DAY 1

• FRANKFURT

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• You’ve Arrived
• A private transfer between your hotel and Frankfurt Airport is provided.
• For your added comfort, an English speaking assistant will be waiting for you at the hotel lobby. Your representative will help you to check in and walk you through the welcome package documents, your itinerary and answer your questions.
• A welcome package with a city map, train tickets (if relevant), and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

DAY 2

• FRANKFURT

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• Explore with an Expert
• Set out on foot with your private guide for a walking tour through the streets of Frankfurt. Despite the ravages of the Napoleonic War, Nazism and obliteration by bombing raids in WWII, Frankfurt's remarkable cultural legacy prevails, making it one of the world's most important historical cities and the financial center of Germany. It's also the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. A renowned writer and statesman, Goethe's writings, both scientific and non-fiction, are considered to be influential masterpieces, referenced by the likes of Carl Jung and Fredrick Nietzsche. Learn about Geothe's contributions to Germany and the world as you visit his former house, now home to the Goethe Museum. You'll also visit the Frankfurt School, founded in 1923 for students of social theory and philosophy located at the Goethe University Frankfurt, the first Marxist research center at a German University. Continue to the DonRomer Quarter, filled with historical alleyways, picturesque courtyards and grand houses, reconstructed post-war to return the historic atmosphere to the heart of Frankfurt. Your private guide will accompany you to Stadthaus am Markt - City Hall on the Market Square where you will find evidence of Frankfurt's earliest settlements. With the discovery of three cultures being unearthed in 1923 - the Roman period, the Carolingian period and the High Middle ages, the Archaelogical Garden was created to make the many years of history come to life.
• Meet your private driver at your hotel for a scenic drive to one of Germany's most prestigious vineyards in the Rheinegau region in the state of Hesse. Hesse is the most central of the 13 German wine regions and a source of many of the historically innovations in German wine making, it contains many wine producers  and is home to some of the oldest wine growing families in the world. Along with your local private, English speaking guide, you will enjoy a day walking through the historic vineyards and sampling some of the worlds finest white wine varieties including Rieslings - the regions top variety. On your visit to one of the prestigious wineries you will learn the importance of the rich soil on the quartzite hill, the care in making the wooden barrels used in the production of the wine, and best of all, a visit to the palace cellar  - an 11th century chamber, to taste three selected wines and learn why the Riesling from this region is so unique and well loved. At the end of your day, you will return to Frankfurt.

DAY 3

• FRANKFURT TO HEIDELBERG

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• The Adventure Begins
• A private transfer between your hotel and Frankfurt Airport is provided.
• Get ready to embark on a wonderful self-drive journey as you pick up your reserved rental vehicle from the rental center.
  
  The cost of parking is included at all of the hotels on your trip.
• Depart on your self-drive journey from Frankfurt to Heidelberg. Along the way stop off in Rudesheim am Rhein for a self-guided tour of the Romantic Ring. The total drive is approximately 118 miles (190 km), and will take around 2.5 hours, not including stops or your time in Rudesheim. Leave Frankfurt and head West towards Rudesheim. As you pass Wiesbaden, you’ll travel on the B42 with the beautiful Rhine river on your left-hand side. Rudesheim am Rhein is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and village located in the Rhine Valley and best known for winemaking, and is the ideal stop along your route. Park your rental vehicle in the center of town and meet your private guide for a scheduled tour of this enchanting town. After exploring the town, embark on a ride up the Niederwald cable car to the Germania Monument. The monument was built to commemorate the Unification of Germany and is located within the Rhine Gorge. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely walk from the monument to the historic Jagdschloss Niederwaldhotel before taking the chair lift down to the charming town of Assmannshausen for a scenic riverboat ride back to Rudesheim. Leaving Rudesheim behind, head back the way you came. When you get to Wiesbaden, head south on the A671 and continue for about an hour, until you reach Heidelberg.

DAY 4

• HEIDELBERG

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• Sights and Insights
• A historic city renowned for its universities, baroque architecture and romantic appeal, Heidelberg is a spectacular place. Found in the shadows of Heidelberg Castle, set out on a walking tour of the historic city center, or altstadt, alongside a private guide. Wind your way past the old stone bridge – constructed in the late 18^th century – toward the Church of the Holy Spirit, an excellent example of late Gothic architecture. Soon you’ll find yourself on a relaxing ride aboard a funicular, ascending above the city to arrive at Heidelberg Castle. A unique residence mixing a range of styles from Gothic to Renaissance, tour the property, first commissioned in the late 14^th century but not completed until the 20^th century, while taking in impressive views of the city and Neckar River below. Over the course of this four-hour tour, you’re sure to discover, if not become entranced by, the city’s romantic charm while learning much of its incredible history.

