Highlights of Germany: Berlin, Bavaria & the Rhine

Today you explore Berlin with your expert local guide, tracing the drama of the twentieth century. You stand before the neoclassical Brandenburg Gate, the symbol of German reunification, and take in the glittering glass dome of the Reichstag, the seat of the German parliament, rising above the government quarter. You walk the grand boulevard of Unter den Linden, pause at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, and stand at Checkpoint Charlie, the famous Cold War crossing. You trace surviving stretches of the Berlin Wall, including the open-air galleries and memorials that recall the city's division and joyful reunion. The history is powerful and moving. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having walked through modern history. This evening, savour Berlin's lively dining and bar scene. Rest well, ready for more of the city tomorrow.

Today you delve into Berlin's art, culture and grandeur. You explore Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage ensemble of five world-class museums in the river Spree, home to the celebrated bust of Nefertiti, the monumental Pergamon treasures and masterpieces of European art, and admire the great domed Berlin Cathedral nearby. You might visit the elegant baroque palace of Charlottenburg, with its gardens, or explore the trendy, tree-lined streets, cafes and galleries of neighbourhoods such as Prenzlauer Berg and Kreuzberg. You take in the buzzing squares, street art and creative energy that make Berlin so distinctive. The culture and atmosphere are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having explored Berlin's artistic riches. This evening, enjoy a final Berlin dinner. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey south to Bavarian Munich.

Today you travel south to Munich, the proud capital of Bavaria, transferring to the station for a fast, comfortable train (or short flight) across Germany. On arrival you are met and settle into your Munich hotel, then begin to explore this warm, convivial city with your guide. You stand on the vast Marienplatz to watch the figures of the famous Glockenspiel dance out from the ornate New Town Hall, wander the colourful stalls of the Viktualienmarkt food market, and stroll the elegant pedestrian streets, grand churches and squares of the old town. You feel at once the good cheer and easy charm of Bavaria. The change of pace and mood is delightful. As the day ends, you settle into Munich. This evening, savour Bavarian cooking and beer in a traditional beer hall such as the celebrated Hofbrauhaus. Rest well.

Today you explore more of Bavarian Munich at a relaxed pace. You might visit the magnificent Residenz, the former royal palace of the Bavarian kings, with its opulent rooms and treasury, or the stunning Nymphenburg Palace on the city's edge, with its gardens and pavilions. You stroll the vast English Garden, one of the world's largest city parks, where locals cycle, picnic and even surf a standing wave on the Eisbach river, and pause at its Chinese Tower beer garden. You might explore Munich's world-class museums, from the art of the Alte Pinakothek to the science and technology of the Deutsches Museum. The elegance and good cheer are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having savoured gracious Munich. This evening, enjoy a Bavarian feast. Rest well, for tomorrow you visit the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein.

Today you journey south into the beautiful Bavarian foothills to the most famous castle in the world. You travel through rolling countryside and alpine scenery to the villages of Hohenschwangau and Fussen, where the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein rises like a dream on its wooded crag, framed by lakes and mountains. Built by the 'mad' King Ludwig II and the inspiration for Disney's castle, it is a soaring fantasy of turrets and towers. You climb to the castle for a tour of its lavish, romantic interiors and cross the Marienbrucke bridge for the classic, breathtaking view of its turrets against the alpine backdrop. The fantasy and setting are magical. As the day ends, you settle into your hotel near Fussen, amid the beauty of the Alps. This evening, savour the mountain calm. Rest well.

Today you follow the Romantic Road, Germany's most beloved scenic route, north through gentle countryside, vineyards and walled towns. You wind through pretty villages and past medieval churches, perhaps pausing at the walled town of Nordlingen, set in a meteorite crater, or the storybook streets of Dinkelsbuhl, before arriving in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the jewel of the route and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. You wander its cobbled lanes of half-timbered houses, climb the ramparts of its complete medieval walls, and photograph the famous Plonlein corner. The charm and history are enchanting. As the day ends, you settle into your hotel within the walls, and, once the day-trippers leave, the town becomes wonderfully atmospheric. This evening, savour Franconian cooking and wine, perhaps joining the lantern-lit Night Watchman's tour. Rest well.

Today you journey west to the romantic Rhine valley. After a final morning in Rothenburg, perhaps a last walk on the walls, you travel through the countryside to the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape where the great river winds between steep, vineyard-clad slopes crowned by medieval castles. You board a boat for a scenic cruise, gliding past hilltop fortresses and pretty wine villages and rounding the legendary Lorelei rock, before stepping ashore in the charming wine town of Rudesheim. You stroll its famous narrow Drosselgasse lane, lined with taverns and music, and enjoy a tasting of the crisp Rhine Riesling wines for which the region is renowned. The castles, vineyards and legends are captivating. As the day ends, you settle into your Rudesheim hotel. This evening, savour a convivial wine-tavern dinner. Rest well.

Today you journey down the Rhine to Cologne. You travel north along the great river, perhaps pausing at the elegant riverside city of Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle meet at the Deutsches Eck, before arriving in Cologne, the vibrant Rhineland metropolis. You explore its magnificent Gothic cathedral, one of the largest in the world, whose soaring twin spires dominate the skyline and whose treasures include the golden Shrine of the Three Kings; energetic visitors can climb its tower for sweeping views. You stroll the atmospheric old town and riverside, sampling the city's own crisp Kolsch beer in a traditional brewery tavern. The grandeur and warmth are captivating. As the day ends, you settle into your Cologne hotel, having crossed the best of Germany. This evening, savour the lively old-town atmosphere. Rest well, ready for your journey home tomorrow.

After a final morning in Cologne, perhaps a last look at the great cathedral or a riverside stroll, you are transferred to the airport for your onward international departure. You leave having experienced the very best of Germany, historic Berlin with its gate, Reichstag and Wall, Bavarian Munich with its squares and beer halls, the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein above the Alps, medieval Rothenburg on the Romantic Road, the castle-crowned Rhine and the soaring cathedral of Cologne. The images stay vivid long after you land, the Brandenburg Gate at dusk, the turrets of Neuschwanstein against the mountains, the half-timbered lanes of Rothenburg, and the great spires of Cologne rising above the river. Germany offers history, beauty, culture and good cheer in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this varied and rewarding land.