approx.

Germany Suggested Vacation Packages

Munich - Salzburg - Vienna by Train

6 nights from $1,469*

One of our most popular vacation packages exploring eastern Europe: Germany and Austria! . Begin in Munich (the capital of Bavaria; stunning architecture - painstakingly restored from damage sustained in WWII, the annual Oktoberfest, museums) and after that, continue to Salzburg (known as the Florence of the north for its undeniable contribution to the world of art; it is also the birthplace of Mozart). Finally, visit Vienna (the city of waltzes, classical music, leading cultural centers and trendy coffee houses). Travel between each city by train. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Munich and out of Vienna
• Train from Munich to Salzburg
• Hotel for 2 nights in Salzburg
• Train from Salzburg to Vienna
• Hotel for 2 nights in Vienna

Berlin - Prague - Vienna by Train

9 nights from $1,689*

Three of Europe`s enchanting cities are at your disposal with this customizable package. Start this adventure in Berlin (a cultural powerhouse in east Germany ; leading the world in theater, art and music) and then take a train to Prague (the City of a Thousand Spires reflecting centuries of religious control dominate the skyline of Czech Republic ; today theater and arts are thriving among towering churches) and lastly, take another train to Vienna , the capital of the beautiful Austria . This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Berlin and out of Vienna
• Train from Prague to Vienna
• Hotel for 3 nights in Vienna

Berlin - Prague - Vienna - Budapest by Train

12 nights from $1,689*

Take an adventure of a life time journeying through four of Europe`s beloved cities. Start in Berlin (a cultural powerhouse in east Germany (despite its gloomy communist era past it is leading the world in theater, art and music) then hop a train to Prague (a city in Czech Republic with a Thousand Spires reflecting centuries of religious control dominating the skyline) then take another train to Vienna (city of music and waltzes, churches and Baroque palaces in Austria ) and then take one last train to Budapest (Two cities in one located in Hungary , Buda and Pest, connected by the Szechenyi Chain Bridge). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Berlin and out of Budapest
• Train from Vienna to Budapest
• Hotel for 3 nights in Budapest

Berlin - Dresden - Prague by Train

6 nights from $1,339*

Germany and Czech Republic !! A popular combination in eastern Europe, this tour will lead you through three cities that retain a strong historical context while embracing a chic, modern style. Begin in Berlin (a cultural masterpiece; museums, theaters and operas galore), then continue to Dresden (a treasure trove of unique art, palatial buildings, theater and opera house) and finally Prague (the city of 1,000 Spires, a reference to the sheer number of churches raised by various controlling hands of the city in its centuries long history). Travel between each city on the train. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Hotel for 2 nights in Berlin
• Train from Berlin to Dresden
• Hotel for 2 nights in Dresden
• Train from Dresden to Prague
• Hotel for 2 nights in Prague

Amsterdam and Berlin by Air

6 nights from $1,329*

Visit two of our most requested cities in Germany and Netherlands with this unique, flexible vacation package!. Start your trip in Amsterdam (a multi-racial melting pot with a history of tolerance and acceptance; a charming canal city full of history and excitement) and continue to Berlin (a cultural capital; art, theater, opera, dance - there is no shortage of activities here). Connected by flight. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Amsterdam and out of Berlin
• Hotel for 3 nights in Amsterdam
• Flight from Amsterdam to Belin

Paris and Berlin by Air

6 nights from $1,539*

If you love culture and amazing food, this is the perfect vacation package throgh France and Germany for you! Start your trip in Paris (the romantic City of Lights; experience The Louvre, Eiffel Tower and shopping along the famous Champs Elysses, fine food and wine in abundance) and fly to Berlin (holding a cultural record for its opera houses; a racing heartbeat which echoes through museums, delectable restaurants, pubs, parks and lush gardens). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Paris and out of Berlin
• Hotel for 3 nights in Paris
• Flight Paris - Berlin

London and Berlin by Air

6 nights from $1,409*

Two incredible, cosmopolitan cities with unbelievable rich histories through England and Germany . This once-in-a-lifetime vacation package combines London (Royal Palaces, lush gardens, shops, trendy cafes, museums) and Berlin (an incredible city leading the world in culture and technology, architecture, food and fun times). A flight connects these destinations. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into London and out of Berlin
• Hotel for 3 nights in London
• Flight from London to Berlin

London - Paris and Berlin

9 nights from $1,649*

England , France and Germany are waiting to be explored, offering historical charm and exciting attractions. Discover London (the Royal Palace, elegant gardens, museums with inspiring art); then, take a train to Paris (the romantic City of Lights, delectable food and wine); and after that, fly to Berlin (a world culture capital with numerous theaters, operas and symphonies). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Eurostar Train from London to Paris
• Flight from Paris to Berlin
• The Eurostar does not have guaranteed availability at Christmas, we suggest selecting air between Paris and London during this time

Castles and Cities (Self Drive)

8 nights from $1,669*

A perfect combination of charming cities and breathtaking castles across Europe with this unique opportunity to explore on your own with a rental car; Begin in Berlin (the capital of Germany holding world cultural records for their opera, concert halls and symphonies) before heading to Prague (a city in Czech Republic , layered with multiple cultures); next Vienna ( Austria`s city known for its classical music and waltzes) and last Munich (big city style and rural charm permeate this capital of Bavaria). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Car rental for 8 days

Driving Time Berlin– Prague: 3hrs 57 min approx. Prague- Vienna: 3 hr 40 min approx. Vienna - Munich: 4hr 37 min approx.

Paris - Munich - Rome by Train

9 nights from $1,769*

You cannot come home from France , Germany and Italy feeling bored or uninspired! Begin your adventure in romantic Paris (the City of Lights; experience the Louvre, stroll the idyllic Champs Elysses and sample the famous cuisine and wine) before heading by train to Munich (museums galore, operas, theaters, public parks and the somber Dachau), then continue to Imperial Rome (centuries of art, religion, history and tradition; narrow alleys filled with shopping, cafes and superb food, as well as large open air plazas bustling with activity). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Paris and out of Rome
• Train Paris - Munich
• Train Munich - Rome
• Hotel for 3 nights in Rome

Munich - Prague - Vienna - Budapest by Train

12 nights from $1,799*

Germany , Czech Republic , Austria and Hungary are at your disposal with this customizable vacation package. Begin in Munich (famous for its beautiful architecture, fine culture, and the annual Oktoberfest beer celebration) and after that, continue to Prague (known for its Old Town Square, and the medieval Astronomical Clock), up next, Vienna (the city of waltzes, classical music and leading cultural centers) and finally, Budapest (well-known worldwide for its incredible thermal springs, classical music, art gothic and noveau buildings alongside the Danube River). Connect each destination with train rides. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Munich and out of Budapest
• Train from Munich to Prague

Prague - Vienna - Salzburg - Munich by Train

8 nights from $1,789*

Venture through Europe, starting in Czech Republic , then Austria and ending in Germany . Begin this journey in Prague (The City of a Hundred Spires` with 1,000 years of art and architecture) then take a train to Vienna (City of music, cafes, waltzes, parks, pastries, and wine with stately streets and Baroque palaces), Salzburg (the Golden City of High Baroque) and lastly Munich (a haven of history and culture, with museums galore, operas, theaters, public parks and the somber Dachau). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Prague and out of Munich
• Train from Vienna to Salzburg
• Train from Salzburg to Munich

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• Best Time To Visit
• Driving in Germany
• Tipping in Germany

Germany FAQ's

Located in the heart of Europe, Germany has historically been and still is politically, economically and culturally influential and the largest EU member state by population and economic output. Known around the world for the Oktoberfest, car brands, football, and beer, it is also leading the world in banking and insurance companies. The country is probably best known for its World War II history and the country`s more recent times when it was split into East and West, everybody is familiar with the Berlin Wall, which came down about 30 years ago. There`s is a load of culture, rich history and natural beauty that makes Germany a famous tourist destination for so many.

Germany is a beautiful, varied country with an impressive culture and endless travel opportunities. It has deep forests, fairy-tale castles, and picture-perfect towns are something that you shouldn`t miss. The following destinations, with their impressive architecture and indisputable charm, are hands down the most beautiful places to visit in Germany. Berlin is one of the most interesting cities in Europe, and certainly the one that has changed the most in the last 20 years. Cologne is home to one of the most impressive cathedrals in the world with a thriving art scene and some of the most high-spirited locals. Nestled on the River Elbe, Germany`s second-largest metropolis, Hamburg , offers fascinating historical architecture, striking futuristic buildings and some of the best nightlife in Europe. It also has a treasure-packed historic center, and more bridges than any other city in the world. Germany`s most scenic drive, the Romantic Road , offers visitors the opportunity to explore the rich culture, charming scenery, and medieval character of this fantastic country. Running between Wurzburg and Fussen , it leads travelers through Bavarian Alps most stunning attractions, including the spectacular Neuschwanstein Castle, the baroque city of Würzburg, Rothenburg ob der tauber - the best preserved medieval town in the country, and the enchanting Pfaffenwinkel region, famous for its rolling countryside sprinkled with picturesque villages and pilgrimage churches. Add to all these some excellent beer, the most beautiful Christmas Markets, and an abundance of activities and you`ll soon wonder why in the world you haven’t visited Germany earlier.

Like all popular European destinations, Germany sees visitors throughout the year – rain, snow or shine. And all of these are a possibility depending on when you visit Germany. Every season in this country has its charm, as well as its pitfalls, so when to go depends on your travel type and what activities you`re interested in. Generally speaking, the best time to visit is during the `shoulder seasons` from March through May and from late October through November. The weather may be a bit chilly, but you`ll enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds. The summer months bring warm temperatures and lush landscape, but keep in mind, that it can get uncomfortably crowded. You will also need to be aware of the events and festivities that take place throughout the year that will bring in influx of tourist and increase in hotel rates. Here is an overview of Germany in all four seasons that will help you decide what`s the best time of year for you to visit. For more information, check out: Best Time to Visit Germany .

We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.

There are many ways to explore Germany, depending on your itinerary and budget. Find out how you can best travel around the country from renting a car and driving down the Autobahn (one of the densest and best maintained highway networks on earth), to enjoying a relaxing train ride. All modes of transportation are up to a high modern standard. By Train: One of the best ways to discover Germany (and Europe at large) is by train. Deutsche Bahn or `DB`, the German railway system, is very well developed and reliable, and if you book tickets in advance (180 days before departure at the earliest) it can be surprisingly affordable. You can reach almost every city in Germany by train; not to mention that watching the German landscape stream by your window is a very relaxing and comfortable way to travel. Regional trains are now run by a variety of private operators as well as Deutsche Bahn subsidiaries, but they can all be booked through bahn.com . Long distance trains on the other hand are almost all run by Deutsche Bahn. Those few that aren`t have to be booked through the operating company. By Car: Germany has a world-famous network of excellent roads and Autobahn (motorway) with no toll or fees for cars. Although public transport in Germany is excellent, those who choose to drive will find the road network fast and efficient as well. Like most of Europe, Germany drives on the right-hand side. Check in advance on whether your non-German driving licence is valid in Germany. Otherwise, you may risk a heavy fine or up to one year in jail. For longer stays most foreign licenses are not valid no matter what your residence status is. If you plan on driving on a longer stay (several months or years) try getting a European drivers license that is usually valid throughout the European Union. Germany offers many scenic drives that will lead you past picturesque villages, medieval castles, and unspoiled countryside. From the Romantic Road to the Castle Road, from the Fairy Tale Road to the German Wine Route, are some of the roads best traveled in Germany. For more information about driving in Germany, consult our guide by clicking here Driving in Germany .

The currency of Germany is the Euro. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for euros upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the major cities. For more detailed information, consult our guide by clicking here Tipping in Germany .

English may be spoken at your hotel and in the tourist areas, but not everywhere. We suggest you get a good English-German guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.

The Romantic Road (Self Drive) (7 nights)

Germany Vacation Packages, customize multi-city vacations to Germany, flexible trips to Germany. Review past Germany itineraries, book Germany vacation packages online. Travel to Germany your way

Berlin and Munich by Train (6 nights)

Visit Germany with this distinctive vacation in Europe; Begin in Berlin (the capital city holding world cultural records for their opera, concert halls and symphonies; with a stoic heartbeat that fills the city and its ultra-modern buildings, lush parks and bustling pubs) then take the ICE (InterCity Express) train to Munich (big city style and rural charm permeate this capital of Bavaria; beer gardens, cool bars, delectable cuisine, local festivals, art treasures, lovingly restored architectural masterpieces).

German Charms (11 nights)

Fanstastic combination of cities along your trip in Germany . From Berlin (capital city of Germany after been reunited, known for its festivals, architecture, nightlife, contemporary arts and a high quality of living), take a train an travel to Munich (famous for its beautiful architecture, fine culture, and the annual Oktoberfest beer celebration). From there, with a Rental Car drive and visit Fussen (historically been a major centre for violin making, with the eclectic Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle lie southeast of the town) and after that, Rothenburg ob der Tauber (well known for its well-preserved medieval old town, a destination for tourists from around the world) and then, to Heidelberg (a city with a dreamy, romantic setting around the Old Bridge and the castle, nestled between the Neckar River and the foothills of the Odenwald forest). Drive back to Munich for one last stay.

Berlin and Prague by Train (6 nights)

A taste of two of the most fascinating countries in Europe with Germany and The Czech Republic , at your disposal with this unforgettable customizable package. Begin in Berlin (capital city of Germany after been reunited, known for its festivals, architecture, nightlife, contemporary arts and a high quality of living); and then, catch a train to Prague (known for its Old Town Square, with colorful baroque buildings, gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock).

The Fairy Tale Alpine Route (Self Drive) (10 nights)

Take an unforgettable vacation through Alpines cities in Germany with a Rental Car . Discover: Munich (famous for its beautiful architecture, fine culture, public park, museums and the annual Oktoberfest beer celebration), Fussen (historically been a major centre for violin making, with the eclectic Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle lie southeast of the town), Rothenburg (well known for its well-preserved medieval old town), Heidelberg (a city with a dreamy, romantic setting around the Old Bridge and the castle, nestled between the Neckar River and the foothills of the Odenwald forest) and Stuttgart (historical to modern and nature to architecture and known as the "cradle of the automobile", with home to famous automobile museums).

Yes, you can combine with: Netherlands | Italy | Hungary | France | England | Czech Republic | Austria

• Munich - Salzburg - Vienna by Train (6 nights from $1469)
• Berlin - Prague - Vienna by Train (9 nights from $1689)
• Berlin - Prague - Vienna - Budapest by Train (12 nights from $1689)
• Berlin - Dresden - Prague by Train (6 nights from $1339)
• Amsterdam and Berlin by Air (6 nights from $1329)
• Paris and Berlin by Air (6 nights from $1539)
• London and Berlin by Air (6 nights from $1409)
• London - Paris and Berlin (9 nights from $1649)
• Castles and Cities (Self Drive) (8 nights from $1669)
• Paris - Munich - Rome by Train (9 nights from $1769)
• Munich - Prague - Vienna - Budapest by Train (12 nights from $1799)
• Prague - Vienna - Salzburg - Munich by Train (8 nights from $1789)

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12 Day Germany Tour to Hamburg, Berlin and Munich

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Explore Berlin with a Local Specialist

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

Visit the Berlin TV Tower, Mödlareuth Open Air Museum and Neuschwanstein Castle

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EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF GERMANY’S PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE IN 12 DAYS

From castles that appear to have sprung from the pages of a Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale to exceptional future-proof food experiences, our Best of Germany tour has it all.

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When adventure calls, answer it with a customized vacation package to Germany. Wherever your travels lead and whatever you plan to do, get ready to immerse yourself in a destination with so much to offer. Why not organize your trip to Germany around a few of its most popular cities? Munich , Frankfurt and Berlin are terrific places to start. Start packing your suitcase, because your Germany vacation is just clicks away with Expedia.

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From medieval castles to glittering skyscrapers, the fairy-tale splendor of the Alps to the forest-fringed coastline of the Baltic Sea, Germany is a sightseer’s paradise.

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Day 1-2: Home to Germany’s busiest airport, Frankfurt is where most travelers start their journey. Take in the towering skyscrapers of the country’s financial center from a river cruise before admiring some art at its world-class galleries and museums.

Day 3-4: Rent a car and head south to Nuremberg. Famous for its post-WWII war crimes trials, this city also boasts some stunning architecture. See the best of it with a walking tour through the Old Town.

Day 5-6: Continue your road trip to Munich. No visit would be complete without a stop at Marienplatz, English Garden and Nymphenburg Palace.

Germany Information

Running from September to October in Munich, Oktoberfest is one of the world’s most well-known festivals. Don your lederhosen, follow the crowds and sample some of the famous Bavarian beer.

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Frankfurt is best known for its frankfurters, and their sausage recipes still play a major role in the city's identity. When you visit, you can try a wide variety of different sausage dishes, including some that have taken ideas from other cultures as well. Additionally, you'll find several impressive museums and historic sites to explore if you want to take a peek into the past.

Take a trip back in time on a Hamburg vacation

When you visit Hamburg, you'll probably find yourself drawn to the harbor area. This area is one of the most well-preserved historical spaces in the entire city, and you'll find shops and restaurants among the impressive sights as well. Local museums can offer valuable insight into the city's history and the shifts in culture that happened throughout the 20th century and beyond.

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Munich is a city known for its traditional celebrations and master-crafted beer. Tradition and beer come together every year here for Oktoberfest, a festival so popular that it's replicated all over the world in areas with even mild Bavarian influences. The nightlife scene here is also thriving, with plenty of bars and clubs to visit after the sun goes down.

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Home » Destinations » Europe » Germany » 5-14 Day Germany Itinerary: A Guide For Planning Your Perfect Germany Trip

5-14 Day Germany Itinerary: A Guide For Planning Your Perfect Germany Trip

Links in this article may earn us a little money if you book/ order stuff. More here .

Plan Your Perfect Germany Itinerary with These Detailed Templates!

If you’re looking to plan the perfect trip around Germany, you are in luck! We’re passionate about exploring Germany because it’s a great country – and because Lisa is German!

Jokes aside, we’ve been lucky enough (and have made it a point) to see lots of different parts of the country – from the sea in the north to the mountains in the south. That said, Germany can be a tough country to plan a route or road trip through because there is just so much to see and do!

So, whether you’re looking for the best week in Germany or a Germany itinerary that covers 5 days or 14 days – here’s our master guide with 7 detailed Germany itineraries by train and/or by car! We’ve got cities, attractions, hotels and accommodations, directions, and distances to help you plan the best Germany travel route for you!

