Germany

The Heart of Germany: from Berlin to Bavaria

Join us as we journey from trendy Berlin to enchanting castles in the countryside, finishing in sophisticated Munich.

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Overview

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.

Highlights

Enjoy a private tour in an East German car

Enjoy a private tour in an East German car

Visit the Boros Collection and discover  modern art in a WWII bunker

Visit the Boros Collection and discover modern art in a WWII bunker

Explore the Sanssouci Palace and Gardens in Potsdam

Explore the Sanssouci Palace and Gardens in Potsdam

Visit the iconic Neuschwanstein castle in the foothills of the Alps

Visit the iconic Neuschwanstein castle in the foothills of the Alps

Experience a steamer cruise along the Havel River in Potsdam

Experience a steamer cruise along the Havel River in Potsdam

Visit Berlin’s iconic landmarks and explore Munich's historic center

Visit Berlin’s iconic landmarks and explore Munich's historic center

Itinerary

Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip. Press the "<" and ">" buttons below to scroll through each day.

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Welcome to Berlin

Day 1: Wednesday, July 14, 2027

Upon arrival in Berlin, grab a taxi at the airport and head to our stylish boutique accommodation, the Telegraphenamt Hotel. This elegant hotel is a beautifully restored historic building in the heart of the city and provides an ideal base to start our German adventure.

Later this afternoon, we'll gather in the hotel lobby for a welcome drink. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other before setting off on our German journey.

Following our meet-and-greet, we’ll hop into a traditional East German car for a unique city tour. As we drive through Berlin, you’ll get an intriguing first glimpse of this dynamic city’s rich history and vibrant present.

This evening, we’ll dine at the iconic Lutter & Wegner, a traditional German restaurant that has delighted guests since 1811. Savor the flavors of authentic German cuisine as we toast to the start of our adventure.

Included

Dinner

Not Included

Airport transfer

DAY2

Berlin

Day 2: Thursday, July 15, 2027

After a hearty hotel breakfast, we’ll explore Berlin’s historic sites with an expert guide. We’ll visit the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the impressive Reichstag building, Checkpoint Charlie, and the poignant Holocaust Memorial.

For lunch, we’ll indulge in Berlin’s best Wiener Schnitzel at the renowned Einstein eatery. Afterward, we’ll visit the Boros Collection, a fascinating modern art collection housed in a World War II bunker.

Our afternoon will continue with a stroll around the Hackescher Hof, a vibrant area filled with galleries, shops, and cafes. 

This evening, we’ll enjoy a delightful dinner at Night Kitchen, a lively eatery serving Mediterranean sharing plates.

Included

All meals

All activities & tours

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Potsdam & Berlin

Day 3: Friday, July 16, 2027

Today, we journey to Potsdam, the royal retreat of Prussian kings that's only a short drive from Berlin. We’ll explore the magnificent Sanssouci Palace and its enchanting gardens, a true testament to Prussian grandeur.

After a delicious lunch in Potsdam’s charming Dutch district, we’ll take a steamer cruise through the lake district. Marvel at the beautiful Italian villas and the historic Cecilienhof, the site of the famous post-World War II conference in 1945.

We’ll return to Berlin for dinner on your own after a big day of exploring!

Included

Breakfast & Lunch

All activities & tours

Not Included

Dinner

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Berlin

Day 4: Saturday, July 17, 2027

After breakfast, we'll head out on a DDR tour to immerse ourselves in the everyday lives of those living under the German Democratic Republic state in East Germany. 

For lunch, we’ll have casual yet tasty fare at one of Berlin’s top spots, sampling döner kebab and currywurst. 

We'll continue on to learn more about Berlin’s Cold War history with a visit to the Stasi Museum. Located in the former headquarters of the East German Ministry for State Security, we'll get an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of this secret police force and the methods they used to surveil the community. 

Dinner is at the celebrated Café Frieda in Prenzlauer Berg, where we’ll savor contemporary German cuisine in a lively neighborhood setting.

Included

All meals

All activities & tours

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Nuremburg & Dinkelsbühl

Day 5: Sunday, July 18, 2027

After breakfast, we’ll board the first-class train to Nuremberg and watch the scenery unfold as we travel south. Once we reach Nuremberg, we’ll stretch our legs with a stroll around town before stopping for lunch at a cozy local spot. 

We'll transfer to our hotel in the quintessential mountain village of Dinkelsbühl, whose perfectly preserved streets once served as the backdrop for The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm.

After we check into the Hotel Goldene Rose, take the afternoon to relax. We've included spa access for everyone to enjoy at their leisure, so feel free to head up to the Attic Spa and enjoy the heated infinity pool, sauna, and relaxation spaces. 

