Germany
Germany is full of culture, history, undeniably beautiful scenery.
From the beauty of the Black Forest to the romance of the Rhine Valley to buzzing cities there is something for everyone in Germany. Explore the buzzing cities and famous architecture or virtually untouched natural landscapes and outdoor adventure. In the weeks leading up to the cold weather, the Christmas markets bring cheer and light to the long winter nights and have become a highlight for many travellers. A festive meeting place for locals to sell homemade decorations, toys, mulled wines and local delicacies.
Read More...Berlin
Germany’s capital and largest city it is home to cutting-edge architecture and contemporary art around almost every corner. Famous sights to see include the Berlin Wall (especially the East Side Gallery), Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, famous memorials and more.
Munich
The capital of Bavaria, it is a fabulous place to explore centuries-old buildings, museums and baroque cathedrals. It is also one of the world’s great brewing cities with beer a big part of daily life.
The Black Forest
Located in southwest Germany, this mountainous region borders France and is known for its evergreen forests, fairytale villages, cuckoo clocks and scenic lakes.
Neuschwanstein Castle
This fairytale castle located in the Bavarian Alps is one of the most visited in Germany. Set on a hilltop the surrounding landscapes are picture perfect.
Rhine Valley
The Upper Middle Rhine Valley is a gentle winding stretch of river stretching over 60 kilometres. Enjoyed on foot, bike, car or boat it is one of the most romantic places in the world with picturesque views of castles, hamlets and wineries.
Germany can be visited all year round with July and August being high season, and November to March being low season.
So much to see and do in Munich! Beautiful old architecture, cobble-stone streets, St Peter’s Church, the main plaza, and beautiful archways. Lots of bikes, sausages, pretzels, and beer! Stunning medieval buildings and larger than life statues of historical heroes from back in the day. It’s easy to walk around, or bike if you please (just remember where you park it!). Try Augustiner-Keller for the best authentic German feast! Head down into what feels like a cellar/den in winter or partake in the big beer garden outside in summer. Although Germany is popular for sauerkraut, this is more for the meat lovers with the most delicious pork and sausages.
Although Germany is not near any beaches, that doesn’t stop the locals from getting some surf in at the local river! Surfers come from all over to try it! The Eisbach River is near the entrance to Englischer Garten (the English Garden). Awesome place to be near sunset in summer – do as the locals do and grab a 1 Euro beer or wine from the supermarket and sit on the grass bank to take in a beautiful sunset.
Oktoberfest aka ‘Disneyland with Beer’ is held every year in Munich from mid-September for three weeks and attracts millions of visitors! It all started with a wedding back in 1810, and the celebrations got bigger and bigger as the years went on, turning it into the awesome festival that it is today. Top tip – wear the traditional dirndl or lederhosen, and make sure you get cash out before you go! You don’t want to waste time lining up at the ATMs, and you need cash to tip your server and pay for drinks in the tents.
Only a 1-hour 20 min drive from Munich and you arrive to a cute wee town called Mittenwald. It truly feels like you’ve stepped into a fairytale or a painting. Beautiful coloured quaint cottages, tall pine trees, with stunning snow-tipped mountains in the background. Another 1-hr 15 min drive from there, you’ll find the Bavarian fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle! Some amazing picturesque romantic scenery here with a bright blue river nearby, and mountainous backdrops the whole way – you won’t believe your eyes!
Stuttgart has a great feel about it. There’s a hill near the City Centre with a stunning viewpoint to soak in the City and all its gardens. It’s also home to some of the best bakeries for those morning breakfast treats, and locals boast about having the best original schnitzel! Stuttgart has its own Spring festival called Frühlingsfest. Smaller scale than Oktoberfest, but more authentic and full of locals. Not far from the City Centre here, you can relax on a paddleboat in the lake and marvel at all the beautiful castle-like buildings surrounding it.
Cologne is also a beautiful City to escape to and enjoy for a few days with German architecture that resembles the look of Copenhagen along the riverfront area. They have a ‘must do’ historical walking tour, and too many good cafes and restaurants to choose from! Make sure to walk across the padlock bridge, and check out the view from the observation tower on the other side.
Nicki Buckingham
Currency Euro
Language German
Weather Germany has quite a temperate climate, with extreme temperatures being rare. Winters are often overcast, and can be quite cold in elevated areas in the south of the country.
Festivals & events From the super festive Christmas markets, known as Weihnachtsmarkts, to the very famous Oktoberfest, Germany knows how to celebrate. In the lead up to Christmas, you’ll find stunning markets in almost every town and city in the nation – don’t forget to try a glass of gluhwein (mulled wine)! Oktoberfest takes place in Munich from late September to early October, with more than six million attendees celebrating with beer, music, and lederhosen! Movie buffs may wish to experience the Berlin Film Festival, which rivals Venice and Cannes.
Notes *Please be aware that Health information is subject to change at any time and you should always double check these requirements at the time of booking and before travel.
Packages
Rail
Danube Express - Christmas Markets of Central Europe
8 days/ 7 nights
Journeying aboard the nostalgically appointed Golden Eagle Danube Express, weave...
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