Start your Central European adventure in Berlin. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers, spend time exploring this remarkable city before enjoying dinner.
Explore an iconic landmark of Berlin with a guided visit to the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse. See the Neo-Renaissance Reichstag, the Tiergarten, Brandenburg Gate and Unter den Linden with a Local Specialist during your sightseeing tour. Enjoy some free time this afternoon exploring the city on your own or consider joining an Optional Experience delving into Berlin's secret past.
A short drive south brings you to Dresden, the ‘Florence on the Elbe’. Hear how the city was painstakingly restored after the devastation of World War II, then admire its Baroque beauty as you view the Semper Opera, Zwinger Palace and the fully reconstructed Frauenkirche. Consider delving deeper on an Optional Experience to uncover more of Dresden’s elegant streets and stories. This evening, head to Weingut Aust in Saxony for your Be My Guest experience to explore the vineyards and historic wine cellar before sitting down to a dinner of regional specialties paired with selected estate Rieslings.
Visit the village of Mödlareuth, which inherited the moniker of 'Little Berlin' due to its wall separating East and West Germany. Gain insights into a divided Germany at its open-air museum and see a section of the original wall with its security features. This afternoon, arrive in the Bavarian city of Nuremberg, once the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire and today the economic, social and cultural capital of Franconia. During your orientation see the mighty castle ramparts and stand in the Hauptmarkt main square which is dominated by the impressive Frauenkirche, a great example of the Gothic brick-style architecture of the region. Spend the rest of your day at leisure indulging in the local specialty of grilled Nürnberger Rostbratwurst with sauerkraut.
Stroll through the cobbled lanes of Rothenburg, a storybook town wrapped in medieval walls. Take in the half-timbered houses and charming market square, then wander past the Old Town Hall at your own pace. Later, journey into the heart of the Black Forest and discover a treasured tradition as you Dive into Culture with a visit to a local cuckoo clock workshop. This evening, settle into your Stays with Stories property at Hofgut Sternen. Before dinner, you’ll join a local expert to hear how this historic estate is embracing innovation and sustainability — a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that supports the region’s heritage and environment.
Travel through the beautiful countryside to a land of fables and folklore. This morning, tread in the footsteps of shy King Ludwig II and visit his Neuschwanstein Castle (subject to availability), built as a retreat for the king to withdraw from public life. Continue through the beautiful countryside to Munich.
This morning, join a Local Specialist for a guided visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial, a powerful experience that offers insight into this dark chapter of history. During your time in Munich, see the distinctive towers of the Cathedral of Our Lady, stroll through Marienplatz, and admire the impressive town hall with its charming Glockenspiel. Take time to admire the 13th-century St. Peter's Church and wander around local bakeries and traditional beer halls.
After breakfast, say a fond farewell at the end of a memorable journey through the highlights of Germany.
