Germany by Car - Wheels & Wonders | Germanic Experiences

Itinerary : Germany by Car - Wheels & Wonders
11 days - 10 nights
An Authentic German Road Trip

Germanic Experiences travel experts to the German speaking world

Germanic Experiences travel experts to Germany

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Germany, where authenticity takes the wheel. "Wheels and Wonders" isn't your average tour; it is a genuine road trip, a self-driving adventure designed for those who seek the essence of Germany without the frills. Over eleven days you will traverse diverse landscapes, delve into history, and embrace the unvarnished beauty that defines this resilient nation. As your journey begins, Frankfurt's dynamic cityscape offers a taste of modernity and tradition. Limburg sets the tone with medieval charm, and Cologne boasts its iconic Cathedral as a symbol of centuries past. Venture on to Munster, a city where history graces cobblestoned streets, then onto Bremen, where maritime tales meld seamlessly with everyday life. Hamburg, a maritime metropolis, invites exploration without the need for lavish trappings. Dive into the city's spirit, whether wandering through historic districts or absorbing the vibrant atmosphere. The road leads on to Berlin, a city that wears its scars and triumphs with pride. Explore layers of history, from Checkpoint Charlie to the Brandenburg Gate. Beyond Berlin, Potsdam unfolds with opulent palaces, offering a glimpse into Prussian grandeur without luxury. Dresden, with its Baroque elegance, becomes a living canvas telling tales of resilience. Erfurt's medieval core and Weimar's cultural significance provide a down-to-earth experience, connecting you with the heart of the nation. "Wheels and Wonders" is more than a travelogue; it's an unfiltered exploration of Germany's soul, where the simple joy of the road blends seamlessly with the wonders encountered along the way. This road trip is not about luxury; it's about the authentic, unscripted beauty of Germany waiting to be discovered on the open road. Get ready to drive, explore, and embrace the true essence of this remarkable country.
DAY 1 (Wednesday) ARRIVAL IN GERMANY

Arrival in Frankfurt where you will be greeted at the airport by our agent, who will assist in getting your rental car and answer any questions you might have. Start by driving to Limburg, a beautiful little city on the river banks of the Lahn, one of the main tributaries of the Rhine River. Limburg has conserved its medieval charm with timber-framed buildings, and baroque architecture of the 17th and 18th Centuries. Limburg´s old town is one of the prettiest and best preserved in the region. (63 Km). Accommodation at the selected hotel.
DAY 2 (Thursday) LIMBURG - COLOGNE

After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Limburg, with visits to the old town and the Cathedral, an icon of the city and seat of the Bishop of the Region. The St. Georg Cathedral (Limburger Dom) is one of the best examples of late Romanesque architecture in Hesse. Later on you will drive to Cologne, known for its Gothic cathedral (119 Km). Arrival and check-in at the hotel. Cologne (Köln in German) is Germany's fourth-largest city, located on both sides of the Rhine River. The city´s famous cathedral is the seat of the catholic Archbishop of Cologne. Since 1996 the cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon you will sample a "cup of coffee" on board a boat for a cruise on the romantic Rhine River. After the cruise you can walk through the town and visit the Cathedral or go shopping. Welcome dinner (B) (D).
DAY 3 (Friday) COLOGNE - MUNSTER - BREMEN

After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Limburg, with visits to the old town and the Cathedral, an icon of the city and seat of the Bishop of the Region. The St. Georg Cathedral (Limburger Dom) is one of the best examples of late Romanesque architecture in Hesse. Later on you will drive to Cologne, known for its Gothic cathedral (119 Km). Arrival and check-in at the hotel. Cologne (Köln in German) is Germany's fourth-largest city, located on both sides of the Rhine River. The city´s famous cathedral is the seat of the catholic Archbishop of Cologne. Since 1996 the cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon you will sample a "cup of coffee" on board a boat for a cruise on the romantic Rhine River. After the cruise you can walk through the town and visit the Cathedral or go shopping. Welcome dinner. (B) (D)
(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
DAY 4 (Saturday) BREMEN - HAMBURG

