A Study of German Culture

Get to know the Germany of old and new. This tour will provide the opportunity to see historic castles and monuments, the history, artistic, financial and industrial cultures of Germany as well as to enjoy the stunning scenery and national cuisine.

Day 1 – Frankfurt Arrival

Welcome to Germany! Meet your specialist tour guide at the airport and depart for a panoramic sightseeing tour of the major sites. The afternoon is free to relax and settle in and after dinner attend the Frankfurt Ballet. Visit backstage and meet the artistic director. Overnight Frankfurt

Day 2 – Frankfurt Ancient and Modern

After breakfast meet with the local guide for a guided tour of the Romerberg, the old town of Frankfurt. Tour Goethe’s Birthplace and see how one of Germany’s most famous authors spent his formative years. Then proceed to Frankfurt’s new banking quarter and visit the Borse, Frankfurt’s Stock Exchange. In the afternoon depart for Rudesheim and a Rhine river cruise in the famous Loreley region.

Overnight Frankfurt

Day 3 – Frankfurt and Heidelberg

This morning take an excursion to Oberursel, one of Frankfurt’s affluent suburbs and visit Frankfurt International School. This afternoon leave Frankfurt behind and head for Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university city, of “Student Prince” fame. On arrival get acquainted with the city on a motorcoach overview tour highlighting famous landmarks. See the Old Neckar Bridge, the Red Ox Inn, the Student’s Gaol and of course the imposing ruined castle which dominates the city. Tonight enjoy an open-air cultural performance at Heidelberg Castle. Overnight Heidelberg

Day 4 – Heidelberg and Stuttgart

Today enjoy a full day excursion to Stuttgart. Tour the Mercedes-Benz Museum and factory and view the production process from unassembled components to completed cars. Afterwards meet the American-German Volksmarch Club, a local walking club. Take a walk with them in the Baden-Wurttemberg countryside and enjoy a barbecue before returning to Heidelberg. Overnight Heidelberg

Day 5 – Schwarzwald

This morning leave Heidelberg and head for the Black Forest. On arrival follow the local guide for a walking tour of Freiburg, capital of the Black Forest. The city’s most famous monument is its cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval architecture. In the afternoon maybe participate in one of Germany’s favourite past-times, Trimm Ditch. These are courses and footpaths set up in woods and forests for the purpose of keeping fit. Overnight Schwarzwald

Day 6 – Schwarzwald

Today enjoy a tour of the German Clock Road, a 200 mile long road passing through some of the most beautiful scenery of the Black Forest and the Baar. Lined with fascinating museums and places of interest the road is famous as the area where traditional German cuckoo clocks are made. The afternoon is free to explore. Overnight Schwarzwald

Day 7 – Munich

Today leave the Black Forest and depart for Munich, the capital of Bavaria. On arrival see the quaint and historic old town featuring the city’s most famous landmark, the Cathedral of Our Lady and also the vast Olympia Park, scene of the 1972 Olympic Games. Later visit the Naschmarkt, Munich’s market and then this evening enjoy dinner at Munich’s most famous Beer Hall, the Hofbrauhaus.

Overnight Munich

Day 8 – Excursion to Dachau

Depart for a full day excursion to Dachau Concentration Camp where Nazi Germany’s first concentration camp was organised on the orders of Heinrich Himmler in 1933. This afternoon go to Mittenwald on the Austrian border where they have a 300-year history of violin making. Enjoy visits to the Geigenbaumuseum and to a Violinmaker’s Workshop before returning to Munich.

Overnight Munich

Day 9 – Excursion to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

A full day excursion to the heart of Bavaria today. Pass through the stylish winter resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the world famous town of Oberammergau where every 10 years the renowned Passion Plays take place. Afterwards continue onto the fairytale castles of mad King Ludwig II, Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. Tonight enjoy dinner in one of Munich’s many restaurants.

Overnight Munich

Day 10 – Nuremberg

Today leave Munich and head north to the city of Nuremberg. Before the Second World War Nuremberg was one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Germany. As a typical German city it was chosen by the Nazi party for its huge annual rallies each September. This afternoon take a walking tour of the city with a local guide and in the evening enjoy a typical Nuremberg meal of Bratwurst.

Overnight Nuremberg

Day 11 – Nuremberg – Dresden

This morning depart Nuremberg for Dresden. En route stop at the town of Meissen, famous for its porcelain. Enjoy a workshop demonstration and then have the opportunity to browse the museum at leisure. Afterwards continue to Dresden. On arrival discover the city with a motorcoach overview tour of the major sites. The tour will highlight the famous Semper Opera House, the Palace of Saxony’s Electors and Kings and the Cathedral where the tombs of Saxony’s Kings can be seen in the crypt. Overnight Dresden

Day 12 – Dresden

This morning meet with some of the organisations in the Dresden area and go to the Umweltzentrum, a building where several voluntary associations meet to plan various projects such as humanitarian help, environment projects, etc. In the afternoon tour a Stollen Bakery. Overnight Dresden

Day 13 – Dresden – Berlin

Today take the train to Berlin and on arrival have the rest of the day to explore at leisure. Later tonight enjoy a show at one of the German Capital’s many theatres.

Overnight Berlin

Day 14 – Berlin

Join a local guide today for a guided tour of the capital and visit the Brandenburg Gate. Tonight take a trip up the TV Tower and have dinner in the rotating restaurant there with spectacular views over the whole of Berlin. Overnight Berlin

Day 15 – Berlin

This morning enjoy a tour of Potsdam and Sans-Souci Park, where the Potsdam Conference was held. As part of the visit see the Sans-Souci Palace and park whose 740 acres contains several hundred species of tree. Tonight an authentic medieval banquet is arranged at a castle in the Charlottenburg district of Berlin.

Overnight Berlin

Day 16 – Departure

Today transfer to the airport for the return flight home.

Some of the tour’s sights.