Compare Romantic Germany by Great Value Vacations vs European Whirl (Paris, Base) by Trafalgar
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 9 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 3,323 | $ 3,895 |
| Price Per Day | $ 369 | $ 278 |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | NA | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description |
Germany is full of romance: fairy tale villages, medieval castles, and lovely scenic drives. Take your sweetheart on this 8-night vacation through southern Germany! Begin in Frankfurt, a city at once strikingly modern and old world. See the half-timbered houses lining the street in Altstadt (Old Town) before driving to the Black Forest. Spend one night in the beautiful countryside where the fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel" was born! From the Black Forest, head into the heart of Bavaria in Fussen and see the legendary Neuschwanstein Castle. Drive across the German border and spend one night in Innsbruck, known as the Capital of the Alps. Explore this typical Austrian city before driving to the capital of Bavaria, Munich! Say "prost" with a mug of frosty beer at one of the many beer halls in the city. Spend your last nights in Nuremberg and Rothenburg. Take in as many romantic vistas as you can before returning to Frankfurt. |
The tring-tring of bicycles sounds the start of your European Whirl. Kick back on the canals of Amsterdam and Venice, in the quiet lakeside beauty of Lucerne and among the Tuscan hills near Florence, with flavors of Italian Chianti setting the tone for an unforgettable trip. |
Day 1 Welcome to Frankfurt!
Say "Guten tag" to Germany! Arrive at Frankfurt airport and pick up your rental car, then drive to your accommodation in the city. Located on the river Main, Frankfurt is a major financial hub that's home to the European Central Bank. Head to Altstadt (Old Town) and stroll through Romerburg square. In December, the square hosts a famous Christmas Market!
Day 2 Frankfurt - Heidelberg - Black Forest
Leave Frankfurt today and drive to the Black Forest, with a stop in Heidelberg along the way. Idyllically located on the shores of the Neckar River, Heidelberg is Germany‘s oldest university town and is one of the most popular destinations in the country. Visit the famous castle reached by cable car and explore its historic city center. After touring Heidelberg, continue on to the famous Black Forest region, the setting of the Brothers Grimm "Hansel and Gretel" tale. Cap off the day with a slice of black forest cake!
Day 3 Black Forest - Lake Titisee - Landau - Fussen
Say goodbye to the Black Forest as you drive to Fussen. On the way, you may want to see Lake Titisee and the small island of Lindau in Lake Constance, which offers spectacular views of the Alps. Weather permitting, take the Alpine road from Lindau to Oberstaufen and Immenstadt to Fussen. Upon arrival in Fussen, check into your accommodation and then see St Mang's Basilica, which holds the oldest fresco in Germany.
Day 4 Fussen - Neuschwanstein - Oberammergau - Linderhof - Innsbruck
As you make your way to Innsbruck, pay a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, built by Ludwig II, known as the “Mad King." This castle may look familiar: it served as the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle! You may also want to visit Linderhof Castle, another King Ludwig II castle and the only one where he actually lived for a significant amount of time. You can also visit Oberammergau village, famous for its tradition of mounting Passion Plays and woodcarving. The end of the day should bring you to Innsbruck just across the German border in Austria. Located in the gorgeous deep valley of the River Inn, Innsbruck is a historic city with a stunning backdrop of the scenic Karwendel Mountains to the north and Tuxer Mountains to the south.
Day 5 Innsbruck - Munich
Spend the morning and afternoon exploring Innsbruck! See the opulent interiors of the Imperial Palace, completed in the year 1500 under Emperor Maximilian I. Don't miss the Imperial Gardens with its giant chess board! Drive approximately 2 hours to your next destination of Munich. As the capital of Bavaria, Munich is famous for its annual Oktoberfest and beer halls, Marienplatz square, and iconic cathedral. After settling into your accommodation, head to Viktualienmarkt, a sprawling daily food market in the Old Town. Pick up some tasty treats, then take in the sights of nearby Marienplatz, always buzzing with activity.
Day 6 Munich
Today you have a full free day to enjoy Munich! Consider a visit to Residenz, Munich's number one attraction. Home to Bavaria's Wittelsbach rulers from 1508 until WWI, the former palace turned museum is a gilded royal wonderland. Also worth a visit is one of three Pinakothek museums, home to fabulous canvases from the Middle Ages to present day. End the day at Hofbrauhaus, Munich's oldest beer hall dating back to the 16th century. Take a seat at one of the long wooden tables and enjoy a frosty beer and traditional Bavarian meal!
Day 7 Munich - Nuremberg
After breakfast, drive approximately 2 hours toward Nuremberg in northern Bavaria. For centuries, Nuremberg was the undeclared capital of the Holy Roman Empire and the preferred residence of most German kings. While severely damaged during WWII, the city has been rebuilt and is considered one of the highlights in Bavaria. Spend the day visiting the city’s historic city center, well-preserved castle, Gothic churches, romantic houses, and peaceful squares.
Day 8 Nuremberg - Rothenburg
Today, drive approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a lovely medieval town and one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Germany! Surrounded by thick medieval walls, the city overlooks Tauber River and is notable for its colorful array of half-timbered houses. For the best view of the town and surrounding countryside, climb the Town Hall tower. And you can't leave Rothenburg without picking up a few souvenirs!
Day 9 Depart Germany
Say "auf Wiedersehen" to Germany! Drive to Frankfurt Airport to return your rental car, then transfer to your departure gate for your flight home. *Please note the drive is approximately 2.5 hours, so if your return flight leaves in the morning, you will need to drive from Rothenburg to Frankfurt on Day 8, and stay in Frankfurt your last night. If staying in Rothenburg, please allow enough time to return your rental car and arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours prior to departure.
