Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Germany with the "German Highlights" tour, a cultural exploration of the country's most iconic sites. Begin in Frankfurt and cruise the historic Rhine River, marvel at the Cologne Cathedral, and enjoy a beer at a famous Cologne brewery. Travel by high-speed train to Berlin for guided sightseeing of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and Brandenburg Gate. Discover Dresden's Zwinger Palace, Nuremberg's Old Town, and Munich's Marienplatz. Experience the fairytale allure of Neuschwanstein Castle and the scenic beauty of the Black Forest. Enjoy local specialties, including a Black Forest cake tasting, and savor the rich history and culture of Germany on this unforgettable adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Frankfurt,Germany
Location: Frankfurt
Accommodation Name: NH Frankfurt Niederrad
Meals Included: Dinner
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Frankfurt,Cologne
Location: Frankfurt, Rhine River, Cologne Cathedral, Cologne
Accommodation Name: Cologne Marriott
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
FRANKFURT–COLOGNE–RHINELAND Views & Brews in Cologne RHINE RIVER Take a scenic cruise on the historic river.COLOGNE Visit the magnificent cathedral. Enjoy a beer at the [LF] Cölner Hofbräu Früh, one of Cologne’s famous breweries. (B,D) 155 mi / 250 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES For more than a century, the Cölner Hofbräu Früh has served its delicious Kölsch beer according to the family tradition started by the founder Peter Josef Früh. Raise your glass to timeless tradition and hospitality with Germany’s famous, foamy brews.
Day 3: Cologne,Berlin
Location: Rhineland, Berlin, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Berlin, Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Holocaust Memorial, Berlin
Accommodation Name: Abba Berlin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
RHINELAND–BERLIN Historic Berlin RHINELAND Board the high-speed first-class ICE train to Berlin.BERLIN Guided sightseeing includes the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and picture stops at Brandenburg Gate and the Holocaust Memorial. (B,D) 367 mi / 590 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS Explore the historic city of Berlin. Stop at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the symbolic heart of West Berlin, its towers rising as a symbol of peace between nations. See the vast Holocaust Memorial, the sombre site dedicated to the remembrance of the Jewish victims of the holocaust. Take photos of the symbolic monument to peace and unity at the Brandenburg Gate – Berlin's most famous landmark.
Day 4: Berlin
Location: Berlin, East Side Gallery, Berlin, Mariannenstrasse, Berlin, Kreuzberg, Berlin, Landwehr Canal, Berlin
Accommodation Name: Abba Berlin
Meals Included: Breakfast
BERLIN The Boulevards of Berlin BERLIN Enjoy a free day to explore Berlin. (B)FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE Berlin is a city to be explored and enjoyed. See the street art of the East Side Gallery where a portion of the Berlin Wall now serves as a memorial of freedom painted by local artists. See the classic Cosmonaut mural in Mariannenstrasse or head to the Kreuzberg district for a leisurely stroll along Landwehr Canal.
Day 5: Berlin,Dresden
Location: Berlin, Dresden, Zwinger Palace, Dresden
Accommodation Name: NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt
Meals Included: Breakfast
BERLIN–DRESDEN German Jewels DRESDEN Enjoy free time for lunch. An orientation walk features the Zwinger Palace Courtyard. (B)137 mi / 220 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL 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.
Day 6: Dresden,Bayreuth,Nuremberg
Location: Dresden, Bayreuth, Nuremberg
Accommodation Name: NH Collection Nuernberg City
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DRESDEN–BAYREUTH–NUREMBERG On Tap in Nuremberg BAYREUTH Take an orientation tour of Wagner’s city of festival.NUREMBERG Walking tour includes the Old Town. [LF] Dinner with local specialties at the Bratwurst Röslein restaurant. (B,D) 205 mi / 330 kmLOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Bring a big appetite to dine on brats and beer in the biggest Bratwurst restaurant in the world! Enjoy authentic specialities at Bratwurst Röslein in the heart of Nuremberg’s town hall square, where warm welcomes have been greeting clients since 1493.
Day 7: Nuremberg,Rothenburg,Munich
Location: Nuremberg, Rothenburg, Munich
Accommodation Name: Hilton Munich City
Meals Included: Breakfast
NUREMBERG–ROTHENBURG–MUNICH The Romantic Road ROTHENBURG Orientation walk and free time to browse before continuing to Munich. (B) 205 mi / 330 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT 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.
Day 8: Munich,Oberammergau- Füssen Area
Location: Munich, Oberammergau, Füssen
Accommodation Name: Best Western Plus Hotel Fuessen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
MUNICH–OBERAMMERGAU- FÜSSEN AREA The Heart of Munich MUNICH Guided sightseeing includes Marienplatz with its Old and New Town Halls.OBERAMMERGAU Enjoy free time before departing for Füssen. (B,D) 87 mi / 140 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Experience the geographical and cultural heart of Munich at its Marienplatz, the town square since 1158. Stroll through the home of historic buildings, including the Old and New Town Halls in the picturesque heart and soul of the city.
