German Highlights (ZD)

12 days from Frankfurt to Frankfurt

2027 Tour Details View 2026 Tour Details »

Bratwurst and beer, castles and cathedrals, and centuries of history and skilled craftspeople. The time has come to pack your lederhosen for the wonderful views and brews of Germany. From world-class cities to half-timbered towns and romantic river valleys to fairytale forests, we’ve compiled the country’s highlights for the ultimate Germany vacation. This encompassing tour of Germany kicks off in Frankfurt with a river cruise along the vineyard-dotted Rhine, picks up speed with a train ride from Cologne to Berlin, and then makes its way from the restored city of once war-ravaged Dresden to the best of Bavaria and the enchanting Black Forest. Castle-topped hills, snow-capped peaks, and foam-topped pilsners present the sweetest of sights while traditional Black Forest Cake and Nuremberg Gingerbread are your just desserts.

PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Munich so you can plan your day your way.

Special Features Included in this Tour:
• Scenic cruise on the Rhine River
• Visit to Cologne’s Cathedral plus a complementary beer at the [LF] Cölner Hofbräu Früh
• Guided sightseeing in Berlin includes stops at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the Holocaust Memorial, and the Brandenburg Gate
• Walking tour in Nuremberg plus [LF] dinner with local specialties at the Bratwurst Röslein restaurant
• Globus Choice excursions in Munich − included in your tour with your choice of a guided walking tour of the Old Town or a guided tour of the Beer & Oktoberfest Museum with a tasting
• Guided visit to King Ludwig’s castle in Neuschwanstein
• Private electric boat cruise on Lake Titisee
• Cuckoo Clock demonstration and traditional Schwarzwaldkuchen (Black Forest cake) tasting in the Black Forest
• Walking tour in Heidelberg Old Town includes funicular ride to visit castle
• Orientation walks in Dresden and Rothenburg
• Visit to Bayreuth, Oberammergau, Fussen, Lindau. Birnau
• High-speed ICE train from Cologne to Berlin

Dates & Prices Book Online

800.268.3636

Photo Highlights

Meals

Meals & Itinerary

11 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners

Notes:

Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle may prove challenging to guests with physical limitations or reliant of mobility devices such as wheelchairs due to stair access.

Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN FRANKFURT, GERMANY

Welcome to Frankfurt! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

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Dinner

Day 2 FRANKFURT–COLOGNE–RHINELAND

Views & Brews in Cologne Begin your German Highlights tour with a relaxing cruise along one of the most scenic parts of the River Rhine. After disembarking, continue to Cologne for a refreshing visit to one of the city’s most famous breweries, the Cölner Hofbräu Früh, to enjoy a local beer. Next, join an orientation walk featuring a visit to the incredible cathedral, plus free time to explore more.
137 mi / 220 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES For more than a century, the Cölner Hofbräu Früh has served its delicious Kölsch beer according to the family tradition started by the founder Peter Josef Früh. Raise your glass to timeless tradition and hospitality with Germany’s famous, foamy brews.

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Breakfast

Dinner

Day 3 RHINELAND–BERLIN

Historic Berlin This morning, board the high-speed first-class ICE train to Berlin. On arrival, meet your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour which features views of the State Opera House, Museum Island, the Reichstag, Tiergarten Park and the elegant Ku-Damm. Stop to take photos at the Brandenburg gate, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, and the Holocaust Memorial.
367 mi / 590 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS In 1961 East and West Berlin became physically divided by a concrete wall, leaving the Brandenburg gate isolated in a restricted area. As the wall began to fall in 1989, the Brandenburg Gate was once more reachable, and became considered a national symbol of peace and unity. Today it is Berlin's most famous landmark.

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Breakfast

Dinner

Day 4 BERLIN

The Boulevards of Berlin Enjoy a free day in Berlin, absorb more art, culture and history in one of the many museums, browse the stores, sink your teeth into some of the local specialties, or join one of the optional excursions.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE Berlin is a city to be explored and enjoyed. See the street art of the East Side Gallery where a portion of the Berlin Wall now serves as a memorial of freedom painted by local artists. See the classic Cosmonaut mural in Mariannenstrasse or head to the Kreuzberg district for a leisurely stroll along Landwehr Canal.

