Germany’s contrasts will surprise and delight you. The beauty of the Bavarian Alps, with stunning palaces, offers a serene escape into a fairytale world. In contrast, Berlin pulses with life, wearing its history proudly while pushing creative boundaries. David Bowie once declared, 'Berlin, the greatest cultural extravaganza that one could imagine.’ In Berlin, we'll explore the city’s complex history, from Prussian grandeur to Cold War shadows. We'll walk through the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of unity, and visit Frederick the Great’s castle in Potsdam. Our journey continues at the Boros Collection, where modern art flourishes in a WWII bunker, reflecting Berlin's resilience. While navigating this vibrant city, we'll enjoy culinary delights like döner kebab and currywurst. In Munich, we’ll embrace tradition and charm. We'll raise our steins in a beer cellar, toasting to Bavarian hospitality. The countryside offers picturesque landscapes and storybook villages. Traveling the Romantic Road, we'll discover colorful towns like Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen, each uniquely beautiful. Extraordinary castles, like Neuschwanstein, transport us into a fantasy world against the breathtaking Alpine backdrop. Throughout this journey, led by a German American, we'll experience the contrasts defining Germany, from its storied past to its vibrant present, and glimpse its promising future.
Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip. Press the "<" and ">" buttons below to scroll through each day.
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A beautifully restored historic building located in the heart of Berlin. The Telegraphenamt boutique hotel is the perfect base for exploring the city's rich history and vibrant culture.
This 4-star hotel has operated since 1890 and is directly across from the train station. There is a lovely wellness spa where you can relax and rejuvenate.
A 25-year resident in her adopted Paris. Katrin has turned from a career as an international literary agent where she was responsible for number 1 bestselling authors in France to sharing her passion for literature, travel, and art. She speaks five languages fluently and is an active translator in the film industry when not guiding visitors in France, Holland, Germany, and Morocco. She's always keen to find the perfect view, the ideal Bistro, and hidden gem to make the trips she leads seamless and memorable.
History, culture, and breathtaking views
Wander through Berlin's iconic sites, from the historic Brandenburg Gate to the bustling Reichstag, and feel the city's creative pulse in its vibrant neighborhoods. In Munich, soak up the rich Bavarian traditions as you explore the city's historic center and enjoy hearty local cuisine. Travel along the Romantic Road, visiting charming villages and stunning castles like Neuschwanstein, perched majestically in the Alps.
All meals (except where indicated), including beer & wine with dinner
All transportation during the trip (except where indicated)
Accommodations at unique, 4-star or better hotels
Farewell dinner at Michelin-starred restaurant Mural
Steamer cruise in Potsdam’s lake district
Visit to the Boros Collection of modern art
Tour of the Berlin Wall and Palace of Tears
Guided tour of Munich’s historic center
Expert guides and trip leaders
Train journey from Berlin to Munich
Guided tours of Berlin’s historic sites
Train journey from Berlin to Munich
Day tour of the Romantic Road
Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle
Stroll around Hackescher Hof
A small group experience
Visit to the DDR Museum
Visit to Linderhof Palace
Day trip to Potsdam
Welcome drink
Additional wine, beer, and/or spirits beyond what’s offered at meals
Travel and medical insurance (required)
Airport transfers in Berlin and Munich
Round-trip airfare to Germany
Any spa treatment desired
All personal souvenirs
You should fly into Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), which serves the city of Berlin. This airport will be your starting point for the tour.
On departure, you can either take the train back to Berlin or fly home directly from Munich—please note that these options are not included in the trip and should be arranged individually.
Plan to arrive in Berlin by midday or early afternoon on Day One (July 16th) of the itinerary. This will give you ample time to check into the Telegraphenamt Hotel. Consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax and adjust to the local time zone.
If you do decide to arrive early, please let us know, and we will book your room for you and ensure that you are kept in the same room as you will be in when the trip starts.
We will have a zoom call about 10 weeks before the trip starts to discuss all that information and give you a packing list. Here is a great website that we love that will help you with packing and travel trips.
In July, Germany enjoys warm and pleasant weather, ideal for travel. In Berlin, expect temperatures from 59 to 77°F (15 to 25°C), with mostly sunny skies and occasional rain showers. Munich experiences similar conditions, with temperatures ranging from 57 to 75°F (14 to 24°C) and a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Pack a light jacket for cooler evenings and an umbrella for unexpected rain.
Presently, if you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa to visit Germany for tourism stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel dates.
We require that everyone traveling with Girls' Guide be able to comfortably walk 3–5 miles per day unassisted, and without difficulty, can navigate stairs, uneven streets or paths, and occasional steep terrain. Most of our trips require this level of physical mobility and fitness, especially when visiting historic towns and landmarks where vehicle access is limited and walking often offers the best experience.
Additionally, some of the 4 and 5-star boutique or historic hotels we stay in do not have elevators and may require climbing stairs to get to your room or access other facilities in the hotel.