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 during an experience at the Berlin TV Tower, you’ll enjoy inspiring 360° views of the city and Spree River. See the Neo-Renaissance Reichstag, the Tiergarten, Brandenburg Gate and Unter den Linden with a Local Specialist during your included 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. You’ll spend the evening at a Be My Guest experience.
A short drive south brings us to Dresden, the ‘Florence on the Elbe’, where we’ll hear about the city’s restoration following its devastation during World War II as you admire its beautiful Baroque façades. See the Semper Opera, Zwinger Palace and the fully reconstructed Frauenkirche. Consider delving into the treasures of Dresden, joining an Optional Experience to explore this elegant city.
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 narrow lanes of Rothenburg – its beautiful medieval center seemingly frozen in time and encircled by a fortified town wall that remains intact after centuries. Admire the beautiful market square, lined with half-timbered houses, and the Old Town Hall before traveling to Heidelberg, and perhaps have the chance to capture views of the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, as well as the baroque-style Old Town. Later, witness a Black Forest treasure as you Dive Into Culture and learn about the centuries-old craft of cuckoo clock making. This evening over dinner, we learn from a local expert about Hofgut Sternen’s innovative design and the traditions of the Black Forest on MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
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.
During your time in Munich, see the distinctive towers of the Cathedral as well as Marienplatz, the central square and the impressive town hall with its charming glockenspiel. The 13th-century St. Peter’s church, the Viktualien food market square and a beerhall are only a short walk from here. Enjoy dinner with your newfound friends tonight, reminiscing over the iconic and unexpected highlights of our trip.
After breakfast, say a fond farewell after a memorable holiday.