Day 1: Frankfurt - Wuerzburg

Arrival in Frankfurt. Your chauffeur will meet you at the airport and will take you on a scenic route along the river Main to Wuerzburg (about 1 hr.). Stop in Miltenberg, a village located along the Deutsche Fachwerkstrasse ("the street of half-timber framed houses"). The well-preserved medieval village invites you to stroll through narrow alleys lined by amazing half-timber framed houses. After your stop, continue along the river Main through Wertheim to Wuerzburg.

Check-in at your hotel in Wuerzburg and later on stroll through the historic Old Town, a breath of history will surround you as you search for the signs of the Middle Ages or the Baroque period. Have a short walk through the vineyards up to the famous landmark of the city, the Fortress Marienberg, first mentioned in a document in the year 704. In the evening enjoy a Franconian wine, what characterizes the local population and its way of life. In the cozy "Gaststuben" the visitors soon get to know the friendly regulars. Franconian wine-growers participate in a stringent self-control process in order to guarantee the famous quality of Franconian wine. Its hallmark is a wide rounded bottle - the Bocksbeutel.

Overnight in Wuerzburg.

Hotel:
Maritim Hotel

 

Day 2: Wuerzburg - Stuttgart

After breakfast have a short drive to Veitshoechheim. Stroll through the quaint downtown of Veitshoechheim, have a walk through one of the loveliest rococo gardens of Europe and visit the castle, the former summer residence of the prince-bishops of Wuerzburg. After the stop in Veitshoechheim you might want to take a little detour to stop in Rothenburg ob der Tauber before heading to Stuttgart. Strolling through the streets is like stepping back into the past. Its churches and patrician houses bear witness to its history as a powerful free imperial town.

From Rothenburg to Stuttgart (about 2 hours) you travel through a countryside lined by countless vineyards. Stuttgart, surrounded by forests, vineyards and gentle hills, some reaching right into the city centre, delights visitors with its incomparable panoramic setting in the idyllic Neckar Valley. Strolling through Stuttgart's city centre is like taking a journey through the architectural history books. Besides the historical part of the city, it is worth saying that the people in this well-known wine-producing region know how to throw a party, like the traditional Wine Festival (usually around 24AUG through 9SEP). For people who enjoy good food and wine, Stuttgart is an excellent choice, as Swabian specialties are served at many restaurants and cozy little taverns.

Overnight in Stuttgart.

Hotel:
Le Meridien Hotel

 

Day 3: Stuttgart - Baden-Baden

After breakfast and a short drive to Tuebingen, you can walk through narrow alleys lined by pointed gables, shaping the silhouette of old Tuebingen on the way up to its castle. The Swabian university town of 85,000 inhabitants and 22,000 students combines the flair of a lovingly restored medieval centre of town with the colorful bustle and typical atmosphere of a young and cosmopolitan students' town.

Continue the scenic trip through the mountains of the famous Black Forest (about 1.5 hrs) from Tuebingen to Baden-Baden. On your way you might want to stop at one of the shops selling the famous German cuckoo clocks. The city of Baden-Baden is not only famous for being a historic town with the spa centre, but also for its outstanding architecture and its elegant, world-famous casino. Baden-Baden is also known for delicious wine.

The wines of Baden are pampered by sunny climates. Baden-Baden's wine region stretches over 800 acres which is one of the three largest wine areas of Germany. Important villages and their vinyards are: Varnhalt, Steinbach and Neuweier. Regional classics are: Neuweier Riesling, Varnhalter Klosterfelsen and Nägelsförster Spätburgunder.

A wine tasting in one of the cellars of the well known Rebland wineries introduces you to a wide range of other fine wines. You may sample them and also take some home! Whether you are just interested in learning more about these wines and wine processing, or simply wish to enjoy a bottle of delicious wine, the Rebland winery is the pace to go to.

Overnight in Baden-Baden.

Hotel:

 

Day 4: Baden-Baden - Heidelberg

After breakfast travel along the "Badische-Spargel-Strasse" (Asparagus-Road) through Karlsruhe to Heidelberg. Stop in Karlsruhe. With its more than 800 hectares of public parks and greens, Karlsruhe offers an abundance of islands of tranquility and relaxation second to none in the whole of Germany. Be sure to visit the centre of the city, the Market Square with city hall and the palais of the former Margrave at the edge of the Hardt Forest.

After your stop, drive further north to the famous city of Heidelberg. Known worldwide for its castle, towering above the city, with its historic cobble-stoned downtown and the Old Bridge over the river Neckar is also an important wine city of Germany. Situated right in the centre of Germany’s largest wine-growing areas, Heidelberg has a long tradition of wines, as the castle’s world-famous "big barrel" proves. Several local wines such as Bauer’s "Dachsbuckel", Clauer’s "Dormenacker" or the Riesling and Burgundy wines of Adam Mueller received prizes. Explore the city and enjoy a traditional dinner along with local wine varieties.

Overnight in Heidelberg.

