Bacharach on the Rhein River is one of the stops on this wonderful autumn tour
October is a fine time of the year to experience Germany small group tours. The kids are all back in school meaning the roads are not as congested with holiday travelers. The air is crisp and clear, the nights are cool and the days are usually sunny and mild. Trees are still green with just a hint of color signaling the approach of winter. (But not yet!) There are also wonderful foods to enjoy including mushrooms, new wine and onion cake.
Enjoy Germany’s hamlets and small towns on this private tour offered for October 14 to 26, 2010. (Dates are flexible by a few days)
Here’s where your guide, with 21 years experience in traveling Germany’s back roads, wants to take you and up to four others:
Miltenberg am Main, Upper Franconia. After arrival at Frankfurt, we stay two nights in one of Germany’s most authentic and interesting old towns just an hour away from big-city Frankfurt. Guests enjoy rambling rooms in one of Germany’s oldest inns, established in the 12th century and rebuilt in 1590. While in this area, we sightsee in the nearby Odenwald Forest including the little town of Erbach with a castle full of fascinating collections gathered from around the world in the 18th century by a benevolent Count.
Bamberg and Coburg, Bavaria. We make a lunch stop in Bamberg, one of Germany’s prettiest small cities. Wander along “Little Venice” and have a “smoked beer,” plus see one of Germany’s oldest cathedrals built during a time when there were only “barbarians in the woods,” beyond this small town established by the Catholic Church to bring religion to this area. Later, we arrive in Erfurt, Thuringia. Two nights spent in the medieval town of Erfurt, where the only intact medieval merchant bridge still stands. What is a merchant bridge? Come along and find out, plus discover one of Germany’s tiniest breweries and of course, drink what they produce.
The Saale-Unstrut region is one of the most northernmost wine producing regions of Europe. We spend a day and a night exploring the pretty valley of the Saale River and spend the night in a traditional inn where, of course, the local wine is the focus of the menu.
We then continue into the Erzgebirge Forest, where you can shop for Christmas presents in the woodcrafts region where German “smokers” as well as the famous “pyramids” are made. We stay two nights in a country inn where the food is the star attraction. Wake to the smells of pine forest and breathe in the fresh, crisp air. People used to make entire vacations out of coming to this “Luftkurort” region.
Traveling south, we arrive in the old city of “Castra Regina,” established under the reign of Marcus Aurelius in the 2nd century. The pleasures of Regensburg are many, including narrow medieval lanes with interesting shops, a massive and impressive cathedral, a 14th century stone bridge spanning the Donau and an old sausage kitchen built to feed the workers who built the bridge. Guess what? We can eat sausages there, 700 years later! We stay a night in the heart of the old town.
Winding up our stay in Bavaria we make a concession to mass tourism and visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber for two nights. This may be one of Germany’s most popular cities, and for good reason. It’s magnificent, with a tall wall, towers and houses dating back more than 400 years and more. This is also the European home base of European Focus, and your guide will show you the insider’s view of Rothenburg and surroundings.
We travel east past Frankfurt to the Rhein River Valley and a two-night stay in lovely Bacharach, where we sample Rhein wine, eat sauerbraten and yes, visit a castle dating back more than 700 years. We also explore part of the nearby Mosel River Valley.
This 11-night exploration of Germany is priced according to a full load of five people. Families, couples or singles who know one another encouraged.
All-inclusive price per person: from 3,950 Euro
Does not include airfare.
Does not include trip insurance, which is mandatory for all European Focus Private Tours.
What makes this tour special: Micro-group, or private according to your wishes. As few as two people may book this Germany group tour, although the cost will be more. We travel by the back roads so that guests can see the real Germany, and not traffic and trucks. Authentic hotels, great food and drink all included. No “surprises,” no hidden fees, no tipping!
This tour will sell out fast due to pent-up demand and the exceptional price for such an exclusive adventure. If you’re interested, contact us today.
info@europeanfocus.com
This tour can also be customized to match the travel desires of those booking.