DAY 5

• HEIDELBERG TO TITISEE-NEUSTADT

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• A Dazzling Drive
• Depart on your self-drive journey from Heidelberg to Titisee-Neustadt. A long the way journey through the incredible landscapes of the famed Black Forest region. The drive through this region is approximately 145 miles (234 km), and will take just over 3 hours, not including stops or time spent touring the area. The Black Forest is a mountainous region known for its dense evergreen forests and picturesque villages, made famous in the many fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. The region is well known for its spas, the making of cuckoo clocks that have been produced in the region since the 1700s, and famous treats such as Black Forest cake and Black Forest ham. During your travels, take the A5 highway and make a stop in Baden-Baden, a quaint town known for its Roman bath culture. After arriving, take a walk along the town's central promenade Lichtentaler Allee, admire the Kurhaus complex of houses or try your luck at the Versailles inspired Spielbank (Casino). Just an hour’s drive from Baden-Baden and in the heart of the Black Forest, head south on the A5 into Gutach, and relive the past with a visit to the Open Air Museum and step back in time to the 17th century. Your entrance time is scheduled so be sure to arrive well in advance to allow for parking. Discover the Open Air Museums many historical farmhouses including the Vogtsbauernhof farmhouse that was built on site in the 1600's. Marvel at agricultural exhibitions, discover a variety of medicinal herbs in the herb garden, or try your hand at one of the museums many workshops. Continuing your drive South on the A5 for approximately 20 minutes before arriving at the famous Triberg Waterfalls. A series of waterfalls that are among the tallest and most picturesque in Germany, Triberg Waterfalls is an ideal stop on your drive through the beautiful Black Forest region. Walk along the trail and the wooden bridge overlooking the falls from above. Breathe in the fresh air or photograph the thundering falls that feed into large pools below. After your time spent enjoying the falls, hop on the B500 South for just under 40 minutes before arriving at your next destination - Titisee-Neustadt.

DAY 6

• TITISEE-NEUSTADT TO FUSSEN

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• A Change of Scenery
• Depart on your self-drive journey from Titisee-Neustadt to Fussen. The drive is approximately 150 miles (242 km) and will take around 3.5 hours without stops. Your journey en route to Fussen will take you along the K5740 highway, also known as the Alpine Road and the oldest touring road in Germany. Spanning from Lindau to Berchtesgaden, this route along the Bavarian Alps offers pure driving pleasure, outstanding beauty and breath-taking panoramic views. Visit some of the areas charming farming villages and historic towns, each with its own history and where traditional customs are still cherished. Along the way, consider stopping in Donaueschingen, a charming and rustic town in the Black Forest region, and known as the source of the Danube river. Wander the streets and enjoy a bite to eat at a local restaurant, or indulge in a pint at Fürstenberg Brauerei, a brewery that is over 700 years old! After your stop, take the B31 highway for approximately 3 hours before arriving into Fussen.
• Set out on your own to explore one of Bavaria’s grandest masterpieces – the legendary Neuschwanstein Castle. Catch sight of the great towers of Neuschwanstein Castle as it rises in majestic splendor amid the German Alps. Set in one of Europe’s most beautiful locations, the castle overlooks the idyllic medieval village of Fussen. Here, incredible panoramic views offer views of stunning natural lakes and valleys stretching far into the horizon. Join a tour of the castle and feel mesmerized by the incredible beauty of this architectural gem. After your tour of the castle, enjoy the castle grounds, or continue your travels at your leisure.
  
  Please arrive 2 hours prior to your scheduled entrance to account for the walk/ride up to the castle

DAY 7

• FUSSEN

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• A Sight To Behold
• Today embark on a 45 minute self-drive to the town of Oberammergau, nestled in the midst of the Bavarian Alps and home of the once-in-a-decade performance of the Passion Play. After meeting your local guide, enjoy a private guided walk of the village. Oberammergau is popular for woodcarving, a craft that has been in the area since the medieval times. The town's location gives visitors a sense of a typical Bavarian Alpine village. Next, drive yourself to Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain (driving time approximately 1 hour). This tour includes one mountain ascent and descent, in the form of a roundtrip on the cogwheel train, a ride on the Glacier cable car and the Eibsee-Seilbahn cable car. You can use the Glacier cable car as often as you like on the day of your visit. From the top, you will have breathtaking views of the Alps which seem to stretch on forever. Entrance fee to Zugspitze cable car is included.

