Germany

Upon arrival in Düsseldorf, transfer to the hotel, situated on Königsallee, the city’s famed avenue that runs along a moat lined with chestnut and sycamore trees and crisscrossed by foot bridges. Join a walk around the surrounding area, then gather with fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner.

Embark on a guided city tour of Düsseldorf by coach and on foot. Visit the city’s old town with its traditional breweries and historic buildings. Stroll along the Königsallee and check out the location where the North Rhine-Westphalia state was established after World War II and which now houses the state parliament. Then drive through Media Harbor, home to numerous media and communications companies. After a light lunch of local specialties and beers, enjoy the afternoon at leisure before gathering for dinner in the hotel.

Travel to Bonn, the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the world’s greatest composers. Stop in the places that influenced the artist’s early years and see the monuments that honor his legacy. After lunch, visit the Beethoven House, the artist’s birthplace and residence, for a tour and private concert before returning to Düsseldorf for an evening at leisure.

In nearby Cologne, enjoy a guided tour of the city's old town, including its famous cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was constructed over more than six centuries and is considered a perfect example of high Gothic architecture. We also see one of the twelve Romanesque churches built in Cologne in the 11th century, St. Maria im Kapitol. After lunch, travel just beyond the city to Augustusburg Castle in Brühl, the sumptuous former residence of the prince-archbishops of Cologne and one of the earliest and best examples of 18th-century Rococo architecture in Germany. Return to Düsseldorf for dinner at a local restaurant.

Check out of the hotel and depart for Mainz, stopping in Koblenz en route. Walk out to the Deutsches Eck, a promontory that marks the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine Rivers, and take in the statue of William I, Germany’s first emperor. Next, learn about the strategic importance of Koblenz during a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, a system of fortifications built by Prussian in the early 19th century. Enjoy a special wine tasting of Rieslings from the Mosel region during lunch before continuing to Mainz.

On today's tour of Mainz, see the distinctive Romanesque Mainz Cathedral with its octagonal tower built of red sandstone. Mainz is also the birthplace of Johnannes Gutenberg, who invented the movable type printing press in Europe. A highlight of our tour includes a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, where we’ll have a chance to see some of Gutenberg’s earliest books manufactured in the city in the 1450s, including the Gutenberg Bibles. Afterward, venture outside the city to a local winery in the Rheinhessen region for a tasting and wine-paired lunch. Return to Mainz for an evening at leisure.

Drive through the Rheingau wine region to Eberbach Abbey, a former Cistercian monastery with nearly nine centuries of viticultural history. After lunch and a wine tasting at the monastery, return to the Rhine and the medieval village of Rüdesheim am Rhein. Stroll the cobblestone streets, then ride a cable car up above the Rhine Valley to the Niederwald monument, which was completed in 1883 to commemorate the Unification of Germany. Later, embark on a cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge that has inspired numerous painters, poets, thinkers, and musicians. Pass the famed Lorelei outcrop and disembark in St. Goarshausen, returning to Mainz by road for an evening at leisure.

Nestled between the Neckar River and the foothills of the Odenwald forest, Heidelberg is home to Germany’s oldest university. Take a walking tour of the old town with its half-timbered buildings. After lunch, visit Heidelberg Castle, wandering through the gardens and among the various buildings that were built and extended over three centuries in different styles. Enjoy a special wine tasting of Baden vintages at the castle before returning to Mainz. Enjoy dinner in a top restaurant this evening.

Spend the morning in the charming wine town of Eltville am Rhein. Then head to Johannisberg Castle, the world’s oldest Riesling winery, situated above 125 acres of vineyards. Tour the estate and enjoy a special wine tasting and lunch overlooking the beautiful Rhine Valley. Toast our journey at a farewell reception and dinner this evening.

Transfer to the Frankfurt airport for flights headed home.