Franconia, Nuremberg and Historic Southern Germany

Day 1

Arrival in Frankfurt, Transfer to Franconia,
Stay at Neumühle Resort & Spa 5*

Upon arrival at Frankfurt International Airport (FRA), you will be welcomed by your chauffeur and transferred by private vehicle to Neumühle Resort & Spa, a beautiful countryside retreat in the heart of Franconia.

Set in a peaceful valley near the historic wine town of Hammelburg, the hotel offers an idyllic introduction to southern Germany, surrounded by rolling hills, forests and picturesque countryside. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, allowing time to relax after your international flight.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel's restaurant, renowned for its refined regional cuisine and tranquil setting.

Overnight: Wartmannsroth (near Hammelburg)

Day 2

Aschaffenburg, Würzburg Residenz and Historic Old Town

After breakfast, your private guide will collect you from your hotel for an excursion to Aschaffenburg, an attractive historic city on the banks of the River Main. Begin with a visit to Johannisburg Palace, one of Germany's finest Renaissance residences, admired for its distinctive red sandstone architecture and imposing riverside setting. Enjoy a short walk through the historic centre, discovering its traditional squares and picturesque streets before continuing to Würzburg.

On arrival in Würzburg, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then visit the magnificent UNESCO-listed Würzburg Residenz, one of Europe's most impressive Baroque palaces. Admire its grand staircase, spectacular ceiling fresco by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and richly decorated Imperial Hall, which reflect the extraordinary wealth and artistic ambitions of the city's former prince-bishops.

Continue with a guided walk through Würzburg's historic centre, taking in the Market Square, St. Kilian's Cathedral and the famous Old Main Bridge, where beautiful views extend across the River Main towards Marienberg Fortress. Afterwards, return to Neumühle Resort & Spa for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Wartmannsroth (near Hammelburg)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3

Franconian Wine Country, Volkach and Escherndorf

After breakfast, your private guide will collect you from your hotel for a leisurely journey through Franconia's picturesque wine country to the charming town of Volkach. Enjoy a guided walk through its historic centre, discovering the attractive Market Square, Renaissance Town Hall and medieval streets. Continue to the nearby pilgrimage church of Maria im Weingarten, surrounded by vineyards and renowned for Tilman Riemenschneider's magnificent Madonna sculpture.

Travel to Vogelsburg, overlooking the celebrated Main River bend, for a leisurely lunch at Restaurant Vogelsburg. From its panoramic terrace, enjoy sweeping views across the vineyards, picturesque villages and winding river while sampling regional Franconian cuisine and local wines.

In the afternoon, continue to the wine-growing village of Escherndorf for a privately arranged visit to Weingut Horst Sauer, one of Franconia's most respected wine estates. Discover local winemaking traditions on a guided cellar tour, followed by a tasting of selected Silvaner and Riesling wines from the celebrated Escherndorfer Lump vineyard. Afterwards, return to Neumühle Resort & Spa for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Wartmannsroth (near Hammelburg)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4

Wartmannsroth to Bamberg, UNESCO World Heritage City,
Stay at Hotel Villa Geyerswörth 4*

After breakfast, your private guide will collect you from your hotel for a journey to Bamberg, one of Germany's most beautifully preserved historic cities, renowned for its magnificent medieval architecture, picturesque riverside setting and UNESCO-listed Old Town. Begin with a guided walking tour through its remarkable historic centre, where winding cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and impressive historic buildings reflect more than a thousand years of history.

Visit Bamberg Cathedral, renowned for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture and famous Bamberg Horseman sculpture. Continue to the neighbouring Old Court before exploring the historic centre, including the picturesque Altes Rathaus, situated on an island in the Regnitz River, and the charming waterfront houses of Little Venice.

Following lunch at a traditional Franconian restaurant, visit the New Residence, the former palace of Bamberg's prince-bishops, with its richly decorated state rooms and magnificent Imperial Hall. Afterwards, stroll through the beautiful Rose Garden, offering panoramic views across the city. Later, check into Hotel Villa Geyerswörth and enjoy the evening at leisure, perhaps dining at a traditional restaurant and sampling Bamberg's distinctive smoked beer.

Overnight: Bamberg

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5

Bayreuth and the Magnificent Margravial Opera House

After breakfast, your private guide will collect you from your hotel for an excursion to Bayreuth, an elegant Franconian city renowned for its extraordinary Baroque architecture and rich musical heritage. Begin with a visit to the magnificent Margravial Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its lavishly decorated interior and exceptional eighteenth-century theatrical architecture.

