Romantic Germany

Tour begins at 6:00 PM, Hotel Villa Kennedy. A transfer is included from the Frankfurt Airport to the five-star Villa Kennedy, built around a Renaissance-style villa in downtown Frankfurt. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner.

Begin today's travels aboard a morning riverboat cruise on the Rhine from St. Goarshausen to Rüdesheim. Glide past green hillsides and romantic castle ruins, and hear the legendary story of the Lorelei. Disembark in the wine town of Rüdesheim for time at leisure; check out its famous Dros­sel­gasse, a cobblestone lane of half-timbered houses, wine taverns and cozy cafes. Return to Frankfurt, where you're free to explore on your own tonight; your hotel is in easy reach of the pubs, restaurants and nightlife of the Left Bank district.

Travel along the "Yellow Roads" through typical villages of the agricultural region known as the Bergstrasse en route to the enchanting medieval town of Heidelberg, where a tour leads you to the ruins of its Gothic castle that was the inspiration of poets and painters. Enjoy some free time in town before continuing to your hotel, Traube Tonbach, the grande dame of Black Forest spa resorts. Dine at leisure in the hotel tonight.

Choose between a self-guided tour of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart – a treasure trove of historic cars and exhibits that trace the evolution of the legendary automaker – or an interactive cooking lesson at the hotel, with chefs who’ll demonstrate the art of regional delicacies, from Maultaschen to Black Forest Cake. Enjoy time at leisure then join us for dinner at a romantic pudelstein hut in the Black Forest.

Drive the scenic Black Forest into the foothills of the Alps en route to a private visit and lunch at the Neus Schloss Meersburg ("New Castle in Meersburg"), a historic 18th-century former bishop's castle overlooking Lake Constance, now home to several museums. Continue on to the beautiful fairy-tale landscapes of Neuschwanstein, where the imagination is inspired by green meadows, dark forests and crystal clear blue lakes.

Today begins with a privately guided visit to one of the most recognizable castles in Europe – and perhaps the world – Neuschwanstein. The castle was designed as a place of retreat by Ludwig II, who escaped into a dream world – the poetic world of the Middle Ages; it was inspired by the operas of Richard Wagner, to whom the king dedicated the castle. And in turn, Neuschwanstein inspired the imagination of Walt Disney and the castle of "Sleeping Beauty." Then you're off to the village of Oberammergau; enjoy a walking tour with a local guide (including a visit to the venue of the Passion Play), followed by some free time to explore as you please. Along with the Passion Play, the village is also renowned for its tradition of skilled woodcarving and the charming lüftimalerei (frescoes) that decorate many homes, depicting scenes from Bavarian folktales. Depart Oberammergau and head to the legendary city of Munich, arriving early evening.

Upon arrival, take a sightseeing tour of the Bavarian capital that includes the celebrated Maximilianstrasse, the 17th-century Residenz, and the old town hall. Explore more of Munich at your leisure this afternoon, or join us for a poignant to Dachau; this evening is free to spend as you please in Munich.

Today, you'll visit the medieval town of Rothenburg, on Germany's legendary "Romantic Road." A walking tour with your local guide reveals Rothenburg's renowned Gothic cathedral, cobblestone streets and gabled houses that have remained much the same over the centuries. You'll have a free evening in Rothenburg tonight to explore on your own and have dinner as you please in town.

Depart Rothenburg, and then travel in style aboard old-timer Aaglander cars – “horseless carriages," complete with lunch and sparkling wine – before continuing on to Dresden. You'll stay in Dresden at an 18th-century palace, rebuilt in all its splendor as a luxury hotel, in the heart of the city’s historic center.

Your journey continues today with a guided sightseeing tour of the city of Dresden. Before World War II, Dresden was known as The Jewel Box for its magnificent art treasures and Baroque architecture. Heavily bombed during the war, much of the city’s former glory has since been restored, including the Royal Palace, whose museum, dating back to the 1720s, displays some 4,000 works of art. Tauck’s private tour through the New Green Vault takes in Renaissance and Classicist treasures, including jeweled gems of gold, silver, ivory and mother of pearl. The afternoon and evening are free to explore on your own.

Spend the morning as you please in Dresden, exploring the city's museums and enjoying lunch at leisure, then travel to Berlin for a three-night stay at a five-star hotel in the heart of the German capital, overlooking the Gendarmenmarkt Square in the city's historic Mitte district. Have dinner at leisure at your hotel this evening.

Join our local guide for a tour of remarkable Berlin, capital of a reunified Germany. View the Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral) and the Französischer Dom (French Cathedral); Unter den Linden Boulevard; Brandenburg Gate; the Reichstag; and Checkpoint Charlie, the controversial crossing point between the former East and West Berlins during the Cold War era. The remainder of the day is free to explore Berlin as you please.

Set off for Berlin’s Museumsinsel (Museum Island), not far from your hotel. This UNESCO World Heritage Site houses five museums and priceless cultural treasures that will astonish even the most seasoned museum visitor! You have your choice of guided visits at several museums today; your pass includes an audio guide for the museums of your choice. Then join us for a private cruise on the Spree river. Later, you'll have some time to explore more of Berlin as you like, perhaps sampling one of the locals’ favorite foods, currywurst, a dish so tasty and emblematic of Berlin that there’s a museum devoted to it. If you’re curious to see a remaining section of the Berlin Wall, you might go to the East Side Gallery, a stretch of wall inventively painted by commissioned artists after reunification to commemorate that momentous occasion. Please join us this evening for a farewell reception at the hotel followed by dinner at the trendy rooftop restaurant atop the German Bundestag (the restored Parliament building)... the views are spectacular!

Our tours of Germany end in Berlin. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Regent Berlin to Berlin-Tegel Airport. You should allow 3 hours for check-in at the airport.