Germany by Train: Historic Cities, Castles and the Rhine Valley

Day 1

Arrival in Berlin
Stay at Hotel Adlon Kempinski 5*

Upon arrival at Berlin Brandenburg Airport, your private chauffeur will meet you and transfer you to your hotel, situated beside the iconic Brandenburg Gate in the heart of Germany's capital.

The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing time to relax after your journey or begin exploring the surrounding area. Take a leisurely walk along Unter den Linden, admire the historic buildings around Pariser Platz or enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the nearby Tiergarten.

Overnight: Berlin

Day 2

Discover Berlin's Historic Landmarks

Following breakfast, meet your private guide at the hotel for a day exploring Berlin's remarkable history, from Prussian grandeur to the events of the twentieth century.

Begin at the Brandenburg Gate and continue through the government district, admiring the Reichstag building and visiting the nearby Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Discover the story of Berlin's division and reunification at Checkpoint Charlie and surviving sections of the Berlin Wall.

Following lunch, visit UNESCO-listed Museum Island, home to some of Germany's most significant art and archaeological collections. Depending on your interests and museum opening arrangements, explore one of its renowned museums before returning to your hotel.

Overnight:  Berlin

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3

Full-Day Private Guided Excursion to Potsdam

After breakfast, your private guide will collect you from the hotel for a full-day excursion by car to Potsdam, the former royal residence of Prussian kings and German emperors.

Begin at Sanssouci Palace, Frederick the Great's elegant summer residence, exploring its richly decorated interiors and beautiful terraced gardens. Continue through Sanssouci Park to the magnificent New Palace (Neues Palais), where an interior visit reveals grand ceremonial rooms and impressive eighteenth-century architecture.

Following lunch, visit the grounds of Cecilienhof Palace, associated with the historic Potsdam Conference of 1945. Conclude with a walk through the picturesque Dutch Quarter, known for its distinctive red-brick houses, cafés and boutiques.

Return to Berlin in the late afternoon.

Overnight:  Berlin

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4

Berlin to Dresden by First-Class Train,
Stay at Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski 5*

Following breakfast, transfer privately to Berlin Hauptbahnhof for your first-class train journey to Dresden, approximately two hours away.

Upon arrival, your private transfer will take you to Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski, situated in the heart of Dresden's historic centre. After settling in, meet your private guide for a walking tour of the beautifully reconstructed Old Town.

Discover the magnificent Frauenkirche, the celebrated Procession of Princes mural and the historic squares surrounding Dresden Royal Palace. Continue to the splendid Zwinger Palace, admire the magnificent Semperoper and enjoy views across the River Elbe from Brühl's Terrace.

The evening is at leisure, with the option of attending a performance at the Semperoper, subject to the programme.

Overnight: Dresden

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5

Bastei Bridge and the Historic Treasures of Saxony

After breakfast, your private guide will collect you from the hotel for an excursion into the spectacular landscapes of Saxon Switzerland National Park, renowned for its towering sandstone formations, forested valleys and breathtaking views over the River Elbe.

Travel through the picturesque countryside to the famous Bastei Bridge, a remarkable nineteenth-century stone bridge spanning dramatic sandstone cliffs. Walk across the bridge and enjoy panoramic views of the Elbe Valley and surrounding rock formations, with time to explore the scenic viewpoints.

For the afternoon, choose between two rewarding experiences.

Option 1: Königstein Fortress

Continue through Saxon Switzerland to the impressive Königstein Fortress, one of Europe's largest hilltop fortifications. Enjoy lunch within the historic fortress before exploring its remarkable buildings, defensive walls and exhibitions, with magnificent panoramic views across the Elbe Valley. Return to Dresden in the late afternoon.

Option 2: Dresden Royal Palace and Historic Green Vault

Return to Dresden for lunch before visiting the magnificent Royal Palace, once the residence of Saxony's rulers. Discover its remarkable royal collections and the celebrated Historic Green Vault, home to an extraordinary collection of precious objects, jewellery and masterpieces of European craftsmanship. The Royal Palace is normally closed on Tuesdays, and admission to the Historic Green Vault requires advance booking of timed-entry tickets. Visits are subject to opening days and ticket availability.

Overnight: Dresden

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6

Dresden to Nuremberg
Stay at Karl August - a Neighborhood Hotel 4*

Following breakfast, transfer to Dresden Hauptbahnhof for your first-class ICE train journey to Nuremberg, with one convenient connection at Erfurt or Leipzig and a total journey time of approximately three hours and fifteen minutes.

Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to Karl August, situated in Nuremberg's medieval Old Town. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the historic streets and surrounding squares.

Overnight:  Nuremberg

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7

Nuremberg: Medieval and Modern History

After breakfast, meet your private guide for a full-day exploration of Nuremberg, a city of remarkable medieval architecture and considerable historical significance.

Begin at the Imperial Castle, overlooking the Old Town, before continuing through the historic streets to St. Sebaldus Church, Albrecht Dürer's House and the Hauptmarkt. Learn about Nuremberg's importance within the Holy Roman Empire and its prosperous trading history.

Following lunch, continue by private car to the former Nazi Party Rally Grounds, where your guide will explain the city's role during the Third Reich. Visit the Documentation Center, subject to exhibition arrangements, before continuing to the Nuremberg Palace of Justice, associated with the postwar Nuremberg Trials.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Nuremberg

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8

Nuremberg to Munich by First-Class Train,
Stay at Rocco Forte The Charles Hotel 5*

Following breakfast, transfer to Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof for your direct first-class train journey to Munich.

Upon arrival, enjoy a short private transfer to Rocco Forte The Charles Hotel, conveniently located near Munich's main railway station and overlooking the Old Botanical Garden.

