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.
Featuring hotels of character, and framed by mountains, this beautiful route reveals the best of southern Bavaria, a paradise for cyclists.
A high level ski traverse on the Black Forest Fern-Ski-Wanderweg in Germany
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.
A self-guided hike along the Rhine Gorge (UNESCO world heritage) from Bingen to Koblenz, through famous villages (Kaub, Bacharach, Boppard and Rhens) and the Loreley of legend. 20 castles and local Rieslings to delight in.
Elaborate architecture and exceptional cuisine, legendary landscapes and live history on the streets – western and central Europe is a place well worth its accolades
Landmark production by Willy Decker, conducted by Christian Thielemann. Pre-performance lectures with exploration via piano given by Peter Hill. Discover the insatiable patronage of the art-mad Electors of Saxony. See some amazing pictures & the world’s finest collection of Meissen porcelain. Day in Leipzig. Hotel overlooking the SemperOpera House
This tour brings together the best of Germany’s East and West steam railway heritage. We ride the narrow gauge railways in the former East and visit many preserved lines and museums in the West that are often overlooked. Lots to offer both the rail traveller and enthusiast, with stays in some of Germany’s most attractive towns.
Exceptional art & architecture, medieval to modern.
• Experience the 42nd production of the iconic Oberammergau Passion Play, performed once every ten years
• Enjoy cultural excursions to historical sights in this scenic corner of Bavaria
• Travel with musician John Bryden and art historian Andrew Spira, each lending their individual perspectives to this unique event
Enjoy the highlights of Germany’s romantic Rhine & Moselle Rivers, dipping into Switzerland and France along the way. Sail through the Rhine Gorge with its dramatic deep canyons and past sloping vineyards and colourful villages. Available from 27 Jun 2019, Ramblers 7 night Cruise & Walk Holiday costs from £1,995 per person including flights