We’ve got other great posts to help you plan a visit to Germany:

• Must-Knows + Tips for Travelling to Germany for the First Time
• Helpful German Phrases to Get You By
• Discover 30 Beautiful Places in Germany
• Our Top Hostels in Germany (Stayed at all of them)

Table of Contents

Things to Consider When Travelling in Germany

Before you plan your trip to Germany, there are some things that you should know and keep in mind to make planning easier and to have a successful trip. While you probably know that the currency used in Germany is the Euro, here are some other topics that you should consider as well.

Best Time of Year to Visit Germany

Germany is actually a destination that you can visit year round – but it is important to plan accordingly and go in with the right expectations. If you’re planning a trip during the spring – let’s say from March to May – you could absolutely have beautiful weather… but it may also just rain a lot.

Unfortunately, the weather can be quite difficult to predict. However, as long as you prepare for different possibilities, you can have a great time no matter the weather! Generally you can say that Germany has a moderate climate with cool and rainy winters (more snowy the farther south you get) and warm – but not overly hot – summers.

July and August are usually the warmest months with an average temperature around 20°C. However, there can be days where you have 30°C. Of course, this can vary depending on the exact location you’re travelling to. Often, it is colder by the north coast than it is farther south. 

We would honestly recommend that you avoid visiting the country in July if you dislike crowds since this is when the majority of kids are on their summer break from school. As a result, some cities can get quite busy.

Typically, we would recommend travelling in May or June and then from the end of August until the end of September (or even the middle of October). However, there is also a great reason to plan a Germany trip during the winter because of the many beautiful Christmas markets that you could visit at that time of year!

Public Transportation in Germany

Public transportation in Germany is quite good, especially when compared to North America. Yes, sometimes us Germans like to complain about the “Deutsche Bahn” – the German train company – but at the same time we are also super glad that it exists and works well. 

If you’re wondering: Yes, all the itineraries mentioned below can absolutely be done if you want to take the train (minus the odd day trip to a castle here and there). If you want to check a train connection and/or buy tickets in advance you can do so on the DB Website . Alternatively, you can also download the DB app to your phone. We both have it and use it regularly. 

As an alternative to the train, you can sometimes also use the bus to get from one city/town to another. Since 2013 (before this date it wasn’t allowed), long distance buses have established their presence in more and more cities and are now a popular way to get around for people who are more conscious of their money.

Unfortunately long distance train tickets can sometimes get quite expensive if you don’t book in advance – so the bus can be a good alternative in some cases.

The most popular long distance bus company in Germany is probably Flixbus. We have also used them multiple times to get between cities. If you want to look at the schedule and/or book a ticket, you can do so on their website .

In addition to the trains and long distance buses, the public transport within the cities is also usually pretty good – especially in bigger centres. Many of the cities – or transport associations – have their own transport apps. So, if you know where you are going and plan on using the local buses, trams, metros, etc. then downloading the local transport app would be a great idea!

Car Rental in Germany

If you want to rent a car and plan a Germany road trip, then that is certainly an option as well. Driving in Germany is generally pretty safe and people are not usually as reckless as in some countries in the south of Europe. However, it can get a little crazy in bigger cities like Berlin or Munich – especially if you are not used to driving in bigger centres. 

In Germany, you drive on the right side as it is done in the United States, Canada, and many other countries as well. You have probably heard of the “Autobahn” – that’s simply the German name for our highway system. If you follow any of these itineraries, you’ll drive on many different highways. 

While it is true that there is no speed limit in some parts of the Autobahn, there are lots of sections where there are actually speed limits in place. You can usually find limits imposed at/around construction zones along the way – so don’t think you can just speed all the time.

And PLEASE don’t drive on the Autobahn like you would on a highway in the United States or Canada – pass on the left and then get back over . If you’re going slower than other cars, there’s no need for you to be in the left (or even in the middle) lane. You can probably tell that this is something that Lisa complains about in Canada frequently, haha. 

Since Germany is such a popular destination, there are lots of different rental car agencies to choose from. You can compare prices from different agencies for the duration of your trip with this handy rental car comparison tool . Please make sure to read the fine print so you know whether you need extra insurance, etc.

Also please be aware that many people in Germany drive cars with a stick shift. Rental cars with automatic transmissions exist, but the numbers available are usually lower and these cars might be slightly more expensive.

We’d also recommend that you reserve an automatic car well in advance if you need one – just so you can make sure that one is available for you. It probably wouldn’t be fun learning how to drive a stick shift while on a road trip in a foreign country. 

Travel Insurance for Germany

If you’re planning a trip to Germany and you’re not from another EU country, then you should make sure to get travel insurance for the duration of your trip!

While you’ll probably be fine, accidents do happen and it could get really expensive if you’re not covered. That’s why we always travel with insurance.

If you live in another EU country and have health insurance there, you can get the blue health insurance card with which you are covered in other EU countries in emergency cases, as well.

If you don’t have that option – or are from outside of Europe – we recommend that you get private travel insurance.

Germany Itinerary 5 Days

If you only have a few days to travel through Germany, then have a look below at the two 5-day itineraries we have created. For these itineraries, we have assumed that you are not already in the country so they all start and end in bigger cities.

This should help make it easier for you to fly in/out of an airport with good connections if you are coming from overseas.

Depending on your preferences, you can choose between a trip through the northern part of Germany or a trip through the south of the country (mainly Bavaria). If you are interested in bigger cities and/or harbours, then we’d recommend the northern route.

In case you prefer half-timbered houses and beautiful old towns, then you should have a look at the southern route instead. Of course, you can always modify any itinerary to better suit your interests!

Germany Itinerary 5 Days – North

This 5-day Germany itinerary through the northern part of the country can certainly be considered a “sampler-type” of itinerary since you get to see the two biggest cities in the country – but not much more than that.

That’s completely fine though – you can only see so much in five days anyway. If you are interested in bigger cities and don’t have more than a few days, then this itinerary would be great for you!

The total driving time for this itinerary would be about 5 hours 30 minutes with a total distance of approx. 520 km. Of course, this can change depending on the route you are taking and the time of day you are travelling. Commuter traffic could add quite a bit of travel time to your journey.

Day 1+2: Berlin Day 3: Bremen Day 4+5: Hamburg

Day 1+2: Berlin

Berlin is a great place to start your adventure since it is the German capital, has multiple airports close by, and has really good train connections.

Since Berlin is such a popular tourist and business city, the car rental industry is well established and there are many different rental agencies to choose from.

— Compare prices from rental car companies in Berlin here

However, since you are only visiting bigger cities on this relatively short itinerary, we believe that a rental car is probably not necessary. Instead, for this trip, it might make more sense to take the train.

Since Berlin is such a big city with lots of things to do, it is worth it to spend (at least) two days in the city. So, remember to book your accommodation in Berlin for two nights .

Accommodation in Berlin : Berlin is a massive sprawling city with loads of different areas to stay and different accommodation options. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Berlin .

If you are travelling to Berlin with a car, you’ll need a place to park. Check out Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte for a stay right in the middle of the city close to Museum Island and other top attractions. It also has a tasty breakfast. Park Plaza has free parking on the street near the hotel (if available) or else it’s for a fee (but a reasonable price considering you’re in the middle).

If you are arriving into Berlin by train, you can check out NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie . Located in the city centre right near the top sight “Checkpoint Charlie”, this popular hotel is in the heart of the action/attractions and is easy to get to via modes of public transit (metro – called the “U” for U-bahn).

If you are searching for a hostel/hotel, check out PLUS Berlin . Located over near the East Side Gallery (the piece of the Berlin wall with the artwork on it), Eric stayed here and really liked it! It’s also very easy to get to using public transit and is close to other areas to go out, etc.

Must-see Attractions in Berlin:

• Brandenburg Gate
• East Side Gallery (Berlin Wall)

We have also written a whole article about classic tourist attractions in Berlin in case you’d like some more inspiration. If you’re looking for some tips on how you could spend a day in Berlin, have a look at our One Day in Berlin Guide .

Day 3: Bremen

On the third day of your 5 days in Germany, you’ll head for Bremen. We’d recommend that you do the drive/train ride in the morning so you have enough time to explore the city once you get there.

Bremen is a hanseatic city with a nice old town – the market square with the town hall and the cathedral is especially popular. In German-speaking countries, the city is also known for a tale called the “Town Musicians of Bremen” by the Brothers Grimm. You’ll come across the animals of the tale (donkey, dog, cat, and rooster) many times as you stroll through the city.

The drive from Berlin to Bremen will take you approximately 4 hrs 10 min by car , but only around 3 hrs by train . If you take the train, try to book in advance if you can as this will usually save you some money.

Accommodation in Bremen: Bremen is a popular city to explore and it’s also on the larger side so you’ll find plenty of accommodations to suit your needs. There are hotels in the city centre/old town which put you within walking distance of the river and top attractions. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Bremen .

For a popular choice in the historic middle, you should check out the very popular Radisson Blu Hotel Bremen . Funny story – we know there’s underground parking because we parked there when we visited Bremen by car.

If you want to stay closer to the train station just outside the historic centre (but still very central), check out the Dorint City-Hotel Bremen . This lovely and also very popular hotel is close to the pretty Windmill and flower gardens and has water views just outside the old city walls.

Must-see Attractions in Bremen:

• Marktplatz with Town Hall and Cathedral
• Böttcherstraße
• Schnoorviertel

If you want some more tips for Bremen, have a look at our detailed Things to do in Bremen Guide .

Day 4+5: Hamburg

Hamburg is the second-biggest German city and the last stop on this short itinerary. We have been to Hamburg numerous times now and it is actually one of our favourite bigger German cities. You’ll find that the atmosphere of the city is very different than in Berlin. Not necessarily better or worse – just different.

Interesting (and slightly irrelevant) fact: The cities you visit on this itinerary are the three city states that exist in Germany in addition to the 13 area states such as Bavaria, Nordrhine-Westphalia etc.

The drive from Bremen to Hamburg is actually pretty simple and should only take around 1 hour 30 minutes by car and just around 1 hour if you take an ICE (fast train) . The train connection between these two cities is great with trains running pretty frequently. That should make it quite easy to find a train connection that works for your schedule.

Accommodation in Hamburg : Hamburg is popular city with loads of different accommodations and areas to stay in. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Hamburg .

If you are travelling to Hamburg with a car, you might want to check out the Mövenpick Hotel Hamburg . Located in an old water tower, this unique hotel has a number of cool features with stunning views and parking onsite. It’s very popular – and also close to public transit for getting around!

If you are travelling to Hamburg by train, ARCOTEL Rubin Hamburg is a great hotel option for you to check out. Located in the cool area of St. Georg, you can easily walk to the hotel from the train station. It’s also walkable to other parts of the city centre and other attractions.

If you are looking for a hostel in Hamburg, you might want to check out Generator Hamburg as a reliable and popular hostel stay close to central station and the heart of the city.

If you want more details about accommodations in the city, we have a more detailed guide on where to stay in Hamburg .

Must-see Attractions in Hamburg:

• Speicherstadt
• Elbphilharmonie
• St. Pauli Piers

As one of our first ever articles on Penguin and Pia, we actually wrote a short Hamburg Guide . Have a look if you want some more Hamburg inspiration. Unfortunately it’s not nearly as detailed as our newer article – looks like it’s time for an update!

Germany Itinerary 5 Days – South

If you would like to explore the southern part of Germany instead of the north, then we would recommend the following 5 days Southern Germany itinerary. Compared to the northern itinerary, this trip includes stops in some smaller towns and cities. So, if you are interested in seeing some places of various sizes, beautiful old towns, and maybe a castle, then this might be a good itinerary for you.

The driving distance of this trip is just around 680 kilometres with a total driving time of approx. 7 hours . Depending on your mode of transportation, this can – of course – vary slightly.

Day 1: Munich Day 2: Regensburg Day 3: Nuremberg Day 4: Stuttgart Day 5: Munich

Day 1: Munich

We are starting (and ending) this itinerary in Munich since it is an easy airport to fly in and out of from other parts of the world. If you are coming from another part of Europe by train, the connections to Munich are also usually pretty good.

Munich is the third-biggest German city and a very popular tourist destination. International travellers often mainly know the city because of the Oktoberfest which happens every year from the middle of September until October.

However, there is so much more to do and see in Munich than just the “Wiesn” (as the Oktoberfest is sometimes called as well). We are always happy to return to Munich because there is just so much to explore.

If you are thinking about renting a car for this itinerary, then you’ll be happy to know that it is quite easy to get a rental car in Munich. You can either pick it up directly at the airport after you land (if you arrive by plane) or in the city centre before you head to the next stop on this journey.

— Compare prices from rental car companies in Munich here

Accommodation in Munich: Munich is very large and popular city so finding a place to stay is no problem. The issue becomes that there are too many places to choose from! That said, you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Munich .

Specifically, we stayed at the very popular H2 Hotel München Olympiapark and we would highly recommend it for the value for money. The hotel has nice, cozy rooms, a super great breakfast buffet, and has a metro station steps from the front entrance to take you to the city centre.

There’s also onsite parking which makes this hotel perfect if you are travelling to Munich by car. The famous Olympic Park and BMW Museum are close by, too!

If you want to stay a little more in the city centre, then check out the Platzl Hotel Superior . This trendy hotel is in the heart of the Old Town just steps from top attractions like Marienplatz and the famous Hofbräuhaus. It’s also easy to get to the central train station either walking or on the metro.

If you are looking for more details on accommodations in this massive city, we wrote a detailed guide on where to stay in Munich .

Must-see Attractions in Munich:

• Marienplatz with New Town Hall
• Olympic Park
• Victuals Market
• English Garden

We also have a great little guide on how to spend one day in Munich if you want more details.

Day 2: Regensburg

On day two of your trip you’ll be on your way to Regensburg, a small city in Bavaria on the Danube river. Due to its location by the river, Regensburg is a popular stop for people on a river cruise. So don’t be surprised if you see many different tour groups in the Old Town.

We recently spent a couple of days in Regensburg to get to know the city better and enjoyed our time there. One of the highlights is the Old Stone Bridge in the city centre which was built in the 12th century. We actually filmed a small YouTube video in Regensburg – which you can watch here if you are curious about what the city looks like.

The journey from Munich to Regensburg takes approximately 1 hr 20 minutes by car and around 1 hr 30 minutes by train . If you decide to travel by train – and especially if you are travelling with other people – we would recommend that travel with a “Bayernticket” (Bavaria Ticket). This ticket for train travel within the state of Bavaria usually allows you to save some money compared to regular prices.

Accommodation in Regensburg:  If you are staying a night in Regensburg, you’ll have a number of great accommodations to choose from. To get started, you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Regensburg .

When we visited the city, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express – Regensburg and really liked it. It’s a newer hotel and it really shows. The breakfast was excellent and there is even an onsite parking garage if you are travelling with a car. It’s not in the Old Town or near the river – but we did walk there one day and it only took about 15 minutes.

If you are travelling by train and you are on-foot, then check out the Altstadthotel Am Pach . This simple hotel is located right in the heart of the old town so you’re close to everything there is to see and do in Regensburg – including the beautiful Danube River. They also have breakfast included.

Must-see Attractions in Regensburg:

• Old Stone Bridge
• St Peter Cathedral

We are currently still working on our Regensburg Guide – but we’ll link it here once it is published.

Day 3: Nuremberg

On the third day of this 5 day Southern Germany itinerary you’ll drive – or take the train – from Regensburg to Nuremberg. Nuremberg is a medium sized city in a part of Bavaria called Franconia. If you pay attention, you might notice that the dialect spoken here is quite different from that spoken in Munich and other places farther south.

Lisa actually grew up in this part of Germany so she has been to Nuremberg many, many times. Last year we also went to explore the city together and had a great time. Travellers from abroad mainly know the city for the Nuremberg Trials which took place there after World War II. You can certainly learn alot of history in this German city!

Since Nuremberg is quite close to Regensburg the drive won’t be long – giving you slightly more time to explore the city.

The journey takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes by car and between 1-2 hours by train depending on which train you take (some stop more often than others). Once again, a regional ticket – such as the Bavaria Ticket – will probably save you some money if you travel with more people.

Accommodation in Nuremberg : Since Nuremberg is a very popular city to visit in Germany, there are many, many places to stay scattered throughout the city centre and around it. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Nuremberg .

When we visited, we stayed at Five Reasons Hotel and Hostel and we really liked it. Located just inside the medieval city walls, we were really close to the train station and yet also steps from top attractions like the Germanisches Nationalmuseum. The place was bright and great value for the price which we liked a lot.

Close to Five Reasons, we had friends stay at the Sheraton Carlton Nuremberg and they loved it. We actually saw it with our own eyes – it had a pool with views of the city among other perks. There’s also a parking lot right across from the hotel if you’re coming to Nuremberg by car. It’s walking distance to the old centre and the central train station so best of all worlds!

Must-see Attractions in Nuremberg:

• Imperial Castle of Nuremberg (Kaiserburg)
• Documentation Center + Nazi Party Rally Grounds
• Albrecht Dürer’s House

As is the case with Regensburg, we are also still working on our article for Nuremberg. Once it’s live, we’ll link it here.

Day 4: Stuttgart

Stuttgart is the capital of the German state called Baden-Württemberg and the only place on this itinerary that is not located in Bavaria. The city is mainly known for being a “car hub” since both Mercedes-Benz and Porsche have their headquarters there. There are also museums dedicated to both car brands.

Stuttgart is a bit smaller than Munich but there is still a lot to see. In fact, one day won’t be enough to see the whole city – but it’ll allow you to get a good first impression. Next to the car museums, you could visit some of the many green spaces and/or old buildings that the city has to offer.

Driving from Nuremberg to Stuttgart by car will take you approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. If you have the time, you could even take a small detour and stop in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, known for its picturesque Old Town.

By train , the journey from Nuremberg to Stuttgart will take between 2 hrs 10 minutes and 2 hrs 30 minutes – depending on the type of train you are taking. Try to book your ticket in advance if possible as this can save you some money.

Accommodation in Stuttgart: There are many places to stay in Stuttgart – especially in the city centre. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Stuttgart .

If you’re travelling to Stuttgart with a car, check out the Abalon Hotel ideal . Located very much in the city centre, this popular hotel has an underground parking garage and offers a good breakfast selection.

If you’re travelling to Stuttgart by train, you can check out the Pension am Heusteig . This guesthouse-style accommodation doesn’t have parking but offers a great breakfast and is a doable walk or metro ride from the train station. Funny enough, these two accommodations are very close to one another!

Must-see Attractions in Stuttgart:

• Schlossplatz
• Mercedes-Benz Museum
• Staatsgalerie Stuttgart

Day 5: Munich

On the last day of your trip you’ll make your way back to Munich since it is usually easier to leave Germany through the Munich airport than smaller airports in the surrounding area.

