How Shorter Germany Tours Will Help You Enjoy The Best Of The Country

By Janine Hughes


Many countries in Western Europe are perfect for a sightseeing tour of a week or two. Switzerland, Portugal, Belgium and The Netherlands are small and it's easy to get from one destination to the next in less than an hour. Luxembourg can be seen in a couple of days. To truly experience Germany, however, you should spend some time here. Various shorter Germany tours are the best way to explore.

As part of planning your German vacation, think about what it is you would to experience more than anything else. Maybe it's a particular city or maybe it's time in the great outdoors. Then, choose some day trips or short tours that focus on that which you are interested in.

One of the first destinations to explore is the capital, Berlin. This city is especially great to visit in summer, when there are plenty of festivals on offer. You can do a general sightseeing trip to see attractions like the Brandenburg Gate or the Berlin Zoo. However, you'll also find plenty of walking or cycling tours that will focus on a theme, such as the days when the city was divided, with Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall Museum on the itinerary.

Of course Berlin is not the only fascinating German city. Each of the major cities has a unique character. Frankfurt is a financial center while Stuttgart is known for its industry. Hamburg is one of the busiest ports in Europe while Munich has plenty of Bavarian charm. Bonn is a must for music lovers since this was where Beethoven was born. There are several university towns too, most notably Heidelberg.

Of course there's more to the country than its cities. In spring or summer, take long hikes in the Black Forest or go rowing on the lakes of the south. When temperatures drop, grab your skiing gear and go to the ski resorts of the Bavarian Alps.

The northern part of the country is completely different. Schleswig-Holstein, for instance, is quite flat with canals and dikes reminiscent of The Netherlands. This is the part to head to if you're looking to spend some time at the beach, with popular resorts along both the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts.

Another option is not to focus on destinations but rather on a theme. In the south, for instance, there is a route called the Romantic Road. It takes you to castles that look like they're straight from a fairy tale, such as the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. The Rhine Valley is the place to visit if you love wine and good food. In late September, beer lovers from all over the world go to Munich for Oktoberfest.

In most German cities and popular tourist regions you'll find a variety of travel agencies that offer short tours in the area. You normally don't need to book with them far in advance. However, it's a good idea to book online several months in advance if you want to go on a Rhine cruise of if you want to attend Oktoberfest.




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