To Europe

day 1

Day 1: Frankfurt

If your schedule permits, start your tour in Frankfurt early enough to spend the day here, in this very modern metropolis which nevertheless offers many historic sites such as the Römerberg with its beautifully restored timber-framed houses, of course the Goethe Haus where the world famous poet once lived, the Paulskirche, symbol for democracy and freedom in Germany, "Alt-Sachsenhausen", where in Schellgasse number 6 you will find Frankfurt's oldest timber-framed house which was built around 1291, to name only a few of Frankfurt's historic landmarks. Visit the Frankfurt museum riverbank, one of the most important locations for museums in Germany and Europe. The exhibition buildings are lined up on both sides of the Main riverbank, several famous museums are to be found in the city center. Visit the "Städel", the German Museum of Architecture as well as the Museum of Applied Art or the "Schirn Kunsthalle" to name only a very few. And don't miss out on Frankfurt's "Zeil", a huge pedestrian zone where shopping is the name of the game. Your hotel is located close to Frankfurt's main station.

day 2

Day 2: Wuerzburg

Today you will have an early start: take a train to Aschaffenburg to visit the Renaissance palace, built in 1605-1614, served until 1803 as a second official residence for the archbishops and electors of Mainz. It features an art gallery with works by Lucas Cranach the Elder (Branch of the Bavarian State Galleries), the Vestment Chamber of the Palace Church with ecclesiastical vestments from the Mainz Cathedral treasury, the Princes' Apartments with neoclassical furnishings and the Municipal Palace Museum.
Take a train to Würzburg, your first stop along the Romantic Road. The city is idyllically located amidst vineyards, with the mediaeval fortress Marienberg towering above. Würzburg is old bishop´s see and lively town, proudly presenting monuments of different eras. Culture, art, history and hospitality are ever-present in this remarkable city!
The fortress Marienberg, Würzburg´s landmark, has of course changed its appearance a great deal since it was first mentioned, today the oldest part of the fortress is the "Rundkirche" (round church) which was built in the year one thousand. The Cathedral, the Marienkapelle, the "Alte Mainbrücke" (old bridge across the river Main ), the Juliusspital and the "Käppele" are musts, but make sure that you do not miss out on the "Fürstbischöfliche Residenz" (Prince bishops residence ). This "Palace above all Palaces" is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are only a few cities in Germany which present buildings of so many different eras as Würzburg does, some of them being true masterpieces of their time. Enjoy this beautiful town which offers not only cultural but also culinary highlights such as the hearty cuisine and of course the world famous Frankenwein!

day 3

Day 3: Rothenburg ob der Tauber

In the morning take a train to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Germany's most beautiful mediaeval cities. Taking a walk thru this charming little town is truly a journey back in time. Rothenburg ob der Tauber was once a powerful free imperial town and its monuments, landmarks and buildings still bear witness to these days.
Marvel at the half-timbered buildings and at town walls which are withstanding time since hundreds of years, protecting the city since the Middle Ages. Visit the town's most famous spot, the Ploenlein square, probably the most photographed place in Rothenburg. Also very interesting to see is the Spitalbastei Gate, created by Leonhard Weidmann, the latin inscription on the gate reading: " Peace to those who enter, health to those who leave".
The Gothic St.James church is the town's most prominent church, here you can take a minute and relax in quietness while you enjoy the beauty of the famous Altar of the Holy Blood and the Twelve Apostles Altar. Every step you take in this old town is a step thru history with yet another beautiful spot to be discovered around the corner.
Rothenburg also offers museums which are cultural highlights, such as the Christmas Museum with an exhibition showing Christmas tradition in Germany, the Doll and Toy Museum where the history of playthings is shown, as well as the Crime Museum, where the visitor gets an insight into the law and especially its execution during the last 700 years.
In the evening the Night-Watchman of Rothenburg ob der Tauber will take you on a English-speaking City tour.

day 4

Day 4: Nuremberg

The train will take you from Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Nuremberg. The city's history reaches back to the year 1050, its name "nourenberc" translating into "rocky hill". Nuremberg's famous landmark, the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), towers above the Old town, which is protected by the 5 kilometers long city wall with its many towers. When exploring the beauty of Nuremberg's mediaeval Old Town one can start at the Koenigstor ("Kingsgate"), from where the timber framed buildings, the Gothic Church of St.Lawrence and the Church of St.Sebaldus can be easily reached by foot.
Right next to the Koenigstor there is the Handwerkerhof (craft center), here you will feel like you are back in the mediaeval times, there are craft workshops like they used to have a long time ago as well as a gingerbread bakery. Make sure to enjoy a Nuremberg Bratwurst along with a beer or a glass of Frankenwein.

day 5

Day 5: Munich

In the morning, the train will take you to the capital of Bavaria. Munich, famous throughout the world, is the Bavarian metropolis, close to the Alps and in the heart of Europe. Where to begin when one wants to name places to see and things to do in this extraordinary city which like few others combines modern life with lively history.
There is Munich's old town where 850 years of history are showing off, there is the Marienplatz (Marien square) where 3 times each day thousands of people are spell bound when the world famous Glockenspiel (carillon) starts it's beautiful song Visit and marvel at the Frauenkirche, the town's landmark, do not miss the Hofbräuhaus and find out why the Münchner (inhabitants of Munich) don't want to miss out on their "Brotzeit" (a meal or snack consisting of bread, cold cut, cheese and so on, usually enjoyed between breakfast and lunch).
Take the Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing bus on to the Grand Circle, visit the Residence, Nymphenburg Palace and Park, Hall of Fame and all the other sights in Munich which are included in the sightseeing package.

day 6

Day 6: Escorted coach tour to the Royal Castles

This all day escorted coach tour will first take you to Oberammergau for a photo stop. The coach will then take you to Linderhof Palace, the "Royal Villa" of Ludwig II. Visit this beautiful furnished castle and the park. The picture of Neuschwanstein is probably present in everybody's mind but certainly for those traveling along the Romantic Road. Be prepared that reality will surpass all pictures and imaginations: Neuschwanstein seems to be taken out of a fairy tale! Seeing the castle from the outside is unforgettable, a tour of the insight, which was originally built for the one famous inhabitant, will make the picture perfect! But make sure to take some time to explore the castle grounds, the view of Neuschwanstein from the bridge behind it is like none other!

day 7

Day 7: Heidelberg

In the morning the train takes you from Munich to the romantic city of Heidelberg, the last stop on this impressive tour. Heidelberg, with its idyllic location on the river Neckar, the beautiful Heidelberger Schloss (castle) towering above. Heidelberg, both historic and young, will capture you with its easygoing charm, will remain unforgettable for those who stood in the castles gardens, overlooking the town and the river, will make you feel history while roaming thru cobbled alleys… .

day 8

Day 8: Heidelberg/ Frankfurt

Take the airport shuttle bus to Frankfurt airport or the train from Heidelberg back to Frankfurt Main Station.