Western Germany & The Black Forest

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Munich

   With its traditional beer halls, designer shops, trendy restaurants and international business, Munich is a mix of old and new, German and cosmopolitan. Largely rebuilt after World War II, the city still retains its old world charm, even in the midst of expansion and modernization. You’ve probably heard of the city’s world famous Oktobertfest, a once-in-a-lifetime party dedicated to that incredible Bavarian beer along with some of the local delicacies, including tasty schnitzel. But there’s much more to Munich than drinking, and on your holiday you’ll have the chance to discover the best this charming city has to offer. Don’t miss out on the beer halls and the breweries, but be sure to get off the beaten path to discover a Munich of your own. Much of the city’s past centers around World War II, and there are several ways you can explore this chapter of Munich’s history, including a day trip to the Dachau concentration camp and a special tour focusing on Hitler and the local activities of the Third Reich. Munich is also a center of industry and there is nowhere better to experience this than BMW World. Moving slightly farther afield, Neuschwanstein Castle makes the perfect day trip, perched high in the hills over a verdant valley. Munich’s variety means there’s more than enough to satisfy even the most diverse groups of travelers. Let your curiosity guide you as you explore this unique German city.

   When you arrive in Munich, a driver will be waiting to meet you and will then bring you to your centrally located accommodation.

   

   See the City from Above

   Although not a city of skyscrapers, Munich offers numerous wonderful viewpoints. The best panoramic views of the Old Town are available from the St. Peter's Church (or "Old Peter," as the locals call it) viewing platform, which is climbed by thousands of visitors every day. Climb the 300 stairs (no elevator available) for the breathtaking views of the Frauenkirche and the Town Hall. Munich's highest point, the Olympic Tower, offers views over the whole city and on a clear day the Alps beyond. You can even enjoy a unique perspective on the city via a modern zeppelin, although these rides are offered rarely, and book up quickly (the zeppelin is generally used for tours of Lake Constance, on the Swiss border).

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Munich

   

   Munich City Group Walking Tour

   Munich has a lot to offer when it comes to history, culture, art and of course, beer. Explore this magnificent city during your walking tour and get involved in the daily life of the locals as well. During your tour you will see the most important historical sights, the busiest streets and the most amazing beer halls too, all whilst learning about the rich history of the city.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Beautiful Machines

   If you love cars or want to approach Munich from a different perspective, we recommend immersing yourself in all things BMW. With its campus in a suburb of the city featuring a museum, a car plant, and BMW World (BMW Welt), this museum offers a unique, interactive presentation of the brand's history. With around 125 automobiles, motorcycles, and engines on display, BMW World is the grand location for car handover presentations and possibly the largest BMW showroom in the world. We recommend taking the English-language tour, which starts every day at 2:00 PM.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

   

   First Night, First Beers

   When in Munich, drink as the locals do. Munich has undoubtedly earned its title as “Beer Capital of the World,” so what could be a better activity for your first night than going to one of its famed beer halls or beer gardens, meeting locals, and hearing their stories? If you’re teetotal or raucous beer halls aren’t your thing, you can take a nice walk along Neuhauser Strasse, followed by the Kaufingerstrasse, leading to the city’s most famous square, the Marienplatz, with its magnificent city hall, the Neues Rathaus.

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

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3. Day 3 Traveling to Baden-Baden by Train / Arrival in Baden-Baden

   

   Today, you will travel from Munich to Baden-Baden by train. We will organize a transfer to the train station and secure economy class tickets based on the departure time. If desired, an upgrade to first class is available for an additional fee. The train journey takes around 3.5 hours.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Baden Baden by Private Transfer with a Stop in Stuttgart

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Upon your arrival at Baden-Baden Train Station, a driver will meet you and take you directly to your centrally located accommodation.

   

   Baden-Baden Private Walking Tour

   On this 90-minute tour, you will discover the different districts in the heart of Baden-Baden and see the city's highlights. Along the way, you will experience Baden's spa district, the world-famous casino, the old town, and Museum Mile. There is an opportunity to stand on Florentine Hill in the shadow of Baden's 17th-century castle and enjoy beautiful views of the old market square and the hills of the Black Forest around you. Afterward, you will visit the outside of the Roman-Irish Friedrichsbad and the Caracalla thermal bath. This walking tour will explain the unique history of Baden-Baden, the European capital of lifestyle culture.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

4. Day 4 Your First Full Day in Baden-Baden

   

   Black Forest Private Day Trip

   On this day trip, you will explore the charming Black Forest, starting from Baden-Baden and passing through Offenburg and the Kinzig Valley. Discover picturesque villages like Gengenbach and Gutach, where you can visit a glass factory and a reconstructed Black Forest village. Experience the natural beauty of Triberg's waterfall and the unique charm of the House of the 1000 Cuckoo Clocks before returning via Schramberg, Schiltach, and Freudenstadt.
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Caracalla Group Spa Time with Entrance Tickets

