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.
Explore the lakes and castles of Bavaria and the Austrian Tirol on foot on this one week holiday
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.
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.
As steeped in history as it is in alpine splendour, this is a walker's paradise, with hotels as excellent as the walking.
Cycle through Germany, Switzerland and Austria and explore beautiful Lake Constance & the dramatic Rhine Falls at your own pace
Discover the treasures of Berlin, Leipzig & Dresden by rail – three of Germany's most dynamic cities - on your way to Prague.
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.
