Germany
Take in Germany as fast as the Autobahn or as slow as a bike ride along the Rhine. Life is as traditional as a sing-along in a beer garden or as sophisticated as Berlin’s palaces and opera houses. Enjoy bratwurst, rotbier, and lebkuchen as you explore the wonders of Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Passau, the "City of Three Rivers"; and more.
Highlights
- Cologne
Spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, Cologne is the region's 2,000-year-old cultural hub and one of the country's largest and most liberal cities, offering a laidback atmosphere for all. Most notably, this city is home to the UNESCO-designated Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany's most revered Gothic masterpieces. Set amid the reconstructed Old Town, the twin-spired cathedral is also known for its admirable river views and ornate medieval reliquary. Adjacent to the cathedral stands the Museum Ludwig, which houses 20th-century art, including timeless masterpieces by Picasso. Cologne is also home to Germany's oldest city hall, Kölner Rathaus, a building complex with a documented 900-year-old history. Be sure to stop in a local tavern to taste the city's famous Kölsch beer or sample traditional bites!
- Passau
Passau, the City of Three Rivers, has so much to discover, from masterful art and Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture around every corner to the traditional cuisine that satiates every palate. Bordering Austria, this 2,000-year-old city lies at the junction of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Lace-up your shoes and hike high into the hills to visit the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century hilltop fortress housing a museum and observation tower that overlooks the city. Or, strap on your helmet and enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the Danube or Inn River. Passau's old town is most notable for its iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral, the largest and most significant Catholic Church that has been around for over 500 years. The Baroque-style cathedral features distinctive domed towers and an impressive organ with 17,974 pipes.
- The Castle Road
The name of Castle Road speaks for itself: a picturesque route spanning over 700 miles long punctuated with towering castles as far as the eye can see. Be regaled with tales of romance as you transport back to the Middle Ages and walk in the footsteps of emperors, kings, princes, and knights. Admire iconic castles including the Castle of Heidelberg, overlooking the bustling city of Heidelberg; Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, one of Europe's most formidable medieval fortifications; and numerous castles in Bamberg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. In addition to these timeless marvels, the serene vistas and charming towns help turn this journey of discovery into an experience you won't forget.
- Regensburg
Once a flourishing trading metropolis and political center of the Holy Roman Empire, Regensburg, sitting on the Danube River to the southeast, is Germany's best-preserved medieval city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall, one of Regensburg's most impressive buildings, and the Porta Praetoria, one of two remaining Roman gates in the country. As you explore the streets and alleyways, enjoy some German specialties—beer, sausage, and pretzels. With a past spanning more than 2,000 years, a world-famous choir, incredible shopping, bars, and pubs, Regensburg is a treat in every way.
- Rüdesheim
Located in the Rhine Valley, Rüdesheim is one of the most beautiful wine regions in Germany, mainly known for its selection of Riesling wines. Discover the flavor of the town's iconic vineyards as you sample some of the most delectable wines. Or, drink up the stunning views soaring high above the vineyards with a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument, built between 1871 and 1883 to commemorate the Unification of Germany. In the city's center, stroll along Drosselgasse lane to shop, dine at local eateries, and taste one of the town's unique delights at a tavern, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee, and whipped cream. Complete your Rüdesheim exploration at Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet, where its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments will charm you.
Spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, Cologne is the region's 2,000-year-old cultural hub and one of the country's largest and most liberal cities, offering a laidback atmosphere for all. Most notably, this city is home to the UNESCO-designated Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany's most revered Gothic masterpieces. Set amid the reconstructed Old Town, the twin-spired cathedral is also known for its admirable river views and ornate medieval reliquary. Adjacent to the cathedral stands the Museum Ludwig, which houses 20th-century art, including timeless masterpieces by Picasso. Cologne is also home to Germany's oldest city hall, Kölner Rathaus, a building complex with a documented 900-year-old history. Be sure to stop in a local tavern to taste the city's famous Kölsch beer or sample traditional bites!
Passau, the City of Three Rivers, has so much to discover, from masterful art and Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture around every corner to the traditional cuisine that satiates every palate. Bordering Austria, this 2,000-year-old city lies at the junction of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Lace-up your shoes and hike high into the hills to visit the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century hilltop fortress housing a museum and observation tower that overlooks the city. Or, strap on your helmet and enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the Danube or Inn River. Passau's old town is most notable for its iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral, the largest and most significant Catholic Church that has been around for over 500 years. The Baroque-style cathedral features distinctive domed towers and an impressive organ with 17,974 pipes.
The name of Castle Road speaks for itself: a picturesque route spanning over 700 miles long punctuated with towering castles as far as the eye can see. Be regaled with tales of romance as you transport back to the Middle Ages and walk in the footsteps of emperors, kings, princes, and knights. Admire iconic castles including the Castle of Heidelberg, overlooking the bustling city of Heidelberg; Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, one of Europe's most formidable medieval fortifications; and numerous castles in Bamberg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. In addition to these timeless marvels, the serene vistas and charming towns help turn this journey of discovery into an experience you won't forget.
Once a flourishing trading metropolis and political center of the Holy Roman Empire, Regensburg, sitting on the Danube River to the southeast, is Germany's best-preserved medieval city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall, one of Regensburg's most impressive buildings, and the Porta Praetoria, one of two remaining Roman gates in the country. As you explore the streets and alleyways, enjoy some German specialties—beer, sausage, and pretzels. With a past spanning more than 2,000 years, a world-famous choir, incredible shopping, bars, and pubs, Regensburg is a treat in every way.
Located in the Rhine Valley, Rüdesheim is one of the most beautiful wine regions in Germany, mainly known for its selection of Riesling wines. Discover the flavor of the town's iconic vineyards as you sample some of the most delectable wines. Or, drink up the stunning views soaring high above the vineyards with a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument, built between 1871 and 1883 to commemorate the Unification of Germany. In the city's center, stroll along Drosselgasse lane to shop, dine at local eateries, and taste one of the town's unique delights at a tavern, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee, and whipped cream. Complete your Rüdesheim exploration at Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet, where its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments will charm you.Fast Facts
Already booked on one of our packages to Germany? See everything you need to know before you go.
| Overview | Capital: Berlin |
| Entry requirements | Please see our Entry Requirements page. |
| Staying Healthy | There are no health precautions or requirements to enter Germany. |
| Weather | June-September are the best months to visit Germany when days are warm and nights are cool. It does rain during the summer, so take a jacket and an umbrella. If you like wildflowers, the months of April and May are gorgeous, but cool. Late fall and early winter can also be more moderate with southern winds keeping temps warmer in Bavaria. |
| Tipping | Round up bills in restaurants and taxis, and give the tip directly to the waiter or driver. |
| Money & Credit Cards | Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card while traveling. |
| Shopping | In southern Germany, shop for cuckoo clocks, thermometers, Hummel figurines, wood carvings, cameras, china, porcelain, antiques, stainless steelware, toys and dolls, wines, cheese and local handcrafts. In eastern Germany, shop for Lauscha glass, wood carvings, Leipzig tiles, porcelain, Russian and eastern European phonograph records, pottery, and wooden nutcrackers. |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | 230 volts. C & F. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
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- Destinations: Germany
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