Highlights of Germany

Highlights of Germany

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12 Days From

$1966

$1840

Highlights of Germany

12 Days Starting and ending in FRANKFURT

Visiting: Frankfurt, Cologne, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hamelin, Hamburg, Lübeck, Berlin, Dresden, Leipzig, Weimar, Coburg, Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle, Stuttgart, Heidelberg

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

6040-2024

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 43

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:
English
From:
$1966
$1840 (USD) Barrhead discount: -$127

NB: Prices correct on 19-May-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Spectacular scenery, medieval towns, fairy-tale castles, a fascinating history, and world-class beer…this is Germany! On this comprehensive tour, you'll see Germany's highlights and visit its most famous cities, as well as its medieval towns and scenic areas. Your vacation begins and ends in Frankfurt with overnights in the Rhineland, Hamburg, Berlin, Leipzig, Nuremberg, Munich, and the Stuttgart area. Magnificent scenery awaits you on this value-minded Germany vacation. Enjoy a cruise on the Rhine River, passing castle-crested hills, terraced vineyards, and pretty historic towns. In Bavaria, see King Ludwig II's 19th-century Neuschwanstein Castle, nestled high in the Alps. Drive along the Romantic Road with its charming villages, cobblestone streets, walled cities, half-timbered houses, and scenic countryside, and stop in Rothenburg, a walled town that has retained its medieval character. Among the tour highlights is Lubeck, a Hanseatic city and UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in the 12th century and Veste Coburg Castle, one of Germany’s largest castle complexes. Today, the fortress houses the former art collections of the dukes of Coburg. You’ll also enjoy the must-see sights in the cities, including Munich’s Marienplatz, the main square in the city. In Dresden, see the Zwinger Carillon Pavilion, where the 40 bells of the Glockenspiel sound every quarter of an hour. From the beautiful scenery and exciting cities to the historic sights and fun experiences, this Germany tour has it all!

Highlights

  • Rhine cruise to enjoy scenic views of the Rhineland, including the famous Lorelei rock

  • Visit to Cologne, known for its joyous attitude and city center

  • Journey to Hamelin, echoing the “Pied Piper” legend

  • Orientation drive in Hamburg, one of Germany’s greatest maritime cities

  • Visit to Lubeck, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and cultural capital of northern Germany

  • Guided sightseeing tour of Berlin, seeing the blend of new and old

  • Visit to Dresden, known as the “Florence on the Elbe” and Leipzig, home to famous composers

  • Tour of Munich, known as Germany’s “Secret Capital” and visit to Neuschwanstein Castle

Places You'll See

Hotel Frankfurt Messe Affiliated By Meliá

Hotel Achat Monheim

Nh Altona Hamburg

B&B Hotel Berlin City Ost

Nh Leipzig Messe

B&B Berlin-Tiergarten

B&B Hotel Nürnberg-City

Ibis Muenchen Parkstadt Schwabing

Seminaris

Leonardo Royal Frankfurt

Hotel Frankfurt Messe Affiliated By Meliá

Hotel Achat Monheim

Nh Altona Hamburg

B&B Hotel Berlin City Ost

Nh Leipzig Messe

B&B Berlin-Tiergarten

B&B Hotel Nürnberg-City

Ibis Muenchen Parkstadt Schwabing

Leonardo Royal Frankfurt

Seminaris

Hotel Frankfurt Messe Affiliated By Meliá

Hotel Achat Monheim

Nh Altona Hamburg

B&B Hotel Berlin City Ost

Nh Leipzig Messe

B&B Berlin-Tiergarten

B&B Hotel Nürnberg-City

Ibis Muenchen Parkstadt Schwabing

Seminaris

Leonardo Royal Frankfurt

Hotel Frankfurt Messe Affiliated By Meliá

Hotel Achat Monheim

Nh Altona Hamburg

B&B Hotel Berlin City Ost

Nh Leipzig Messe

B&B Berlin-Tiergarten

B&B Hotel Nürnberg-City

Ibis Muenchen Parkstadt Schwabing

Leonardo Royal Frankfurt

Seminaris

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Frankfurt Area, Germany

Location: Frankfurt

Accommodation Name: Hotel Frankfurt Messe

Meals Included: Dinner

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.

