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Romantic Germany: Rhine Valley & Bavaria
Germany • 6 days / 5 nights
From £1,099
£1,699
35% off
Discover dreamy destinations on this semi-escorted trip to Germany, and fall in love with Bavaria’s villages, medieval castles, and winding rivers, from Heidelberg to Rothenburg.
Highlights
Heidelberg
Munich
Neuschwanstein Castle
Rhine River
Rothenburg
Overview
Land in Germany for a 6-night storybook escape! Head to the heart of picturesque places like Rothenburg. Then, cruise along the Rhine River before exploring spectacular sights like the famous Neuschwanstein Castle and Munich.
Itinerary
Day 1
1
UK/Ireland - Frankfurt
Time to discover the old-world charm and timeless appeal of the southwestern and southern regions of Germany!
Touch down in Frankfurt* and self-transfer to the hotel**. The city is yours to explore for the rest of the day. A global financial hub with a rich history, you can take in Frankfurt's futuristic skyline, try an authentic Frankfurter sausage, and wander through the Old Town. Afterward, you’ll want to rest up for a full itinerary the following day. Overnight stay in Frankfurt.
*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
**Airport transfer in Frankfurt is not included. You will have the possibility to add a transfer to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.
Day 2
2
Frankfurt - Heidelberg
Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your tour leader and head to the port* to board a water cruise along the Rhine River. Before setting sail, you'll have free time to explore the picturesque town or put your inner wine connoisseur to the test by sampling regional rieslings.
Next, it’s all aboard for an unforgettable trip through the Rhine Valley (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). After some free time for lunch, you'll transfer to Heidelberg and check into your hotel. Overnight stay in Heidelberg.
*Depending on the time of year, you’ll transfer to either the port of Rudesheim or the port of St. Goar.
Activities
Rhine River Cruise
Day 3
3
Heidelberg - Rothenburg
Breakfast at the hotel. The day begins with a city tour of the historic Heidelberg. In between exploring the lively Marktplatz in the center, standing on the Old Bridge over the Neckar, and admiring half-timbered houses, you'll have views of Heidelberg Castle*. Enjoy some free time to wander at your own pace and grab lunch (Maultaschen, a sort of German take on ravioli, is a must!).
A scenic transfer to Rothenburg. Feel like you've been transported back to the Middle Ages on a guided city tour of Rothenburg. The cobblestone streets, quaint squares, and ancient town walls will show you why it’s one of the most popular destinations along the German Romantic Road. Overnight stay in Rothenburg.
*Optional visit to Heidelberg Castle: Visit the stately palace and see the city from a different perspective.
Activities
Heidelberg City Tour
Rothenburg City Tour
Heidelberg Castle
Day 4
4
Rothenburg - Neuschwanstein - Munich
Breakfast at the hotel. A day* of discovering castles lies ahead. Journey to Hohenschwangau, a small town home to the centuries-old Hohenschwangau Castle. Enjoy free time to explore the town and have lunch. Next, it’s on to Neuschwanstein Castle, an iconic landmark nestled in the foothills of the Alps.
Commissioned by King Ludwig II, its towers, frescoes depicting medieval legends, turrets, and throne room are just a glimpse of the castle’s splendor. And the tour of Neuschwanstein Castle is sure to be one of the most memorable moments of the trip, where travelers can live out a fantasy. Transfer to Munich and check into your hotel. Overnight stay in Munich.
*Please note: Final day with the tour leader.
Activities
Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle
Day 5
5
Munich
Breakfast at the hotel. The day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. In a modern city with timeless charm like Munich, there's plenty to see and do.
Stroll through the streets lined with examples of Brutalism and Art Nouveau, or take an optional hop-on, hop-off bus tour*—a great way to check off the main attractions on your Munich wishlist. Overnight stay in Munich.
*Optional hop-on, hop-off bus tour: Move around Munich with ease and in comfort for a flexible way to explore the city.
Activities
Hop-on, hop-off bus in Munich
Day 6
6
Munich - UK/Ireland
Breakfast at the hotel*. Say goodbye—or Auf Wiedersehen—to Germany’s romantic scenery. Optional transfer to the airport for your return flight back to the UK/Ireland.
*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
What's included
- Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
- International flights: UK/Ireland - Frankfurt; Munich - UK/Ireland.
- 5 nights accommodation in Superior category hotels.
- 5 breakfasts.
- Transportation between cities from day 2 until day 4.
- Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
- Air taxes and fuel surcharge.
- Rhine River Cruise.
- Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle.
- ATOL Protection.
- English-speaking guide from day 2 until day 4.
Accommodation
These are our featured hotels for this tour. Hotel allocation depends on availability and seasonality, so you may be assigned any hotel from our selection.
Select your departure date
All prices include flights, hotels and activities. A £39 per person handling fee applies at checkout.
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We recommend booking early
Prices can change and departure dates may sell out.
Flexible payment options available
Pay in full, make a deposit, or split payments.
Best prices
All prices include flights, hotels and activities. A £39 per person handling fee applies at checkout.
Included activities
Rhine River Cruise
Day 2
1h 30m
Light
Spend up to 2 hours cruising through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Valley, taking in panoramic views of medieval castles, small villages, and rolling vineyards. Food and drinks can be purchased on board.
Heidelberg City Tour
Day 3
2h
Light
Heidelberg is home to the Heidelberg Tun and Germany’s oldest university. Discover its beauty on a 2-hour guided city tour that includes the Market Square, the Old Town, and views of Heidelberg Castle.
Rothenburg City Tour
Day 3
1h 50m
Light
The steeply pitched roofs of the houses and vibrant colors bring this popular destination to life. A guided tour will take you to the Marktplatz and medieval town walls, offering an overview of Rothenburg’s charm.
Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle
Day 4
2h
Moderate
Top of the list of landmarks to see in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle was built in the 19th century and is said to have inspired the design of Cinderella Castle. Discover its enchanting interior and breathtaking viewpoints.
Optional activities
Heidelberg Castle
Day 3
1h 30m
Light
A true architectural marvel, Heidelberg Castle is a Renaissance ruin famous for its dramatic structure. From its half-destroyed tower to its former role as the residence of the Palatinate, this 13th-century gem is worth visiting.
Hop-on, hop-off bus in Munich
Day 5
Light
Available in 9 languages, this bus tour is a convenient way to get around Munich while giving you time to take a closer look at iconic landmarks.
Personalization options
- Extra nightsExtend your stay with additional nights before or after the tour.
- Flight optionsCustomize your flights by selecting your preferred airline, cabin class, and departure and arrival times.
Additional information
What's not included
Tax, meals, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
*Accommodation tax must be paid directly to the hotel (this amount can range from 2 EUR to 8 EUR approximately per person per night and it is subject to change).
Airport transfers are not included.
Important notes
Check-in and check-out times are set as a matter of internal policy at each hotel. As a general rule, check-in begins at 2PM and the check-out time is at noon. Please note that these hours may vary per the rules of an individual hotel.
Offer conditions
Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline's website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.
Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.
In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or canceled without prior notice.
If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +44 20 8068 3176 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.
While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
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