However, if you don’t have to get to an airport – and/or are taking the train home – you could also stay an extra night in Stuttgart if you wanted. Both cities are worth spending an extra few hours in – so you really just have to see what works best for you.

If you decide to get back to Munich, then the journey from Stuttgart to Munich will take approximately 2 hours 20 minutes by car and just slightly less (2 hrs 15 minutes) by train .

Accommodation in Munich : We already went over accommodations in Munich in Day 1 of this itinerary. So, you can head back up for the full details – but we would highly, highly recommend the H2 Hotel München Olympiapark as great value for money with great breakfast, parking, and a metro stop outside the front door.

Don’t forget we also have our detailed guide on where to stay in Munich if you want to have a deeper look at accommodations in the city.

We also have a post on spending one day in Munich if you want more details about the city!

Germany Itinerary 7 Days

If you have slightly more time to explore Germany, we have also created two 7 day Germany itineraries for you. Similar to the 5 day itineraries, we made two different itineraries since it’s pretty much impossible to see the whole country in just a week.

Instead of a northern and southern itinerary, this time we have focused on the western and eastern parts of the country. But please don’t read too much into that description – we use the terms quite loosely. As always, you’re welcome to modify any part of the itinerary to make it better fit your schedule/interests.

Germany Travel Itinerary 7 Days – West

For this itinerary, the total driving time would be around 14 – 15 hours and the distance would be slightly over 1100 km . For these calculations, we included the day trip to Monschau (and back to Cologne) as well as the day trip to Freiburg im Breisgau (and back to Stuttgart), which would be a longer day trip anyway.

So, depending on which day trips you decide to add on to (or remove from) this itinerary, your driving time and distance could be noticeably different than the estimates given above!

Day 1: Cologne Day 2: Day Trip to Monschau/Aachen Day 3: Koblenz Day 4: Frankfurt Day 5: Heidelberg Day 6: Stuttgart Day 7: Stuttgart / Day Trip to Freiburg im Breisgau

Day 1: Cologne

As we have already explained above, we like to start these itineraries in bigger cities to make it easier for people from overseas to get to Germany and start their adventure without hassle. Cologne is Germany’s fourth-biggest city (by population) and has two pretty good airports (Airport “Köln Bonn” and Airport “Düsseldorf”) close by for those coming from far away.

If you want to rent a car for this itinerary, it should be pretty easy to get one in Cologne since it’s quite an international city with lots of visitors.

— Compare prices from rental car companies in Cologne here

Cologne is a pretty spread-out city so you won’t be able to see the whole city in a day or two. However, the highlight of the city is certainly the Cologne Cathedral which is located right next to the central station and the Rhine River.

Make sure to plan some time to visit this impressive building – we always spend much longer in there than we originally plan. It’s free to enter so it can get very crowded depending on the day and time you’re visiting.

Accommodation in Cologne : Cologne is a very big city with multiple areas to stay in. As such, there are lots of accommodation options across the city. Wherever you book, remember to book your accommodation for two nights since you will go on a day trip and then return to Cologne on the second day. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Cologne .

We have stayed in the Lindner Hotel City Plaza and loved it. The floors all have themes (we got Cologne Zoo with animals), the breakfast buffet is absolutely fantastic, and it’s a short walk to the Cathedral along one main street. There’s also parking available at/near the hotel for those with a car.

If you want to stay more in the heart of the city centre, check out something like the CityClass Hotel Residence am Dom . It’s popular, centrally located with shops and restaurants around, and only a short walk to the train station.

If you are looking for a hostel in Cologne, Eric once stayed at Cologne Downtown Hostel and it was honestly excellent. There’s a grocery store right below it and it’s located in the city centre. It also has a large balcony to enjoy the sunshine from!

Must-see Attractions in Cologne:

• Cologne Cathedral
• Cologne Chocolate Museum

Day 2: Day Trip to Monschau/Aachen

On the second day of this Germany itinerary, you have a few different option: you can either spend another day in Cologne if you feel like you haven’t seen enough of the city yet or take a day trip to Monschau or Aachen. Both of these are two places not too far from Cologne.

Monschau is a popular day trip in the area mainly because of its picturesque buildings in the old town. In fact, you probably have already seen photos of it on social media. To get to Monschau from Cologne, you can either drive or take a combination of trains and buses.

Getting to Monschau takes around 1 hr 40 minutes by car and approx. 2 hours by public transport . To visit Monschau by public transport, you can take the regional train from Cologne to Aachen-Rothe Erde and then take Bus #66 from there to Monschau.

Must-see Attractions in Monschau:

• Monschau Castle

If you want to go on a day trip but don’t want to venture that far, then Aachen would be another great option. This city is actually Germany’s most western city very close to the borders of The Netherlands and Belgium.

We’ve lived close to Aachen for a while and have written a whole guide full of things to do in Aachen that you should read if you want more information. In our opinion, one day is the perfect amount of time to explore the city since it doesn’t have that many attractions and the old town in the city centre is quite compact (but still very pretty).

Getting from Cologne to Aachen is also very easy. It takes approx. 1 hr 20 minutes by car and just around 50 minutes by regional train . You should look into getting a “Schönes Tag Ticket NRW” for the day if you’re travelling with more people as this can save you some money.

Must-see Attractions in Aachen:

• Aachen Cathedral
• Elisenbrunnen

Day 3: Koblenz

From Cologne, your journey continues to Koblenz – another city on the Rhine River. Koblenz is a smaller German city with a population of slightly over 110,000 inhabitants.

There are quite a few castles and nice hikes in the area which are easy to reach from Koblenz – just in case you decide that you don’t want to spend the day in the city. Depending on the time of year, you could also look into booking a boat tour on the Rhine river. This way, you get a unique perspective of the beautiful region.

Getting from Cologne to Koblenz is pretty easy and will take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car and between 50 minutes and 1 hr 10 minutes by train . We really like this train journey since the tracks follow the river for a majority of the trip. As a result, you get some really nice views – and might even spot some of the beautiful castles in the area!

Accommodation in Koblenz: Koblenz is certainly not a huge city – but you’ll still find a good number of places to stay for a night or two. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Koblenz .

For a hotel right in the city centre, check out the Sander Hotel . This lovely hotel is super popular and close to shops and the rivers. If you are arriving to Koblenz by car, there is onsite parking at the hotel. However, since the city is smaller you can also easily reach the hotel by walking from the central train station.

Must-see Attractions in Koblenz:

• Deutsches Eck
• Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
• Koblenz Cable Car

Day 4: Frankfurt

The next stop on your itinerary is Frankfurt, arguably one of the country’s most popular transport hubs due to the busy Frankfurt airport. Frankfurt is an interesting city that divided people: some people really enjoy it while other people don’t like it at all. To be fair, we haven’t spent enough time in the city to really solidify our opinion.

Either way, we do believe that Frankfurt is a stop that you shouldn’t miss if you are trying to get to know different areas of Germany. Known as the financial hub of Germany, this city with its many skyscrapers can feel quite a bit more modern than other German cities. However, the city also has a beautiful, historical market square that you should visit.

The journey from Koblenz to Frankfurt is another easy one – and if you are taking the train (we would recommend that!), you’ll once again follow the Rhine River for big parts of the journey and be rewarded with some great views.

The train ride will probably be between 1 hr 25 minutes and 2 hrs 12 minutes long – depending on the connection you choose. By car , the trip will take around 1 hr 30 minutes . Of course, this can vary depending on traffic.

Accommodation in Frankfurt : There are loads of places to stay in Frankfurt given its popularity and size. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Frankfurt .

A great option in Frankfurt is the Motel One Frankfurt-Römer . Located very much in the heart of the city centre close to the old town and river, this cool hotel has underground parking if you are arriving to Frankfurt by/with a car. It also serves up a great breakfast!

If you are arriving by train to Frankfurt, you should check out Fleming’s Express Hotel Frankfurt . Located literally right beside the central station (which is in the city centre), this upscale hotel is very popular because it’s very affordable and also has a great breakfast.

Must-see Attractions in Frankfurt:

• Palmengarten

Day 5: Heidelberg

After your day in Frankfurt, you’re heading to Heidelberg which is actually one of our favourite German cities. The highlight of the city is certainly the castle on top of the hill which is visible from many different parts of the city.

Heidelberg is smaller than Frankfurt so you can see quite a bit in just 24 hours. The Old Town is beautiful and lots of attractions are located there. Our highlight was probably the tower climb of the Church of the Holy Spirit. From up there, you get a beautiful view of the Old Town. A very close second was the cable car ride up to the Königstuhl which was lots of fun – even in the rain.

Getting from Frankfurt to Heidelberg won’t take too long. The journey will be approximately one hour by car and between 45 minutes and 1 hr 30 minutes by train – depending on which type of train you are taking.

Accommodation in Heidelberg: If you’re heading for Heidelberg (good choice), there are lots of great places to stay. You can check here for hotels and accommodations in Heidelberg .

We stayed a little outside the old town – but close to the train station – at NinetyNine Heidelberg City . This hotel was really, really great. The beds were comfy and the decor has animals everywhere – you have to see it to understand!

There’s onsite parking (paid) and street parking (free, but not guaranteed) if you are travelling with a car. There’s also a tram stop right outside the hotel to get directly into the city centre in minutes.

If you are looking to stay in the historic old town, then check out colourful hotels like  Hotel Holländer Hof  which overlooks the river or Hotel Zum Ritter St.Georg which is literally overlooking the main Marktplatz.

Must-see Attractions in Heidelberg:

• Heidelberg Palace
• Church of the Holy Spirit (mainly tower climb)

If you want to learn some more about Heidelberg and what there is to do, you can read our detailed Heidelberg Guide here .

Day 6: Stuttgart

The next day you will drive to Stuttgart, a city that we’ve already mentioned in one of our Germany itineraries for 5 days. As we have already mentioned, you’ll probably really enjoy Stuttgart if you are interested in cars.

Even if you aren’t, there is still lots for you to explore. Did you know that wine also plays a huge role in Stuttgart and the surrounding region? If this is something that interests you and you’re there in the summer (specifically around the end of August), then you should stop by the “Stuttgarter Weindorf” (“wine village”) – but obviously, please don’t drink and drive.

As for getting from Heidelberg to Stuttgart, the journey will take you approximately 1 hr 20 minutes by car and between 40 minutes and 1 hr 30 minutes by train . As mentioned before, the time differs depending on the type of train you are choosing.

Accommodation in Stuttgart: Stuttgart has many places to stay so you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Stuttgart .

Be sure to see the Abalon Hotel ideal if you have a car. This hotel has underground parking available and a tasty breakfast. It’s also in the city centre which makes sightseeing easy.

Those coming to Stuttgart by train should look at the Pension am Heusteig . It’s a guesthouse that is located not too far from the first hotel here and it’s a doable walk or metro ride from the central station.

Day 7: Stuttgart / Day Trip to Freiburg im Breisgau

For this itinerary, you can decide how you would like to spend your last day. You could either spend another day to explore more of Stuttgart (and maybe relax for a bit) or you could head farther south and spend a day in Freiburg im Breisgau. We really enjoyed spending time in this small city in the south of Germany during our visit.

We are currently still in the process of writing our Freiburg guide, but we’ll link it here once it’s done. However, a good way to start your exploration of the city is by wandering the old town.

In Freiburg, you’ll find that many of the cobblestoney streets have small water-filled runnels – called Bächle – running alongside it. Sometimes they even have small yellow ducks in them!

The journey from Stuttgart to Freiburg im Breisgau is slightly longer than most other parts of this itinerary. It takes approximately 2 hrs 30 minutes by car and around 2 hours by train . Since this train journey will probably include at least one ICE (the fast train), we’d recommend that you book your train tickets early if you can to save some money.

Must-see Attractions in Freiburg:

• Freiburger Münster (Cathedral)
• Schlossberg + Tower
• New + Old Town Hall

Germany Travel Itinerary 7 Days – East

If the other week-long Germany itinerary doesn’t interest you and/or you really want to visit the German capital Berlin, then you might prefer this eastern route instead.

The driving time would be just slightly over 10 hours and would be approximately 900 km driving distance – including the day trip to Potsdam (which would honestly be easier with public transport, though)!

Day 1: Berlin Day 2: Berlin / Day Trip to Potsdam Day 3: Dresden Day 4: Erfurt Day 5: Bamberg Day 6+7: Munich

Day 1: Berlin

Once again, this itinerary begins in Berlin since it is one of the big cities that is easier to get to for people coming from overseas. Similar to the five day itinerary that started in Berlin, you’ll stay two nights in the German capital. There is just too much to see to spend only one day – and even in two days you wouldn’t be able to explore everything.

In case you’ve already been to Berlin on a different trip and/or aren’t a huge fan of big cities, we also give you the option of a day trip to Potsdam (a city close by) on the second day. More on that below.

Accommodation in Berlin : Finding a place to stay in Berlin can be tough because there are just so many options. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Berlin .

If you have a car, check out Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte . Located right in the middle of the city close to Museum Island, this hotel has a great breakfast and free parking on the street behind the hotel. Otherwise, parking is paid but for a decent price for the city centre.

Those without a car travelling by train should see the NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie . If you want a hotel close to a top attraction that is easy to get to with public transport, this is definitely one of them!

Across the city, PLUS Berlin is a really good hostel/hotel that Eric stayed at a few years ago. It’s a big place but it was a great stay over by the East Side Gallery (part of the Berlin Wall with the graffiti on it).

As already mentioned above, if you want to read some more about Berlin, check out our articles on Things to do in Berlin and How to spend one day in Berlin .

Day 2: Berlin / Day Trip to Potsdam

On your second day, you can choose between spending another day in Berlin to see more of the German capital or going on a day trip to Potsdam – which is a smaller city not far from Berlin.

Potsdam is actually the capital city of the German state called Brandenburg. It’s most popular attraction is probably Sanssouci Palace with the beautiful Sanssouci Park surrounding it.

During our visit, we also enjoyed walking through the Dutch Quarter with its small shops and cafes. Since the city isn’t too big, one day gives you a chance to get a good impression and check out some of the more popular sights.

It is also very easy to get to Potsdam from Berlin. If you decide to drive , it’ll take you approx. 40 minutes , but it could be longer – traffic depending. We would honestly recommend that you do this day trip by taking public transport. This way, you don’t have to worry about traffic and/or finding a parking spot.

For trains, you can take the S-Train #7 (S7) from Berlin Central Station (as well as other train stations) straight to Potsdam Central Station. The journey will take around 35 minutes with trains running very frequently throughout the day.

Must-see Attractions in Potsdam:

• Sanssouci Palace
• Dutch Quarter
• Cecilienhof

Day 3: Dresden

The third day of this Germany itinerary will take you from Berlin to Dresden which is a German city close to the Czech border. To be honest, we haven’t spend that much time in Dresden yet – and it’s certainly on our list of places to visit this year.

One of the city’s main attractions – the Zwinger – is known across the country and a sight that you shouldn’t miss during your visit. It’s a beautiful palace built in a baroque style.

Fun fact: When Lisa was a kid, she didn’t actually know that the “Zwinger” was a palace. Since that word can also mean “dog kennel” in German, she was always confused as to why people would want to visit it during their time in Dresden!

As for getting from Berlin to Dresden, the drive will take you around 2 hrs 10 minutes by car  and  around 2 – 3 hours by train.  Once again, this depends on which connection you choose.

Accommodation in Dresden:  There are a number of accommodations in the compact “Innere Altstadt” close to the River Elbe for you to choose from. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Dresden .

For a great hotel option right in the old town, look no further than the Star Inn Hotel Premium Dresden im Haus Altmarkt . You’re a short walk to the train station, the river, and all the best old sights in Dresden if you stay here and arrive by train. If you come to Dresden by car, the hotel has discounted underground parking available.

Another option right in the old town (and even closer to the river) is Aparthotel am Schloss . Since this is an apartment-style hotel, it’s a great option if you are looking for more of a base to relax in a “home away from home”. It’s a very popular choice, too – and also has onsite parking.

Must-see Attractions in Dresden:

• Frauenkirche

Day 4: Erfurt

Erfurt is a popular city to visit in the middle of Germany – and it’s also the capital city of the German state Thuringia. We’ve spent some time in Erfurt a few months ago and instantly fell in love with the city. Its size is perfect (in our opinion) – giving you enough things to do without feeling overwhelming.

Maybe you’ve seen photos of one of the city’s most popular attractions, the Krämerbrücke. This bridge is not only pretty to look at and photograph, it’s also unique in the sense that there are buildings on the bridge and when you’re walking on it, you can’t actually see the water running below.

Visiting the bridge and climbing the tower of the Ägidienkirche, a church at one end of the bridge, is something we’d certainly recommend during your time in the city. We actually filmed a short video of our time exploring Erfurt. If you are interested in seeing what parts of the city look like, then you can find our video here .

Getting to Erfurt from Dresden won’t take you too long. It will take approx. 2 hours 20 minutes by car  and between 2 and slightly over 3 hours by train .

Accommodation in Erfurt:  Since Erfurt isn’t a huge city, there aren’t a ton of accommodations – but certainly more than enough to find one that works for your style and budget. You can check here for hotels and accommodations in Erfurt .

We stayed at  Gästehaus in der Gotthardtstraße  and really liked our stay. It’s located in a quiet neighbourhood just north of the city centre – a short walk to the Krämerbrücke. The host was lovely, the room was cozy, and there was secure onsite parking for those driving to Erfurt.

If you want to stay RIGHT in the city centre then you should check out  Hotel Krämerbrücke Erfurt which is right beside the famous bridge. This might be a good place to stay if you are travelling to Erfurt by train and you’re on-foot.

Must-see Attractions in Erfurt:

• Krämerbrücke
• Erfurt Cathedral
• Citadel Petersberg

For more details, have a look at our Things to do in Erfurt article .

Day 5: Bamberg

Bamberg is a small city – or larger town – in the German state called Bavaria. It’s actually located in a region called Franconia, which is noticeably different from the Bavaria that you might know in the area surrounding Munich, etc.

We’ve been to Bamberg multiple times over the years (it’s also close to the part of Germany where Lisa grew up) and are always happy to come back. Bamberg is known for its cute, historic old town which is actually a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the most popular buildings the city has to offer is the Old Town Hall (shown above) which is built on an artificial island. The story behind it is quite interesting.

The drive from Erfurt to Bamberg is doable and will take approx. 2 hrs by car and around 3 hrs by train . On the way, you’ll drive through quite a few tunnels since you’ll drive through an area known as “Thuringian Forest”.

