Day 1 - ARRIVE FRANKFURT - MAINZ

Welcome to Germany! From the Rhine Valley to Bavarian Alpine peaks and the dynamic capital of Berlin, this is a tour of contrasts. Experience lively cosmopolitan cities, historic old towns, as well as breathtaking natural scenery. On arrival at Frankfurt Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 09:30 & 12:00. This evening, get to know your Tour Director and fellow travellers over a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Hilton Mainz City

Day 2 - MAINZ - FRANKFURT - HEIDELBURG - ROTHENBURG

Begin your exploration of Germany with an orientation tour of Frankfurt, seeing the Romerberg Square, the 14th century cathedral and the house where Goethe was born. Continue to Heidelberg, the city of the 'Student Prince', set on the banks of the River Neckar. Sightseeing includes the view over the old quarter of the city from the heights of the famous castle fortress. Now on to Rothenburg-ob-der Tauber, the most well-preserved town on the Romantic Road. Plunge back into the 16th Century as you walk through narrow cobbled streets lined with high-gabled houses to the market square dominated by its magnificent Renaissance town hall. In the evening, enjoy a delicious Highlight Dinner of local cuisine.
Hotel: Hotel Eisenhut (BB,HD)

Day 3 - ROTHENBURG - OBERAMMERGAU - MUNICH

Enjoy an enchanting journey through peaceful countryside and villages of flower-decked farmhouses. See the Wieskirche before arriving in Oberammergau, home since 1634 to the Passion Play. On arrival in Munich enjoy an orientation tour of the fun-filled Bavarian capital passing the Olympic Stadium with its amazing 'hanging' roof, and continue along the imposing Ludwigstrasse past the university and Victory Arch into the heart of the city. In the Marienplatz, crowds gather outside the soaring neogothic Town Hall to watch the enameled copper figures of the Glockenspiel stage an elaborate performance.
Hotel: Westin Grand Arabellapark. (BB,D)

Day 4 - BAVARIAN ALPS EXCURSION

Travel into the beautiful German Alps to the 'fairytale' castle Neuschwanstein, perched on a spectacular Alpine mountainside. This was Ludwig II's favourite castle,though he spent little time here before his death. Visit exuberantly decorated apartments, including the Throne Room and Lohengrin Grotto. Return to your Munich hotel, (BB,D)

Day 5 - MUNICH - NUREMBERG - DRESDEN

Drive north across the Danube to Nuremberg, still entirely enclosed by its fortifications and home of Albrecht Dürer. Although the town was heavily bombed in World War II, it stilll remains a treasure trove of early German history and medieval architecture. Tour the Old Town, to see the charming blend of stone and timbered dwellings and the massive ramparts with its 46 towers. Take some time to shop for delicious Lebkuchen (gingerbread) before heading for the 'Florence of the Elbe', Dresden.
Hotel: Westin Bellevue Dresden. (BB)

Day 6 - DRESDEN - BERLIN

Join a local guide to see the splendours of the city. From the Frauenkirche, which has risen again from the destruction of World War II, walk past 'The Procession of the Dukes', a mosaic of colossal proportions on the Royal Palace facade. See the enormous cathedral, Semper Opera House and baroque Zwinger Palace, before departing for the German capital of Berlin. This evening, you might like to try some traditional Berliner cuisine?
Hotel: Marriott Berlin (BB)

Day 7 - BERLIN SIGHTSEEING

A guided sightseeing tour takes you along the Unter den Linden past the Humboldt University and Opera. Stop on Museum Island before passing the Brandenburg Gate, symbol of the reunification. See Norman Forster's glass-dome atop the reconstructed Reichstag building and drive through the Tiergarten. Spend the afternoon at leisure or take an optional excursion to Potsdam, site of the post war meetings which resulted in the division of the city? This evening perhaps round off the trip by sampling Berlin's fabled nightlife? (BB)

Day 8 - DEPART BERLIN

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast today. Departure transfers arrive at Berlin's Tegel Airport at 08:00 & 10:00. (BB)