Ninety-nine bottles of beer on the wall, centuries of fascinating history, and more sausage stands than you can count await on this delicious introductory tour of Germany. As you follow the delectable scent of sizzling bratwurst and freshly baked pretzels from bustling Berlin to Bavarian Munich, your eyes will be as pleased as your taste buds. The elegantly restored city of Dresden, the charming medieval town of Rothenburg, the Passion Play pilgrimage town of Oberammergau, and the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle present picture-perfect backdrops for your memory books. While Munich’s theatrical Glockenspiel clock may announce the time three times a day, the lively Biergarten throughout Germany will happily tell you it’s always “beer thirty.”PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Munich so you can plan your day your way.
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Guided sightseeing in Berlin includes stops at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the Holocaust Memorial, and the Brandenburg Gate• Guided walking tour of Dresden feature the Zwinger Palace Courtyard• Orientation walk and [LF] overnight stay in the medieval town of Rothenburg • [LF] Guided visit of King Ludwig’s castle in Neuschwanstein • Visit Oberammergau• Guided sightseeing tour of Munich includes Marienplatz• Globus Choice excursions in Munich − included in your tour with your choice of a guided walking tour of the Old Town or a guided tour of the Beer & Oktoberfest Museum with a tasting• [LF] farewell dinner at a local Munich restaurant
Notes: Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle may prove challenging to guests with physical limitations or reliant of mobility devices such as wheelchairs due to stair access.We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability.
Willkommen in Berlin! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel Dinner
Day 2 BERLIN
Historic Berlin This morning, join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour of Berlin featuring views of the State Opera House, Museum Island, the Reichstag, Tiergarten Park and the elegant Ku-Damm. Stop to take photos at the Brandenburg gate, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, and the Holocaust Memorial. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS In 1961 East and West Berlin became physically divided by a concrete wall, leaving the Brandenburg gate isolated in a restricted area. As the wall began to fall in 1989, the Brandenburg Gate was once more reachable, and became considered a national symbol of peace and unity. Today it is Berlin's most famous landmark Breakfast
Day 3 BERLIN–DRESDEN
German Jewels This morning, depart Berlin and drive to Dresden. Enjoy some free time for lunch, then follow your Local Guide on a walking tour that features the Zwinger Palace courtyard. Enjoy free time this evening to explore more of Dresden. (B)
124 mi / 200 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM Explore the heart of Dresden with a walk to Zwinger Palace courtyard. Revered for its stunning Baroque architecture and beautiful gardens, this spectacular palace complex is the most famous building in Dresden Breakfast
Day 4 DRESDEN–ROTHENBURG
The Romantic Road Reach the delightful medieval town of Rothenburg. After some free time for lunch, join an orientation walk of the historic center. Admire St. Jakob’s church, the Marktplatz, Ratstrinktube, Town Hall, and beautiful views of the Tauber Valley. Plenty of free time to explore even more with an [LF] overnight stay in this fairytale town. (B)
249 mi / 400 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Get that old romantic feeling with a walk through the well-preserved medieval town of Rothenburg. Here, along Germany’s historic Romantic Road region, you’ll find half-timbered houses, medieval walls, and cobblestone streets, that will win your heart in the heart of Northern Bavaria Breakfast
Day 5 ROTHENBURG–NEUSCHWANSTEIN
Fairytale Endings This morning, relax on a scenic drive along the world-famous Romantic Road, considered Germany’s most beautiful route, as it is dotted with timbered houses, pretty lakes, and rolling vineyards. Arrive in Neuschwanstein for a [LF] guided visit of King Ludwig’s castle, probably one of the most recognizable in the world, a source of inspiration for Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle. Enjoy some free time this evening, perhaps try some local specialties for dinner. (B)
155 mi / 250 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
LEGENDARY LIVES King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the “Fairy tale King,” built a fantastical 1800s castle with all the modern conveniences (aka plumbing), while emphasizing the romantic vision of a storybook castle. His love for Wagnerian opera is literally plastered on the walls inside, with panoramas and frescoes of scenes from the composer’s great works. So romantic and fanciful of design, the Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Walt Disney’s blueprint of a castle fit for Sleeping Beauty herself Breakfast
Day 6 NEUSCHWANSTEIN–OBERAMMERGAU–MUNICH
Bavarian Blessings Enjoy the views as you drive to the beautiful Bavarian village of Oberammergau. Join an orientation walk to see the outdoor auditorium where the Passion Play is held once every ten years. Time to browse before continuing to Munich. Free time this afternoon and evening to get acquainted with lively Munich, considered the richest city in Germany, BMW’s hometown, and location of the world’s largest beer festival. (B)
87 mi / 140 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & TRADITION Centuries ago, the residents of the beautiful Bavarian village of Oberammergau made a promise to God to re-enact Christ’s Passion if he would spare them from the Black Plague of 1633. Since then, hundreds of local townspeople perform this epic production every 10 years in Oberammergau. Stroll the picturesque town and see the large outdoor auditorium Breakfast
Day 7 MUNICH
Spend Your Day Your Way in Munich Explore more of Munich with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
This evening, enjoy a [LF] farewell dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D) BreakfastDinner
Day 8 MUNICH
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Accommodations
Berlin
Dresden
Rothenburg
Neuschwanstein
Munich
Hotel Berlin Potsdamer Platz by Leonardo Hotels Superior First-Class
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Hallesche Strasse 10 Berlin Germany
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NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt Superior First-Class
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An Der Kreuzkirche 2 Dresden Germany
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This historic 30 room property is full of charm and is set directly in the very heart of this picturesque town, the dining area and terrace has a beautiful view overlooking the valley and the Tauber river and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available in the public areas.
Mueller First-Class
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Hilton Munich City Superior First-Class
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