Breakfast at the Hotel. Bremen is a commercial and industrial city with a major port o the river Wesser. You will enjoy a walking tour of the old city, with visits to the most famous monument in Bremen based on a tale by the Brothers Grimm, the Cathedral and the pedestrian promenade, where you will have free time for shopping. In the afternoon your journey continues to Hamburg. Accommodation at the hotel. (B)
DAY 5 (Sunday) HAMBURG

Breakfast at the hotel. Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany, situated on the river Elbe and the third largest port in Europe. Your guide will take you for a walk around the city and harbor. The visit includes City Hall, the grand Church St. Michaelis and the Warehouse. Next is the harbor promenade, where you will board a boat for a tour of the harbor and an inside view of Germany's largest port. Lunch in a typical port restaurant. At night, you might enjoy a play for a musical (eg The Lion King or Tarzan, in German, not included in the price). (B) (L)
DAY 6 (Monday) HAMBURG - BERLIN

After breakfast, depart for the Federal Capital of Germany (293 Km). Once in Berlin, accommodation at the Hotel. Berlin is the largest city in Germany. After the Second World War Berlin was divided into four districts shared by the Allies, who took over the administrative responsibilities for their sector of the city. A wall was erected by the Russians in 1961, dividing the city, but it was torn down in 1989 and the city is united once again.

In the afternoon you will have a tour in a private coach, visiting the most important attractions, the Brandenburg Gate, the German Parliament (Reichstag), and the famous Kurfürstendamm. You will also have the chance to see part of the (in)famous wall. and enjoy some free time for shopping. In the evening you might enjoy a concert at the Philharmonic, drinks at Potsdam Square (Potsdamer Platz) or an aperitif at the Sony Center (not included). Back to the hotel overnight. (B)
DAY 7 (Tuesday) BERLIN

After breakfast, take a stroll through the old East Berlin to see the Cathedral, the Town Hall and the TV tower which provides a panoramic view of the city. The afternoon is at leisure, when you might like to take additional excursions, such a tour of the Concentration Camp of Sachsenhausen, blind witness to the horrors of the second World War and the Nazi Regime; or a visit to one of the hundred museums in Berlin, such as the Egyptian museum with valuable original pieces, or the Jewish Museum. Overnight. (B).
DAY 8 (Wednesday) BERLIN - POTSDAM - BERLIN

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave early in the morning for the city of Potsdam, the capital of the State of Brandenburg, 24 km (15 miles) south of Berlin Center. Potsdam has several claims to national and international fame. In Germany, it had the status that Windsor has in Britain, being the residence of Prussian Kings and German Kaisers until 1918. Around the city there are a series of interconnected lakes and unique cultural landmarks, in particular the parks and palaces of Sanssouci, the largest World Heritage Site in Germany. After visiting the palace and its park, time for lunch. At the end of the afternoon, return to Berlin. (B) (L)
DAY 9 (Thursday) BERLIN - DRESDEN

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, direction Dresden (194 Km), in eastern Germany. Dresden has a long history as the capital and royal residence of the Electors and Kings of Saxony, who for centuries furnished the city with cultural and artistic splendor. The city was known as the Jewel Box, because of its baroque and rococo city center. After checking-in at the hotel, have a walk through the city center to see the Cathedral, the Old Castle, the Fürstenszug, a large mural of a mounted procession of the rulers of Saxony, the Semper Opera and the narrow winding streets of the old town. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight (B)
DAY 10 (Friday) DRESDEN - ERFURT

After breakfast, drive to Erfurt (227 Km), the capital of the state of Thuringia. It is also the largest city nearest to the geographical centre of Germany, where you will visit a number of sites, including the Cathedral and the Church of San Severino, both with valuable treasures worth seeing. The program also includes the Augustinian Convent, where Martin Luther spent several years, as well as the Petersberg Citadel, built between 1664 and 1707 with a magnificent view of the region. Farewell dinner (B) (D).
DAY 11 (Saturday) ERFURT - FRANKFURT

Breakfast at the Hotel. Today there is time for you to visit the center of Frankfurt am Main (254 Km), Germany's financial capital. There you will see the City Hall, the Zeilgalerie: mall with interesting sights, the Zeil shopping street and the city's famed skyscrapers. Enjoy a stroll along the river Main. Departure for the airport, deposit the vehicle. After check-in for your flight, end of our services. (B)