Too many travellers think they know Germany. Theirs might be the country of oompah and sausages in Bavaria, the arty, hipster districts of Berlin, the cuckoo-clock villages in the Black Forest or wonky fairytale towns along the Romantic Road to Schloss Neuschwanstein – the original Sleeping Beauty castle. Each is brilliant, yet the more I see, the more I realise how extraordinary Germany is.
Nowhere else in Europe combines so much history or scenery – from white powder beaches on the Baltic coast to romantic river valleys like the Rhine or Elbe and corkscrew alps – with such excellence. If England had as many outstanding galleries, museums, brilliant nightlife, world-renowned beers or the best Christmas in the world, it’d be insufferable. Germany? Not a bit. Welcoming and relaxed, it has never been a more rewarding destination to travel. Given that autobahns and rail are the envy of Europe, it excels in that too.
Discover the Wittelsbach family & their elegant capital, Munich. Remarkable museums & galleries full of wonderful treasures & paintings. Two marvellous country palaces at Nymphenburg & Schleissheim. Superior hotel in the historic central district. Excellent opera & chamber music, including Jonas Kaufmann & Anja Harteros in Andrea Chénier.
Discover the treasures of three of Germany's most enigmatic cities, emerged from the tribulations of recent history.
A self-guided hike along the Rhine Gorge (UNESCO world heritage) between Bingen and Koblenz, through famous villages (Kaub, Bacharach, Boppard and Rhens) and the Loreley of legend. 20 castles and local Rieslings to delight in.
Rhine Sea to Source from Rail Holidays of the World is an exhilarating holiday in Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland. Available from 6 Oct 2022 to 6 Oct 2022 this 14 day trip costs from £3,095.
Experience Leipzig’s wonderful production of Wagner’s ‘Ring Cycle’, conducted by Ulf Shirmer . Pre-performance lectures with exploration via piano of the complex leitmotif structures of each opera given by Peter Hill. Explore how Bach & other composers lived & worked in the city. Day spent in the court city of Weimar.
Discover the treasures of Berlin, Leipzig & Dresden by rail – three of Germany's most dynamic cities - on your way to Prague.
Steeped in folklore, the Brocken is considered the ‘mountain of the German people’. Paths crisscross the Harz uplands, revealing different aspects of this fascinating region, the spiritual heart of Germany.
Bellotto's Eye: Christmas in Dresden from CICERONI Travel. Enjoy Dresden in its Christmas livery. Compare the city as depicted by Bellotto with today’s remarkable recreations. Discover the insatiable patronage of the art-mad Electors of Saxony. See some amazing pictures & the world’s finest collection of Meissen porcelain. Festive programme.
The Black Forest is much-loved by Germans for its extensive network of walking trails and very special atmosphere, rich in ethereal beauty. Explore this woodland wonderland on a week of leisurely walks.
Comprehensive introduction to Berlin. See the city’s major historic sites & the pick of the city’s museums. Special access to the Reichstag to include dinner in its rooftop restaurant. We visit Potsdam to see Frederick the Great’s magnificent Sanssouci. Enjoy Berlin’s fabled musical culture. Very comfortable hotel just off Unter den Linden.