We'll come together for a tasting menu at the award-winning à la carte restaurant Kantine Rosine, a perfect way to end the day in this fairytale village.

Included

All meals

All activities & tours

Spa treatment

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Harburg Castle & Nördlingen

Day 6: Monday, July 19, 2027

After breakfast, we’ll set out along the Romantic Road, one of Germany’s most scenic routes, dotted with storybook villages and medieval landmarks.

Our first stop will be Harburg Castle, a striking 11th century fortress that ranks among the country’s oldest fortifications. With its towers and stone walls, the castle feels like a step back into the Middle Ages. 

We’ll carry on to Nördlingen for lunch. This walled town, uniquely built inside a meteorite crater, offers cobbled streets and a distinctive charm found only here. After wandering the quaint streets, we'll stop and savor a filling lunch at Xaver's.

It's only a short drive to Munich from here, and once we arrive, we'll check into the Platzl Hotel. This 4-star hotel is one of the best in the city and is only a short walk away from many of Munich's highlights, making it the perfect spot for us to stay.

We'll wrap up the day with a walking tour of the city, ending with a lively traditional Bavarian feast at the world-famous Hofbräuhaus. With hearty dishes, steins of beer, and the warm energy of this iconic beer hall, it’s the perfect example of Bavarian hospitality.

Included

All meals

All activities & tours

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Bavarian Alps

Day 7: Tuesday, July 20, 2027

After breakfast, we’ll set out for Bavaria’s most iconic landmark, Neuschwanstein Castle. Rising above the foothills of the Alps, this fairy-tale masterpiece was the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. Its soaring towers and ornate interiors are matched by breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape.

We’ll pause midday at AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort for lunch with spectacular views of the castle. Continuing on, we'll visit Linderhof Palace. Tucked into the forest, this intimate palace is the only one of King Ludwig II’s grand projects that he lived to see completed. 

In the evening, we’ll gather for our farewell dinner in Munich at Pfistermühle, a Michelin-recommended, classic dining room serving high-end Bavarian cuisine. This final evening together will be a chance to share stories, raise a glass, and savor the flavors of modern Bavarian cuisine.

Included

All meals

All activities & tours

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Departure Day

Day 8: Wednesday, July 21, 2027

After a delightful breakfast, we’ll bid farewell to our new friends and the beautiful country of Germany. As you reflect on our adventure, we hope you leave with wonderful memories and a newfound appreciation for Germany’s rich history and vibrant culture! 

It's up to you whether you're taking the train back to Berlin or flying out of Munich, we'll be happy to help you call a taxi to the airport or train station as needed.

Included

Breakfast

Not Included

Airport/Train Station Transfer

You'll Be Staying Here

Telegraphenamt

Telegraphenamt

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.


Goldene Rose

Goldene Rose

Hotel Goldene Rose in Dinkelsbühl offers a charming stay in the heart of this beautifully preserved medieval town along Germany’s Romantic Road. Housed in a historic building, the hotel combines traditional Bavarian character with modern comforts, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Its central location makes it easy to wander cobblestone streets, explore timber-framed houses, and soak up the fairytale feel of the village.

Platzl Hotel

Platzl Hotel

Platzl Hotel in Munich blends Bavarian tradition with contemporary style, offering a warm and authentic stay in the city’s historic center. Just steps from Marienplatz and the famed Hofbräuhaus, it’s perfectly positioned for exploring Munich’s lively culture, beer halls, and landmarks. With cozy rooms, refined dining, and a welcoming atmosphere, the hotel captures the spirit of Munich both past and present.

History, culture, and breathtaking views

Germany - Berlin and Castles

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.

Germany - Berlin and Castles

What's Included

What's Included

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

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

Tour of East Berlin in a vintage vehicle

Guided tours of Berlin’s historic sites

Spa access at Hotel Goldene Rose

Entry and tour of Stasi Museum

Day tour of the Romantic Road

Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle

A small group experience

Visit to Linderhof Palace

Day trip to Potsdam

Welcome drink

First class train fare

Additional wine, beer, and/or spirits beyond what’s offered at meals

Roundtrip international airfare to Germany

Travel and medical insurance (required)

All personal souvenirs

Airport transfers

FAQs

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 14th) 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 by booking an extra night in the Add On section of this page, 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.

Beginning in late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries—including the U.S., Canada, and Australia—will need an ETIAS permit to visit most of Europe.


No action is needed just yet. As we get closer to the launch date, likely several months in advance, we’ll share all the details on how to apply. Feel free to reach out with any questions! 

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.

Inquire about this trip

The Heart of Germany: from Berlin to Bavaria

Germany· Departs on July 14, 2027 · 8 Days