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Breakfast

Day 5 BERLIN–DRESDEN

German Jewels This morning, depart Berlin and drive to Dresden. Enjoy some free time for lunch, then follow your Local Guide on a walking tour that features the Zwinger Palace courtyard. Enjoy free time this evening to explore more of Dresden.
137 mi / 220 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM Explore the heart of Dresden with a walk to Zwinger Palace courtyard. Revered for its stunning Baroque architecture and beautiful gardens, this spectacular palace complex is the most famous building in Dresden.

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Breakfast

Day 6 DRESDEN–BAYREUTH–NUREMBERG

On Tap in Nuremberg This morning, drive through Saxony to reach Bayreuth in Bavaria, Wagner’s city of festival. Join an orientation tour to see important landmarks including the Festival Hall. Continue to historic Nuremberg for a walking orientation of the center before savoring a delicious dinner with local specialties at the Bratwurst Röslein restaurant.
236 mi / 380 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Bring a big appetite to dine on brats and beer in the biggest Bratwurst restaurant in the world! Enjoy authentic specialties at Bratwurst Röslein in the heart of Nuremberg’s town hall square, where warm welcomes have been greeting clients since 1493.

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Breakfast

Dinner

Day 7 NUREMBERG–ROTHENBURG–MUNICH

The Romantic Road Reach the delightful medieval town of Rothenburg and join an orientation walk of the historic center. Admire St. Jakob’s church, Marktplatz, Ratstrinktube, the Town Hall, and beautiful views of the Tauber Valley. Time to browse before continuing to Munich. Free time this evening to get acquainted with lively Munich, considered the richest city in Germany, BMW’s hometown, and location of the world’s largest beer festival.
205 mi / 330 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Get that old romantic feeling with a walk through the well-preserved medieval town of Rothenburg. Here, along Germany’s historic Romantic Road region, you’ll find half-timbered houses, medieval walls, and cobblestone streets, that will win your heart in the heart of Northern Bavaria.

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Breakfast

Day 8 MUNICH–OBERAMMERGAU–FÜSSEN AREA

Spend Your Day Your Way in Munich This morning, delve deeper into Munich with an orientation drive and guided sightseeing tour. Explore more of Munich with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.

Timeless Münich: a Walk Through the Old Town

Step into the heart of Munich and feel centuries of stories echo through cobbled lanes, majestic courtyards, and grand facades. This immersive walking tour leads you through the vibrant Old Town, where the past and present blend seamlessly. From gothic towers to royal elegance and hidden medieval corners, discover the soul of the Bavarian capital through fascinating tales, local legends, and authentic charm.

Toasting Tradition

Prost! Lift a stein in Bavarian style with your Local Guide to drink in Munich¿s brewing heritage on a tour brimming with Oktoberfest stories in one of the city¿s oldest buildings. Discover Bavarian beer history and culture, then celebrate with a fresh pint in the cozy museum tavern. A must-visit for beer lovers and culture fans alike!

Later, depart for Füssen, stopping en-route for some free time at the beautiful Bavarian village of Oberammergau, where the Passion Play is held once every ten years.
115 mi / 185 km

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Breakfast

Dinner

Day 9 FÜSSEN AREA: EXCURSION TO NEUSCHWANSTEIN

Bavarian Blessings & A Storybook Castle A leisurely morning with free time to explore the picturesque village of Füssen. Later, a short drive brings you to Neuschwanstein for a guided visit of King Ludwig’s castle, probably one of the most recognizable in the world as it provided inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the “Fairytale King,” built a fantastical 1800s castle with all the modern conveniences (aka plumbing), while emphasizing the romantic vision of a storybook castle. His love for Wagnerian opera is literally plastered on the walls inside, with panoramas and frescoes of scenes from the composer’s great works. So romantic and fanciful of design, the Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Walt Disney’s blueprint of a castle fit for Sleeping Beauty herself.