Day 2 : Frankfurt Area–Rhine Cruise–Cologne–Rhineland

Location: Frankfurt, Cologne, Rhineland-Palatinate

Accommodation Name: Hotel Achat Monheim

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today’s highlight is an included Rhine cruise to enjoy scenic views of the Rhineland, including the famous Lorelei rock. Next is the city of Cologne, the city known for its joyous attitude, with free time to visit the city center.
Today’s Distance: 193 mi/ 310 km

Day 3 : Rhineland–Hamelin–Hamburg

Location: Rhineland-Palatinate, Hamelin, Hamburg

Accommodation Name: NH Altona Hamburg

Meals Included: Breakfast

Journey into Niedersachsen to visit Hamelin. Admire its town center with the historical buildings and magically fancy gables echoing the “Pied Piper” legend. Continue to Hamburg.
Today’s Distance: 304 mi/ 490 km

Day 4 : Hamburg–Lübeck–Berlin

Location: Hamburg, Lübeck, Berlin

Accommodation Name: B&B Berlin-Tiergarten

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the day with an orientation drive in Hamburg, one of Germany’s greatest maritime cities. Later, depart for Lübeck, formerly a free Hanseatic city and independent state. Lübeck, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered the cultural capital of northern Germany. Thomas Mann, Günther Grass, and Willy Brandt—all Nobel laureates—were among the famous residents of this city. Later, arrive in Berlin and enjoy your first evening in the capital of Germany.
Today’s Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km

Day 5 : Berlin

Location: Berlin

Accommodation Name: B&B Berlin-Tiergarten

Meals Included: Breakfast

No longer divided but every bit as fascinating, Berlin was once the city of contrasts with the wall separating two different worlds. Now, the city has developed into a harmonious blend of new and old, preserving its historical buildings and impressive boulevards as well as creating brand new buildings in the contemporary architectural styles. See all of this on the included city sightseeing with a Local Guide. Consider an optional excursion this afternoon.

Day 6 : Berlin–Dresden–Leipzig

Location: Berlin, Dresden, Leipzig

Accommodation Name: NH Leipzig Messe

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel southwest to Dresden, the old capital of Saxony and at one time called the “Florence on the Elbe.” On the included guided sightseeing tour, see the Zwinger Carillon Pavilion where the 40 bells of the Glockenspiel sound four times per hour, and much more. Then it’s on to Leipzig, where composers Johann Sebastian Bach and Felix Mendelssohn lived the last years of their lives. It was Mendelssohn who founded the Leipziger Conservatory in 1843.
Today’s Distance: 224 mi/ 360 km

Day 7 : Leipzig–Weimar–Coburg–Nuremberg

Location: Leipzig, Weimar, Coburg, Nuremberg

Accommodation Name: B&B Hotel Nürnberg-City

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leave Leipzig to visit Weimar, home to many intellectuals of the past but mainly known for the name given to the historical period of the “Weimar Republic.” This city is also famed as the home of the Bauhaus architectural movement in the 1920s. Next stop is Coburg. Visit the dominating and mighty Veste Coburg Castle, built in 1225. Continue to Nuremberg and admire its town center, dominated by the imperial castle.
Today’s Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km

Day 8 : Nuremberg–Rothenburg–Munich

Location: Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich

Accommodation Name: Ibis Muenchen Parkstadt Schwabing

Meals Included: Breakfast

As you leave Nuremberg, stop for a photo at the famous Zeppelinfield. On the way to Munich, visit the quaint Medieval village of Rothenburg on the Romantic Road. Marvel at its towered gates and battlements, squares of half-timbered houses and decorated fountains.
Today’s Distance: 217 mi/ 350 km

Day 9: Munich

Location: Munich

Accommodation Name: Ibis Muenchen Parkstadt Schwabing

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

With a Local Guide, take advantage of the included sightseeing tour of the city known as Germany’s “Secret Capital.” Time to admire the beautiful main square, Marienplatz, do some shopping, and sample Munich’s famous beer!