Accommodation in Bamberg: Bamberg is a small place to visit so there aren’t a ton of options but still enough to find what you’re looking for. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Bamberg .

Anywhere you stay is basically in or close to the old town/city centre. For a place to stay with parking (for those arriving by car), check out Welcome Hotel Residenzschloss Bamberg . It’s located right on the river.

You might also want to see Palais Schrottenberg  to stay right in the middle of the Old Town! For reference, the train station is a short walk to the north of the river – not far from these places in the centre.

Must-see Attractions in Bamberg:

• Bamberg Cathedral
• Old Town Hall
• Alte Hofhaltung

If you want some more information about Bamberg, please read our detailed Bamberg, Germany Guide .

Day 6+7: Munich

From Bamberg, your journey will continue to Munich which will be the last stop on this 7 day eastern itinerary. Not only is this the third biggest city of the country, it is also one of the most internationally known destinations in Germany.

Whenever we come back to Munich, we always enjoy our time there. For some reason, the atmosphere always feels more laid back than in other big German cities and the people are usually quite friendly. We might also be a little bit biased, though, since Lisa grew up in this part of the country and is more used to the mentality, dialect etc. than in other parts of Germany.

For this itinerary, you’ll spend two days in Munich since there is quite a lot to see. Next to the obvious attractions like the Marienplatz with the New Town Hall and the Frauenkirche close by, there are also lots of museums and other things that you can explore.

If you’ve already been to Munich before and/or decide that one day in the city is enough for you, you could also opt for a day trip on one of these days. We’ve just recently written a whole Day Trips from Munich Guide , which you can browse through to get some inspiration!

Driving from Bamberg to Munich will take about 2 hrs 20 minutes by car and between 2 and 3 hrs by train . If you decide to only take regional trains instead of the ICE (fast train), you should look into getting the Bayernticket. This can save you some money, especially when you’re travelling with more people.

Accommodation in Munich:  Since Munich is so large and popular to visit, there is definitely no shortage of places to stay! You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Munich .

That said, we loved our stay at H2 Hotel München Olympiapark . Located up by the famous Olympic Park, we’d highly recommend it since it was amazing value for money. The breakfast was huge and delicious and there’s a metro station outside the lobby door that takes you into the heart of the old town in minutes. There’s also parking if you are arriving by car.

For a hotel that is a little more central, you should see the Platzl Hotel Superior this hotel is really popular – and for good reason. It’s located around the corner from attractions like Marienplatz and the famous beer hall, Hofbräuhaus.

For more help looking into accommodations and neighbourhoods in Munich, check out our where to stay in Munich guide .

(Check out our guide to one day in Munich if you want more details on things to do and see.)

Germany Itinerary 10 Days

Although we have tried to create short itineraries that allow you to see more than just the standard cities, it is no doubt easier to see more of Germany if you are able to travel for longer than one week. To give you a couple different options that you could look at (and then potentially modify), we have created two 10-day Germany itineraries.

Once again, we believe that ten days would not be enough time to see the whole country – and even if you managed to do that it would be too stressful (in our opinion). Both of the following itineraries give you a good mix of bigger and smaller cities as well as a few interesting day trips. So, have a look and see which one you like better!

Germany Itinerary 10 Days – North

If you’re interested in seeing more of the northern part of Germany and experiencing the mentality and way of life of people in the flatter part of the country, closer to the sea, then have a look at the following 10-day itinerary!

The total driving time would be slightly less than 17 hours with a distance of approx. 1470 kilometres. For these calculations, we have included the day trips to Schloss Drachenburg, Lübeck, and Flensburg. So, if you decide to skip any of these, your driving time and distance would obviously be slightly lower.

Day 1: Frankfurt Day 2: Bonn Day 3: Day Trip to Schloss Drachenburg / Cologne Day 4: Münster Day 5: Hanover Day 6: Hamburg Day 7: Day Trip to Lübeck Day 8: Day Trip to Flensburg Day 9+10: Berlin

Day 1: Frankfurt

Similar to some of the other itineraries mentioned in this article, we start this 10-day itinerary in Frankfurt. By now you should probably already know why – Frankfurt has the biggest airport of the country which should make it easier for people coming from overseas to get to Germany and start their adventure.

Furthermore, Frankfurt is quite centrally located so it is easy to get to many different cities from here. So even if you decide against following our itineraries step-by-step, Frankfurt would be a good starting point!

— Compare prices from rental car companies in Frankfurt here

Accommodation in Frankfurt : You’ll find plenty of places to stay in Frankfurt. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Frankfurt .

One really popular hotel in Frankfurt is the Motel One Frankfurt-Römer . This Motel One is near the river and walking distance to lots of things in the city centre. If you are coming to Frankfurt with a car, Motel One has underground parking which can make life easy! They also have a nice breakfast.

A hotel option closer to the train station is Fleming’s Express Hotel Frankfurt . This hotel is just to the north of the main station which makes it a great option if you are arriving by train and have no car. It’s popular because it has a great breakfast and is good value for money.

Day 2: Bonn

On the second day, you’ll head from Frankfurt to Bonn. As you might know, Bonn used to be the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany during the time that Germany was split into two countries. Later, the capital was relocated from Bonn to Berlin.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of Germany during your time in the country, then Bonn would be a good city to do that in. For example, you could visit the so-called “Haus der Geschichte” which is a museum about the history of the Federal Republic of Germany.

It won’t be difficult to get from Frankfurt to Bonn since the two cities are not too far apart. The journey will take approximately 1 hr 50 minutes by car and between 1 hr 20 minutes and 2 hrs if you take the train . Once again, we’d recommend that you book your train ticket in advance if possible.

Accommodation in Bonn: There are a number of accommodation options in Bonn which you can choose from – many are right in the city centre/old town. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Bonn .

Keep in mind to book your accommodation for two nights for this itinerary. (You could also spend the following night in Cologne if you day tripped to there, though).

For a great hotel in the heart of the old town, check out BrauHotel Bonn . You can easily walk here from the central train station but they also have a and parking garage close by if you arrive by car. There’s also a craft beer bar on the ground floor!

Another option is the Hilton Bonn . This hotel offers you amazing views of the Rhine River. It’s a bit north of the city centre but still very much close to it. There is parking but it can be expensive so keep that in mind when you book.

Must-see Attractions in Bonn:

• Bonn Minster
• House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany (Haus der Geschichte)

Day 3: Day Trip to Schloss Drachenburg / Cologne

On day three of this itinerary, you can choose to stay in Bonn, or go on one of two day trips: to Schloss Drachenburg (a castle not far from Bonn) or to Cologne which is also close by.

Schloss Drachenburg is actually a private villa/mansion that was built to look like a castle in the 19th century. Today, it is a popular attraction in the area.

From Bonn, you can either drive to Königswinter by car (and then leave your car at the car park) or take public transport to the Königswinter/Clemens-August-Straße station. You can find more information about that and opening hours etc. on the offical website .

If you are not a huge fan of castles, then you might opt for a day trip to Cologne instead. In this case, you might even decide to change your base and spend the night in Cologne instead of returning to Bonn at the end of the day. That is definitely an option that you can choose since there are lots of accommodation options in Cologne as well.

Getting to Cologne from Bonn will take you around 40 minutes by car (this can obviously depend on traffic) and only approx. 25 minutes by train . Just a quick warning: Trains can get very full if you are travelling during rush hour traffic – so try to avoid that if you don’t like being surrounded by lots of people in a small space.

Day 4: Münster

The next day you’ll head from Bonn – or Cologne – to Münster. Since Bonn and Cologne are so close, the journey wouldn’t really differ much from either city.

Münster is a smaller German city that we really enjoy. To be honest, it sometimes reminds Lisa of Copenhagen – mainly because of the many bikes that you can see all around the city. The University of Münster plays a big role in the city and the vibe – depending on which part of the city you are in – is noticeably younger.

One of the highlights of the city – for locals and visitors alike – is the lake Aasee which is located quite centrally. When the weather is nice, there are always people sitting on the grass enjoying the sun and maybe even out on the water (depending on the time of year). You can rent a small paddle boat to explore the lake from a unique perspective.

The journey from Bonn to Münster should take you slightly less than 2 hrs by car and between 2 hrs and slightly more than 3 hrs by train . If you want to save some money and are travelling with other people, then you should look into getting an “NRW Schönes Tag Ticket”. With this ticket, you wouldn’t be allowed to travel on ICE’s (the fast train), but the connections using only regional trains wouldn’t be much longer.

Accommodation in Münster: Münster might feel small but it’s actually pretty spread out and offers accommodations for all styles and budgets. You can  check here for accommodations and hotels in Münster .

If you want a popular hotel option right in the centre, the  H4 Hotel Münster  is a short walk to the heart of the historic centre. It also has onsite parking for those travelling to Münster by car – but you can easily walk there from the train station in the south of the city centre.

Must-see Attractions in Münster:

• Münster Prinzipalmarkt
• Historic Town Hall
• Münster Cathedral

For a more detailed guide, have a look at our Things to do in Münster, Germany article .

Day 5: Hanover

The following day you are travelling from Münster to Hanover. In German “Hannover” is actually written with two “n”, so don’t be surprised if you see it being written slightly differently.

Hanover is the biggest city and the capital of the German state called Lower Saxony. Compared to some other cities on this itinerary it is a less popular tourist destination. To be fair, even we haven’t spent that much time in Hanover yet. Hopefully we’ll be able to change that soon. However, that’s not to say that Hanover is not worth a visit.

Not only can you explore some beautiful gardens and interesting museums in the city, but it is also located pretty much halfway between Münster and Hamburg. That makes it a great stop to break up the journey and spent another day in a city that allows you to explore without too many other (international) tourists around.

By car , the journey from Münster to Hanover will take you around 2 hrs . If you choose to travel by train instead, it will take you approximately the same amount of time .

Accommodation in Hanover: Hanover is a larger city but the accommodation are still relatively packed together in and around the historic city centre. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Hanover .

For a stay right in the city centre, check out the Hotel Loccumer Hof . This popular hotel is a very short walk from the central station which is perfect if you are arriving to Hanover by train. That said, they also have parking onsite so this hotel works well if you arrive by car!

For another hotel option, check out the Arthotel ANA Prestige am neuen Rathaus . This boutique hotel is directly across from the beautiful New Town Hall in the south end of the city centre by the greenspace and water! They also have a really nice breakfast and parking available.

Must-see Attractions in Hanover:

• New Town Hall
• Marktkirche
• Herrenhausen Gardens

Day 6: Hamburg

On day six of this 10-day itinerary you’re on your way to Hamburg. If you’ve read the details of any of the shorter itineraries in this article, you’ll know that we really like Hamburg.

The city offers modern areas, such as “HafenCity”, mixed with historic (e.g. “Speicherstadt”) and alternative areas (“Sternschanze”) . This makes exploring the city all the more interesting – there is truly something for everyone. During your time in the city, we’d also recommend that you climb the tower of the St. Michael’s Church. From up there, you get a beautiful view of most parts of the city.

The journey from Hanover to Hamburg won’t be long. Depending on the route you are taking (Highway A7 or A1), it’ll take between 1 hr 30 minutes and 2 hrs by car . If you opt for the train , you can expect the journey to take between 1 hr 15 minutes and 1 hr 30 minutes . This depends on the connection you choose.

Accommodation in Hamburg : Hamburg has many, many places to stay. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Hamburg .

The Mövenpick Hotel Hamburg might be a good option if you have a car while you travel around Germany. This cool hotel is inside an old water tower which gives guests stunning views of the city around. There’s also parking onsite and it’s close to a transit stop for getting around the city.

Located not too far from the central train station, ARCOTEL Rubin Hamburg makes for a good hotel option if you don’t have a car. It’s located in St. Georg which is a lively area within walking distance of the city centre.

Those that need hostel for their stay in Hamburg might be happy with Generator Hamburg . It’s a popular hostel in the city and is close to the train station for easy getting around. If you’re unsure about where to stay, you can always check out our detailed guide on where to stay in Hamburg .

Once again, if you’d like to read our (very) short Hamburg guide, you can find our Things to do in Hamburg article here .

Day 7: Day Trip to Lübeck

For the next couple of days, we decided to include some day trips from Hamburg. This allows you to stay in one accommodation for longer than just one night and gives you the option to see some more of Hamburg as well. If you don’t want to visit any other cities and want to spend more time in Hamburg instead, then feel free to skip one or both of the day trips mentioned.

Lübeck is the closer one of the two day trips mentioned from Hamburg. Within Germany the city is mainly known for its delicious “Lübecker Marzipan” (Lübeck Marzipan) – but of course there is much more to the city than just that. One of the highlights is the Holsentor, a red-brick city gate dating back to the 15th century.

The journey from Hamburg to Lübeck will take you slightly over 1 hr by car and just around 45 minutes by train . In our opinion, that’s great for a day trip since it gives you lots of time to actually see the city instead of spending a lot of time in the car/on the train.

Must-see Attractions in Lübeck:

• Marienkirche
• Heilig-Geist-Hospital

Day 8: Day Trip to Flensburg

For the following day, we have another day trip option for you. The journey to Flensburg is slightly longer than to Lübeck – but it would be worth it. Flensburg is a smaller German city in the north of Germany, very close to the Danish border.

Since it is located close to the water, shipping plays an important role in the city to this day. If you’re interested in learning more about that, then the Maritime Museum would be a good place for you to visit.

Another thing we would recommend is a walk along the Rote Straße. Here you’ll find different “Hinterhöfe” (similar to backyards) with cute cafes and small shops.

Getting to Flensburg from Hamburg should take slightly less than 2 hrs by car and the same amount of time by train . As already mentioned, it would be a longer journey than to Lübeck, but if you want to experience a smaller, maritime city, the trip would be worth it!

Must-see Attractions in Flensburg:

• Historischer Hafen (Historic Harbour)
• Flensburger Schifffahrtmuseum (Maritime museum)
• Museumsberg Flensburg

Day 9+10: Berlin

On the second to last day of this itinerary, you’ll head from Hamburg to Berlin where your journey ends. This allows you to spend two days in the German capital. Since there is so much to do in Berlin, we’d recommend that you do some research beforehand to narrow down which attractions you’d like to visit.

If you’ve never been to Berlin before classics like the Brandeburg Gate and the Reichstag would be a good place to start. We’ve written a few different articles about Berlin – one about classic attractions (link below). Maybe these will be a good starting point to gather some more information!

The drive from Hamburg to Berlin will be one of the longest mentioned as part of this itinerary – so you should keep that in mind. It’ll take approximately 3 hrs 20 minutes by car (with traffic it could be longer), but just 1 hr 50 minutes by train .

It’s a popular train route since it connects the two biggest German cities so trains run frequently throughout the day. Once again, we’d recommend to book your train ticket in advance to get one of the discount tickets and save some money.

Accommodation in Berlin : As the capital city, there are lots of accommodation options for Berlin. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Berlin .

Those travelling to Berlin with a car should look into the Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte for a hotel in the city centre with free street parking available. There’s always paid parking for a reasonable fee if those are full and you’ll be close to top attractions.

The NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie is a popular hotel option for those coming to Berlin by train since it’s close to attractions in the city centre and you can get there very easily with the metro.

Finally, if you need a hostel/hotel, check out PLUS Berlin . This is where Eric stayed a few years back and really enjoyed it. You’ll be close to the East Side Gallery – the part of the Berlin wall with the artwork on it. It’s also easy to get in and out of the city centre from here.

Also feel free to have a look at our guide on Berlin Attractions and tips for a day in Berlin .

Germany Itinerary 10 Days – South

This 10 day Germany itinerary begins and ends in Frankfurt – so it’s pretty much a small loop through the southern part of the country. If you want to be closer to the mountains (for part of the trip at least) instead of the sea, then this itinerary might be better suited for you than the other 10 day version.

For this itinerary, the total driving time would be slightly over 17 hours with a total distance of approx. 1330 kilometres. This includes the day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and Tübingen. So depending on if/how you modify the itinerary, these estimates could differ.

Day 1: Frankfurt Day 2: Würzburg Day 3: Nuremberg Day 4: Munich Day 5: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle Day 6: Day Trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen Day 7: Ulm Day 8: Stuttgart Day 9: Day Trip to Tübingen Day 10: Frankfurt

Similar to the northern version of this itinerary for 10 days, you begin your adventure in Frankfurt. During your day in the city, you shouldn’t forget to visit the Römerberg with the beautiful half-timbered houses. If you want to get a nice few of the city from above, then you should look into visiting the Main Tower as well.

Frankfurt is also a great place to pick up your rental car – if you decide to complete this itinerary by car instead of using public transport. You can either pick up a car at the airport or at different spots in the city centre. This obviously also depends on the rental company you choose.

Accommodation in Frankfurt: Frankfurt is full of accommodation options – from the city centre to the airport. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Frankfurt .

For a hotel in the heart of the city, check out the Motel One Frankfurt-Römer . Complete with underground parking, good breakfast, and a top location in the centre and close to the river, this hotel is a decent option if you are travelling around with a car.

For those not travelling with a car (and taking the trains around Germany), check out Fleming’s Express Hotel Frankfurt . This nice looking hotel is really popular for its breakfast, price, and the fact that it’s steps from the central train station.

Day 2: Würzburg

On day two of this itinerary, you’ll be on your way to Würzburg, a small German city that we’re always happy to return to. Similar to Stuttgart, Würzburg is located in a region that is known for its wine.

As such, it comes as no surprise that a highlight in Würzburg is to drink a glass of (white) wine on the Old Bridge across the Main river. We’ve done that multiple times and would especially recommend it during the evening when it gets dark.

Another thing you shouldn’t miss in Würzburg is the short walk up the hill to Marienberg Fortress. Up there you can not only explore the old fortress, but you also get a beautiful view of the old town and other parts of the city.

We actually wrote a whole guide about Würzburg (link below) where we not only talk about things to do but also mention some great cafes and restaurants!

The drive from Frankfurt to Würzburg will be a short one. It should only take you around 1 h 20 minutes by car and between 1 h 07 minutes and 1 hr 50 minutes by train depending on the type of train you’re taking (ICE vs. regional train).

Accommodation in Würzburg: Würzburg isn’t a huge city so you’ll find a number of places to stay packed together in the city centre and a number of other hotels and guesthouses around. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Würzburg .

On a recent trip, we stayed at the  Best Western Hotel Würzburg-Süd . It’s a little south of the city centre but the tram stop is right outside the hotel so you’re into the historic city centre in minutes. There is also an onsite parking lot if you’re arriving to Würzburg by car. We booked this one last minute but we would stay again.

If you want to stay a little more central, then you can check out Hotel Strauss . With a location close to the river, the train station, and the city centre – it’s a great option fo those arriving by train.