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Breakfast

Day 10 FÜSSEN AREA–LINDAU–BIRNAU–LAKE TITISEE–BLACK FOREST

Fairytale Forests This morning, drive to Lake Constance and spend time exploring the charming island of Lindau. Next, stop in Birnau, which boasts great views of the lake, and visit the elaborate Baroque church with its seven altars. Continue to Lake Titisee for a real treat, a private electric boat cruise with an aperitif; and for even more local tastes, enjoy a traditional Schwarzwaldkuchen (Black Forest cake) tasting during dinner at your hotel.
186 mi / 300 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SCENIC RIDES Lake Titisee is the largest natural lake in the Black Forest and considered to be one of the most beautiful in Germany. What better way to see it than by sailing on it! Relax on your private electric boat cruise and enjoy an aperitif whilst soaking up the stunning views of the surrounding Black Forest.

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Breakfast

Dinner

Day 11 BLACK FOREST–HEIDELBERG–FRANKFURT

Cuckoo Clocks & Castle Walks Before departing this morning, watch a local craftsman demonstrate the skills behind the famous cuckoo clock. Reach Heidelberg and enjoy some leisure time to have lunch and explore the Old Town before taking a funicular ride to visit the castle with a walking tour. This evening, arrive in Frankfurt for a farewell dinner at your hotel.
155 mi / 250 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ARCHITECTURAL GEM Ascend 300 feet above Heidelberg to visit its historic castle, posing a commanding presence above the town below. The breathtaking Schloss Heidelberg features buildings and courtyards reflecting unique architectural eras, as well as the biggest wine barrel in the world! Just as the city below delivers a powerful view of the castle, you’ll take in the panoramic views of Heidelberg below the terraces and gardens of the hilltop fortress. Cast your eyes across the Neckar River and valley, with views as far as the Rhine plain and Mannheim on a clear day.

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Breakfast

Dinner

Day 12 FRANKFURT

Auf Wiedersehen, Germany! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

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Breakfast

Tour Director

With GLOBUS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

ANDREJ SCHERGIN

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

“I have not always been a tour director, I worked in a variety of fields until I eventually started escorting weekend tours for fun, I found my true vocation. I love sharing my passion for European cities with my clients, giving them an insider's perspective that they would miss if they travelled on their own. I also love seeing happy smiles on my clients' faces during the whole tour.”

Accommodations

Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyGlobus site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)

Berlin

Munich

Fuessen

Berlin

Berlin Bites & Delightful Night: A Fusion of Food and Fun

Savor a tasty 3-course meal in a local restaurant.

Price Range: $$$

Discover Potsdam

On the way to Potsdam, visit the Wannsee Conference House, stroll Sanssouci's gardens, explore the Dutch Quarter and Alexandrowka, and photograph landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, Nauen Gate, and the "Glienicker Brücke" Cold War's Bridge of Spies.

Price Range: $$

Berlin's Hidden Past

Get a peek into Berlin's WWII past, including the Soviet War Memorial, East Side Gallery, Checkpoint Charlie, and a visit to the Topography of Terror, site of Gestapo and SS headquarters.

Price Range: $$

Munich

Bavarian Brew & Bites

Get a firsthand look at Munich's rich beer heritage as you visit an authentic Bavarian beer place for a typical 3-course dinner with Bavarian beer!

Price Range: $$$

Fuessen

Timeless Münich: a Walk Through the Old Town

Price Range: $

Toasting Tradition

Price Range: $

Private Touring

Private Touring: Globus European Private Touring enables you to experience all of the attractions, sights and highlights of your selected Globus tour as a private experience - delivered just for you and your traveling party. With Private Touring, you'll have your own dedicated Tour Director, your own private transportation and driver, and your own professional local guides. All with greater flexibility in pace and your experience.

For your selected tour, there will be additional per-person cost for the size of your party - from 1 to 24. This additional supplement is reduced with each traveler you add to your party.

Here's a sample of the additional cost:

6 guests in a party: $4,950*
18 guests in a party: $1,216*

Contact Globus or your preferred travel agent for pricing for your specific party size as well as any other information on Globus Private Touring.

* Supplement pricing is per person (CA) and will be added to the standard published price for your given departure date and is based on availability. Supplement price is valid for 2020 and 2021 travel years. Occasionally some included and optional activities & excursions may be operated with other guests. Additional restrictions may apply. Not applicable for custom groups. No Group allowances or promotions are available on Private Touring. Published itineraries only. Note that blackout dates may exist where the Private Touring option is not available.

The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.

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