The afternoon is at leisure, providing an opportunity to explore Munich independently. You may wish to visit Marienplatz, admire the famous Glockenspiel at the New Town Hall, browse the food stalls at Viktualienmarkt or enjoy a coffee at one of the city's traditional cafés.

The evening is free to discover Munich's renowned Bavarian restaurants and beer halls.

Overnight: Munich

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9

Munich's Royal Palaces and Historic Centre

Following breakfast, meet your private guide for a full-day tour of Munich, Bavaria's elegant capital and former royal seat of the Wittelsbach dynasty.

Begin in the historic centre, exploring Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche and the surrounding streets. Continue to the magnificent Munich Residenz, where the richly decorated state rooms and royal collections reveal centuries of Bavarian history.

After lunch, visit Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavaria's rulers. Explore its impressive interiors and landscaped palace gardens, with time to appreciate the elegant architecture and royal history of the estate.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon, with the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Munich

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10

Full-Day Private Excursion to Neuschwanstein Castle

After breakfast, your private guide will collect you from the hotel for a full-day excursion into the Bavarian countryside to discover the extraordinary castles of King Ludwig II.

Travel south towards Schwangau, enjoying views of rolling hills and the distant Alpine peaks. Visit the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle, whose fairy-tale architecture and spectacular mountain setting have made it one of Germany's most recognisable landmarks.

Explore the castle's remarkable interiors on the official guided visit, subject to ticket availability. Booking well in advance is essential. Afterwards, enjoy time to admire the surrounding scenery and, when accessible, the celebrated views from Marienbrücke.

Continue to nearby Hohenschwangau Castle, the childhood residence of King Ludwig II, for an interior visit subject to admission times. Enjoy lunch in the area before returning to Munich through the beautiful Bavarian countryside.

Overnight: Munich

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 11

Full-Day Private Guided Excursion to the Bavarian Alps

Following breakfast, your private guide will collect you from the hotel for a full-day excursion by car to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Lake Eibsee and Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain.

Travel through the picturesque Bavarian countryside to Lake Eibsee, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, forested shores and magnificent Alpine setting.

Enjoy a gentle walk beside the lake before taking the spectacular cable car to the summit of Zugspitze, 2,962 metres above sea level, subject to weather conditions and operating schedules.

From the viewing platforms, admire panoramic views across the surrounding Alpine peaks and into neighbouring Austria. Enjoy time at the summit before descending by cable car.

Following lunch, continue to historic Partenkirchen, where a guided walk along Ludwigstrasse reveals traditional Bavarian buildings decorated with colourful frescoes.

Return to Munich in the late afternoon after a memorable day in the Bavarian Alps.

Overnight: Munich

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12

Munich to Heidelberg by First-Class Train,
Stay at Hotel Europäischer Hof Heidelberg 5*

Following breakfast, transfer to Munich Hauptbahnhof for your first-class train journey to Heidelberg, taking approximately three to four hours. Direct services are available on selected schedules, while other departures require a change of trains.

Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to Hotel Europäischer Hof Heidelberg, one of the city's most distinguished historic hotels.

After settling in, enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Heidelberg's atmospheric Old Town. Wander along the Hauptstrasse, explore the picturesque Market Square and admire the beautiful Old Bridge spanning the Neckar River.

The evening is free to discover Heidelberg's traditional restaurants and charming historic streets.

Overnight: Heidelberg

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13

Heidelberg Castle and the Romantic Old Town

After breakfast, meet your private guide for a full-day exploration of Heidelberg, one of Germany's most romantic and historically significant university cities.

Begin with a visit to Heidelberg Castle, dramatically situated above the Old Town. Explore the castle complex, admire the impressive Renaissance architecture and enjoy panoramic views across the Neckar Valley. Discover the famous Heidelberg Tun, one of the world's largest wine barrels.

Continue into the Old Town to visit the historic university quarter, including the Old University and its remarkable Student Prison, subject to opening arrangements. Stroll through Market Square, admire the Church of the Holy Spirit and cross the celebrated Old Bridge.

Following lunch, enjoy views of Heidelberg from the Philosophers' Walk, on the opposite bank of the Neckar. Return to your hotel with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Heidelberg

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 14

Heidelberg to Frankfurt via the Rhine Valley,
Stay at Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof 5*

Following breakfast, your private guide will collect you from the hotel for a full-day scenic journey through the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, before continuing to Frankfurt.

Travel towards Bacharach, one of the Rhine's most picturesque medieval towns, where narrow streets, half-timbered houses and historic wine merchants' buildings reflect centuries of regional history. Enjoy a guided walk through the village before boarding a scheduled river cruise towards St. Goar, subject to seasonal schedules and operating conditions. When river services are unavailable, continue through the Rhine Valley by private car, stopping at selected viewpoints and historic villages along the route.

Sail past wooded hillsides, terraced vineyards and medieval castles, admiring the legendary Loreley Rock along the way.

Following lunch, visit the impressive ruins of Rheinfels Castle, dramatically situated above St. Goar and overlooking the Rhine, or enjoy a private Riesling wine tasting at a regional estate. Continue by private car to Frankfurt, arriving in the late afternoon. If time permits, enjoy a short walk through Römerberg and the reconstructed historic centre before settling into your hotel.

Overnight: Frankfurt

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 15

Departure

Following breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Frankfurt International Airport for your return flight.

Your journey through Germany concludes with memories of magnificent royal palaces, historic cities, medieval castles, traditional Bavarian culture and the breathtaking landscapes of the Alps and Rhine Valley.

Meals included: Breakfast