We also once stayed at  Hostel Babelfish for a budget accommodation and it was honestly not too bad, either. It’s right across from the train station for easy access in and out of the city.

Must-see Attractions in Würzburg:

• Marienberg Fortress
• Würzburg Residence

If you want more tips for visiting Würzburg, have a look at our detailed Things to do in Würzburg Guide (+ insider tips) .

The next day you’ll be on your way to Nuremberg, which is another city in Bavaria that we really like. In German, Nuremberg is actually written/called “Nürnberg” – just an FYI, so you’re not confused when you see this written somewhere.

As we have already mentioned in the description of one of the shorter itineraries, there is a lot of history to be found in the city. Not only can you explore an old castle in the middle of the city, you can also learn a lot about Germany’s dark history if you’re interested.

Getting from Würzburg to Nuremberg will take approx. 1 hr 20 minutes by car and between 53 minutes (ICE) and 1 hr 13 minutes (regional) by train . If you’re travelling with more people and decide to just take a regional train, look into getting a “Bayernticket” as that could save you some money.

Accommodation in Nuremberg : Nuremberg is a larger and well-travelled city in Germany so you will have no problem finding a place to stay! You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Nuremberg .

We ended up staying in the very popular Five Reasons Hotel and Hostel and we enjoyed our stay. The room was bright with new furnishings. It’s also located just inside the old city walls so we were close to the metro, a short walk to central train station, and also close to the heart of the old town!

Very nearby was the Sheraton Carlton Nuremberg – we had friends stay there. They really liked this hotel which had a swimming pool with city views and other great perks. If you are arriving to Nuremberg by car, there’s a parking lot across the street from the hotel as well as street parking around. The train station is very close as well so it’s a great location overall.

• Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds

Day 4: Munich

On day four of this Germany trip, you’ll be on your way to Munich. As you might know Munich is the capital of the German state called Bavaria and there are lots of things to do in this city.

That’s why you’ll spend three nights in Munich. This way you can explore the city in more detail if you want or go on a couple of day trips from Munich to see other popular attractions as well. It’s really up to you.

The journey from Nuremberg to Munich won’t be overly long and it’s a route Lisa has driven many times. It’ll take you around 2 hrs by car (of course traffic depending) and between 1-3 hrs by train.

Since this is a popular train route, there are lots of different connections of varying length – some are quick and others are slower trains with more stops. Since that’s the case, we’d recommend that you plan in advance and try to catch a better connection to avoid an unnecessarily long train ride!

Accommodation in Munich: Since Munich is such a popular and large city, there are plenty of accommodation options for you to choose from. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Munich . Just remember to book your accommodation for three nights if you are following this itinerary!

We stayed at the H2 Hotel München Olympiapark which is a very popular hotel because of the price and the value. It was a prefect stay. The breakfast was amazing, they had parking, and the location was great – only a quick metro to the heart of the city centre. You also have the Olympic Park and BMW Museum as top attractions nearby!

If you’re itching to stay right in the heart of the action in Munich, check out the Platzl Hotel Superior . This is a hotel around the corner from Marienplatz in the old town with the famous beer hall Hofbräuhaus just steps away. The central train station is also walkable from here.

Of course, you can learn all about the best areas to stay in more detail with our Munich accommodation and neighbourhood guide .

Learn more about Munich with our one day in Munich post!

Day 5: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle probably doesn’t need a lot of introduction – it is arguably one of the most popular day trips from Munich. If you want to see this fairy-tale castle with your own eyes, then this day trip might be for you.

However, it is such a popular attraction that depending on the time of year it can get incredibly crowded. So if you are planning this itinerary for the middle of summer, we’d honestly recommend that you think twice about whether you really want to do this day trip. A second day in Munich wouldn’t be so bad either, would it?

If you are set on visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, then have a look at our Day Trips from Munich Guide . In that article – under the Neuschwanstein Castle section – we talk about all the different ways you can get to the castle.

In case you don’t want to stress too much about logistics and are not travelling with a rental car, you could always look into a day tour that brings you to Neuschwanstein Castle and then back to Munich. Here are some examples:

• Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Palace  – A very popular tour to check out two castles in one day!
• Just Neuschwanstein Castle  – Grab your live guide and check out the classic castle you came to see!
• Neuschwanstein Castle and Füssen   – Explore the surrounding area on this day trip + see that great castle!

Day 6: Day Trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Another popular day trip from Munich – and the one we would recommend for Day 6 of this itinerary – is a trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the south of Bavaria, close to the Austrian border.

We have been to Garmisch-Partenkirchen recently and really enjoyed our day there. However, that was during the shoulder season, so we can’t really say much about how busy it gets in the summer or during the ski-season.

There are a few good reasons for visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The obvious one is that the town is super close to the mountains and it is very easy to reach the “Zugspitze” (Germany’s highest mountain) from here.

Of course, you don’t have to go that high up – there are also lots of other mountains and great hiking trails in the area if you’re looking for a day in nature.

Other reasons why people come to Garmisch-Partenkirchen is to visit the Partnach Gorge which is quite beautiful and/or the old town where you can admire the decorative paintings found on many houses.

It’s actually quite easy to get from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. By car , it should take you around 1 hr 10 minutes and by train the journey would be approx. 1 hr 22 minutes . It’s actually a nice drive/train ride since you’ll get some great views of the mountains as you get closer to your destination.

Must-see Attractions in/close to Garmisch-Partenkirchen:

• Partnach Gorge

The following day you’ll travel from Munich to Ulm, a small city in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. It is actually located right by the border with Bavaria – “Neu Ulm” in fact is a city on the Bavarian side. When you’re there, it sometimes feels like it is just one bigger city. For you as a visitor, this doesn’t really matter – just an interesting side note.

Ulm is mainly known for having the church with the tallest steeple in the world – so that is something you shouldn’t miss during your visit. Other than that, we’d also recommend that you check out the Fishermen’s Quarter where you can find some beautiful, half-timbered houses.

Getting from Munich to Ulm won’t take you long. The journey will take approx. 1 hr 40 minutes by car and between 1 hr 19 minutes and 2 hrs by train. Once again, this depends on which type of train connection you choose (ICE vs. regional trains).

Accommodation in Ulm: It’s best to stay in the centre of Ulm since it’s not huge and the attractions can mostly be found there. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Ulm .

For a boutique hotel option right in the city centre, check out Boutique 005 Ulm City . This hotel is super walkable to the train station if you are arriving by train but also offers an option for parking. It’s location makes it really close to all the top attractions in the city.

For a stay closer to the river, you can check out the Hotel am Rathaus – Hotel Reblaus . With onsite parking available and a really good breakfast, this more “authentic” hotel is an experience not to be missed in Ulm.

Must-see Attractions in Ulm:

• Ulmer Münster
• Fishermen’s Quarter

Day 8: Stuttgart

From Ulm, you’ll head to Stuttgart on the next day. Stuttgart is a city that we have mentioned a few times in this article already. If you’ve read some of the other itineraries, you’ll know that Stuttgart is known for both cars and wine.

Of course, there’s more to see in the city than that. If you’re interested in architecture, you might enjoy visiting the New Palace at the “Schlossplatz” and if you’re into art, the Staatsgalerie (an art museum) might be for you.

Getting to Stuttgart from Ulm will only take slightly over 1 hr by car and approx. the same amount of time by train . There are slower trains – called RB instead of RE which stands for “Regional Express” – that take longer than that. However, if you plan ahead, you shouldn’t have a problem catching an RE or ICE Train since they run frequently throughout the day.

Accommodation in Stuttgart: Since there are a number of places to stay in, you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Stuttgart .

Those with a car can check out the Abalon Hotel ideal because it has an underground parking garage while those travelling to Stuttgart by train can check out the Pension am Heusteig since it’s easy to get to walking or with the metro.

Day 9: Day Trip to Tübingen

On day 9 of this itinerary, you have the choice between either spending a second day in Stuttgart or taking a day trip to Tübingen, a university town not far away.

Tübingen is a popular day trip from Stuttgart and is mainly known across the country for its old university. In fact, some of Lisa’s friends have studied there. When in town, you shouldn’t forget to visit the market square with its 15th century town hall. Another popular attractions is the Hohentübingen Castle on the hill which nowadays is home to a museum.

It won’t take you long at all to get to Tübingen from Stuttgart. That makes it great for a (half-)day trip. The journey should only take around 42 minutes by car and between 43 minutes and 1 hr 30 minutes by public transport – depending on the connection you choose.

Must-see Attractions in Tübingen:

• Hohentübingen Castle
• Market Square with Town Hall
• Hölderlinturm

Day 10: Frankfurt

On the last day, you’ll make your way back to Frankfurt. This is where your itinerary ends since it will hopefully be easy for you to get back home from here.

The journey from Stuttgart back to Frankfurt will probably be the longest one for this trip – but it’s still easily doable. It should take you approx. 2 hrs 25 minutes by car and between 1 hr 17 minutes and 3 hrs 30 minutes by train. Once again, this is dependent on the connection you choose (ICE vs. regional trains).

Accommodation in Frankfurt: Since you’re back in Frankfurt, we already went over accommodations in Day 1 of this same itinerary. That said, you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Frankfurt and specifically check out the Motel One Frankfurt-Römer for a central hotel with parking.

Germany Itinerary 14 Days

This Germany itinerary is the longest one that we have for you – for now. If anyone is interested in a 21 day version, please let us know!

The distance you’d cover with this 14 day itinerary would be around 1960 kilometres . The driving time would be approx. 22.5 hours – but of course, this varies depending on traffic and the exact route you decide to take.

As you’ll see below, sometimes the driving time between two cities is longer than 3 hours. So, while this itinerary is totally doable in two weeks – if you wanted to slow down the pace a bit, you could just as easily spend more time in some of the cities and complete the itinerary in more days.

Since you have probably already read about most of these places in some of the itineraries above, we’ll try to keep the descriptions short and not get too repetitive.

Our version here is written as an “incomplete route” from Frankfurt to Munich. However, as with most of our itineraries, you are welcome to reverse the direction if that works better for you and/or start and end in the same city. So, to see a big part of the country, your 14 day Germany itinerary could look something like this:

Day 1: Frankfurt Day 2: Koblenz / Eltz Castle Day 3: Cologne Day 4: Hanover or Celle Day 5+6: Hamburg Day 7+8: Berlin Day 9: Erfurt or Weimar Day 10: Nuremberg Day 11: Stuttgart Day 12: Augsburg Day 13+14: Munich

Once again we begin this itinerary in Frankfurt since it is an easy city to get to. As we have mentioned before, there are a few things to see in the city so you can start exploring on day one!

Frankfurt is also a great city to pick up a rental car. Since many international (business) travellers fly into Frankfurt, there should be many cars available with automatic transmissions. In smaller German towns you’ll find that this is not always the case.

Accommodation in Frankfurt:  If you are making a stop in Frankfurt, you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Frankfurt .

As for accommodation options, the Motel One Frankfurt-Römer has parking available and is located in the city centre close to the Main River. That’s important if you have a car with you but it’s also walkable to the train station, so you know.

Another great hotel option that is even closer to the train station is Fleming’s Express Hotel Frankfurt . This hotel is known for its prime location to the north of the station, its tasty breakfast, nice decor, and fair price. This is definitely a popular place you should at least look into if you are travelling by train around Germany.

Day 2: Koblenz / Eltz Castle

On day two of this itinerary, you’ll be on your way to Koblenz, a small German city on the Rhine river. You can either explore the city or use it as a base to visit one of the many castles close by.

Our suggestion would be a visit to Eltz Castle which is a beautiful medieval castle surrounded by a forest. Please keep in mind that the castle is not open year round. You can check opening hours here .

You could also visit Eltz Castle as a day trip from Frankfurt but then you’d have to return to Frankfurt at the end of the day. This wouldn’t make much sense unless you want to spend some more time in Frankfurt anyway, as Cologne (your next destination) is closer to Koblenz and Eltz Castle than Frankfurt.

The drive from Frankfurt to Koblenz should take around 1 hr 30 minutes by car . If you want to take the train , the journey would take between 1 hr 30 minutes and 2 hrs 15 minutes . From Koblenz, it is only about a 30 minute drive to Eltz Castle.

Accommodation in Koblenz: Since Koblenz isn’t that large, you should have no problem finding and choosing an accommodation that works for you. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Koblenz .

If you want a popular option right in the heart of the city centre, you should see the Sander Hotel . This hotel is located within walking distance to the rivers as well as restaurants and shops in the centre. If you travel by car to Koblenz, they have onsite parking which is handy. That said, you can also easily walk from the hotel to the train station in minutes.

Day 3: Cologne

The next stop on your 14 day Germany itinerary is Cologne, a city we have mentioned already in some of the previous itineraries. As you might know, the highlight of the city is the Cologne cathedral which is quite an impressive sight. As the city is located on the Rhine river, a boat tour might also be a great activity depending on the time of year you are visiting.

Getting to Cologne from Koblenz takes around 1 hr 15 minutes by car  and between 50 minutes and 1 hr 15 minutes by train . The train tracks follow the Rhine river for part of the journey which allows for some beautiful views!

Accommodation in Cologne : There are lots of great places to stay in Cologne. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Cologne .

We recently stayed at the Lindner Hotel City Plaza which was great value for money. The breakfast buffet is incredible and it’s an easy, short walk into the city centre near the Cathedral. It also has parking available for those with a car.

If you want to stay a little closer to the river and the Old Town, check out the CityClass Hotel Residence am Dom . With many things around to keep you busy – like attractions, food, and/or drinks – you’re just a short walk to the central train station if you stay here.

For those looking for a hostel, Cologne Downtown Hostel was a great stay for Eric a number of years ago. It’s really popular, in a great location, and has a nice rooftop balcony to enjoy.

Day 4: Hanover or Celle

Day 4 of this itinerary will take you to either Hanover or Celle depending on your preference. Celle is a noticeably smaller city/town than Hanover and the two places are only a few minutes apart.

Getting from Cologne to Hanover will take approximately  3 hrs 10 minutes by car  and between  2 hrs 40 minutes and 3 hrs 5 minutes by train .

Accommodation in Hanover: Since Hanover is a well-travelled city for people moving around Germany, there are a number of accommodation options in and around the city centre. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Hanover .

To stay very close to the central train station in the city centre, you should see the Hotel Loccumer Hof . The location makes it great if you are travelling by train and on foot. They also have onsite parking if you are arriving to Hanover with a car!

To the south of this hotel, the Arthotel ANA Prestige am neuen Rathaus is an option right across from the New Town Hall. This hotel has a beautiful, light style and is also close to the water/parks. Complete with breakfast and onsite parking, you can’t go wrong here!

If you want to spend a night in a smaller German city instead, then Celle is a good option as it is not far from Hanover. That will make it easy to reach the next stop on your itinerary without too much of a detour. The journey from Cologne to Celle would be slightly longer and take around 3 hrs 30 minutes by car and 3 hrs 19 minutes by train .

Accommodation in Celle: Celle isn’t that big at all – so there are only a handful of places to stay. That said, there are still some great options. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Celle .

Of note, check out Hotel Borchers . This hotel – one of only a handful located in the heart of “city centre” is a top pick with a tasty breakfast and an underground car park. You can also walk there from the Celle train station which is located not too far across town.

Must-see Attractions in Celle:

• Celle Castle
• Bomann Museum
• French Garden

Day 5+6: Hamburg

An itinerary across a large part of the country wouldn’t really feel complete without including Hamburg. Since there is quite a bit to see in this hanseatic city, you’ll spend two nights in the city to give you more time to explore.

Getting from Hanover to Hamburg will take you approx. 1 hr 45 minutes by car and between 1 hr 15 minutes and 2 hrs 30 minutes by train . As mentioned before, this varies depending on the type of train connection you choose.

The journey from Celle to Hamburg will be approximately 15 minutes shorter at 1 hr 30 minutes by car . If you opt for the train, you can expect travel times between 1 hr 10 minutes and 2 hrs .

Accommodation in Hamburg : Since Hamburg is a well-travelled city, it makes sense that there are loads of places and areas to stay in. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Hamburg .

The Mövenpick Hotel Hamburg might work for those with a car since they have onsite parking. This old water tower is a different hotel than you might be used to but it’s a great experience overall.

Something closer to the central station to get to on foot would be the ARCOTEL Rubin Hamburg which is located in St. Georg. This is an area with shops and restaurants and is very much part of the city centre.

Those looking for a budget accommodation can check out Generator Hamburg which is a popular hostel close to the train station. If you’re ever unsure or want more advice, we have a detailed guide on where to stay in Hamburg .

Day 7+8: Berlin

Of course, we couldn’t forget to include a stop in the capital of the country when planning a longer trip through Germany. Since there is so much to do and see in Berlin you will spend two nights there.

This will also give you some more time to recover from all the driving you have done so far on this journey. Getting from Hamburg to Berlin takes approximately 3 hrs 20 minutes by car (obviously traffic depending) and just about 1 hr 50 minutes by train .

Accommodation in Berlin : There are lots of hotel options in Berlin. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Berlin .

The Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte is a good option in the city centre for those coming to Berlin with a car while the NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie is located right at the attraction “Checkpoint Charlie” in the city centre.

A great option for a hostel/hotel where Eric stayed a few years back is PLUS Berlin . You can find it near the famous East Side Gallery which is a very popular attraction to check out.

As mentioned a few times now, we also have more articles on t hings to see in Berlin and a one day Berlin itinerary .

Day 9: Erfurt or Weimar

For the following day you have the choice between Erfurt or Weimar as your next destination. Both are small cities in the state of Thuringia with Weimar being smaller than Erfurt. If you know anything about Martin Luther, an important figure in the Protestant reformation, then you might have heard of one or both of these places before.

If you’re looking for a place with a beautiful old town and some nice churches as well as buildings for you to explore, then we’d really recommend Erfurt. We had a great time during the days we spent there. The city also has some really nice, cozy cafes if that is something that you care about.

Getting to Erfurt from Berlin will take a while – but it is a great stop on the way to the south of Germany. You can expect the journey to take approx. 3 hrs 40 minutes by car and just around 1 hr 50 minutes by ICE (fast train) .

Accommodation in Erfurt:  With Erfurt being a smaller city with a smaller central area to explore, finding a place to stay isn’t too difficult. You can check here for hotels and accommodations in Erfurt .

When we visited Erfurt, we booked the Gästehaus in der Gotthardtstraße . This was a simple guesthouse with a nice host and cozy rooms located just a short walk north of the Krämerbrücke. There’s also a small parking lot onsite if you’re coming to Erfurt with a car.

For a stay that is more central, check out Hotel Krämerbrücke Erfurt . It’s located basically right beside the Krämerbrücke making it a great option if you are travelling by train and you’re on foot.

