Sometimes breakfast will feature fresh bread or Brtchen (delicious German rolls), cold cuts and cheese, butter and jam, and tea and coffee. Or buy them in Germany and take them home as a souvenir! I can throw them in the wash if they get dirty (though mine still look great 2 years later), they pack flat and dont take up much space in my suitcase or travel backpack, and the heel is thick and cushioned. There was only one day where the weather was truly miserable and even on that day there were enough breaks in the weather to enjoy my day trip exploring a new town and a new Christmas market. We are interested in castles, picturesque views, experiencing floating on the Rhine River perhaps. With 174 tours lasting from 3 days up to 12 days, fulfil your wanderlust and set off on your own adventure! We are considering Eastern Germany with a short trip into Poland or Northern Germany with a few days in Denmark. Im really enjoying going through your site, too! Itinerary highlights Cities visited on this trip: Your article is full of valuable information. TAP also offers free stopovers in Lisbon or Porto. Be sure to book your ticket forat leasta few hours after your flights arrival time into FRA. If thats the case, you could rent an Airbnb (or similar), which would not only save you money on lodging (theyll often give discounts for stays of 1 week or longer) but also make it easier to make some inexpensive meals at the Airbnb (and its easy to make German dishes at home!) We are excited to go back but we are debating between a Rhine river cruise or going on our own. AirBnBs are great if youre going to be somewhere for at least a few days, want a little extra space, a kitchen, etc. Bring your scarf, hat, and mittens because German winters can get cold! Scarf, hat, gloves. If you dont have time to or dont want to do much trip planning, thats a great option. If you plan to rely on public transportation in the cities you visit, buy a day pass (or perhaps a multi-day or week pass) rather than individual tickets. Click here to read more about what to eat in Germany during the Christmas season. What to Do in Munich in 1 Day: the Perfect Itinerary for 2023, 2 Days in Munich: Perfect Itinerary & Best Things To Do, 1 Day in Frankfurt Guide (Frankfurt am Main). Hope that helps you get started on your trip planning! Few towns on the North European coast preserve a sense of the glory of their medieval selves like Lbeck. Hi Engela! Hosted by Natalie Kitroeff . Rick Steves is always a good one! CORRECTION: This is Lisa Nemec. She loves helping travelers plan their dream trips to Germany! Tip: if you want to do a lot of day trips, make sure you stay where its fairly quick and easy to get to the train/bus station! From there we would love to head to the spas in Baden-Baden .. what else would you suggest to see in the Baden-Baden area and without driving the best transportation option? I love traveling with jeans! You could fly into Paris, then travel to Kaiserslautern to see your son and do a day trip to Stuttgart (visit the Christmas market if youre there in December or nearby Esslingen any time of year) and then either visit Munich and the area around there (fly out of Munich) or travel up to Cologne and over to Berlin (fly out of Berlin). Appreciate your kind assistance. around town or maybe even at your hotel or AirBnB. I found one here that you can look at (aff link): https://www.getyourguide.com/bastogne-war-museum-l35043/bastogne-battle-of-the-bulge-tour-from-brussels-t169657/?partner_id_Y5UOFLS It looks like it also goes into Luxembourg so you could get 3 countries in one trip. 1 night Unterwossen drive to Salzburg Austria Berlin itself is packed full of ways to learn about the country's World War II history. Note, however, that not all hotels, cars, and restaurants use A/C. If you take a commuter flight from Frankfurt(FRA) to your final destination in Germany, youll go through passport control in FRA and then to your connecting gate. Just how many cities depends on how quickly you like to travel and what you want to do in each place (e.g., just see the highlights or live like a local). [x] 7. My husband and I will travel from Texas to Bavaria for 7-10 days in September. Hello Cate, I am in charge of all the planning. Its super easy to get everywhere you want to go via the S-bahn (above ground metro), U-bahn (underground metro), Strassenbahn (street car), and city bus. [x] 17. leave in early morning and drive 3-5 hours through To St Goar take B9 along the Rhine from Bingen arrive in time to tour Burg Eltz and then maybe return car in Emmelshausen