Day 9: Füssen Area: Excursion To Neuschwanstein
Location: Füssen, Neuschwanstein
Accommodation Name: Best Western Plus Hotel Fuessen
Meals Included: Breakfast
FÜSSEN AREA: EXCURSION TO NEUSCHWANSTEIN Bavarian Blessings & A Storybook Castle FÜSSEN Spend a free morning in the Bavarian village. NEUSCHWANSTEIN Take a guided visit to King Ludwig’s castle. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the “Fairytale 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.
Day 10: Füssen Area,Lindau,Birnau,Black Forest
Location: Füssen, Lindau, Birnau, Lake Titisee, Black Forest
Accommodation Name: Hofgut Sternen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
FÜSSEN AREA–LINDAU–BIRNAU–LAKE TITISEE–BLACK FOREST Fairytale Forests LINDAU Explore the island on Lake Constance.BIRNAU Visit the Baroque church.LAKE TITISEE Private electric boat cruise with aperitif.BLACK FOREST Enjoy a traditional Schwarzwaldkuchen (Black Forest cake) tasting during dinner. (B,D) 186 mi / 300 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT SCENIC RIDES Lake Titisee is the largest natural lake in the Black Forest and considered to be one of the most beautiful in Germany. What better way to see it than by sailing on it! Relax on your private electric boat cruise and enjoy an aperitif whilst soaking up the stunning views of the surrounding Black Forest.
Day 11: Black Forest,Heidelberg,Frankfurt
Location: Black Forest, Heidelberg, Frankfurt
Accommodation Name: NH Frankfurt Niederrad
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
BLACK FOREST–HEIDELBERG–FRANKFURT Cuckoo Clocks & Castle Walks BLACK FOREST Enjoy a Cuckoo Clock demonstration at your hotel.HEIDELBERG Take a walking tour of the Old Town with a funicular ride to visit the castle.FRANKFURT Farewell dinner at your hotel. (B,D) 199 mi / 320 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ARCHITECTURAL GEM Ascend 300 feet above Heidelberg to visit its historic castle, posing a commanding presence above the town below. The breathtaking Schloss Heidelberg features buildings and courtyards reflecting unique architectural eras, as well as the biggest wine barrel in the world! Just as the city below delivers a powerful view of the castle, you’ll take in the panoramic views of Heidelberg below the terraces and gardens of the hilltop fortress. Cast your eyes across the Neckar River and valley, with views as far as the Rhine plain and Mannheim on a clear day.
Day 12: Frankfurt
Location: Frankfurt
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Guided Sightseeing
Guided sightseeing in Berlin, including the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Brandenburg Gate, and the Holocaust Memorial.
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Scenic Cruise
Scenic cruise on the historic Rhine River.
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High-Speed Train
High-speed first-class ICE train from Cologne to Berlin.
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Orientation Walks
Orientation walks in Dresden, Bayreuth, and Rothenburg.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Cologne Cathedral, Margravial Opera House Bayreuth, Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin, and Upper Middle Rhine Valley.
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Local Experiences
Local experiences such as a beer at Cologne’s famous brewery, a Cuckoo Clock demonstration in the Black Forest, and a Black Forest cake tasting.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and related expenses are not included.
Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily; 7 three-course dinners
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds. ...more ...less
UNESCO Sites
Cologne Cathedral|Margravial Opera House Bayreuth (See Only)|Upper Middle Rhine Valley
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at NH Frankfurt Niederrad, Cologne Marriott, NH Collection Berlin Mitte Am Checkpoint Charlie, NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt, NH Collection Nuernberg City, Hilton Munich City, Best Western Plus Hotel Fuessen, and Hofgut Sternen in the Black Forest.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a scenic cruise on the historic Rhine River and a high-speed first-class ICE train from Cologne to Berlin, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey through Germany's highlights.
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.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes a full buffet breakfast daily and 7 three-course dinners.
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Are there any special experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes special experiences such as a beer tasting at Cologne's famous brewery, a Cuckoo Clock demonstration in the Black Forest, and a Black Forest cake tasting.
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Is there any free time during the tour to explore on my own?
Yes, there are several opportunities for free time during the tour, such as a free day to explore Berlin and free time in Oberammergau and the Bavarian village of Füssen.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes a high-speed first-class ICE train from Cologne to Berlin and a private electric boat cruise on Lake Titisee.
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Are there any physical limitations to be aware of for this tour?
Yes, the visit to Neuschwanstein Castle may be challenging for guests with physical limitations or those reliant on mobility devices due to stair access.
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What is the group size for this tour?
The tour offers Small-Group Discoveries on select dates, limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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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.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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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.
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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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Terms and Conditions
German Highlights
12 Days Starting and ending in Frankfurt, Germany
Visiting: Frankfurt, Rhine River, Cologne Cathedral, Cologne, Rhineland, Berlin, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Berlin, Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Holocaust Memorial, Berlin, East Side Gallery, Berlin, Mariannenstrasse, Berlin, Kreuzberg, Berlin, Landwehr Canal, Berlin, Dresden, Zwinger Palace, Dresden, Bayreuth, Nuremberg, Rothenburg, Munich, Oberammergau, Füssen, Neuschwanstein, Lindau, Birnau, Lake Titisee, Black Forest, Heidelberg ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZD-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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