Once again, if you want to learn some more about Erfurt before you visit the city, check out our detailed Erfurt Guide here .

If you instead preferred to learn some more about the well-known German writers Goethe and Schiller – or about Germany’s dark past – then you should plan to visit Weimar instead.

Two of the highlights there are Goethe’s and Schiller’s House – now turned into museums. Close to Weimar there’s also the Buchenwald Memorial which was a former Nazi concentration camp. This was the first KZ-Memorial Lisa ever visited. It was a somber experience, but also an important one in regards to understanding more about Germany’s past.

The journey from Berlin to Weimar will be slightly shorter than to Erfurt – at least by car. It’ll take approx. 3 hrs 15 minutes by car and around 2 hrs 20 minutes by train .

Accommodation in Weimar : There are a handful of places to stay in Weimar since it’s a smaller city – but you still have good options. You can check here for accommodations in Weimar .

In particular, check out Amalienhof Hotel und Apartment . This classic and very popular hotel is just south of the heart of the city centre. It features parking onsite and an excellent breakfast. It’s also not too far to walk to the train station if you are arriving on foot.

Must-see Attractions in/close to Weimar:

• Buchenwald Memorial
• Goethe’s House
• Schiller’s House

Day 10: Nuremberg

On day 10 of your itinerary, you’ll drive – or take the train – from Erfurt/Weimar to Nuremberg. This Franconian city has also been mentioned in some of the shorter itineraries.

The journey from Erfurt to Nuremberg will take approx. 2 hrs 40 minutes by car in a southern direction. The drive from Weimar to Nuremberg will just be a couple minutes longer.

If you decide to take the train, the journey would take between 1.5 hrs and 2 hrs from Weimar and between 1 hr 10 minutes and 1 hr 30 minutes from Erfurt .

Accommodation in Nuremberg : Nuremberg is a city with loads of history and attractions so it’s very popular. As such, you will find hotels and accommodations all over the city – from the old town to the surrounding areas. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Nuremberg .

We booked a stay at Five Reasons Hotel and Hostel and we would recommend it. You can find the place inside the massive old city walls so the location was great – walkable to the central train station and also to go find top attractions.

On the same trip, friends of our stayed at the Sheraton Carlton Nuremberg . It was close to where we stayed and they really enjoyed it. There’s this great pool on an upper floor with city views as well as a parking lot across the street if you travel to Nuremberg by car. The train station is close as is the old town by walking so it’s great option overall, too.

Day 11: Stuttgart

The following day you will be on your way from Nuremberg to Stuttgart – once again, a city we have mentioned multiple times now during this article. From Nuremberg, it’ll take you around 2 hrs 15 minutes by car  and  between 2 hrs 10 minutes and 2 hrs 30 minutes by train to get to Stuttgart.

As we’ve mentioned before, if you are driving and have the time, you could take a small detour and stop in Rothenburg ob der Tauber for a stroll through its beautiful old town. We’ll leave that up to you!

Accommodation in Stuttgart: You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Stuttgart .

The Abalon Hotel ideal has parking for those with a car while the Pension am Heusteig is a guesthouse close by but is easy to get to by the metro system if you arrive by train to central station and you are walking.

Day 12: Augsburg

On day 12 you’ll be on your way from Stuttgart to Augsburg, a small city in Bavaria and one of Germany’s oldest cities. Around Germany, most people have heard of Augsburg because of its “Fuggerei” – a historic social housing complex where rent has increased very slowly over the centuries. It’s certainly worth a visit!

It’ll take you around  2 hrs by car to get from Stuttgart to Augsburg. If you opt for the train , then you can expect the journey to take approx. 1 hr 40 minutes .

Accommodation in Augsburg: In Augsburg, you will find a number of places to stay around the city centre. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Augsburg .

For a reliable stay, check out Hotel Augusta . This popular hotel – located right in the city centre – features breakfast and has parking available if you are travelling to Augsburg by car.

The nice thing about Augsburg is that because it’s a smaller city, you can easily walk to the hotel from the train station if you are arriving by train.

You might also check out City Hotel Ost am Kö which is another hotel in the heart of the centre walkable to the station. It also has breakfast and parking garage right nearby.

Must-see Attractions in Augsburg:

• Augsburg Cathedral
• Perlach Tower

Day 13+14: Munich

On your second to last day of this itinerary you will drive from Augsburg to Munich. That’s the last stop on your two week Germany adventure. In Munich, there is more than enough to see to spend two days in the city.

Munich also has an airport with good international connections in case you’re coming from overseas and need to take a plane to get back home. If that’s not the case, we’d encourage you to see whether the train would be an alternative to get you back home as well.

The journey from Augsburg to Munich should take just less than  1 hr by car  and  between 30 and 48 minutes by train.  So it’s certainly one of the shortest transitions mentioned in this article.

Accommodation in Munich:  If you’re exploring Munich while in Germany, there is no shortage of places to stay and areas to check out. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Munich . For this itinerary, remember to book your Munich accommodation for two nights.

We really liked our stay at the H2 Hotel München Olympiapark . From the really good breakfast, nice rooms, and excellent location with metro access nearby – you cannot beat the price for Munich. There’s also parking available if you’re travelling with a car to Munich.

For a spot right in the heart of Munich’s charming old town, check out the Platzl Hotel Superior . This is a trendy hotel that puts you super close to all the action at busy Marienplatz and is steps from Hofbräuhaus, the beer hall made famous decades ago. You can also catch the metro or walk to the central train station from here.

If you are looking for more details on accommodations in this city, we wrote a detailed guide on where to stay in Munich .

To learn more about the city – as we have mentioned before – check out our post on Munich in a day if you want more details about the city!

And there you have it – one massive Germany guide with more than one Germany itinerary to suit your travel needs! Whether you’re looking for a short 5 day or a wild 14 day itinerary – we’re sure you’ll have a great time exploring Germany. We’re actually really happy to have created this post – Lisa especially. It’s always fun to help others explore your home country!

As always, Happy Germany Itinerary Waddlin’, – L&E

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10 Days in Germany: Itinerary Ideas For the Perfect Trip

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Creating an itinerary is an important part of planning your dream Germany vacation but it’s often hard to figure out what you can realistically include in a 10-day or so vacation, especially if it’s your first time visiting Germany.

I’ve not only created a ton of Germany vacation itineraries for myself and others, I’ve reviewed a lot of reader itineraries and nearly everyone tries to fit in WAY more than is possible!

So I thought I’d put together a sample 10-day Germany itinerary focusing on popular destinations. I also give suggestions for shorter and longer itineraries, as well as variations on the 10-day itinerary below.

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• 1 Is 10 Days in Germany Enough?
• 2 Sample 10-Day Germany Itinerary #1
• 3 10-Day Germany Itinerary Options:
• 4 If You Have More Than 10 Days in Germany
• 5 Hamburg & Lübeck in Northern Germany
• 6 Stuttgart & the Black Forest in Southeastern Germany
• 7 Rhine Valley & Cologne in Central Germany
• 8 Lake Constance (Bodensee) in Southern Germany
• 9 The Romantic Road (Romantische Strasse) in Southern Germany
• 10 If You’re in Germany in December
• 11 If You Have Fewer than 10 Days in Germany
• 12 Our Recent 14-Day Germany Roadtrip Itinerary

Is 10 Days in Germany Enough?

That depends! For some, yes. For others, not nearly enough. It depends on your approach to travel and what you want to accomplish on your trip. Which of these 3 scenarios fits your travel style the best?

• Go, Go, Go! In this scenario your goal is to see as much of Germany as humanly possible. As soon as your plane lands you hit the ground running and you don’t stop until you’re on your flight home. Your goal is to visit as many cities as possible and you don’t mind packing/unpacking your suitcase each day or checking into a new hotel every night.
• Home base + Day Trips This scenario is the opposite of the above. You choose a home base, probably stay in an AirBnB, and spend your time deeply exploring the nooks and crannies of one city with several fun day trips to nearby locations in a low-stress, relaxing way.
• Balance . In this scenario you choose 2-3 locations to explore in 10 days. You get to see different parts of Germany but don’t spend all of your time on trains or in the car. This is the approach I’ve taken with the sample itinerary.

After looking at what’s do-able with a balanced approach to traveling in Germany over 10 days, you’ll be able to decide whether 10 days is enough for you or not. At the end of this article, I also give suggestions for if you have more or less than 10 days.

When I lived in Germany I traveled all over the country for a couple days at a time. Since moving back to the US, we’ve taken many 10-14 day European vacations (flying to Europe from the US east coast) and have felt like we were able to not only see and do quite a lot but also relax and really feel like we’ve gotten away from our everyday lives in the US.

At the very end of this article I’ll share our 14-day Germany itinerary from a few years ago, just to give you another idea of what’s possible in that time-frame.

Sample 10-Day Germany Itinerary #1

This sample itinerary focuses on 2 of the most popular cities in Germany and includes day trips to nearby destinations in order to maximize time.

This itinerary assumes use of public transportation in and between cities but you could easily use this itinerary if you rent a car instead.

We’ve traveled all over Germany by train and by car. When visiting mostly cities, we usually stick to trains. If we’re visiting smaller or more rural sights, we’ll drive. You can get around Germany easily both ways.

Keep reading to the end for variations on this itinerary, ideas for if you have fewer or more than 10 days, plus one of our recent 14-day Germany itineraries!

Day 1- Fly Overnight to Berlin (Sleep on plane)

Your trip to Germany has started! Most flights from the US travel overnight to Germany so you’ll spend some or all of your first day and night in transit.

• If you have a connecting flight in the US, I highly recommend a longer layover before your international flight. While hanging out at the airport isn’t super exciting, it’s a HUGE bummer to miss your international flight and have to then arrive a day late all due to a delay with your domestic flight! These days we typically fly from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Atlanta, Dulles, Newark or Boston to catch our flight to Germany, and I’ve been booking longer and longer layovers so we have plenty of time to catch our international leg if there’s a flight delay.
• Same goes for layovers in Europe. On one trip, our flight from Newark to Stockholm was delayed a couple hours and we missed our connecting flight into Berlin. We ended up having to fly to Helsinki and then into Berlin and we didn’t arrive until early evening. We had plans to meet up with 2 friends in Berlin before driving to Magdeburg and it was such a bummer to not get to see them due to that flight delay!
• If you do have a long layover, consider getting a 1-day pass to your airline’s club lounge. We get a couple passes each year through our credit cards and we use them when we fly internationally. It’s nice to enjoy free food, drinks, and a quieter space for a couple hours.
• We’ve started flying into regional airports like Munich , Stuttgart , Hamburg , Düsseldorf/Köln and Berlin instead of Frankfurt. Not only have we found better (and cheaper) flights, it’s easier to pick up a rental car or go right into the city to our hotel instead of having to catch a train first. It used to be easy to fly into Frankfurt and buy a train ticket for anywhere in Germany on the same day but these days, unless you want to pay full price for a flexible ticket, you’re stuck taking one specific train at a specific time. So you’ll either take a chance on missing your train if your flight is delayed and having to buy another train ticket or plan to board a train leaving several hours after your flight is to arrive. I find it easiest to fly into the city where we’re starting our trip.

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Day 2: Arrive in Berlin (Sleep in Berlin)

Today you arrive in Berlin in the late morning or early afternoon. After taking public transit, an airport transfer or a taxi into the city and checking into your hotel, you have the rest of the day to explore and have your first meal in Germany.

Today would be a good day to do the Hop On Hop Off Bus tour ! You’ll get a good overview of the city and if you fall asleep, you can just go around again (haha)! ? Depending on where you stay in Berlin, you could also walk around the Brandenburg Gate area or visit one of the sights listed under Day 3 & 4 below. Tip: we keep our arrival day flexible and don’t schedule important or expensive tickets or tours. You never know if a flight will be delayed or if you’ll find yourself powerless over jet lag. It’s a bummer to miss something you were looking forward to (like when we missed seeing our friends in Berlin due to a flight delay). If you arrive on time or have oodles of energy, you have even more time to explore!

Day 3 & 4: Berlin (Sleep in Berlin)

Start with a walk down Unter den Linden, a major boulevard running through the heart of the city. Walking down this avenue brings you to some of Berlin’s most popular sites, from the Berlin Cathedral to the iconic Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island.

Whether you go to Neues Museum for Egyptian artifacts or Pergamon Museum for Ancient Greek and Roman archeological installations, it’s worth spending a few hours exploring these amazing museums.

Near Brandenburg Gate you can also see another important landmark: the Holocaust Memorial, an abstract site that serves as a powerful reminder of WW2. If you’re interested in learning more about this time in history, you can also tour the DDR Museum for an interactive experience showing how life was like back in East Germany.

Going Beyond Unter den Linden brings you to the government district where you can tour the Reichstag Building (German Parliament). Climb up to the building’s iconic glass dome and enjoy panoramic views of Berlin. We had to wait in line a while to get the last time we were there but it was worth the wait.

To get even more amazing views, take a boat cruise tour along the Spree River . On the east side of the river, make sure to visit the East Side Gallery, a former section of the Berlin Wall that used to separate West Berlin from East Berlin. Here you can admire the mural paintings that represent freedom and capture the city’s complex history.

Tip: While Berlin has amazing museums and other must-see sights, one of our favorite things to do in Berlin is to simply explore the neighborhoods! Over the years we’ve walked ALL OVER the city, just randomly exploring. Try hopping on a tram, bus, U-bahn or S-bahn, riding it ways, and getting off at a random stop.

You never know what you’ll discover!

Day 5: Berlin Day Trip (Sleep in Berlin)

From Berlin you can take day trips that unlock even more parts of Germany.

One popular trip is Potsdam, the former capital of Prussia filled with grand landscapes and royal architecture like the Sansoucci Palace. Potsdam is only 40 minutes away via train but if you don’t want to worry about transportation, book a guided tour here .

For another half-day tour, you can take a train north of Berlin to the Sachsenhausen Memorial. Formerly a concentration camp, the remaining structures show the dark history of WW2 while paying respect to victims and survivors. To learn about this historic site, book this tour led by an expert here .

Another must-visit for history buffs is the town of Seelow, home of the Seelow Heights battlefield. This lesser known battle was one of the most brutal scenes in the Eastern Front. Go on a full day tour here to explore the battlefield and uncover the stories of this historic event.

From Berlin, you can also head down to Dresden, a beautiful city along the Elbe River. Many attractions are located in the old town so you can easily go to lots of landmarks like the Frauenkirche Dresden, to Zwinger Palace and Dresden Castle. Book your day trip to Dresden here and discover what makes it one of Germany’s most visited cities.

Day 6: Travel to Munich (Sleep in Munich)

Today you’ll hop on a high speed ICE train at the Berlin Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and travel 4-6 hours to Munich.

If you get an early start and leave in the morning, you’ll arrive with plenty of time to check into your hotel and then spend the late afternoon and evening exploring the city.

If you need a pick-me-up when you arrive, find a table at a local cafe for afternoon Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) – one of my personal favorite German traditions!

Or if the weather is good, enjoy a traditional Bavarian meal and beer at an outdoor Beergarten. If you’re tired of sitting after several hours on the train, take a stroll through the Englischer Garten (English Garden).

Wondering where to stay in Munich? Check out our Munich hotel guide here!

• I recommend booking the ICE train from Berlin to Munich. This train is faster than others and makes fewer stops. If you book your ticket in advance, you’ll be able to snag a discounted ticket. If you’re traveling with others or during the tourist season, consider adding a reservation when you purchase your ticket. You can check train schedules and buy tickets here (this is where I buy my train tickets).
• Train or plane? In most cases, I recommend the train. It’s just easier! The Berlin main train station (Hauptbahnhof) is likely closer to your hotel than the airport, and once you get to the station, all you need to do it walk to the correct platform and board your train when it arrives. Plus, you can walk around the train if you get tired of sitting and you get to enjoy the scenery along the way. When you arrive in Munich you hop off the train in the city center and can be at your hotel in probably 10-20 minutes. The flight part of flying from Berlin to Munich is short but don’t forget to factor in getting to/from the airport, checking in, going through security, waiting to board, and potential flight delays. All of that can add up to far more than taking a 4-6 hour train!

Day 7-8: Munich (Sleep in Munich)

With 2 days just for Munich, you’ll be able to see and do quite a bit! A lot of the best things to see in Munich are located in Old Town.

We recommend going on a walking tour of the area so you can explore all the landmarks including the town halls (Altes Rathaus and Neues Rathaus), Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, and the Royal Brewery in the most time effective way.

Before leaving Old Town, make sure to grab a bite in Viktuellenmarkt. You can also make the most out of your lunch break and take a guided tour of the food market . One of my favorite things to do in Munich is wander around this market!

There’s a great hotel near there that’s close to everything but on a quiet street – Hotel am Viktuellenmarkt. I stayed there a few years ago and was very happy with it (especially their big breakfast buffet).

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center , make your way to Englischer Garten (English Garden). This massive urban park has everything from sunny beer gardens to surfing in the river (so fun to watch).

You can take a short stroll to get a taste of it or spend an entire day exploring everything it has to offer!

If you’re short on time but still want to spend time in nature, we suggest going to Munich Residenz . Not only will you get to stroll in the beautiful court gardens, you’ll also get to visit Germany’s largest city palace.

You could also plan a morning or afternoon for exploring something outside the city center like Nymphenburg Palace, BMW Welt or Olympia Park. Unless you’re really into cars or the olympics, I recommend Nymphenburg Palace. You can take public transport there and back and the gardens alone are worth seeing.

On one of my winter Munich visits I spent several hours wandering all around the grounds and really enjoyed my time there – much more than I’d expected!

There’s a bistro at the palace so you can also enjoy Kaffee und Kuchen, a beer or lunch while you’re there (I had a pretty good Schnitzle and fries there).

Finally, you can’t leave the Bavarian capital without going to a beer hall. There’s so many great options so to save you the trouble of finding the best one, check out this complete package tour that includes a reservation at a traditional beer hall with a beer sampling session and traditional delicacies.

If you don’t have time to sit down for a Bavarian “Maß”of beer (or aren’t a beer drinker) you can take a walk through the famous Hofbräuhaus.

Yes, it’s touristy…but touristy can be fun! My “German mom” took me there on my first visit as a teenager and I’ve been back a few times since just to take a walk through the place. There’s almost always a Lederhosen-clad oompa band playing and if you stop to listen for a few minutes, you won’t be shooed away.

If you have time, sit down at one of the long tables and enjoy a Maß (a 1 liter of beer), a traditional meat-and-potatoes meals or dessert. You’ll likely make friends from all over the world and after a beer, you’ll be signing right along with the band.