Hotel:
NH hotel

 

Day 5: Heidelberg - Trier

After breakfast leave Heidelberg and cruise by car through scenic landscapes to Trier (about two hours). On your way, stop in Bad Duerkheim, hosting the world's biggest wine festival, see the "Dürkheim Riesenfass", a giant wine cask and visit one of the longest salt-evaporation works in Germany. Strolling through Bad Dürkheim, there is wine wherever you look. But, if you visit one of the wine-growing estates or co-operatives, where you are assured of a warm welcome, you will be surprised at how much more than wine there is to offer. There are also fine brandies made from both grapes and good quality fruit from the Palatinate as well as clear fruit jellies for those with a sweet tooth. Why not try some red wine cake, grape liqueur, wine vinegar, grape-seed oil or the hundreds of other good things made with the Palatinate's favourite crop?

On the way to Trier you might want to stop in Idar-Oberstein and visit one of the most comprehensive museums for gems and jewels worldwide with more than 10.000 exhibits. The museum is located in an impressive landmarked Wilhelminian style mansion.

Continue your trip to Trier, the oldest town of Germany, lying on the river Moselle in the heart of the Moselle-Saar-Ruwer winegrowing region, near Germany's border with Luxembourg and France.
It is a "Roman" town with history beginning about 2000 years ago. You will see the Porta Nigra, the Amphitheatre and many more sites showing the history of the oldest town of Germany.
Enjoy your evening with a glass of Moselle wine on the medieval market square as you admire St. Peter’s fountain.

Overnight in Trier.

Hotel:
Hotel Trier

 

Day 6: Trier - Koblenz

After breakfast take the breathtaking "Moselweinstrasse" (Moselle-Wine-Street), winding along the river Moselle to Koblenz. The scenic tour, away from the Autobahn, will take about 3 hours. Take your time and stop frequently to enjoy the views of the vineyards lining the hills along the river. Founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, Koblenz is situated at the famous Deutsche Eck (German Corner), where the rivers Rhine and Moselle meet. Fortress walls and castle ruins, palaces and patrician houses are vivid reminders of a turbulent past.

In Koblenz, take a river cruise for a Loreley tour on the river Rhine. (departures daily from April to October). In the evening you may wine and dine in an indoor or outdoor restaurant or go for a wine tasting in a typical "Weinstube" (wine tavern).

Overnight in Koblenz.

Hotel:
Top Hotel Kraemer

 

Day 7: Koblenz - Ruedesheim

After breakfast leave Koblenz and enjoy an exciting trip along the river Rhine to Ruedesheim. On your way, stop in St. Goarshausen to visit the famous Loreley and the castle "Mouse", with a great view to the castle "cat" and hosting a falconery, before heading to Ruedesheim. Nowhere in the world are there so many castles on a river than on the river Rhine. Around 30 castles are lined up between Koblenz and Ruedesheim. Ruedesheim is situated at the entrance to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, UNESCO World Heritage site and home of the Loreley, surrounded by a wide expanse of vineyards. Stroll through the Drosselgasse "the most famous lane in the world", a narrow street lined with wine taverns, historical houses and gardens. From March to October the former Rheingau Wine Museum at Broemserburg castle traces the history of wine and viticulture within the thousand year old castle, one of the oldest in the Middle Rhine area.

The indeed most typical way to enjoy wine in the Rheingau region is to do just that in a wine tavern (Strausswirtschaft): "Where the little wreath hangs, wine is served". However, one cannot always follow the "Sträußche" symbol (a wreath hanging over the entry door of the winery) because there is a limited four-month operating license. Beside these typical "Strausswirtschaft" you will always find a cozy place for your farewell evening with the excellent Riesling and Pinot Noir wines along with a last traditional, regional dinner such as "Handkaes mit Musik" (cheese with onions) or "Spuntekaes" (cottage cheese seasoned with paprika and herbs). Unlike the wine taverns, the wine estates (Weingut) are allowed to serve their guests all year round.

Overnight in Ruedesheim.

Hotel:
Ruedesheimer Schloss

 

Day 8 Ruedesheim - Frankfurt (about one hours drive)

After breakfast, your chauffeur will drive you back to Frankfurt airport for your departure from Germany.

 

TOUR PRICE

AVERAGE LAND COST PER PERSON
BASED ON THIS SAMPLE PROGRAM.

Offer can be adjusted depending on time and wishes.

Inclusions & Highlights

• 8 days 7 nights at specially selected castle and deluxe hotels (incl tax)
• 4 and 5 star luxury accommodation
• Chauffeur driven Mercedes class c rental car with automatic, air and GPS
• Tour guides for Wuerzburg, Stuttgart, Baden-Baden, Heidelburg
• Fortress Marienberg & historic Old Town of Wuerzburg
• Stuttgart in the idyllic Neckar Valley & its traditional Wine Festivals
• Black Forest and the world-famous casino in Baden-Baden
• Wine tastings in renowned wineries
• Heidelberg Castle and historic Old Bridge
• City of Trier, Porta Nigra, medieval market square &
  St. Peter’s fountain
• Famous Moselle-Saar-Ruwer wine growing region 
• City of Koblenz, the famous ‘Deutsche Eck’
• Rhine river cruise & Loreley tour
• City of Ruedesheim & Drosselgasse in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley
• Rheingau Museum at Broemserburg Castle
• Enjoy fine Rheingau wines and traditional  regional specialties

Not Included

• International airfare
• Admission/Entrance Fees
• Travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities for tour guides

 

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