Are You a Curious Traveler? Join Us in Germany Fall 2024.

“Once a year, go somewhere you have never been before.”
– Dalai Lama

Have you been looking for an opportunity to visit Germany, and perhaps even attend Oktoberfest? Are you curious about Germany’s history? Do you want to marvel at the mountains and stunning landscape and meander through cobblestone streets? How about the opportunity to explore Germany’s food & drink scene and sample wine, beer, and dine on traditional German cuisine? 

We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Germany tour in partnership with Christine van Blokland, host of the PBS award winning show, Curious Traveler. Join us on this unforgettable trip September 29 to October 6, 2024! Christine will join us during the tour to share in the experience, and delight us with her stories and knowledge. We’ll focus on the Bavaria region, located in the southeastern part of the country, which is known for its rich history, distinct culture and strong regional identity, and stunning landscapes of rolling hills, forests, the Danube river and the Bavarian Alps.

We begin in Munich with the iconic Oktoberfest, the world’s largest and most famous beer festival. It dates back to 1810 when it was organized to celebrate the October 12th marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The festivities were so successful that it became an annual event which celebrates Bavarian culture, food, and tradition. Oktoberfest is on many people’s “travel list”, so if it’s on yours, we have you covered! Enjoy parades, music and entertainment, attendees wearing traditional Bavarian clothing, a wide range of traditional food, and of course, beer. Our group will have lunch together in one of the tents, then the remainder of the day is free to continue to enjoy Oktoberfest and Munich as you wish!

© München Tourismus Joerg Lutz

© München Tourismus, Frank Bauer

Franconia, in the northern part of Bavaria, is one of Germany’s wine regions. We’ll have an exclusive visit to a vineyard which has been family owned and operated for 300 years. The current owners have adopted ecological methods of agricultural management which don’t include chemicals, creating a friendly habitat for pollinators. We’ll be hosted by the owner, Thomas, who will give great insight to both historic and recent aspects of the Franconian wine culture. We’ll taste 5 to 6 wines, enjoy some bites, and admire the vineyards where Thomas used to play as a child. 

© Fränkisches Weinland Tourismus/Holger Leue

There is a rich medieval history in Bavaria, where it’s as if time has stood still all these hundreds of years. One such town is Rothenburg ob der Tauber, surrounded by the well-maintained old city wall, iron gates, and 42 towers. The wall is accessible to everyone, and it’s a fun way to explore by walking the wall and reading the information signs explaining the city’s history. Rothenburg’s architecture reflects other periods, as well, including its Market Square, City Hall, and half-timber buildings, which create the fairytale atmosphere for which it is known. We’ll follow Rothenburg’s night watchman through alleys and dimly lit squares, and hear stories about life during the Middle Ages.

© Rothenburg/FrankenTourismus/Respondek

© FrankenTourismus/Thorsten Brönner

One of Germany’s most recognizable structures is Neuschwanstein Castle, commissioned by King Ludwig II. Construction began in 1869, but it unfortunately wasn’t even completed by the time he died in 1886. We’ll tour the castle with its exquisitely decorated rooms, adorned with intricate paintings and artistic details. Its stunning location in the Bavarian Alps continues to enchant tourists and inspire artists and dreamers around the world. Fun fact: Neuschwanstein Castle served as a model for the Cinderella Castle at Disneyland, and other Disney theme park castles.

Schwangau_Schloss_Neuschwanstein_im_Herbst,_Straße_der_Romantik,_Deutsche_Alpenstraße

We’ll also enjoy the Imperial Castle in Nuremberg, dating back to the 11th century. It has gone through a series of expansions and renovations over the centuries so that it now features an interesting mix of architectural styles. Although it was heavily damaged during WWII, thankfully many of the most important original sections were spared, and other sections were rebuilt to its previous state.

© CTZ Nürnberg / Niklas

Munich’s city hall was built in the 19th century, however its iconic Glockenspiel was added in 1908. We’ll witness the Glockenspiel’s performance at 11:00 during our city tour, when its 43 bells and 32 life-size figurines display scenes from Munich’s history, including a wedding, a jousting tournament, and dancing.

München_Blick_auf_das_neue_Rathaus-min

We’ll spend time in the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, known for its charming, traditional Bavarian houses and chalet-style buildings inspired by Swiss alpine architecture. Some buildings feature hand-painted murals on exterior walls depicting local history, folklore, or religious themes, and others are rustic, timber framed structures with wooden balconies and decorative wooden shutters. Garmisch-Partenkirchen has several beautiful churches with architectural styles from Gothic to Baroque. There will be time to stroll the town’s cobblestone streets and perhaps do some shopping. 

Garmisch-Partenkirchen_Alpenpanorama_mit_Wallfahrtskirche_St,_Anton

Bavaria boasts many natural wonders and beautiful landscapes, including the Danube Gorge, a section of the Danube River. The river has carved its way through limestone creating 262 feet cliffs and a scenic canyon which we will enjoy by boat ending at the Weltenburg Abbey, which dates to 700 AD. 

Kelheim_Kloster_Weltenburg_bei_Regensburg

The Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak at 9,718 feet, allows for breathtaking 360 degree panoramic views, and on a clear day, it’s possible to see Austria, Switzerland, and Italy! Our trip to the summit by cogwheel train and cable car will be topped off with lunch at the top! 

Garmisch-Partenkirchen_Aussicht_von_Zugspitzplatt_auf_Alpen_und_Eibsee

Speaking of food, throughout the trip we’ll enjoy traditional German delicacies, with opportunities to try different styles of beer and varieties of wine. We’ll visit an alpine dairy and sample cheese made following old traditions with milk from happy cows which graze all summer in the Alps. There will certainly be an opportunity to taste authentic gingerbread in Nuremberg, as well!

© FrankenTourismus/Hub

This one-of-a-kind, specially curated tour will fascinate and enchant, enlighten and inspire…

Are you curious? Join us!