Day 1: Welcome to London
The vibrant British capital where you will spend the next two nights, enjoying the pomp and pageantry of a city that effortlessly combines old and new.
The Tower
Day 2: Discover Historic London
Join a Local Specialist this morning for a tour to see the iconic sites of London, including Big Ben, the imposing Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Spend a leisurely afternoon shopping on Carnaby Street, consider visiting one of London’s museums or wander along the Thames watching ambitious Londoners pound the pavements.
The Tower
Breakfast
Day 3: Eurostar™ to Brussels and on to Amsterdam
This morning we meet our Travel Director before traveling to London's St. Pancras International where we will board the Eurostar™ for a high-speed train journey to Brussels and a luxury coach journey to Amsterdam. Enjoy an orientation of this historic Dutch city before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a dinner cruise on its canals.
Mercure City
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Journey to the Rhineland and a Scenic Cruise
Driving through the lush landscapes of the Netherlands and Germany, we arrive in Boppard where we board a cruise along the Rhine to St. Goar, passing vineyard-clad hills and medieval castles perched above riverside towns. Arriving in the Baroque city of Heidelberg, we explore its unexpected highlights before traveling to our Rhineland hotel.
Sinsheim
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Off to Innsbruck
Crossing the Swabian Alps on the edge of the Black Forest, we arrive in the Bavarian capital of Munich. Our orientation takes us past the Hofbrauhaus, reputedly the most famous Beerhall in the world, and the neo-Gothic Town Hall which dominates the Marienplatz. We cross the Austrian border next, arriving in Innsbruck, the capital of the Alps. Admire the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the Old Town, including Emperor Maximilian's famous Golden Roof with its ornate façade and consider an evening of traditional Tyrolean entertainment.
Tivoli Innsbruck
Breakfast
Day 6: Onwards to the Canals of Venice Make Travel Matter
Journey through the emerald-green landscape along the Brenner Pass into Italy and across the Dolomite Mountains to Venice. We cruise the beautiful Venetian lagoon by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square. View the ornate Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, so named for the sound made by condemned prisoners as they took one last longing look at their beautiful city before meeting their fate. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you’ll witness the centuries-old craft of Venetian glassblowing. You’ll learn how the master craftsmen shape the molten glass to make the exquisite and delicate works of art that adorn homes all over the world and perhaps be inspired to buy your own souvenir as a reminder of this special visit. There’s time later to enjoy the city your way. Get lost in Venice, cross bridges and discover hidden campi where locals share their daily stories over a glass of Venetian Spritz.
Novotel Mestre Castellana
Breakfast
Day 7: All Roads Lead to Rome Connect with Locals
Travel south across the Veneto Plain, passing Bologna and the dramatic Apennine Mountains as well as the green and golden fields of Lazio before reaching Rome, the 'Eternal City'. En route, we Connect With Locals over lunch at a Be My Guest experience and enjoy true Tuscan hospitality with a local family on their private estate in the Chianti countryside.
A. Roma Lifestyle
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
Our first stop today sees us discover the divine beauty of the Vatican City. We'll visit St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist to view Michelangelo's Renaissance masterpiece, the Pietà. We continue to Ancient Rome to view Roman Forum, the walls of the iconic Colosseum and Circus Maximus, once the site of exhilarating chariot races centuries ago. The afternoon is yours to explore the city on your terms. Sit on the Spanish Steps savoring a tasty gelato, shop up a storm on the trendy Via Condotti or perhaps join an Optional Experience to see the magnificent frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
A. Roma Lifestyle
Breakfast
Day 9: Continue to Renaissance Florence
From Rome, we travel north through the rolling countryside of Tuscany and along the Arno valley to the 'Cradle of the Renaissance', Florence. Delve into the rich Medici heritage of this beautiful medieval city with your Local Specialist. Visit the political hub of the city, Piazza della Signoria, with its impressive sculptures and stunning palazzi. View the imposing Duomo, crowned by Brunelleschi’s dome, and the Baptistery, renowned for its sculptured bronze doors.
Hilton Metropole
Breakfast
Day 10: Across the Alps to Lucerne
Drive via the scenic Italian Lakes District, across the Alps into beautiful Switzerland, where we'll spend the next two nights in the medieval lakeside city of Lucerne. View the mournful, mortally wounded lion hewn from rock to commemorate the Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending Louis XVI. Walk along the flower-lined 14th-century covered Chapel Bridge, crossing the river Reuss.
Grand Europe
Breakfast
Day 11: Explore Lucerne
This morning join an exciting Optional Experience to one of the surrounding peaks for breath taking views of the Swiss countryside. We have some time later to discover the best Swiss chocolates in town.
Grand Europe
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: On to Captivating Paris
Crossing the border into France this morning, we travel past the picturesque vineyards and country towns of Burgundy en route to the 'City of Lights'. Spend some time this evening strolling along the Seine and grand boulevards in search of a cozy bistro for fine French cuisine or consider an Optional Experience to a colorful Parisian cabaret.
Evergreen Laurel
Breakfast
Day 13: Discover the Sights of Paris
Join a Local Specialist today for a sightseeing tour of this romantic city. View the sophisticated Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde, the 19th-century Arc de Triomphe, honoring those who fought for France, and Notre Dame Cathedral, then enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. Our European Whirl is almost at its end, we spend the evening with fellow travelers and our Travel Director, enjoying a Farewell Dinner in a local bistro.
Evergreen Laurel
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14: Farewell Paris
Today bid adieu to your fellow travelers and Travel Director at the end of your memorable experience.
Breakfast
