Romantic Germany: Rhine Valley & Bavaria

Time to discover the old-world charm and timeless appeal of the southwestern and southern regions of Germany! Arrive at your departure airport, ready to catch your flight to Frankfurt.**If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Touch down in Frankfurt and self-transfer to the hotel*. The city is yours to explore for the rest of the day. A global financial hub with a rich history, you can take in Frankfurt's futuristic skyline, try an authentic Frankfurter sausage, and wander through the Old Town. Afterward, you’ll want to rest up for a full itinerary the following day. Overnight stay in Frankfurt.*Airport transfer in Frankfurt is not included. You will have the possibility to add a transfer to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your tour leader and head to the port* to board a water cruise along the Rhine River. Before setting sail, you'll have free time to explore the picturesque town or put your inner wine connoisseur to the test by sampling regional rieslings.Next, it’s all aboard for an unforgettable trip through the Rhine Valley (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). After some free time for lunch, you'll transfer to Heidelberg and check into your hotel. Overnight stay in Heidelberg.*Depending on the time of year, you’ll transfer to either the port of Rudesheim or the port of St. Goar.

Breakfast at the hotel. The day begins with a city tour of the historic Heidelberg. In between exploring the lively Marktplatz in the center, standing on the Old Bridge over the Neckar, and admiring half-timbered houses, you'll have views of Heidelberg Castle*. Enjoy some free time to wander at your own pace and grab lunch (Maultaschen, a sort of German take on ravioli, is a must!).A scenic transfer to Rothenburg. Feel like you've been transported back to the Middle Ages on a guided city tour of Rothenburg. The cobblestone streets, quaint squares, and ancient town walls will show you why it’s one of the most popular destinations along the German Romantic Road. Overnight stay in Rothenburg.*Optional visit to Heidelberg Castle: Visit the stately palace and see the city from a different perspective.

Breakfast at the hotel. A day* of discovering castles lies ahead. Journey to Hohenschwangau, a small town home to the centuries-old Hohenschwangau Castle. Enjoy free time to explore the town and have lunch. Next, it’s on to Neuschwanstein Castle, an iconic landmark nestled in the foothills of the Alps.Commissioned by King Ludwig II, its towers, frescoes depicting medieval legends, turrets, and throne room are just a glimpse of the castle’s splendor. And the tour of Neuschwanstein Castle is sure to be one of the most memorable moments of the trip, where travelers can live out a fantasy. Transfer to Munich and check into your hotel. Overnight stay in Munich.*Please note: Final day with the tour leader.

Breakfast at the hotel. The day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. In a modern city with timeless charm like Munich, there's plenty to see and do.Stroll through the streets lined with examples of Brutalism and Art Nouveau, or take an optional hop-on, hop-off bus tour*—a great way to check off the main attractions on your Munich wishlist. Overnight stay in Munich.*Optional hop-on, hop-off bus tour: Move around Munich with ease and in comfort for a flexible way to explore the city.

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day experiencing more of Munich. Football fans might want to visit the stadium, whereas beer lovers won’t want to miss tasting a quality Bavarian brew. Others might prefer to take a day trip to Salzburg* for a picture-perfect view. Overnight stay in Munich.*Optional Salzburg and the Lake District tour: A full-day tour of Salzburg offers a glimpse into Austria's UNESCO World Heritage city.

Breakfast at the hotel*. Say goodbye—or Auf Wiedersehen—to Germany’s romantic scenery. Optional transfer to the airport for your return flight back to Canada.*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.