Of course, if you’re looking for something more authentic, ask for recommendations at your hotel or just head out of the city center and stop at a place that looks inviting.

The only words you really need to know is “Bier, bitte!” (beer, please).

Day 9: Munich Day Trip (Sleep in Munich)

To maximize your time, make Munich your home base and take a day trip instead of packing up and heading to another hotel for just 1 or 2 nights.

An easy day trip you can do in half a day is to the Dachau Concentration Camp. The former concentration camp held over 200,000 prisoners and is now a powerful memorial that pays respect to the victims. Since this can be a harrowing experience, we suggest booking a tour led by a professional tour guide .

If you’ve never visited a concentration camp before, I highly recommend Dachau.

For a full day trip, go on this tour of Neuschwanstein castle . See the real life version of the castle that inspired Disneyland and take in the scenic views of the Bavarian Alps.

If you want to fit more in your day, you can also make your way to other fairytale castles like Linderhof and Hohenschwangau castle, King Ludwig’s childhood home.

If you’ve been enjoying sunny days on your trip, take the opportunity to take this day trip to Eagle’s Nest . This historic viewpoint offers panoramic views of the German Alps.

In case of bad weather, don’t worry! You can go on an exciting underground visit to the salt mines of Berchtesgaden, which is actually a huge amount of fun!

Day 10: Fly Home from Munich

Today you’ll take public transportation or a taxi to Munich Airport and fly home with wonderful memories of your Germany vacation.

10-Day Germany Itinerary Options:

• Reverse the trip. Fly into Munich and out of Berlin.
• Exchange a day in Berlin or Munich for an additional day trip or two so you can see both the city highlights and more of the region. If you shorten your stay in either city, a HOHO bus tour is a great way to quickly see the sights!
• Skip the day trips altogether and add a 1-2 night stop en route from Berlin and Munich in Leipzig, Dresden, Bamberg, Nuremberg, etc.
• Follow the same general itinerary but s witch out one or both of the cities for Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, etc.
• Stick with Berlin OR Munich and add stays in 1-2 smaller cities nearby . If you rent a car, this option could become a fun roadtrip!
• Stick with Berlin OR Munich and add a visit to a city in a neighboring country, eg, Berlin + Prague, Munich + Salzburg or Munich + Zurich.

If You Have More Than 10 Days in Germany

If you have 14 or more days in Germany you can easily explore a whole other region of Germany! Here are some popular options.

(Remember, though, that if you’re coming from the US, a 14-day trip means you typically have 11 full days in Germany.)

Hamburg & Lübeck in Northern Germany

As Germany’s second biggest city, Hamburg has a lot to offer (and is one of my favorite cities but I used to live there so I’m a little biased).

Did you know that Hamburg has more canals than Amsterdam and Venice combined? This picturesque port city by the Elbe river is worth visiting to see a different side of Germany.

Northern Germany looks and feels different to other parts of Germany and is worth a visit! While in Hamburg you can easily take a day trip to the smaller city of Lübeck to the north, Schwerin to the east, Stade to the south or the beaches of the North or Baltic seas.

If you plan to visit Berlin, Hamburg (and northern Germany in general) is a great next step because it’s only a couple hours away by train. And it’s more off the beaten path for many travelers from the US. You could do 2 days in Hamburg and then 1-2 days for day trips.

Stuttgart & the Black Forest in Southeastern Germany

If you’re visiting southwest Germany, add the Black Forest to your itinerary! This beautiful mountain region by the Danube river is known for its dense forests associated with the Grimm Brothers, charming villages, lakes and waterfalls, and its quirky cuckoo clocks originating from the 1700s.

You can stay in one of the smaller towns in the region like Baden-Baden to the north or Freiburg im Breisgau to the south – a university town in the sunniest part of Germany.

But you can also easily head to Stuttgart (or nearby Esslingen or Tübingen), a bustling city known as the birthplace of the automobile and filled with beautiful urban green spaces and world-class museums.

Personally, I lean towards Freiburg or Stuttgart, but again, I’ve lived in both and so I’m a little biased. I also fly in/out of Stuttgart when I visit this region.

There are also lots of small villages in the Black Forest that are fun for a vacation – Triberg, Titisee, and Gengenbach, for example. A perk of exploring this part of Germany is the Konus card you can get from your hotel and which gives you free access to public transportation in the region!

Another perk of visiting this region of Germany is that you’re close to the French and/or Swiss borders. Whether you take a train or bus or drive a rental car, you can easily add a visit to Strasbourg or Colmar in France or Basel in Switzerland.

When I lived in Freiburg I took the train to Basel (1 hour), a bus to Colmar (about an hour), and a train to Strasbourg (1.5 hours).

How many days to spend in this region? That’s depends…you could make Freiburg your home base for 3 days, spending 1-2 days exploring Freiburg and 2+ days on day trips.

Or plan to fly in/out of Stuttgart so you can spend 1-3 days exploring the city and surrounding area.

Rhine Valley & Cologne in Central Germany

Traveling as a couple? The Rhine Valley is a popular romantic destination with a lot to do, from wine tasting in hillside vineyards to taking a river cruise. We’ve explored this area in all seasons and have enjoyed each visit so much that we keep coming back!

We recommend going on a boat tour (whether traveling with your special someone or not) as it makes it easy to visit charming Rhine river towns like Bacharach, Boppard, Sankt Goar, and Koblenz. Bacharach has a very cool youth hostel on a hill that’s actually an old castle and has amazing views!

If you go a bit farther, you’ll reach the Mosel Valley. Visit even more castles like Burg Eltz or Cochem Castle which overlooks the small town of Cochem and the Mosel River. Cochem Castle is easier to visit because it’s in Cochem.

Only 30 minutes away, Burg Eltz is a little more challenging to visit (on the weekends there’s a bus you can take) but it’s worth a visit to this beautiful area, especially if you’d like to do a little hiking.

You can either start or end your Rhine Valley trip in Cologne (click here for our Cologne hotel guide or here for our Cologne city guide ). The city’s old town is very walkable making it easy to see famous landmarks like the awe-inspirig Cologne Cathedral and Museum Ludwig.

Even if you only have an hour or two between train connections in Cologne, be sure to visit the Cologne Cathedral – it’s right across from the train station.

If you focus on the Rhine or Mosel, you could spend 2-3 days here. If you want to explore both, I’d give it 5+ days in your itinerary.

Lake Constance (Bodensee) in Southern Germany

Lake Constance is a popular destination bordering Austria and Switzerland. Visit lakeside towns like Konstanz and Lindau for fun water activities like sailing and windsurfing or stroll along the quaint villages with a backdrop of the Swiss Alps.

This is a popular vacation destination for Germans and a great place to relax. It’s also close to Switzerland so you could pop over the border for a day trip.

The Romantic Road (Romantische Strasse) in Southern Germany

This picturesque route running through Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg makes for excellent road trips. It links some of Germany’s best castles starting from Nuremberg Castle in the north down to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Along the way you can stop by Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the best-preserved medieval old town of Germany. It’s touristy but for good reason! You can also explore neighboring areas like Würzburg, Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen, and Füssen – all equally historic and picturesque towns.

If you want to roadtrip the Romantic Road you could fly into Stuttgart, pick up your rental car, drive to Würzburg or Rothenburg ob der Taube, then drive south to Füssen (Neuschwanstein).

Or fly into Munich and do the route in reverse. It’s a beautiful route for a road trip and you could spend half or all of your vacation just traveling the Romanic Road!

If You’re in Germany in December

December is one of the best times to visit because of Christmas markets! Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like roaming through these bright outdoor markets while sipping a mug of Glühwein and trying traditional Christmas German sweets.

Lots of the places in this itinerary have their own Christmas markets, especially major cities like Stuttgart ( click here for our Stuttgart Christmas Market guide ), Munich , and Berlin .

Not only do these cities have their main Christmas markets usually held in their central plazas but you can also find other smaller, alternative markets if you want something more niche.

Near Stuttgart, you’ll find many of these kinds of markets. Whether it be the Tübingen chocolate festival for all things sweet or the Esslingen Medieval Market with fun carnival medieval attracts, there’s a Christmas market for any festive theme you can imagine!

If You Have Fewer than 10 Days in Germany

What if you don’t have 14 days or even 10 days in Germany? What if you only have 3, 5 or 7 days for your visit to Germany?

If you only have 3 days i n Germany, focus on one city + a day trip. For example, you could spend 2 days in Munich and take a day trip to Neuschwanstein.

Or spend 1 day in Munich (or whatever city you’re visiting) and take 2 day trips.

If you have 5 days, you could visit 2 cities…say, 2 days in Munich, 1 day for travel, and 2 days in Berlin. It would be tight but it’s do-able.

Or you could focus on one region, say, Munich for 2 days and the Garmisch area for 3 (visiting smaller towns and the alps).

Or Hamburg, Lübeck, and the Baltic Sea. Or Berlin and Dresden. Or Cologne and the Rhein or Mosel. Or Freiburg and the Black Forest.

Our Recent 14-Day Germany Roadtrip Itinerary

Just to give you another example of a Germany trip itinerary, one of ours is below.

A few years ago we spent a couple weeks roadtripping around Germany in mid to late June, revisiting several places I’d lived and seeing a couple bands who were touring in the Germany.

It took me a while to get this itinerary to work! I had to plan around the concert in Bochum and the music festival near Hamburg, plus we didn’t have much flexibility with travel dates due to work. And we used miles for our flights.

For this trip we decided to rent a car so we’d have a lot of flexibility, and we were glad we did.

We saw a lot on this trip but since I was already very familiar with most every destination (except Bochum and the Black Forest museum), it was easy for us to pack a lot into the trip. Plus, it was summer and so we had tons of daylight.

Here’s the itinerary:

Day 1: Fly to Berlin (from the US east coast) Day 2: Arrive in Berlin (we were supposed to arrive in the morning but due to a flight delay in Newark we didn’t arrive until the evening), drive to Magdeburg after a short visit to the Brandenburg Gate Day 3: Magdeburg Day 4: Quedlinburg, Wernigerode and the Harz mountains Day 5: Drive to Bochum (we went here just to see one of our favorite bands perform in the evening) Day 6: Drive to Hamburg Day 7: Hamburg Day 8: North Sea beach day Day 9: Hurricane Music Festival (near Hamburg) Day 10: Drive to Stuttgart Day 11: Stuttgart Day 12: Drive to Freiburg for the day Day 13: Drive to the Black Forest Open Air Museum Day 14: Fly home from Stuttgart

Let us know if you have any questions as you create your perfect Germany vacation itinerary!

Cate has been traveling to Germany for 30+ years. She has lived in Germany, taught college German, and has a PhD in German Applied Linguistics. She loves helping travelers plan their dream trips to Germany!

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Here’s how we can help you plan your perfect trip in 2024.

GERMANY TRAVEL PLANNER:  Just getting started? Have questions about Germany’s confusing train tickets or how to find the best guided tours? Not sure which parts of Germany should be in your itinerary (and what to leave out)? Our  Germany Travel Planner  answers those questions and more via how-to videos, our interactive Germany Planning Map, City Cheatsheets, and MUCH more. Click here to unlock the best of Germany the easy way!

GERMANY TRAVEL CONSULT:  Feeling overwhelmed? Itinerary just not coming together? Wonder if a few tweaks would take your trip to the next level? Book a Mini or Full consult with Cate! She’ll help you create or tweak your itinerary, recommend train tickets/passes, hotels, things to do, guided tours, show you how to buy train tickets, orient you to specific cities, help you plan out day trips, and answer your Germany travel questions.

ACCOMMODATIONS:  We recommend using  Booking.com  since they have widest range of accommodations available from hostels, boutique hotels, luxury chains, aparthotels, at the best prices. Check out our  accommodation guides  for specific recommended hotels.

WHAT TO PACK: If you’re bringing your phone, be sure to bring this plug adapter , this power bank , and this wrist strap . They’ve been lifesavers for us! You can see our other packing essentials here and here .

TICKETS & TOURS:  For guided tours, day trips, private tours, and skip-the-line tickets,  Get Your Guide  is our go-to!

TRAINS & BUSES:  To research train schedules and buy tickets or a Germany Rail Pass, we recommend the official  Deutsche Bahn (German Rail System)  website (and download their DB Navigator app). For buses, look at  FlixBus  , which offers tickets for routes within Germany and to other European countries. FlixBus is often cheaper than trains but can take longer.

Thank you so much for the Munich Itinerary and the 10 day Germany Itinerary. I am planning to stay in Munich and then drive thru Austria, Switzerland, France and then back to Germany thru the Black Forest and finally drop off the car in Frankfurt. One question about toll roads outside of Germany while renting a car, where is the best spot to buy a vignette for Austria, Switzerland and France? Is it possible to get it in Munich?

I just now saw your comment – sorry for the delay in replying! I’m trying to remember what we’ve done…I think our rental cars already had one and we either paid for it as part of our rental costs or they added it on if/as we used it. Have you checked to see if your rental contract includes it? They could probably also tell you the best place to purchase one for each country (you should be able to get one at rest stops, gas stations, etc along the freeway near the border). I have seen websites where you can buy them online ahead of time but you have to register the car’s information, which you can’t do with a rental car. So I recommend talking to your rental car company before you go and then confirming everything in person when you pick up your car.

Have a great trip!

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Germany Tours & Holidays

Germany is a fascinating fusion of old and new.

The bohemian streets of Berlin act as a fertile breeding ground for hip art, unique design and innovative ideas, while heritage-filled Munich boasts historic architecture in the form of impressive Baroque and Rococo buildings. In between, travellers will find stretches of idyllic countryside, impossibly gorgeous castles, charming university towns and boisterous Bavarian beer halls. Be introduced to the progressive cities and romantic splendour of Germany and never look back.

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Germany at a glance

Capital city.

Berlin (population 3.6 million)

83.2 million

(GMT+01:00) Amsterdam, Berlin, Bern, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)

Learn more about Germany

Best time to visit germany.

July and August are the busiest months for tourists in   Europe , so outside of these times you will generally encounter fewer tourists.

May, June and September are considered pleasant times to travel as there are less crowds and the climate is comfortable. During these months, beer gardens and cafes bustle at all hours, outdoor events and festivals enliven cities and villages and hiking, cycling and swimming are popular pursuits.

Snow usually starts to fall in December, and winter travel to Germany is becoming increasingly popular, especially to the ski areas in the Bavarian Alps.

Autumn is the optimal time to enjoy romantic Germany. The foliage is turning golden and the climate is still agreeably mild for getting out and about.

Geography and environment

Located in Central Europe, Germany is bordered by:

• Switzerland
• Netherlands
• Czech Republic

The terrain found in the north of Germany is relatively flat, with the topography growing increasingly hilly moving south.

Southern Germany is characterised by mountain ranges and thick forest, with the Black Forest (on the French border) and the Bavarian Forest (on the Czech border) being the most well known forests in the south.

Germany has small pockets of alpine terrain with the Alps being Germany's highest mountains.

Top 3 contemporary art spots of Berlin

Centrally located and well-serviced by several public transport hubs, historic Mitte is one of the easiest places to view Berlin's killer art scene. See run-down buildings that have been transformed into galleries and hotels, wander down gritty laneways full of vibrant graffiti and feel the urban buzz of Berlin.

2. Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg

Berlin's counter-culture is evident in the streets of this East Berlin borough, which is full of an eclectic range of hip galleries, innovative hotels, bohemian bars and vintage flea markets. This is the perfect place to gallery-hop, take snapshots and view the handiwork of some of the world's most iconic street artists.

3. Berlin Wall - East Side Gallery

After the triumphant fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 this section of the wall was adorned with colourful paintings and political murals, many reflecting the tone of this iconic time in Germany's history. A visit here reveals history in a way that no museum or book can.

Further reading

Germany travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Is tipping customary in Germany?

When dining out, service charges and taxes are usually included in the bill. Rounding up to the nearest euro or adding 5-10% is customary, although optional.

What is the internet access like in Germany?

Internet access is good in Germany, with Internet cafes and Wi-Fi hotspots easily found in most cities and major towns.

Can I use my mobile phone while in Germany?

Mobile phone coverage is generally very good in most parts of Germany. Ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive.

What are the toilets like in Germany?

Modern, flushable toilets are the standard in Germany.

What will it cost for a…?

City public transport ride = 2 Euro Stein of beer = 2.5-4 Euro Simple cafe lunch = 10 Euro  Nice meal in a restaurant = 20-30 Euro

Can I drink the water in Germany?

Tap water is considered safe to drink unless otherwise marked.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Germany?

Major credit cards are widely accepted by stores and hotels in Germany. Smaller cafes and shops may not accept credit cards, so ensure you carry enough cash to cover small purchases.

What is ATM access like in Germany?

ATMs are very common in Germany, so finding one won't be a problem in most towns and cities.

What public holidays are celebrated in Germany?

• 1 Jan New Year’s Day
• 6 Jan Epiphany
• 14 Apr Good Friday
• 16 Apr Easter Sunday
• 17 Apr Easter Monday
• 1 May Labour Day
• 25 May Ascension Day
• 4 Jun Whit Sunday
• 5 Jun Whit Monday
• 15 Jun Corpus Christi Day
• 15 Aug Assumption Day
• 3 Oct Day of German
• 31 Oct Reformation Day
• 1 Nov All Saints Day
• 15 Nov Repentance Day
• 25 Dec Christmas Day
• 26 Dec 2nd Christmas Day

Please note these dates are for 2017. For a current list of public holidays in Germany go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/germany/public-holidays

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

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Europe Tours and Trip Packages 2024/2025

Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or you just enjoy the finer things in life, a Europe tour package has something to offer every type of traveler. These Europe package tours and trips explore any of the continent’s 50 countries that are diverse in size, climate, traditions - and cost! With fine cuisine, world-renowned art and music, and 23 officially recognized languages, a tour in Europe can be a cultural labyrinth that fuels wanderlust. 

