German Gems
From the Bavarian Alps to majestic palaces
Video by DZT/Territory
Germany – in the heart of Europe – features a variety of city gems. Each of them standing out for their sustainability, history, culture, hospitality, and regional culinary delights. You will find not only large, well-known cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, or Munich, but also smaller cities like Lüneburg, Lübeck, or Saarbrücken with their own charm and touristic highlights. Let's see for yourself and start exploring!
Avanti Destinations
Available for travel through February 8, 2024
Discover Germany’s oldest tourist route at your own pace, cruising through historic towns with charming old city centers, past shimmering alpine lakes, and to the monumental castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. Linking Lake Constance and Lake Königssee, the German Alpine Road weaves through the Bavarian Alps with fantastic views of the stunning mountain peaks and valleys, including Germany’s highest peak – the Zugspitze. Highlights include a boat cruise on charming Lake Constance, the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein, and a tour of a local dairy atelier in an idyllic mountain setting.
EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
- Six nights’ accommodation with daily breakfast
- Walking tour of Lindau
- Boat cruise on Lake Constance with private guide and entrance to Zeppelin museum
- Entrance to Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles
- Private tour to Zugspitze Mountain
- Private guided tour at Cheese Dairy Tegernseer Land
- Seven-day manual car rental (from Munich)
VIRTUOSO EXCLUSIVE:
Bottle of wine upon arrival at hotel in Lindau
Virtuoso rates FROM $3,559 per person
Railbookers
Departures available through February 1, 2025
Visit some of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful destinations on this amazing nine-day rail vacation with Railbookers. Follow the route of the Romantic Road from the Bavarian capital Munich to ancient Augsburg, and grand Würzburg. Enjoy day trips to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle and the fairy-tale town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber before continuing on to historic Nuremburg and finally ending your vacation in Munich.
EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
- Eight nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Rail travel between Munich, Augsburg, Würzburg, and Nuremberg
- Hop-on Hop-off pass in Munich and day tour to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich
- Private walking tour of Augsburg and private walking tour of Nuremberg
- Day trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber including a private walking tour
VIRTUOSO EXCLUSIVE AMENITIES:
$300 savings per couple
Virtuoso rates FROM $1,749 per person
Cultural Gems:
From extraordinary treasures of the art world, architectural wonders, and German poets and thinkers to the traces of famous composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven – German cities are home to all kinds of cultural gems. In Weimar, for example, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany’s most famous poet, left his marks throughout the city and about a century later, the Bauhaus style originated here. In contrast, Leipzig impresses as a city of music, where composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, and Robert Schumann displayed their special talent.
Historic Gems:
Founded in 16 BC during the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus, Trier is Germany's oldest city, but by far not the only one with a lot of history and cultural charm. Most cities date back many centuries. Different periods of prosperity highlight the peculiarities of various eras and make each city unique in its own way. Quedlinburg, for example, is famous for its half-timbered buildings, which granted the old town center UNESCO World Heritage site status and has been the movie set for many German and international productions.
Maritime Gems:
While the south is influenced by its proximity to the mountains, the north is characterized by the North Sea and Baltic Sea. Cities like Hamburg, Bremen or Rostock are known for their ports, their trade history and their maritime flair. The Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg is a perfect embodiment of it. Here, a sparkling glass wave was built on a solid brick warehouse in the middle of the Elbe river and offers a special music experience inside. More on the calmer side is the city of St. Peter-Ording. Directly at the UNESCO World Heritage site Wadden Sea, it is a true haven for relaxation with its 7.5-miles-long beach and the popular resort.
Green & Sustainable Gems:
Green and sustainable travel is not limited to natural landscapes. In Germany, entire city districts are leading the way with new ideas for climate-conscious coexistence. Green oases ensure a pleasant urban setting while electric vehicles and innovative itineraries make the city trip both exciting and climate-friendly. Freiburg, for example, attracts visitors with its historic old town and as a role model where green oases meet climate-friendly transportation and energy generation. Further north, Münster and its residents are known for riding bicycles through the city instead of using their cars. But the city itself stands out mainly for its green promenade, the historic old town, and its character as a student city.
Germany is ideal for a city adventure. Each city has its own character and they all captivate with their diversity. From royal highlights to historical and cultural treasures to particularly sustainable or maritime experiences – they offer something for everyone. Connect with your Virtuoso travel advisor to start planning.
Germany is a country full of mystical castles and majestic palaces. Some are located in the countryside surrounded by beautiful valleys, forests or mountains. Others are in the middle of cities that combine a vibrant, modern lifestyle with historic charm. In Munich for example, Nymphenburg Palace stands out as former summer residence for the kings of Bavaria and hosts among others the gallery of beauty. Another city known as a royal gem is Potsdam with highlights like the Sanssouci Palace and the Babelsberg Palace. They all give visitors the opportunity to immerse into past times full of royal splendor and majestic art and architecture.