this day or next. My grandfather expressed interest in going to Germany in 2022. TRAINS & BUSES:For point-to-point or regional train tickets (great for day trips or groups) within Germany, or tickets originating in Germany to other European destinations, we recommend buying them on theDeutsche Bahn (German Rail System)website. I had all but given up on our delayed 25 yr Wedding Anniversary(07/28/2020 delayed to Sept 2021, due to covid) trip to Germany. Grab our FREE Germany Trip Planning Checklist Now! We use google maps for all of our road trips in Germany. Personally, I would book a saver fare train ticket for a train that leaves3-5 hours after my international flights arrival time at the minimum. Otherwise, youll change planes somewhere in Europe and take an easy 1-3 hour flight to Germany. And, as I said earlier, dont let any kind of weather stop you from enjoying Germany! Note: theres often a small additional fee to bring a bike or a large amount of luggage on public transportation. Combine a trip to Denmark with a visit to northern Germany. On Your Own | FriendshipGERMANY.com It looks so different from Bavaria! If youre from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries, you do not need a visa to enter Germany (at the time of publishing this article). The other areas that we have an interest in are Frankfurt, Cologne (wonder if there is such thing as a day cruise on the Rhine River), and maybe Hamburg (for the canals, but Im not sure December is the best time of year for that). That would give you plenty of time for travel, city exploring and day trips. Two months is a good amount of time to visit Germany, and you should be able to see and do quite a lot! [x] 12 Slow morning to rest, checkout, cab, 1.5 hour train to Oberarmagau for lunch and stroll. Ive used his guidebooks a ton. Most have their last day on Dec. 24 so unfortunately, you wont get to see them if you visit in January. If youre traveling onward by train from Frankfurt,you can transfer to the train right at the airport below Terminal 1. A 5- or 6-hour train ride might actually take less time than a 1-hour flight when you total it all up! Ive had hot steamy summers in Germany (like last summer when we traveled during a heat wave), cold rainy summers, and everything in-between. If you have a week,you could visit 2 cities (plus 2 day trips) in different parts of Germany and allot one day for travel between cities (e.g., a few days in Munich with a day trip to Chiemsee, travel day to Berlin, then a few days in Berlin with a day trip to Potsdam). If you want to buy a rail pass for Germany (or elsewhere in Europe), buy them onRail Europe. Hi Marco! Looking for a good travel guide book for Germany any recommendations? You can wear jeans. Youll find taxisin the same general area. I book all of our train tickets here! Just bundle up, grab a mug of Glhwein, and youll be fine! This would be a 7-14 day trip, depending on cost. I know that's a long way off, but I'm looking for opinions on doing tours . I have a ton of questions about planning a trip, Im just going to send you an email. Begin in Frankfurt and enjoy the historic atmosphere of Heidelberg and Stuttgart. (Although, to be honest, in all of the summers Ive spent in Germany, there have only been a few days in the summer that Ive found truly unbearable without A/C.) I also talk about 6 other nearby Christmas markets that are super fun to visit. I am interested in staying in the area of Bamberg with the plan of visiting other regions in Germany via a rental car. I hope that helps! Your email address will not be published. Thank you. Join our free Germany trip planning community orsend us an email! One of my favorite times of year to travel in Germany is during the four weeks of advent at Christmas. Going Opposite the crowds arrive in afternoon to stay in nearby Rothenburg 3 nights. These websites are also great for getting rental cars. You could also stop in Nuremberg on your way to Munich. Stuttgart is close to France, so you could spend several days seeing both southwestern Germany (Stuttgart, villages in the Black Forest, Freiburg, Baden-Baden, etc) and French cities like Strassbourg, Colmar and Mullouse. My family comes from Nuremburg (sp) and my husbands family Bavaria but we are unsure which part. For peace of mind, you may even want one with special security features. When in Baden-Baden you could visit Gengenbach, the Black Forest, Triberg (cuckoo clocks & waterfalls), Tbingen, Stuttgart/Esslingen, Lichtenstein Castle, Hohenzollern Castle, Freiburg, Basel (Switzerland), Strassbourg (France), Colmar (France) just to name a few! Thanks. I definitely recommend choosing 3-4 locations where you can stay for a week or so and then take day trips. All of that is easy by car or by train and if you go by train, you could probably do those day trips using a regional train pass. Everyones ideal budget is so different! FEATURED ITINERARIES: The Romantic Road (Self Drive) 7 nights from $1,409* Customer feedback (24) Castles and Cities (Self Drive) 8 nights from $1,489* Customer feedback (11) German Charms We would like to visit german cities but also, some concentration camps. Average temps hover around freezing with warmer days in the 40s/50sF. [ ] 8. Rory McIlroy has made it abundantly clear how he felt about short-lived proposals that he and Tiger Woods could own LIV Golf teams and play in at least 10 events a season. Weve gathered some of our essential travel guides, websites, and other information to help you plan the best vacation! Hi, my family and I would like to visit Germany this summer. @Cate, thank you for your quick response and feedback! Busses are often less expensive than the train (though not quite as comfortable and often slower). Tour rating: 4.84 / 5, Based on 41 Reviews. france, switzerland or Italy for another 7 days. Hi! We have taken 3 RS tours and on our own itinerary for another 10 trips all over France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Austria and . Travel and experience the freedom of creating a holiday on your own terms. I recommend coming up with a budget, then looking at what kind of lodging fits that budget (hotels, hostels, longer Airbnb stays, Couchsurfing, etc). Youre welcome! You can rent a car and drive from place to place. Your idea to add in some guided day tours is a good one its a nice change from having to figure everything out yourself and can feel like a mini vacation from your vacation. Super easy. Perry. Ive stayed at hotels near Marienplatz and in an AirBnB further away (maybe a 10-15 minute walk + U-bahn ride to Marienplazt) and I enjoyed both. We walked and used public transportation when exploring cities. and spend half of your time seeing the city, then head to Brussels and take a Battle of the Bulge day tour! Explore Northern Germany on Your Own | Insight Guides Buy tickets at any of the ticket machines before you board the S-bahn. WHAT IS THE WEATHER IN OCTOBER AND DOES OCTOBERFEST RUN THE FULL MONTH? WHAT TO PACK:Not sure what to bring to Germany? Or you can stick to trains and busses. My husband and I are invited to a wedding outside of Berlin the last weekend in April. How about a road trip? Ive heard people say great things about Rhine river cruises. Youll find one in nearly every German city, town and even small villages. Daylight savings in Germany in 2020: time falls back on October 25 and springs forward on March 29. I typically bring a good pair of walking shoes appropriate for the season (e.g., boots in the winter) and a nicer pair of flats (sandals in the summer). I recommend being prepared by wearing layers, packing an umbrella or rain jacket, and remembering that the weather will likely change soon. 3 nights Salzburg Austria drive to Munich Were here to help you narrow down your travel options, plan your itinerary, and book your trip with ease. The Great Resignation is Over. Germany Travel Itinerary | Tour Germany by Train | Eurail.com German cities are very walkable, so its easy to get around by foot. Im visiting Germany closer to Christmas for two weeks. If you dont mind parking the car at each hotel in the city, a car can give you more flexibility. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Eat in fewer sit-down restaurants. If youmusthave A/C, be sure to confirm that your room or rental car has it. Im working on guides to several of these locations and some are already on the site so check back soon for new ones. With a guided tour, you go at their pace and see what they think interests the most people. . You also need at least 2 blank passport pages at the time of your arrival. When were in Germany we typically opt for AirBnB (I like having a kitchen to make breakfast) or a smaller family-run Pension or boutique hotel. Escorted Tours in Germany | USA Today As to where you could go in Germany to find out about your genealogy, Id start by searching the genealogy sites online and get as much specific info as you can. Buy standard train tickets in advance. 