DAY 8

• FUSSEN TO MUNICH

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• A Walk Through the Past
• Depart on your self-drive journey from Fussen to Munich. The total drive is approximately 81 miles (131 km), and will take just under 2 hours, not including stops. Leaving Fussen behind, drive along the world-famous Autobahn while watching the beautiful Bavarian countryside speed by. If you're looking for a more leisurely drive and would like to forego putting the pedal to the metal, consider keeping East and taking the B17 highway through the rolling countryside and stop in Bad Tolz, a lovely Bavarian town in the Isar river valley. If German history is more your thing, take the B179 and L255 highways and detour through Austria for a stop at Linderhof Palace. The smallest of the 3 castles built by King Ludwig II, Linderhof Palace is the only palace that he lived long enough to see completed. Wander the expansive gardens or marvel at the palace’s beautiful architecture. After leaving the palace, head North on the A95 highway for approximately an hour and a half before arriving in Munich. Both alternative routes take just over 2 hours without stops.
• Walk through the heart of Munich’s beautiful old town led by a private guide. Along the way, your guide will take you on a journey through the city’s colorful 850-year-old history. You will stop at various attractions that have witnessed events, which have created regional and worldwide interest over the years. From royal scandals over great international celebrations to the rise as one of Europe’s most influential and affluent cities, Munich has experienced it all. Your knowledgeable guide will explain the known and reveal the secrets of this beautiful Alpine city. Discover and explore the bustling cafes or world famous beer halls of Munich, where your guide will be more than happy to share local favorites with you at your request. Should you find yourself in Munich during Oktoberfest, we can customize your walking tour to show you the festivities.

DAY 9

• MUNICH TO WURZBURG

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• The Journey Continues…
• Depart on your self-drive journey from Munich to Wurzburg while discovering the famed Romantic Road along the way. The total drive is approximately 183 miles (293 km) and will take just over 4 hours without stops. Travel time does not include your tour of Rothenburg or spent touring sites along the Romantic Road. Heat Northwest from Munich towards Augsburg. One of Germany’s oldest cities and featuring a beautifully preserved medieval Old Town. About 40 minutes north of Augsburg is your next destination – Harburg Castle. Step back in time to the Middle Ages and explore the impressive and most well-preserved Bavarian fortress in all of Germany. Admission to the castle is not included but the castle itself makes for an incredible photography spot along the Romantic Road. The drive from Harburg Castle to Rothenburg ob ter Tauber will take about an hour and a half. If you are meeting a guide for a tour of Rothenburg, be sure to give yourself enough time for lunch. Arriving in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, park in the city center and meet your local guide for a walking tour of this picturesque city. On this tour, we will cover the city’s history and the most important buildings. You will be taken inside the main church St. James (St. Jakob) to see the two most beautiful altars. One of them was made by T. Riemenschneider, Germany’s most famous woodcarver who lived around 1500. Entrance fees are not included. From Rothenburg it’s a short, 45 minute drive North to your final destination of the day – Wurzburg.

DAY 10

• WURZBURG

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• Secrets of the City
• Set out with your private guide for a walking tour through the Baroque wonders of Wurzburg. This guided tour covers many of the sights that illustrate Wurzburg’s fascinating history: the Falkenhaus with its Rococo façade, the Gothic Marienkapelle (Chapel of St Mary), Market Square, the historic City Hall, Neumünster church, and the Lusamgärtchen, the final resting place of the minstrel Walther von der Vogelweide. Pause at the Alte Mainbrücke to drink in a marvelous view of Marienberg Fortress, Käppele pilgrimage church and surrounding vineyards. After your walking tour, your guide will accompany you to the UNESCO-designated Residence Palace, where you'll enjoy a self-guided visit through German palatial beauty. Immerse yourself in the majesty of this impressively decorated estate. One of the largest and most beautiful manors in Germany, Wurzburg Residence boasts a stunning grand staircase, an intricate Hall of Mirrors, and lush garden surroundings.

DAY 11

• WURZBURG TO FRANKFURT

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• En Route
• Explore the city of Wurzburg independently. Cross the "Alte Mainbruecke", bridge which is lined with many nice statues of saints and is known as the oldest standing bridge (built 1473-1543) over the Main River. Then a lovely 20-minute walk up the wine-covered hill will take you to the Marienberg Fortress, where you can visit the castle's restaurant or relax in the beer garden.
• Depart on your self-drive journey from Wurzburg to Frankfurt. The drive is approximately 74 miles (119 km) and will take around 1.5 hours without stops. Drive along the famous A3 Autobahn highway, while taking in the views of the German countryside before arriving to your final destination - Frankfurt.
• Drop off your rental car upon arrival to the pre-determined rental center.
• A private transfer between your hotel and Frankfurt Airport is provided.

DAY 12

• FRANKFURT
• Until Next Time…
• A private transfer between your hotel and Frankfurt Airport is provided.

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Hilton

NH Heidelberg

Treschers Schwarzwaldhotel am See

Hotel Sonne

Le Meridien Munich

Best Western Premier Hotel Rebstock

NH Frankfurt Airport