Day 10: Munich,Neuschwanstein,Stuttgart Area

Location: Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle, Stuttgart

Accommodation Name: Seminaris

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Leave Munich and drive into the heart of the Bavarian Alps to see the most famous 19th-century, neo-romantic castle of the world, King Ludwig II’s fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle. Overnight in a lovely village outside Stuttgart.
Today’s Distance: 192 mi/ 310 km

Day 11: Stuttgart Area,Heidelberg,Frankfurt Area

Location: Stuttgart, Heidelberg, Frankfurt

Accommodation Name: Hotel Frankfurt Messe

Meals Included: Breakfast

The day starts with a scenic drive for a taste of the Black Forest landscapes and villages, followed by a visit to Heidelberg—location of Germany’s oldest university and inspiration for the German Romantic movement. From here, continue to Frankfurt.
Today’s Distance: 155 mi/ 250 km

Day 12: Frankfurt Area

Location: Frankfurt

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Accommodations

    Stay in a range of hotels across Germany, including Hotel Frankfurt Messe Affiliated by Meliá, Hotel Achat Monheim, NH Altona Hamburg, B&B Berlin-Tiergarten, B&B Hotel Berlin City Ost, NH Leipzig Messe, B&B Hotel Nurnberg-City, Ibis Muenchen Parkstadt Schwabing, Seminaris, and Leonardo Royal Frankfurt.

  • Meals

    Buffet breakfasts daily; 5 dinners.

  • Transport

    Travel by coach across Germany, experiencing its diverse landscapes and cities.

  • Tours and Sightseeing

    Includes a Rhine cruise, visits to Cologne, Hamelin, Hamburg, Lubeck, Berlin, Dresden, Leipzig, Munich, and Neuschwanstein Castle, with guided sightseeing tours in Berlin and Munich.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Classical Weimar, Cologne Cathedral, Hanseatic city of Lubeck, and Speicherstadt and Kontorhous District of Hamburg.

What's Not Included

  • Airfare

    International and domestic airfare not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is recommended but not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Items of a personal nature, including souvenirs, laundry, and beverages, are not included.

  • Optional Tours

    Optional tours and activities not included in the itinerary.

  • Tips and Gratuities

    Tips and gratuities for tour guides and drivers are not included.

UNESCO Sites

Classical Weimar|Cologne Cathedral|Hanseatic city of Lubeck|Speicherstadt and Kontorhous District of Hamburg

Meals

Buffet breakfasts daily; 5 dinners

Accommodation

Hotel Frankfurt Messe Affiliated by Meliá

The QGREENHOTEL by Meliá provides 177 fully equipped rooms; different dining areas (Restaurant / Lobby Bar); free WiFi internet; 24 hour Fitness Room for the exclusive use of guests.

Hotel Achat Monheim

The ACHAT Monheim am Rhein is a budget modern hotel in the quiet town of Monheim. It has 83 modern guest rooms with satellite TVs and private bathrooms. There is also a bar and a relaxed restaurant. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with beds that are perfect for a good night's sleep and desks for working.

NH Altona Hamburg

Situated close to the fashionable Ottensen district where many shops, reataurants and galleries can be found. This 235-room hotel offers modern decor with wooden floors in the air-conditioned guest rooms and Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property. International cuisine is served in the restaurant together with a selection of fine German wines and the retro-style lounge bar offers a wide selection of drinks and snacks.

B&B Berlin-Tiergarten

B&B HOTEL Berlin-Tiergarten is located in the heart of Germany's capital city and offers Free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour reception as well as a rich buffet breakfast every morning. The modern guestrooms feature a brightly tiled bathroom with shower, hairdryer, flat-screen TV, wardrobe and desk, they are all soundproofed and air-conditioned, to ensure an ambient and comfortable temperature. The hotel is conveniently located just 20 minutes walk away from the Berlin Zoo, Germany¿s oldest zoological gardens and the nearby `Tiergarten¿ S-Bahn station ensures easy access to the rest of the city¿s sights and attractions.

B&B Hotel Berlin City Ost

This modern 140 room hotel in the heart of East Berlin offers Free WI-FI internet access in all rooms and public areas. The guestrooms feature a desk, a TV, complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer. The property is located in East Berlin, close to numerous bars and restaurants where cuisines from all over the world can be enjoyed.

NH Leipzig Messe

The NH Leipzig Messe hotel is just a short walk from the Leipzig Trade Fair and the Congress Center Leipzig, Meanwhile, you're also close to the city's cultural highlights, including the Zoo Leipzig, the Gewandhaus Orchestra and Auerbach's Cellar, a restaurant that dates back to the 15th century. It's a 10-minute walk to the tram, which will take you into town.

