Grand Tour of Germany: 17-Day Private Tour

Day 1

Arrival in Frankfurt and the Romantic Rhine Valley,
Stay at Burghotel Auf Schönburg 4*

On arrival at Frankfurt International Airport (FRA), meet your private chauffeur for the journey to Oberwesel, a historic town overlooking one of the most picturesque stretches of the Rhine Valley. The drive takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, passing through the countryside towards the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley.

Your destination is Burghotel Auf Schönburg, a romantic castle hotel perched high above the Rhine. Dating back to the medieval period, the castle offers an atmospheric introduction to Germany, with historic interiors, terraced gardens and sweeping views of the river and surrounding vineyards.

After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Explore the castle grounds, admire the Rhine from the terraces or relax before dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Overnight: Oberwesel

Day 2

Oberwesel, Romantic Rhine Cruise, Bacharach and Wine Tasting

Following breakfast, discover the charming medieval town of Oberwesel, renowned for its beautifully preserved town walls, historic towers and picturesque half-timbered houses. Explore its narrow streets and admire the Gothic Church of Our Lady.

Continue through the scenic Rhine Valley, enjoying views of medieval castles, vineyard-covered hillsides and picturesque riverside villages before arriving in Bacharach, one of the region's most attractive historic towns.

Explore Bacharach's cobbled streets, colourful half-timbered buildings and medieval fortifications before visiting the family-run Friedrich Bastian winery for a tasting of regional wines, including the celebrated Rieslings of the Rhine Valley.

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

Please note: Rhine cruises operate according to seasonal schedules. If the cruise is unavailable, we will arrange an alternative scenic exploration of the Rhine Valley.

Overnight: Oberwesel

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3

Heidelberg Castle and Rothenburg,
Stay at Hotel Herrnschlösschen 4*

Following breakfast, leave the Rhine Valley behind and travel with your private chauffeur to Heidelberg, a historic university city overlooking the River Neckar. On arrival, meet your private guide to explore the charming Old Town, including the Market Square, Church of the Holy Spirit, and elegant Baroque streets.

Continue to Heidelberg Castle, dramatically positioned above the city, where Renaissance courtyards and magnificent terraces offer panoramic views across the Neckar Valley. Following lunch at a local restaurant, continue your journey towards Rothenburg ob der Tauber. 

Arrive in Rothenburg and check into Hotel Herrnschlösschen in the medieval Old Town. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, perhaps wandering through its quieter streets or relaxing at your hotel before dinner.

Overnight: Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4

Würzburg Residenz and the Medieval Streets of Rothenburg

Following breakfast, meet your private guide for an excursion to Würzburg. Visit the magnificent UNESCO-listed Würzburg Residenz, renowned for its Baroque architecture, grand staircase and remarkable ceiling frescoes.

Continue through Würzburg's historic centre, admiring St Kilian's Cathedral, the Market Square and the Old Main Bridge overlooking the River Main.

Return to Rothenburg in the afternoon for a guided walking tour through its medieval streets. Discover the Market Square, Gothic Town Hall, St James's Church, and the famous Plönlein, then enjoy views from the historic town walls.

Overnight: Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5

Romantic Road, Dinkelsbühl and Augsburg
Stay at AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa 4*

Following breakfast, your journey continues south along Germany's celebrated Romantic Road, with visits to the historic towns of Dinkelsbühl and Augsburg before arriving at your next hotel in the Bavarian Alps.

Stop in Dinkelsbühl, a beautifully preserved medieval town with colourful merchant houses, fortified gates and the impressive Gothic St George's Minster. Continue to Augsburg, one of Germany's oldest cities, to discover its Renaissance architecture, historic Town Hall and the Fuggerei, founded in 1521.

Following lunch and sightseeing, continue towards the Bavarian Alps, where rolling countryside gives way to dramatic mountain scenery. Arrive in Hohenschwangau and check in at your lakeside hotel.

Overnight:  Hohenschwangau

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6

Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau and Lake Alpsee

Following breakfast, discover the magnificent royal castles of Bavaria, surrounded by some of Germany's most spectacular Alpine scenery and conveniently located near your hotel.

Begin with Neuschwanstein Castle, dramatically positioned above the valley and celebrated for its romantic architecture and richly decorated interiors. Continue to nearby Hohenschwangau Castle, where King Ludwig II spent much of his childhood, and discover the fascinating history of Bavaria's royal family.

Later, enjoy a leisurely stroll beside Lake Alpsee, with its crystal-clear waters and beautiful mountain backdrop. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure, perhaps relaxing in its spa facilities.

Overnight: Hohenschwangau

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7

Wieskirche, Oberammergau and Munich,
Stay at Rosewood Munich 5*

Today, your journey continues through the beautiful Bavarian countryside to Munich, with stops at the UNESCO-listed Wieskirche and the traditional Alpine village of Oberammergau before you arrive at your next hotel in the Bavarian capital.

Visit the UNESCO-listed Wieskirche, a magnificent Rococo pilgrimage church set among Alpine meadows. Continue to Oberammergau, renowned for its traditional painted houses, skilled woodcarvers and centuries-old Passion Play.

Following time to explore the village and enjoy lunch, continue to Munich, Bavaria's elegant capital. Check in at Rosewood Munich, situated in the historic city centre, and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Munich

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8

Munich Old Town and Royal Residenz

Following breakfast, discover Munich's historic centre on a guided walking tour, beginning at Marienplatz, home to the magnificent Neo-Gothic New Town Hall.

Continue to the Frauenkirche, Munich's landmark cathedral, and the lively Viktualienmarkt, where traditional stalls offer regional produce and Bavarian specialities.

