Essential Germany by Train: Berlin to Bavaria
Berlin, Potsdam, Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau Castle, Bavarian Alps, Lake Eibsee, Zugspitze, Garmisch-Partenkirchen
8 nights
All year round
8 nights
All year round
Experience the highlights of Germany on a 9-day journey connecting Berlin, Nuremberg and Munich by direct first-class trains, with private guided sightseeing and excursions to historic towns, royal castles and the Bavarian Alps.
Begin in Berlin, where the Brandenburg Gate, remnants of the Berlin Wall and the royal palaces of Potsdam reveal different chapters of German history. Continue to Nuremberg, a city of medieval fortifications and historic squares, with a day trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, celebrated for its remarkably preserved medieval streets and half-timbered houses.
Your journey concludes in Bavaria, where Munich's grand royal residences give way to the mountain scenery of southern Germany. Visit Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles, discover the turquoise waters of Lake Eibsee and ascend Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak. With just three carefully selected hotels, first-class rail journeys and private guided excursions, this itinerary offers a comfortable and rewarding introduction to Germany.
Get in touch with us for a personalised quote
Brief itinerary
Day
Highlights
Overnight
Day 1:
Arrival in Berlin, Stay at Hotel Adlon Kempinski 5*
Berlin
Day 2:
Berlin: A City Divided and Reunited
Berlin
Day 3:
Full-Day Private Excursion to Potsdam
Berlin
Day 4:
Berlin to Nuremberg by First-Class Train, Stay at Karl August 4*
Nuremberg
Day 5:
Full-Day Private Excursion to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Nuremberg
Day 6:
Nuremberg to Munich by First-Class Train, Stay at Rocco Forte The Charles Hotel 5*
Munich
Day 7:
Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles
Munich
Day 8:
Bavarian Alps: Lake Eibsee, Zugspitze and Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Munich
Day 9:
Departure from Munich
Let us know what you love, where you want to go, and we’ll design a one-of-a-kind adventure you’ll never forget.
Miriam
Travel Specialist
Romina
Travel Specialist
Laura
Travel Specialist
Day 1
Arrival in Berlin
Stay at Hotel Adlon Kempinski 5*
Your German holiday begins at Berlin Brandenburg Airport, where your private chauffeur will be waiting to take you to Hotel Adlon Kempinski, one of the capital's most prestigious addresses, directly overlooking Pariser Platz.
With no scheduled activities, the day is yours to enjoy as you please. Depending on your arrival time, you might explore the elegant Unter den Linden boulevard, take in the atmosphere around Brandenburg Gate or simply unwind at your hotel after your transatlantic flight.
Overnight: Berlin
Day 2
Berlin: A City Divided and Reunited
Berlin's extraordinary past comes into focus today as you join your private guide for a comprehensive introduction to the German capital.
Your sightseeing begins around the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate, two landmarks that have witnessed some of the defining moments of modern European history. Nearby, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe offers a moving opportunity for reflection. Continue to Checkpoint Charlie and surviving stretches of the Berlin Wall, where your guide will explain everyday life in a divided city and the events leading to reunification in 1990.
In the afternoon, discover Museum Island, the UNESCO-listed cultural quarter on the River Spree. Depending on your interests and the museums' opening arrangements, there will be an opportunity to visit one of its important collections. The evening is free for dinner or further independent exploration.
Overnight: Berlin
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3
Potsdam: The Palaces of Prussian Royalty
After breakfast, your private guide will collect you from the hotel for a full-day excursion to Potsdam, the historic residence of Prussian royalty.
Visit Sanssouci Palace and its elegant gardens before continuing to the magnificent New Palace, renowned for its grand ceremonial rooms and Baroque architecture.
Following lunch, discover the grounds of Cecilienhof Palace, associated with the Potsdam Conference of 1945, and explore the charming Dutch Quarter before returning to Berlin.