• Europe Travel Guide

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• Starts Amsterdam, Holland
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• No booking fees
• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='21253'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Private Vehicle, Coach & Boat
• Age Range 5-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,695
• Special Deal (19%): - US$ 320
• Total Price from: US$ 1,375
• Apr 29 10+ seats left
• May 13 10+ seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Vienna, Austria
• Ends Budapest, Hungary

Best of Central Europe

• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Mountains 'data-more-tripid='3044'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle, Boat, Minibus & Taxi
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,925
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 981
• Total Price from: US$ 2,944
• Apr 20 Only 5 seats left
• Apr 24 Only 9 seats left

• Ends Amsterdam, Holland

Europe Jewel

• Activities Cultural, sightseeing, food tours & Art and architecture Cultural, sightseeing, food tours , Art and architecture & City sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='37689'>+1 more
• Transport Coach, Boat, Taxi & Train
• Age Range 10-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,090
• Special Deal (23%): - US$ 700
• Total Price from: US$ 2,390
• Mar 27 10+ seats left
• Apr 03 10+ seats left

• Starts London, England
• Ends London, England

Europe Taster

• Activities City sightseeing & Art & architecture tour City sightseeing , Art & architecture tour , Art and architecture , & heritage & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='37695'>+3 more
• Transport Coach, Boat & Train
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,815
• Special Deal (23%): - US$ 415
• Total Price from: US$ 1,400
• Mar 09 10+ seats left
• Mar 16 10+ seats left

Get Social: Central & Eastern Europe

• Activities Explorer
• Accommodation Bungalow & Hostel
• Transport Coach, Bus & Helicopter
• Age Range 18-39 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,739
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 374
• Total Price from: US$ 3,365
• May 08 10+ seats left
• Jun 05 10+ seats left

• Starts Barcelona, Spain
• Ends Madrid, Spain

Spain & Portugal: Flamenco & Tapas

• Activities City sightseeing & Art and architecture City sightseeing , Art and architecture , Party and nightlife & Food tours 'data-more-tripid='4978'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hostel
• Transport Train, Bus & Coach
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,729
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 346
• Total Price from: US$ 1,383
• Apr 26 Only 1 seat left
• Jun 21 Only 1 seat left

• Starts Sofia, Bulgaria
• Ends Athens, Greece

All About Balkans (4 Star Hotels)

• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='17753'>+1 more
• Transport Bus, Coach & Boat
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,497
• Special Deal (45%): - US$ 1,124
• Total Price from: US$ 1,373
• Apr 27 10+ seats left
• May 04 10+ seats left

• Starts Catania, Italy
• Ends Palermo, Italy

Small Group Food & Wine Tour of Sicily

• Free cancellation
• Trip customizable
• Activities Food tours & Wine tasting tours Food tours , Wine tasting tours , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Countryside and village visits & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='22521'>+3 more
• Transport Minibus
• Age Range 1-89 yrs

• Starts Vilnius, Lithuania
• Ends Tallinn, Estonia

Baltic Capital Cities

• Activities Active and outdoor & Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Transport Bus
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• May 18 Only 1 seat left
• May 25 Only 7 seats left

• Starts Baku, Azerbaijan
• Ends Tbilisi, Georgia

Caucasus Countries (12 days)

• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Cultural, religious and historic sites Sightseeing Tours , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture & National parks 'data-more-tripid='18354'>+2 more
• Transport Coach & Minibus
• Age Range 12-75 yrs
• May 04 Only 6 seats left
• May 18 10+ seats left

• Starts Dublin, Ireland
• Ends Dublin, Ireland

Irish Explorer

• Activities Art and architecture & Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Transport Coach
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,480
• Special Deal (23%): - US$ 335
• Total Price from: US$ 1,145
• Mar 30 10+ seats left

European Vistas

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & City sightseeing
• Transport Coach, Boat, Private Vehicle & Taxi
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,890
• Special Deal (26%): - US$ 490
• Apr 17 10+ seats left
• May 01 10+ seats left

• Starts Lisbon, Portugal
• Ends Porto, Portugal

Highlights of Portugal

• Activities Local culture & Art and architecture Local culture , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Shopping and Markets 'data-more-tripid='10596'>+2 more
• Transport Train, Private Vehicle & Boat
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,649
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 330
• Total Price from: US$ 1,319
• Jun 10 10+ seats left
• Jun 23 10+ seats left

• Starts Split, Croatia
• Ends Split, Croatia

Croatia Sailing Adventure

• Activities Sailing, yachting and motor boating & National parks Sailing, yachting and motor boating , National parks & Chill out 'data-more-tripid='37268'>+1 more
• Accommodation Yacht Cabin
• Transport Private Vehicle, Yacht & Boat
• Age Range 18-40 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,895
• Special Deal (30%): - US$ 569
• Total Price from: US$ 1,326
• May 29 10+ seats left

Europe Tour Reviews

• Jane Pettigrew
• Carrie Van De Polder
• Aaron Pepin

Europe - Tour Package Highlights and Trip Insights

With so much to see, do, eat and buy, planning a Europe tour is no easy feat. There are, of course, the typical sightseeing musts: Paris’ Louvre, London’s Tower Bridge, and Rome’s Colosseum. Even Europe’s most frequent visitors will always find something new to discover. Read on for our top Europe tour highlights and Europe trip insights.

Europe Tour Package Highlights

• Go back in time and explore the ruins of ancient civilizations in Italy and Greece
• Snack on cheese and wine (or escargot, if you’re feeling adventurous) in the Champ de Mars, beneath the Eiffel Tower
• Ride a bicycle through the townhouse-lined streets of Amsterdam before touring the canals by boat
• Listen to the romantic songs of the gondoliers as you cruise through the canals of Venice
• Indulge in an authentic Belgian waffle, drowned in chocolate
• Enjoy an ice-cold beer from a beer stein at Oktoberfest in Germany
• Hike from village to village in Italy’s Cinque Terre
• Get lost between the shelves of some of the world’s most beautiful libraries, like those at Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland), Mafra Palace (Mafra, Portugal), and the Clementinum Baroque Library Hall (Prague, Czech Republic)
• Join a Europe tour that goes through many of Europe's travel highlights in countries such as Spain , France , Italy , Netherlands and Scandinavia .

Europe Trip Insights

• Traveling by rail is one of the easiest (and sometimes cheapest) ways to get around Europe, especially if you plan to travel for a couple of weeks (or longer). Investigate rail passes before you visit, particularly ones that can be used between countries. Interrail and Eurail are very popular among travelers.
• Don’t skip the “touristy” destinations. Everyone travels differently, but the most popular European highlights are popular for a reason. Brave the crowds and be sure to stop by those more cliché sites - you’ll be glad you did.
• Try not to over prepare! One of the great benefits of visiting Europe is that it’s incredibly easy to travel between towns and countries. Allow yourself some flexibility to open yourself up to new adventures (and avoid travel burnout). If you've booked a Europe tour package with accommodation, activities, guides etc. get ready to indulge and relax - you are up for a Europe trip of a lifetime. 
• Chances are you don’t speak 23 different languages, so be prepared before you travel. Avoid carrying around heavy guide books by downloading a translation app on your phone.
• Note that not all European countries use the Euro, including the United Kingdom , Denmark and Hungary (among others). Do your research beforehand and be ready to juggle different currencies if you’re planning an extensive trip.
• Travelling on a budget? Check our last minute holiday and travel deals to Europe . Also, consider looking for accommodation outside the city centre. Most large European cities are very well connected by public transportation, meaning all your bucket list sites are just a quick (and often inexpensive) bus, train, or metro ride away.

Tours in Europe - Questions and Answers

You can spend a couple of months exploring Europe and still feel like you have not seen everything. Generally speaking, a two-week Europe trip should be just enough if you are looking to cover its major highlights. However, if you want a comprehensive travel experience within this duration, it is better that you focus on a region or a few countries rather than traveling all over the continent. 

Choose a single country or schedule your trip around a handful of cities in different countries. While larger European cities may require three to four days to explore, you can get around smaller destinations in a day or two. Planning your trip around a particular region will cut down your travel time and save your time in transit.

If you are planning to visit multiple countries, you should prepare a tentative list of destinations you are interested in. If it is your first trip, stick to major cities and cultural centers for the sake of simplicity and convenience. Also, be flexible and optimize your travel time and budget. Be open to changing your itinerary depending on schedules and ticket prices.

There are dozens of insurance companies offering travel insurance, which can make it difficult for you to choose the right one.

There are a number of things that you should be aware of while purchasing travel insurance. If it is comprehensive medical insurance plans that you are interested in, make sure to find out what all the plan covers. If you are concerned about certain scenarios, then check out customizable travel insurance policies and find out if the provider can cover you for those situations. You also need to determine if there are reasonable coverage limits. Check deductibles and compensation limits in the insurance policy for this.

While insurance is important, it is mostly a safeguard against emergencies. If you are on a budget, you can go with the second- or even third-best option and prioritize getting your money’s worth instead of purchasing the most comprehensive coverage.

Europe has swathes of spectacular landscapes, a rich history, and vibrant cultures. Therefore, deciding on the best travel destinations on the continent can be difficult. However, you can narrow down on highlights by choosing one overarching theme for your trip. 

If you are looking forward to immersing yourself in art and history, then Italy, Spain , and France should be on the top of your list. Head for Switzerland , Norway , or Croatia if nature is what you love the most. For beaches and water sports, you will be hard-pressed to find better destinations than Greece , Portugal , and Montenegro.

Having said that, you can also diversify your itinerary by mixing and matching different elements of the same country. Italy  tops the charts not just for its medieval monuments and Renaissance art but also for coastal scenery and sun-soaked beaches. Similarly, Spain is a foodie paradise as much as it is an architectural hotspot.

Bus services like FlixBus and BusAbout offer a convenient means of transport if you wish to move from one city to another within the same country. Although these services do travel between countries, they might not be the best choice due to a longer travel time.

Budget airlines are another great way to get around Europe’s major cities, especially when you want to cut down on travel time between two countries. Keep an eye out and you might be able to snag tickets at unbelievable rates. Services like Skyscanner can be of help. Some of the largest budget airlines in the continent are Ryanair , WizzAir , Eurowings , and EasyJet .

Ridesharing services are a godsend for those wishing to immerse themselves in local culture as they offer you the chance to catch a ride with locals along the way. BlaBlaCar is the largest one. The only downside is that it is not always as easy to book a rideshare service as it is to catch a bus or hop on a budget flight.

The USA is one of the 63 countries whose citizens enjoy visa-free entry into the EU Schengen zone along with the UK and associated states like Iceland , Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. 

This means that if you are an American citizen with a valid US passport and want to travel to Europe for a limited amount of time for tourism or business purpose, you can do so anytime you want to. However, if you have more long-term plans (say, you intend to get employed, study, or simply live in Europe for an extended period of time), you will need to apply for a visa. The type of your visa and required documentation depend on your goals. 

Update for 2022: EU is set to launch ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) by the end of this year. It is similar to ESTA and is supposed to help simplify travel procedures and decrease security risks. All travelers allowed to travel to the EU and associated states visa-free will require an ETIAS authorization. This also includes US citizens.

If your country has a visa-free agreement with the EU, you are allowed to spend up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. Keep in mind that the countdown starts on the date of your entry and ends on the date of your exit. So, for example, if you fly into an EU country on the first of the month and exit on the 15th, it will count as a 15-day stay.

There are 63 countries in the world that have a visa-waiver agreement with the EU . If your country is part of this agreement, you can travel to Europe visa-free. You do, however, need to show the following to be allowed into the Schengen Zone and associated states.

• A valid passport: Your passport should have a validity of at least 3 months at the time of your entry into Schengen and be less than ten years old.
• Purpose of entry: In addition to your passport, you also require documents that prove that you are there for tourism purposes. These documents can include invoices for hotel reservations and booked tours. 
• Proof of financial means: You also need to carry documents proving that you can support yourself during your stay in the region.

As long as you have got all three, all you need is a plane ticket to your chosen destination. 

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• Europe last minute deals
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Watch CBS News

Solar eclipse maps show 2024 totality path, peak times and how much of the eclipse people could see across the U.S.

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:00 AM EDT / CBS News

A total solar eclipse  crossed North America Monday with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps show  where and when astronomy fans could see the big event  as skies darkened in the middle of the day Monday, April 8.

The total eclipse first appeared along Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then traveled across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.

About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality , the area where the moon fully blocked out the sun , according to NASA. The path ranged between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

Solar eclipse path of totality map for 2024

The total solar eclipse started over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that experienced totality was Mexico's Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT, according to NASA. From there, the path continued into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse exited continental North America at around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

The path of totality included portions of the following states:

• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan also experienced the total solar eclipse.

Several major cities across the U.S. were included in the eclipse's path of totality, while many others saw a partial eclipse. These were some of the best major cities for eclipse viewing — though the weather was a factor :

• San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)
• Austin, Texas
• Waco, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dayton, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York
• Rochester, New York
• Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont

Map of when the solar eclipse reached totality across its path

The eclipse began in the U.S. as a partial eclipse beginning at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before progressing to totality by about 1:27 p.m. CDT and then moving along its path to the northeast over the following few hours.

NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the U.S. People could have also  checked their ZIP code on NASA's map  to see when the eclipse was to reach them if they were on, or near, the path of totality — or if they saw a partial eclipse instead.

How much of the eclipse did people see if they live outside the totality path?

While the April 8 eclipse covered a wide swath of the U.S., outside the path of totality observers may have spotted a partial eclipse, where the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun, according to NASA. The closer they were to the path of totality, the larger the portion of the sun that was hidden.

NASA allowed viewers to input a ZIP code and see how much of the sun was to be covered in their locations.

Could there be cloud cover be during the solar eclipse?

Some areas along the path of totality had a higher likelihood of cloud cover that could interfere with viewing the eclipse. Here is a map showing the historical trends in cloud cover this time of year. 

You could have checked the latest forecast for your location with our partners at The Weather Channel .

Where did the solar eclipse reach totality for the longest?

Eclipse viewers near Torreón, Mexico, got to experience totality for the longest. Totality there lasted 4 minutes, 28 seconds, according to NASA. 

Most places along the centerline of the path of totality saw a totality duration of between 3.5 and 4 minutes, according to NASA. Some places in the U.S. came close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, had a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.

What is the path of totality for the 2044 solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Astronomy fans in the U.S. will have far fewer opportunities to see the 2044 eclipse they had on April 8. NASA has not yet made maps available for the 2044 eclipse but, according to The Planetary Society , the path of totality will only touch three states.

The 2024 eclipse will start in Greenland, pass over Canada and end as the sun sets in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society.

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Europe

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Europe. There are 6650 trips to choose from, that range from one day in length, up to 49 days. The month with the most departures is September, making it the most popular time to visit Europe.

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250+ fully guided tour packages in europe with 76,803 reviews.

• Train & Rail
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

Berlin to Venice (15 Days) (including Salzburg)

The Great Adventure

We think the Italy, Switzerland & France itinerary were excellent. (5 stars) , The Canturbury & London Day 1 were also excellent. London day 2, could use some work, as the time in the London museum is too short (2 hours) Another hour there would help a great deal. Likewise Camden Market was also too short. 2 hours, minimum, and then I would recommend going to Colchester and Ending the day there. Or on the overnight Ferry. In our case the overnight ferry was not available and it forced us to skip Colchester and instead drive from London to Dover/Calais to Antwerp... That wasn't fun at all. Then that forced us to have 45 minutes in Antwerp (not nearly enough) and instead of going to Amsterdam, they chose to follow intermarry and go to Volendam, which only gave 45 minutes there. A big mistake, as we then went to Amsterdam and only got 2 hours of free time. (horrible). We would have rather skipped Volendam and have the extra time in Amsterdam. Likewise the Amsterdam Diamond factory was a waste of time. Not interesting, not on the itinerary we had, and boring. Bottom line, the last 2 days London to Amsterdam were 2 stars.... If not for this we would have given 5 stars for Itinerary & transportation.

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Magnificent Four

brilliant. The tour spent the perfect amount of time in each location, the tour guides - shout-out to both Gabby and Linus! - were so brilliantly customer focused, informative, patient, professional. They removed any hiccups and made the trip easy to just enjoy.

The Best of Eastern Europe

This was a well organised and well led tour

Essential Britain & Ireland

Very nice itinerary ... jam packed days and evenings. I chose not to do any of the extra evening excursions that were offered so I was able to use the time to explore every overnight stop on my own. The tour guide was amazing... so full of knowledge about all the countries/areas we visited.

Genuine Europe

It was a good experience, hectic, but the tour guide was very caring and nice. She waited for people even if they were late. Hotels were superb, everything was excellent.

Enchanted Landscapes

The tour was great. Just wish there wasn’t so much packed in one day. It can be rushed on most days.

European Cavalcade (End Paris, 18 Days)

Excellent 18 days itineraries!

La Dolce Adventure

It was good. I was disappointed that two optional extras were cancelled one without notice.

Balkan Kaleidoscope

Great tour and great guide - highly recommend Penguin

Joyful Treasures

The places where more time is required for only very less time and some very unimportant places got plenty of time. This was the feeing for our entire group.example: at Milan( Italy) we got hardly 2 hrs.Before reaching Milan , we were forced to spent 3 hrs at a place in Switzerland which was not at all important and we lost the time we took to reach there. We could have used that time to spent at Milan.Even shopping time at all the location were very very less or can say not provided.Regarding accommodation -rooms at the places where we spent more days were below average with small rooms. And the place were we spent just for a night was better.Even though we requested for adjacent rooms in advance for our family of 4, it was not provided.Final day at Rome , we requested for late check out.But not permitted.

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

My experience was of the highest ever. Everything went very smoothly and our guide Mike was so professional. He was very thoughtful and predicted situations before they happened. The tour was so informative and well organised. Lots of information about all the locations we visited. He was very good at giving us the history and background. The accommodation was great and a good standard.Our driver Ricki was very professional and such a clever driver he made us feels safe. What a wonderful time we had. Thank you.

ScanBaltic Tour

overall I think the tour was well worth it for what you paid for and what was included Accommodation was good, (beds were comfortable ) buffet Breakfast every morning were good and the buses were pretty comfortable - I would say some parts of the tour were a bit rushed and you would have liked to have spent more time at some places, however as it is a "highlights" tour of quite a few countries, time was in short supply. It did give you good idea and feel for where you would like to go back too though. The Tour guides however helpful and friendly they were, I feel could have been a bit more organized and clear in so far as communicating information on i.e times to meet back, leaving times etc.. etc.. Overall I had a good time , enjoyed what I saw and would recommend this tour as it was well worth the money.

Rome to London Quest (Summer, 10 Days)

Great experience, got to see a lot in a small durarion. Remi was very knowledgeable on different countries and provided a fun experience.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Europe Jewel

The Europe Jewel was so well planned and packed with exciting adventures, the tour guide and bus driver did an amazing job of keeping us safe and informed. We made some amazing friends from all around the world which made this tour even better. We had a blast!!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

What people love about Fully Guided Tours in Europe

Eva and Rene were amazing tour guides. Disappointed that we didn't see the Eiffel Tower at night. Several times we were dropped in town at night with not enough time to get a meal before being taken to the hotel. Some hotels were out of town with nothing within walking distance. Thank you to Rene for arranging for a group of us to go to the Moulin Rouge.

Very good tour , something’s we didn’t find out right until the moment. But, overall good tour.

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