Continue through Bayreuth's historic centre, visiting the attractive Market Square and admiring the elegant New Palace, associated with Margravine Wilhelmine, one of the city's most influential historical figures. Discover Bayreuth's connection with composer Richard Wagner, whose celebrated annual opera festival has made the city internationally famous.

After lunch, visit the beautiful Hermitage Gardens, an exceptional landscaped ensemble featuring ornamental fountains, historic buildings and elegant garden architecture. Return to Bamberg in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Bamberg

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6

Bamberg to Nuremberg,
Stay at Karl August 4*

Following breakfast, leave Bamberg behind and travel with your private guide to Nuremberg, one of Germany's most historically significant medieval cities. Begin exploring the Old Town, discovering its atmospheric streets, impressive medieval walls, and beautifully restored historic buildings.

Visit the magnificent Imperial Castle, which dominates the city skyline and once served as an important residence for the Holy Roman Emperors. Continue towards the Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg's famous central square, where you can admire the ornate Beautiful Fountain and the imposing Church of Our Lady. Your guide will also introduce the city's artistic heritage, including its association with the Renaissance painter Albrecht Dürer.

Following your tour, check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, explore Nuremberg's traditional restaurants, perhaps sampling the city's famous small grilled sausages accompanied by regional Franconian specialities.

Overnight: Nuremberg

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7

Nuremberg's Historical Heritage and Cultural Treasures

Today, meet your private guide for a deeper exploration of Nuremberg's fascinating history, beginning with the former Nazi Party Rally Grounds and the Documentation Centre. Discover the city's role during the National Socialist period and learn about the events that shaped twentieth-century German history. Your guide will also explain the significance of the post-war Nuremberg Trials, with a possible visit to the Memorium Nuremberg Trials, subject to opening arrangements.

Following lunch, return to the historic centre to discover another aspect of the city's heritage. Visit Albrecht Dürer's House, where the celebrated Renaissance artist lived and worked, or explore the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, home to an outstanding collection of German art and cultural treasures.

The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy independently, perhaps browsing the historic shops, visiting a traditional café or exploring the picturesque streets around the Pegnitz River.

Overnight: Nuremberg

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8

Nuremberg to Regensburg,
Stay at Hotel Goliath am Dom 5*

Today, your journey continues south to Regensburg, a remarkable medieval city overlooking the River Danube. Accompanied by your private guide, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its beautifully preserved architecture and centuries of history as an important European trading centre.

Begin your guided walking tour at the magnificent St Peter's Cathedral, one of Bavaria's finest Gothic churches. Continue towards the celebrated Stone Bridge, which has spanned the Danube since the twelfth century, and discover the Old Town Hall, medieval merchant houses and charming squares that reflect the city's prosperous past.

Following the tour, enjoy time for a leisurely lunch in the Old Town before checking into Hotel Goliath am Dom, ideally situated close to the cathedral and river. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. You may wish to stroll along the Danube promenade, explore the Old Town independently or relax at one of Regensburg's traditional cafés before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Regensburg

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9

Walhalla Memorial and the Beautiful Danube Valley

After breakfast, meet your private guide for an excursion along the beautiful Danube Valley. Begin with a visit to the magnificent Walhalla Memorial, an imposing Neoclassical monument commissioned by King Ludwig I of Bavaria and inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. Standing high above the Danube, the monument offers panoramic views across the surrounding countryside.

Continue through the picturesque Bavarian countryside towards the historic town of Kelheim, situated at the confluence of the Danube and Altmühl rivers. During the warmer months, enjoy a scenic boat journey through the spectacular Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey, renowned for its magnificent Baroque church and historic monastic brewery. Outside the boating season, travel to the abbey by road and enjoy the beautiful Danube Valley scenery along the way.

After lunch and exploring the abbey grounds, return to Regensburg in the late afternoon. Enjoy your evening at leisure, perhaps with a memorable dinner in the atmospheric Old Town.

Overnight: Regensburg

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10

Departure from Munich International Airport

After breakfast, your chauffeur will collect you from your hotel for the transfer to Munich International Airport (MUC). Travel through the Bavarian countryside towards the airport, allowing approximately one hour and thirty minutes for the journey, depending on traffic conditions.

Meals included: Breakfast