Overnight: Berlin
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4
Berlin to Nuremberg,
Stay at Karl August, a Neighborhood Hotel 4*
Following breakfast, transfer to Berlin Hauptbahnhof for your direct first-class train journey to Nuremberg, taking approximately three hours. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel in the medieval Old Town.
In the afternoon, join your private guide for a walking tour of Nuremberg's historic centre. Explore the Imperial Castle, St. Sebaldus Church, Albrecht Dürer's House and the lively Hauptmarkt, discovering the city's importance during the Holy Roman Empire.
Your guide will also introduce Nuremberg's role in twentieth-century German history before you return to the hotel.
Overnight: Nuremberg
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5
Medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber
This morning, your private guide will collect you from the hotel for a full-day excursion to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Germany's most beautifully preserved medieval towns.
Explore its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, including the picturesque Plönlein, Market Square and St. Jakob's Church. Walk along sections of the historic town walls for wonderful views across the rooftops and surrounding countryside.
Enjoy lunch and time to browse the town's traditional shops before returning to Nuremberg in the afternoon.
Overnight: Nuremberg
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6
Nuremberg to Munich,
Stay at Rocco Forte The Charles Hotel 5*
After breakfast, take a direct first-class train to Munich, approximately one hour away. A private transfer will bring you to Rocco Forte The Charles Hotel, conveniently located near the historic centre.
In the afternoon, meet your private guide to discover Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche and Munich's elegant Old Town. Continue to the magnificent Munich Residenz, the former residence of Bavaria's ruling Wittelsbach dynasty, with its richly decorated royal apartments and ceremonial halls.
Conclude with a visit to the lively Viktualienmarkt before enjoying the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Munich
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7
Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles
Following breakfast, your private guide will collect you from the hotel for a journey into the Bavarian countryside to discover the famous castles of King Ludwig II.
Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, admired for its fairy-tale architecture and dramatic Alpine setting. Explore its remarkable interiors during the official guided visit, subject to ticket availability. Booking well in advance is essential. Afterwards, enjoy views from Marienbrücke when accessible.
Continue to nearby Hohenschwangau Castle, Ludwig II's childhood residence, for an interior visit subject to admission arrangements. Enjoy lunch in the area before returning to Munich.
Overnight: Munich
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8
Lake Eibsee, Zugspitze and the Bavarian Alps
After breakfast, your private guide will collect you from the hotel for a full-day excursion to the magnificent Bavarian Alps.
Begin at Lake Eibsee, where turquoise waters and forested shores lie beneath the towering Zugspitze. Enjoy a short lakeside walk before ascending Germany's highest mountain by cable car, weather permitting, for spectacular Alpine panoramas.
Following lunch, visit historic Partenkirchen and stroll along Ludwigstrasse, admired for its traditional Bavarian houses decorated with colourful frescoes. Return to Munich in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Munich
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9
Departure
Following breakfast, your private chauffeur will collect you from the hotel for your transfer to Munich International Airport.
Your journey through Germany concludes with wonderful memories of historic cities, medieval towns, magnificent royal castles and the breathtaking landscapes of the Bavarian Alps.
Meals included: Breakfast
Price Includes:
Accommodation:
- Hotel Adlon Kempinski 5*
- Karl August - a Neighborhood Hotel 4*
- Rocco Forte The Charles Hotel 5*
Meals: Breakfast
Activities: All activities mentioned in the package
Guides: Guided tours will be with experienced professionals
Transfers: Private airport transfers with meet and greet
Transportation: Private transportation between activities
Itinerary: Highly personalised itinerary planning with tips
Help and advice: Expert Advice and help during your stay by our travel team (during office hours)
T&C:
- Activities are subject to changes and can be replaced to a similar one in case of no availability;
- Hotels & room types are subject to availability and to price changes. In case a particular hotel or room type is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel/room type of equal or higher value and quality level.
- Before final confirmation, we will provide you with all the details and the trip price will be adjusted accordingly.