   This local, famous spa is open 14 hours a day, and your ticket allows you to enter for as long as you want. Two thousand years ago, the Romans discovered the healing power of the twelve thermal springs underneath Baden-Baden and built the first thermal baths. Today, the historic spa quarter (Bäderviertel), with its two thermal baths in the old town (Altstadt), is a well-known attraction for many visitors. Every day, 800,000 liters of thermal water gush from a depth of 2,000 meters into the modern Caracalla Spa and the historic Roman-Irish Friedrichsbad, guaranteeing exclusive bathing pleasure and well-being for guests worldwide. You can relax and enjoy all this and more…

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 14 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

5. Day 5 Traveling to Heidelberg by Train / Arrival in Heidelberg

   

   Today, you will travel from Baden-Baden to Heidelberg by train. We will arrange a transfer to the train station and book economy class tickets based on your preferred departure time. An upgrade to the first class is available for an additional fee. The train journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

   An official UNESCO "City of Literature," Heidelberg is devoted to learning, home to Germany's oldest university, and one of Europe's most famous. If you can't study something at Heidelberg, it doesn't exist. But even if you're not there to join the students who make up 1/4 of Heidelberg's population, there's plenty to do. The massive hilltop Heidelberg Castle is at the top of your list, and the valley the castle sits within offers plenty of great places to take it in before you enter the castle itself. The Baroque Old Town is great for a stroll, with a stop or two in its cozy cafes along the way, as are its medieval university buildings. Many of Heidelberg's best views can be found from the Philosophers' Walk across the river from the city center, trod upon by centuries of thinkers.

   When you arrive at Heidelberg Central Station, you will be able to find the taxi rank because it is clearly signposted. We haven’t included a transfer here because, in our experience, meet-and-greet transfer services in Heidelberg are overpriced and unreliable, and the driver can be hard to locate once you arrive. Heidelberg’s taxi drivers are honest, and the taxis are reasonably priced. You’ll have no problem finding one at the station’s taxi rank, so you’ll save both time and money by taking one to your accommodations.

   

   Bar-Hopping in the Altstadt

   Heidelberg's Altsadt ("Old Town") hosts lively nightlife befitting a student city. Among the best wine bars in town is Vinothek Restaurant Oskar on Haspelgasse, which features a broad range of Old and New World labels to taste. A short walk away on Steingasse, you can sample locally brewed beers at Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus, home to some of the country's strongest beers, at 33% ABV! Last but not least, for a rocking night, head to Eckstein on Fischmarkt. This cool and stylish pub is a very pleasant place to spend the evening, even if you’re not a metalhead.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

6. Day 6 Your First Full Day in Heidelberg

   

   Heidelberg Old Town and Castle Private Tour

   Heidelberg's historic Old Town has much more to offer than just the iconic Alte Brucke ("Old Bridge"), charming alleyways, and stunning views of one of Germany's most famous castles. Here, picturesque squares connect like pearls on a string, with locals and visitors from around the world gathering in cozy cafes, lively pubs, and exploring the city's museums and theaters. Take a guided tour to fully experience the heart of Heidelberg and discover its hidden treasures.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Grape Day Pfalz & Alsace Small Group Tour

   Prepare to be pleasantly surprised as you embark on this leisurely eight-hour journey into the heart of German wine country. Delve into the fascinating world of German winemaking, where you'll uncover the secrets behind the production of exceptional local wines and indulge in tastings of delectable regional products. Immerse yourself in the picturesque countryside scenery as you explore the vibrant wine region alongside an expert guide, offering a firsthand experience of Germany's rich viticultural heritage and the opportunity to sample renowned wines that reflect the essence of the land.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

7. Day 7 Traveling to Frankfurt by Private Transfer / Arrival in Frankfurt

   Today, you will trade Heidelberg for Frankfurt. You will be picked up from your accommodations at your preferred departure time and taken directly to your accommodations at the other end, a 75-minute ride.

   The birthplace of German democracy, Frankfurt is now more famous for its bankers, and the skyscrapers they have funded. A hub from the very beginning (the name comes from a river ford used by the Franks who went on to conquer France), Frankfurt's airport offers flights to more destinations than any other, and you can seemingly take trains anywhere from here, too. This is one of Germany's most diverse cities, even when its famous trade shows aren't in town, yet next to the skyscrapers you'll find the restored old town that served as the brief capital of a democratic Germany during the failed 1848 revolutions, and remains a reminder of Frankfurt's time as one of the Holy Roman Empire's prime cities.

   Upon your arrival in Frankfurt a driver will take you directly to your accommodation.

   

   Frankfurt Private Walking Tour

   Discover Frankfurt's famed highlights and hidden gems most tourists never find. From Frankfurt's beautiful old opera house, St. Paul's Church, and the stock exchange, through to the cathedral and the beautifully reconstructed new "Old Town," you will get a comprehensive overview of the city's architecture, history and culture. There is even the chance to sample one of the local markets and try the local apple juices, apple wine and white wines from the Rhine region.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

8. Day 8 Departure Day

   Based on your departure time, a driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to Frankfurt airport.