B&B Hotel Nurnberg-City

This non-smoking hotel has a total of 135 modern rooms, all easily accessible with a lift to the upper floors. All of the modern guest rooms are equipped with a TV, desk and bathrooms come complete with a shower and hair dryer. All windows are soundproofed to provide perfect comfort and air-conditioning ensures ambient temperatures. The B&B Hotel Nurnberg-City is located directly in the historic old town where major sites can be reached in a few minutes by foot. The main railway station is 600 meters away, offering easy access to other parts of the city by public transport.

Ibis Muenchen Parkstadt Schwabing

The ibis Munchen Parkstadt Schwabing is located in Schwabing, the most popular district in Munich, between the English Garden and Leopoldstraße. Both attractions are just a short distance away. Our hotel has good public transport links. It is a ten-minute journey to the Allianz Arena and Olympiazentrum, and Marienplatz is just 2.5 miles (4 km) away. All 147 rooms are air conditioned and have 24/7 WIFI. WIFI is available free of charge in the lobby, bar and restaurant.

Seminaris

Located in the spa town of Bad Boll, 30 km from Stuttgart surrounded by a nature reserve, this chalet-style property offers a selection of restaurants, a beer garden, a terrace bar and wellness center. Cozy guestrooms have comfortable beds, minibar, and free Wi-Fi connection.

Leonardo Royal Frankfurt

440 rooms, close to the airport (13 km), close to the motorway A3 and A5, Bus station in front of the hotel and taxi station (to the city center), 1 Sportsbar, 3 Restaurants.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are meals included in the Highlights of Germany tour?

    Yes, the tour includes buffet breakfasts daily and 5 dinners.

  • What are the highlights of the Highlights of Germany tour?

    The Highlights of Germany tour includes a Rhine cruise to enjoy scenic views of the Rhineland, including the famous Lorelei rock, visits to Cologne, Hamelin, Hamburg, Lübeck, Berlin, Dresden, Leipzig, Munich, and Neuschwanstein Castle, with guided sightseeing tours in Berlin and Munich.

  • What is not included in the Highlights of Germany tour?

    Exclusions include international and domestic airfare, travel insurance, items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, laundry, and beverages, optional tours and activities not included in the itinerary, and tips and gratuities for tour guides and drivers.

  • Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the itinerary?

    Yes, the tour includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Classical Weimar, Cologne Cathedral, Hanseatic city of Lubeck, and Speicherstadt and Kontorhous District of Hamburg.

  • What type of transport will be used during the tour?

    Travel by coach across Germany, experiencing its diverse landscapes and cities.

  • What type of accommodations are included in the tour?

    The tour includes stays in a range of hotels across Germany, including Hotel Frankfurt Messe Affiliated by Meliá, Hotel Achat Monheim, NH Altona Hamburg, B&B Berlin-Tiergarten, B&B Hotel Berlin City Ost, NH Leipzig Messe, B&B Hotel Nürnberg-City, Ibis Muenchen Parkstadt Schwabing, Seminaris, and Leonardo Royal Frankfurt.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

Trustpilot
Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

Trustpilot
John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

Trustpilot
Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

Trustpilot
Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

Trustpilot

Dates & Availability

Friday - Tuesday

Jun 14, 2024 - Jun 25, 2024
$2462 $2335 (USD)

Barrhead discount: -$127 (USD)

Friday - Tuesday

Jun 28, 2024 - Jul 09, 2024
$2462 $2335 (USD)

Barrhead discount: -$127 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Tuesday

Jul 26, 2024 - Aug 06, 2024
$2258 $2131 (USD)

Barrhead discount: -$127 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Tuesday

Aug 09, 2024 - Aug 20, 2024
$2258 $2131 (USD)

Barrhead discount: -$127 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Tuesday

Aug 30, 2024 - Sep 10, 2024
$2538 $2411 (USD)

Barrhead discount: -$127 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Tuesday

Sep 06, 2024 - Sep 17, 2024
$2335 $2208 (USD)

Barrhead discount: -$127 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Tuesday

Sep 13, 2024 - Sep 24, 2024
$2728 $2601 (USD)

Barrhead discount: -$127 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Tuesday

Sep 27, 2024 - Oct 08, 2024
$2436 $2309 (USD)

Barrhead discount: -$127 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Tuesday

Dec 06, 2024 - Dec 17, 2024
$2144 $2017 (USD)

Barrhead discount: -$127 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Tuesday

Dec 13, 2024 - Dec 24, 2024
$1966 $1840 (USD)

Barrhead discount: -$127 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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