Price Excludes:
- Flights
Let us know what you love, where you want to go, and we’ll design a one-of-a-kind adventure you’ll never forget.
Miriam
Travel Specialist
Romina
Travel Specialist
Laura
Travel Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is this Germany by Train tour suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes. This itinerary has been designed to introduce first-time visitors to several different sides of Germany without requiring frequent hotel changes. It combines the capital's political and cultural history, Franconia's medieval heritage and Bavaria's royal traditions and mountain landscapes. With three accommodation bases across eight nights, there is plenty to discover without spending each day travelling between destinations.
-
How much walking is involved in this tour?
A moderate amount of walking is required, particularly during guided city tours, visits to historic towns and castle excursions. Berlin and Munich have relatively accessible city centres, while Nuremberg and Rothenburg feature cobbled streets and some uneven surfaces. Neuschwanstein Castle involves an uphill approach, and certain attractions have staircases. As this is a private tour, sightseeing can be adapted to individual mobility requirements wherever practical.
-
Will we need to carry our luggage between train stations and hotels?
Private transfers are arranged between the airports, hotels and railway stations, so guests do not need to make these journeys independently. However, passengers normally remain responsible for their luggage when boarding and leaving trains. Additional luggage assistance can be requested where available, particularly for travellers with mobility concerns or larger suitcases.
-
What is the best time of year to take this tour?
The tour can operate throughout the year, although May, June, September and early October are particularly appealing for comfortable sightseeing temperatures and attractive landscapes. Summer offers long daylight hours and lively outdoor cafés, while winter brings Christmas markets to cities such as Berlin, Nuremberg and Munich. Alpine excursions are available in different seasons, but mountain visibility, weather conditions and cable-car operations may affect individual activities.
-
Can we extend our stay in Berlin or Munich?
Certainly. Additional nights can be arranged in either city to accommodate individual interests or a more leisurely schedule. Berlin offers outstanding museums, galleries, restaurants and cultural performances, while Munich provides further opportunities to explore Bavaria, including Salzburg in neighbouring Austria. Extensions can also be arranged before or after the main itinerary.
-
Are meals included in the tour price?
Daily breakfast is included at the hotels, except on the arrival day. Lunches and dinners are generally left flexible, allowing guests to choose restaurants according to their tastes and preferences. Your guide can recommend local specialities and suitable restaurants during sightseeing days, while reservations at selected establishments can be arranged in advance.
-
Can this Germany tour be customised for families or couples?
Yes. The itinerary works particularly well for couples, families and small private groups. Families travelling with children may prefer additional interactive experiences, shorter museum visits or more outdoor activities. Couples might choose a slower pace, special dining arrangements or upgraded accommodation. The itinerary can be adjusted to suit different ages, interests and travel preferences while retaining its principal highlights.
-
Why book your Germany by Train tour with Revigorate?
Revigorate specialises in tailor-made private holidays designed around each client's individual interests, preferences and travel requirements. Rather than joining a large organised group, you enjoy the flexibility of private guided sightseeing, carefully selected accommodation and a personalised itinerary.
We coordinate your first-class rail journeys, private transfers, hotels and excursions, bringing the different elements of your holiday together into one seamless experience. Whether you wish to adjust the sightseeing programme, extend your stay or include special experiences, our team can create a German holiday that reflects the way you prefer to travel.
Our offices:
Revigorate, Iberian Escapes and Algarve Lifestyle are the registered brand names of APCS Lda . We are a fully authorised travel agency licensed by Turismo de Portugal RNAVT/6867.
In the event of a dispute, the consumer may refer to: RAL - Centros de Arbitragem
Avª. 5 de Outubro, nº. 55, R/C Dtº. 8000-075 Faro, Portugal | Tel: +351 289 823 135 *
* national landline call
E-mail: info@consumoalgarve.pt| www.consumidoronline.pt | Mon to Fri: 9:00 - 13:00 / 14:00 - 17:00