German New Years Celebration Escorted Vacation

You will be transferred to your hotel in Frankfurt upon arrival. The rest of the day is at leisure. Frankfurt is the financial and commercial heart of Germany, a city full of fascinating contrasts between modern development and historic landmarks. (Your arrival transfer is included only if you arrive on the actual day the tour commences. For customers arriving earlier an individual transfer can be organized at an additional cost.)

This morning, travel from Frankfurt to Heidelberg. Visit the famous Heidelberg Castle and enjoy a sightseeing tour of its historic city center. Idyllically located on the shores of the Neckar River, Heidelberg is Germany's oldest university town and one of the most popular destinations in the country. You will continue through the famous Black Forest to Freiburg. Explore this lovely city and visit its famous church tower, known as "the most beautiful tower in Christianity". Dinner and overnight in Freiburg. (B,D)

After breakfast, visit a small Black Forest farm for a cheese tasting. See the true life of the Black Forest. Travel to Lake Titisee and continue to the small island of Lindau in Lake Constance which offers spectacular views of the Alps. Finally, arrive in Kemten. (B)

Begin the day with a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, built by Ludwig II, the notorious "Mad King". Travel to Oberammergau, famous for its Passion Play and lovely crafts. Stop for a visit of the Wieskirche Church before continuing to Linderhof Castle. This is one of the 3 castles built by Ludwig II of Bavaria and the only one where the king actually lived for a significant amount of time. Stop at the Ettal Benedictine Abbey before arriving in Munich. (B)

Spend a day at leisure in Munich or consider joining an optional excursion to Salzburg. The city offers the perfect combination of a picturesque mountain setting and a beautifully preserved old town. At night, ring in 2017 with a New Year's Eve Gala Dinner at a restaurant in Munich. On the last night of the year, the pedestrian area in downtown Munich, around Kauffinger Strasse and Marienplatz Square, transforms into one giant street party. The bridges across the Isar River also offer a wonderful vantage point for watching the impressive fireworks displays. (B,D)

After breakfast, visit Munich's main attractions, concluding the tour at the Marienplatz Square with its famous clock tower. Munich, the capital of Bavaria is famous for its Oktoberfest which is annually celebrated in September. The afternoon is free to explore at your leisure. Enjoy a traditional Bavarian dinner in the evening. (B,D)

Today, you will visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Germany. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of this medieval town. Continue to Frankfurt for your last overnight near the airport. (B)

After breakfast, take your return flight home. (B)