3 nights Nuremburg drive to Fussen Got a question about traveling in Germany? Flying into one city and out of another will help a lot, too. Germany / Availability of T. Availability of Touring Bicycles on rent! Bonus: check out our guides on finding thebest travel purseandbest travel scarf with a hidden security pocket. Book your Germany tour today with AffordableTours.com, your discounted tour headquarters. We have just drafted a 3 week trip plan to Germany and Austria and I would love your thoughts about it!. Interested in the Christmas markets, of course, castles (would love if we could stay the night in a castle if thats possible), and just getting an authentic German experience. IS THERE OTHER ALCOHOL DURING OCTOBERFEST OTHER THAN BEER? I love your clear way of describing and explaining. Germany Itinerary: Where to Go in Germany by Rick Steves While all three of those cities are amazing, I recommend choosing either northern or southwestern Germany, rather than trying to hit all three (or make the Germany part of your trip 10 days). Check out 6 What about cute little villages with "Fachwerk" (half-timber) architecture? Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Austria are all very close together, making it super easy to see them all. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON AIR BNBS THAT PROVIDE BREAKFAST AND ANY IDEAS ON AREAS TO VISIT BASED ON EVERYTHING IVE PROVIDED? , Hello. Path of the Grand Tour of Europe Revisited. I think youll really enjoy your itinerary! and maybe even do laundry for free. Be sure to break in your shoesbeforeyou travel. Staying awake long enough to drive to our destination! Or you could spend a week touring one region of Germany (e.g. I was just in Germany for a couple weeks in December and the weather was perfectly fine 90% of the time. Click here to see where to buy delicious German food online! So if your flight is five hours late, you can take a train later in the day without changing your ticket or losing money. Such a well written article with great info! Tip: If you want maximum flexibility and peace of mind, buy a flex ticket. Youll pay more but these tickets arent tied to a specific train. Take tour or just Spend a day in the sprawling Schnbrunn Palace, 2023 My Germany Vacation, You do, however, need a valid passport with at least 3 months validity AFTER your planned departure date. . Even if youre not traveling in colder weather, I recommend atravel scarf with a hidden pocketfor ease and security. 2GoTours is a Personal Tour App for Local Tours of Germany unlike any others. hi We can stay up to about 10 days. Overall, youve got a really fun trip planned! To help you get started, I've listed my top picks for where to go in Germany, and my plan for your best three-week trip. If you dont want to drive from Munich Berlin Frankfurt, you could return the car in Munich and then take the train to Berlin and back to Frankfurt. . The one problem we do have? You could easily do this trip via train or car. Oktoberfest is mostly held in late September but I believe it goes until Oct 2 in 2022. I dont think it works for every place I listed but it will get you to several of them. You can also buy replacement merino wool insoles without having to buy a new pair of shoes. Also, we are wanting to go with our dog. It's huge, diverse, and utterly amazing. Neither is better than the other, its just important to get clear on what kind of experience you want! The Grand Tour of Europe Revisited Many Germany tours have special Christmas Market itineraries during the holidays that focus on these wonderful events. You could fly out of Stuttgart airport or travel up to Frankfurt and fly out of there. (Your COVID-19 Questions Answered) - My Germany Vacation, https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/munich-travel-guide/, https://www.getyourguide.com/bastogne-war-museum-l35043/bastogne-battle-of-the-bulge-tour-from-brussels-t169657/?partner_id_Y5UOFLS, https://www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info/planen-buchen/konus-gaestekarte, Best 31 Things to Do in Stuttgart, Germany in 2022 - My Germany Vacation, 10 Days in Germany: Itinerary Ideas For the Perfect Trip - My Germany Vacation, Perfect Berlin in 2 Days Itinerary: What to Do & See - My Germany Vacation, 15 Best Germany Travel Guides - My Germany Vacation, guide on the best Hop On Hop Off Bus tours, best travel scarf with a hidden security pocket, Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, Western Pomerania Lagoon Area National Park, German Timber-frame Road (northern to southern Germany), Romantic Road (Bavaria and Baden-Wrttemberg, north/south), Castle Road (Bavaria to Baden-Wrttemberg, east/west), Wine Road (Palatinate wine region, north/south), Fairytale Route (from Hanau to