Highlights of Germany

Highlights of Germany

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Highlights of Germany

9 Days Starting and ending in Germany

Visiting: Cologne, Rüdesheim am Rhein, Koblenz / Rüdesheim am Rhein, Freiburg, Black Forest / Freiburg, Munich

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

AMKA

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

physical=2, cultureShock=1

Age range:

15-99 years

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Tour Overview

Oh Germany, what can't you do? A land of history, fairytales, cobblestones, perfume, bratwurst, wine and beer, this is a country to fall in love with. Take a whiff of Cologne and its incredible cathedral then sample the local wines in Rudesheim. You'll have to drag yourself away though, because Freiburg and the Black Forest is waiting, a region that inspired Hansel and Gretel and countless legends. Finish in Munich, one of Europe's prettiest cities, and indulge in what many would consider the best beer (and food) in the world.

Highlights

  • Find out why people of Cologne are so proud of its city’s landmark, the mighty Cologne Cathedral.

  • Explore Germany's answer to Tuscany during your stay in Rudesheim am Rhein, a wine-making town.

  • Explore the Rhine River on a morning boat tour to Koblenz.

  • Discover the dark, slightly sinister canopy of evergreen hills, valleys and rivers in the mighty Schwarzwald, also known as Black Forest. Taste the treasures of the region; local ham, black forest cake and bread.

  • Explore Munich, arguably one of the prettiest cities in Europe. Check out why beer halls are always full with locals during the included traditional Bavarian dinner.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Cologne

Location: Cologne

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: dinner

Willkommen in Köln! Welcome to Cologne, located on the Rhine River and famed for its gothic architecture among many other things. Meet your group at 6 pm then hit Cologne for an included dinner at a local restaurant with a glass of kolsch beer, the local brew.

Day 2: Cologne

Location: Cologne

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Take a leader-led walk around the centre of Cologne and visit the famous, drop-dead gorgeous Gothic cathedral. More than just an orientation point, Cologne Cathedral has dominated the city's skyline since it was completed in 1880 and it's impossible not to feel slightly religious in its presence. Cologne, unsurprisingly, is the home of the original eau de cologne and has smelt seriously good for a seriously long time. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the city and the water front. Stroll along the river by dark and pull up a pew in one of the city's beer halls.

Day 3: Rüdesheim am Rhein

Location: Rüdesheim am Rhein

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today you'll take a train from Cologne to Rüdesheim (approx 2.5 hours). Straight out of a velvet Christmas stocking or a wood-chipped miniature house, Rüdesheim is famous for its overly traditional feel. Set on the banks of the Rhine, this small town is packed full of half-timbered houses, vineyards and enthusiastic residents. Check in to the hotel on arrival. Then it's time to travel by cable car up the hillside to the UNESCO listed 19th century Niederwald Memorial, commemorating the German unification of 1871. From here you will have some gorgeous views across vineyards and the Rhine Valley. Later on taste some wines. Rüdesheim is a a winemaking town, so if zesty riesling is your tipple you're in for a real treat. In the evening perhaps enjoy a traditional German meal by the Rhine River and maybe share some stories with the friendly locals.

Day 4: Koblenz / Rüdesheim am Rhein

Location: Koblenz / Rüdesheim am Rhein

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Depart Rüdesheim in the morning for a boat cruise on the Rhine to Koblenz, a 2000-year-old town that really is awfully pretty. Surrounded by small mountains and vineyards and characterised by winding alleys and historic buildings, Koblenz is the perfect place to explore by foot. Take a quick orientation walk with your leader then enjoy a free afternoon getting to know this beautiful corner of the world. You'll catch the evening train back to Rüdesheim, arriving a touch before 8pm, at which point you can call it an evening or polish your palate with some local wines.

Day 5: Freiburg

Location: Freiburg

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Catch the morning train from Rüdesheim to Freiburg (approx 3 hours). Situated on the edge of the beautiful Black Forest region, this tasty town is known for its sunny weather, beautiful surroundings and the strange gutters in its streets, which carry water diverted from the river for livestock and fighting fires. Well, that's what they used to be for, now they just sound nice. The city suffered heavy bombing during WWII but has bounced back and is now a beacon of sustainability, with a government heavily invested in environmental progress. Check in to your hotel on arrival, then take an orientation walk around town with your leader. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Day 6: Black Forest / Freiburg

Location: Black Forest / Freiburg

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Transfer by private vehicle from Freiburg into the Black Forest. This is fairytale country and the forest where Hansel and Gretel encountered the wicked witch, but rest assured there's no evil here, just stunning European scenery featuring mossy streams, green valleys and the cutest houses you can imagine. The exact itinerary depends on the time of year, but usually we visit Titisee Lake and stretch our legs on the Black Forest's highest mountain, the Feldberg, at 1,494 metres. You'll also indulge in traditional Black Forest cake at a local cafe. In the afternoon you'll return to Freiburg for a free evening to enjoy the buzzing university atmosphere.

Day 7: Munich

Location: Munich

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today will be your longest travel day, coming in at approximately five hours, albeit on a comfy intercity train. Arrive in Munich in time for a late lunch and take a walk with your leader afterwards. The city may be best known for its yearly Oktoberfest, but there's so much else to see and do here apart from, you know, beer. Though the beer is ridiculously good. Munich is one of the prettiest cities in Europe, so walking around the city is extremely rewarding and once you've finished, you've definitely earned one of those tasty beers we can't stop talking about.

Day 8: Munich

Location: Munich

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Today is a free day to discover all that Munich has to offer. Visit some of the impressive museums such as the Royal Palace and Bavarian National Museum, or perhaps check out one of the art galleries. The Alte Pinakothek is one of the oldest galleries in the world or, if you feel like getting out of the city, a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle is a great option. Built by the reclusive Bavarian King Ludwig II, this castle was Walt Disney's inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's castle and is visited by over a million people every year. Back in the city, you could also check out the surfers at the Eisbach, Munich's famous river wave. Meet up with your group in the evening for a typical Bavarian farewell dinner and beer. Think schnitzel, think bratwurst, think sauerkraut and think beer. Lots of delicious beer.

Day 9: Munich

Location: Munich

Meals Included: breaksfast

Your adventure comes to an end today after breakfast. There are no more activities planned and you're able to depart the accommodation after check-out.

What's Included

  • Munich - Traditional Bavarian Dinner

  • Meals

    8 breakfasts, 2 dinners

  • Accommodation

    Comfortable Hotel (8 nights)

Transport

  • Train , Private vehicle , River boat , Cable car

Accommodation

  • Comfortable Hotel (8 nights)

Included Activities

  • Cologne - Welcome Dinner
  • Cologne - Cathedral Visit
  • Rudesheim - Wine Tasting
  • Rudesheim - Cable Car
  • Rudesheim - Niederwald Memorial
  • Rhine River - Cruise to Koblenz
  • Black Forest - Day Trip
  • Black Forest - Cake & Coffee
  • Munich - Traditional Bavarian Dinner

Check out our Q&As

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

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  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit for future tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid 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 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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