Visit the Munich Residenz, the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach dynasty, to admire its richly decorated ceremonial rooms and remarkable collections. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure exploring Munich's elegant streets, traditional cafés, and boutique shops.

Overnight: Munich

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9

Nymphenburg Palace and Munich's English Garden

Following breakfast, meet your private guide for a visit to Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavaria's rulers. Discover its elegant state apartments and the famous Gallery of Beauties before exploring the palace's extensive gardens, with their ornamental waterways and charming pavilions.

In the afternoon, experience a more relaxed side of Munich with a visit to the English Garden. Watch surfers tackling the unusual standing wave on the Eisbach River, enjoy the views from the Monopteros temple and stop at the Chinese Tower beer garden, a favourite gathering place for locals.

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

Overnight: Munich

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10

First-Class Train to Nuremberg and the Imperial Castle, Stay at Karl August 4*

Following breakfast, your journey continues by first-class ICE train from Munich to Nuremberg, a direct journey of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. A private transfer will take you to Munich Hauptbahnhof, where you will board your train to this historic Franconian city.

On arrival, meet your private guide and transfer to your hotel before exploring Nuremberg's atmospheric Old Town. Visit the magnificent Imperial Castle, once an important residence of the Holy Roman Emperors, and discover the historic Hauptmarkt, Gothic Frauenkirche and picturesque medieval streets.

Your guide will also introduce Nuremberg's significant twentieth-century history, including its role during the Nazi era and the post-war Nuremberg Trials. Afterwards, enjoy the evening at leisure, perhaps sampling traditional Franconian cuisine at one of the city's historic restaurants.

Overnight: Nuremberg

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 11

Nuremberg to Dresden and the Historic Old Town,
Stay at Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski 5*

Following breakfast, your journey continues by private chauffeur to Dresden, where you will spend the next three nights exploring the cultural treasures of Saxony.

On arrival, check into Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski before meeting your private guide for an introductory walking tour of Dresden's historic centre. Visit the magnificent Frauenkirche, beautifully reconstructed following the Second World War, and explore the elegant Neumarkt square.

Continue to the famous Fürstenzug porcelain mural and Brühl's Terrace, overlooking the River Elbe, while admiring the city's remarkable Baroque architecture. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Dresden

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12

Dresden's Royal Palaces and Artistic Heritage

Following breakfast, meet your private guide to discover Dresden's remarkable royal and cultural heritage, which has earned the city its reputation as the Florence on the Elbe. Begin at the magnificent Zwinger Palace, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, and visit the Old Masters Picture Gallery, home to an exceptional collection of European paintings.

Continue to Dresden Royal Palace, the former residence of Saxony's rulers, to admire its magnificent collections, including the famous treasures of the Green Vault. Afterwards, discover the elegant Semperoper, one of Germany's most celebrated opera houses.

Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure, exploring Dresden's charming historic centre or visiting additional galleries.

Overnight: Dresden

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13

Saxon Switzerland, Bastei Bridge and Königstein Fortress

Following breakfast, meet your private guide for an excursion into Saxon Switzerland National Park, renowned for its dramatic sandstone formations, forested valleys and spectacular views across the Elbe River.

Visit the famous Bastei Bridge, stretching between towering sandstone cliffs, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Continue to Königstein Fortress, one of Europe's largest historic hilltop fortifications. Explore its impressive defensive walls, historic buildings and panoramic terraces while discovering its centuries of military and royal history.

Following lunch, return through the picturesque Elbe Valley to Dresden, with the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Dresden

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 14

Dresden to Berlin and Brandenburg Gate,
Stay at Hotel Adlon Kempinski 5*

Following breakfast, your journey continues north to Berlin, Germany's vibrant capital, approximately 2 to 2.5 hours away by private chauffeur. On arrival, check into Hotel Adlon Kempinski, situated beside the famous Brandenburg Gate in the heart of the city.

In the afternoon, meet your private guide for an introductory walking tour of Berlin's historic centre. Discover the iconic Brandenburg Gate, explore elegant Pariser Platz and stroll along Unter den Linden, admiring landmarks such as Humboldt University, the Berlin State Opera and Bebelplatz.

Along the way, learn about Berlin's transformation from the capital of Prussia to a divided Cold War city and the reunited capital of modern Germany. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Berlin

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 15

Berlin's History, the Reichstag and Museum Island

Following breakfast, meet your private guide to explore Berlin's remarkable twentieth-century history, from the rise of Nazi Germany to the Cold War and German reunification.

Begin at the Reichstag, Germany's historic parliament building, before visiting the nearby Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Continue to Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse, where preserved sections of the Wall reveal the story of the city's division and eventual reunification.

Following lunch, explore UNESCO-listed Museum Island, home to outstanding art and archaeological collections. Depending on your interests and museum opening arrangements, visit one of its celebrated museums before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Berlin

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 16

Potsdam, Sanssouci Palace and Prussian Royal Heritage

Following breakfast, meet your private guide for an excursion to Potsdam, approximately 45 minutes from Berlin and once a favoured residence of Prussian royalty.

Visit the magnificent Sanssouci Palace, built for Frederick the Great, and admire its elegant Rococo interiors and beautifully landscaped gardens. Continue through Sanssouci Park, with its ornamental terraces, fountains and impressive royal buildings.

Later, explore Potsdam's charming Dutch Quarter, renowned for its distinctive red-brick houses. Depending on your interests, you may also visit Cecilienhof Palace, where the historic Potsdam Conference took place in 1945.

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

Overnight: Berlin

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 17

Departure

Following breakfast, check out of Hotel Adlon Kempinski and meet your private chauffeur for the transfer to Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER). The journey takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Meals included: Breakfast