There’s just something magical about southern Germany, and this 12-day private Germany vacation invites you to see the country at its finest from Frankfurt to Munich. 

Ignore anyone who tells you there’s nothing to see or do in “Bankfurt.” Yes, this is Germany’s financial heart, but it’s also a cultural powerhouse, with Germany’s highest number of museums outside Berlin, a thriving nightlife scene, charming medieval squares and a top-notch quality of life. It’s well-located for visiting some of the Rhine region’s most beautiful towns as well, which you’ll discover on an escorted day trip to Rudesheim and St. Goarshausen. 

From cutting edge ideas to relaxing in the spa, it’s time to visit Heidelberg, almost certainly Germany’s most attractive university town, and Baden-Baden, where hot spring waters have rejuvenated tired travellers for more than two millennia (don’t worry, the facilities have kept up with the times). Then, discover how German and French cultures come together in towns like Colmar and Strasbourg, before tasting the wines of the surrounding Alsace region. 

Explore the Black Forest on your way to Füssen in the Bavarian Alps. Today, Füssen is best known as the start of Germany’s Romantic Road. Visit Neuschwanstein, the spectacular mountaintop castle of the charismatic but troubled King Ludwig II, as well as the king’s lesser known, but much more intimate and beloved palace, Linderhof. You’ll also stop in at Oberammergau, famous for its epic Passion Play, held every 10 years in a dedicated theatre. 

Munich welcomes you with its boisterous beer halls, jaw-dropping palaces, and uniquely forward-thinking lifestyle. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Munich rewards outdoor and indoor exploration equally, and an escape from the city is never far away. Visit Berchtesgaden, exploring its history of salt mining and pay a sobering visit to the notorious Eagle’s Nest. Finally, stop in at Rothenburg ob der Tauber, often described as Germany’s most beautiful town on your way to Nuremberg. 

Your tour of Nuremberg explores the more troubling side of Germany’s long history, specifically at the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds. Understand how this megalomaniacal regime took hold of one of what had been one of the world’s most progressive nations, then reflect on how far Nuremberg has come since, reclaiming its medieval beauty and becoming one of Germany’s most popular city breaks. 

On your way back to Frankfurt, stop in at Wurzburg on the Main River. Many of the towns in this region were independent states under the Holy Roman Empire, so each has their own unique story to tell beyond the photogenic streets. Explore the Wurzberg Residenz and see Mespelbrunn Castle before returning to Frankfurt. 

• Begin your journey in Frankfurt, where modern skyscrapers rise beside centuries-old landmarks.
• Cruise the Rhine from Rüdesheim to St. Goarshausen, gliding past vineyards and the fabled Lorelei Rock.
• Explore Heidelberg’s romantic castle, Baden-Baden’s elegance, and Freiburg’s charm at the edge of the Black Forest.
• Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, Oberammergau and Linderhof before experiencing Munich’s vibrant culture and Alpine beauty.
• Travel through Rothenburg, Nuremberg and Würzburg’s baroque Residenz Palace before returning to cosmopolitan Frankfurt.

• Arrival and departure airport transfers
• 3 nights' premium accommodation in Frankfurt
• 2 nights' premium accommodation in Freiburg
• 2 nights' premium accommodation in Füssen
• 2 nights' premium accommodation in Munich
• 2 nights' premium accommodation in Nuremberg
• Transportation by car, minivan or bus during the entire tour (depending on number of participants)
• English speaking tour guide during the entire tour (driver-guide for groups of 7 persons or less)
• Visits and excursions as described in the itinerary
• Rhine cruise (only possible from April until mid-October)
• Admission to Heidelberg, Neuschwanstein, Linderhof Castles and the Residence Palace of Wurzburg
• Visit to a cuckoo clock visitor center
• Visit to a local Black Forest farm
• Visit of the Eagle's Nest (only possible from mid-May until mid-October)
• Visit of the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds of Nuremberg
• "Snow ball" tasting in Rothenburg
• Daily buffet breakfast (excluding day 1)
   

• Travel insurance
• International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
• Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
• Gratuities
• Optional excursions
• Items of a personal nature
• Passport & Visa fees, if applicable