Bremen, south/north), Black Forest High Road (Baden-Wrttemberg, north/south), Alpine Route (Baden-Wrttemberg to Bavaria, east/west), Volcanic Route (Rhein River and Eifel mountains, north/south), Are traveling during peak summer, Christmas market or ski season, Have very specific travel dates or lodging, transportation, sight-seeing needs, Are visiting during a special event, such as Oktoberfest, Research and book your international flights, Research and book flights within Germany or Europe, Research travel options within Germany (rental car, train bus, etc), Make sure your passport is up-to-date (you need at least 6 months left on it when you enter Germany) and apply for a new one if it isnt, Book trains or busses (usually 90 before your travel dates is the earliest you can book but always check if you can book earlier the best deals go fast), Book airport transfers or plan how you will get to your lodging, Purchase a sim card for phone or check how you can use your current phone service in Germany (e.g., I can use my Verizon phone service for a $10/ a day fee), Print out or ensure that you can easily access all bookings, tickets, and travel info on your phone (make sure you can access everything without data or wifi! Do you have suggestions? Wed really appreciate your expertise and suggestions. Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. We are from the US and could spend about a week out there. I love being in Germany on the first spring day becauseeveryoneheads outside to enjoy the sun and everyone is in such a good mood! These tickets are also refundable before the first day of travel. 2-3 months in Germany sounds awesome! We would also like to go to the Holocaust Memorial. We would like a more of a laid back approach to experiencing Germany. ), I lived there for 4+ years, have spent nearly 30 years of my life going back and forth between the US and Germany, and have traveled to all corners of the country. What I recommend is this: start looking at flights, transportation, and accommodations well before you want to book them in order to get an idea of what each costs for your travel dates. 3 nights in one place gives you 2 full days, which is a good amount of time for most places. 5-14 Day Germany Itinerary: A Guide For Planning Your Perfect Germany Trip So you wont be stuck eating Schnitzel every day unless you want to! Traveling to Germany from other European countries by train, bus or car is easy. Taking a guided tour vs going on my own? - Germany Message Board Its nearly impossible to give a guideline because it depends on so many things your travel style, what kind of transportation you want to use, your accommodation & restaurant preferences, etc. Glad you joined the group! Hi, were Cate and Aaron, and we love helping people plan amazing trips to Germany. Fall. 1 night Munich drive to Nuremburg We usually eat breakfast at our AirBnB or hotel, enjoy a nice lunch at a restaurant weve stumbled upon, and then grab a Dner, salad or pizza for dinner. They cost less than guided bicycle tours but still maintain a level of support and convenience that allows you to explore on your own schedule without sweating the logistics. The . We invite you to experience Good old Germany with Touring Tours & Travel - your experienced incoming operator for Germany. I truly have no idea what I am doing. Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle Small-Group Premium All-Inc Tour from Munich. Central Germany This region offers bustling cities like Cologne, Dsseldorf, and Frankfurt, smaller cities like Aachen, Wiesbaden, Koblenz, and plenty of cute villages. You could fly from Berlin to Stuttgart but by the time you travel to the airport in Berlin (the new one is further out than Tegel was), check in, wait to board, fly, and then take the train from Stuttgart to Baden-Baden, its at least as long as if not longer then taking the train. You can get his Germany guidebook on Kindle or as a hard copy (aff link): https://amzn.to/33z7d59. I then set up flight alerts and start earmarking AirBnBs and hotels. Baden Wine Route - a route of indulgence along Germany's longest wine trail Travel and experience the freedom of creating a holiday on your own terms. Read mydisclaimer policy. You could then fly out of Brussels back to the US. Sometimes there are two or more bathrooms per floor. Write these dates in your calendar so you dont accidentally miss any flights or trains (been there, done that)! Land in Vienna- 2 nights This tour is a perfect balance of included private guided sightseeing with plenty of free time to spend on your own.