Germany River Cruises 2025/2026

Germany Travel Guide

Germany Tours Things To Do

• 
  Cologne Cathedral

  Completed in 1880, the Cologne Cathedral was designated a UNESCO heritage site in 1996. Famous for its gothic architecture, it took seven centuries and successive builders to finish. The cathedral is the second tallest building in Cologne at 475 feet.

  Best Time To Visit

  The best time to visit the Cathedral is on your river cruise! Typically, your ship will dock right in the heart of Cologne and almost always, a walking tour will be included where you'll be taken right to the cathedral. In the Spring or Fall, when it's not too hot, you can brave the 509 stone steps of the spiral staircase to an observation area where you'll have a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

• 
  Rhine River

  Over 766 miles long, the Rhine river is one of the longest and most important rivers in all of Europe. It starts in the Swiss Alps and goes through 6 countries: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands before terminating into the North Sea in Rotterdam.

  Best Time To Visit

  The best time to visit the Rhine river is in the summer and on an all-inclusive river cruise. You'll be able to take full advantage of the sun deck, comfortably castle watching, and being served on. A river cruise also allows you to see all the little towns along the Rhine that you would not normally be able to see. If you don't care for sunbathing, Spring is a great time as Fall and Winter will be too cold to enjoy any outdoor activities.

• 
  Neuschwanstein Castle

  With over 1 million visitors a year, the fairy-tale-like Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most visited castles in Germany. In fact, this castle is so "fairy-tale like", it served as the inspiration for the Walt Disney Sleeping Beauty Castle!

  You Should Know

  King Ludwig II of Bavaria started the build on this castle but he never actually got to see it completed. Neuschwanstein Castle was featured in the 1968 movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Repairs and work are continuously done throughout the year to preserve the castle.

• 
  Marienplatz – Mary’s Square

  The central square of Munich, Marienplatz, or Mary's Square, was founded by Henry the Lion. It wasn't until the Olympics in 1972 that Marienplatz became a really popular tourist attraction. The square got its name from the Marian pillars that tower over the plaza. Most of the historic sites and interest points are still there today, making Marienplatz a very popular destination.

  You Should Know

  No visit to Munich would be complete without visiting Marienplatz. Make sure you get to see the iconic Fish Fountain, both the Old Town Hall and New Town Hall, and the Glockenspiel, which is the world-famous show in the tower of the New Town Hall.

• 
  Berlin Wall Memorial

  The Berlin Wall was a dark spot in Germany's history, but in October 1990, Germany reunified and on August 13, 1998, a monument was established, dedicated to the victims and in memory of the divided city. The monument stretches about 1 mile on the old wall and is free to all who want to visit.

  You Should Know

  There are 3 total sites to visit: lookout tower, outdoor exhibit, and of course a visitor center where you'll find educational materials as well as a bookstore. If you're coming with a tour group, you won't have to worry about a thing as it'll all be planned out for you. Speak to one of our travel consultants for details.

• 
  Holocaust Memorial

  Located between the American Embassy and a former East Berlin neighborhood is the Memorial for the Murdered Jews of Europe, commonly referred to as the Holocaust Memorial. The memorial is a field of dark gray blocks and it opened in 2005. The memorial attracts over 5 million visitors a year.

  You Should Know

  Photography is generally allowed at most memorial sites and it's no different at the Holocaust Memorial. However, you should watch for signs regarding flash photography. More importantly, you should be mindful of some etiquette and be mindful of how you compose your photos. For example, it's generally frowned upon to take smiling, or overly joyous selfies at such a place recognizing such a dark stain on history.

• 
  Altstadt

  When visiting Germany, a German Old Town, or Altstadt, is a must-see. It's got all the things you love when you think about "old" Germany: cobblestone streets, cafes and perfect people-watching terraces, bustling squares, and lots of historic landmarks.

  You Should Know

  If you love Medieval, Gothic or Baroque style, you're going to love visiting any German old town Alstadt means "old town" and you can find an altstadt in most major German cities – so you can't go wrong!

• 
  Bamberg

  The small, quaint German town of Bamberg has a population of about 73,000 people and is so precious that it was designated a UNESCO site in 1993. You'll fall in love with this little city immediately. It's romantic, quiet, and has a strong German beer tradition.

  Best Time To Visit

  The best time to visit Bamberg is when you're on a river cruise sailing down the Main or Danube river. It's the best – and easiest – way to get to Bamberg. Most itineraries will have a stop for a day trip here and believe us, you'll want to experience it.

• 
  Kehlsteinhaus – Eagle’s Nest

  Located in Obersalzburg, the Kehlsteinhaus, or Eagle's Nest as the allies called it, is one the most popular attractions in the area. Commonly known as "Hitler's Tea House", this location was a symbol of power to the fallen regime. The Eagle's Nest attracts over 1.5 million visitors per year.

  You Should Know

  Kehlsteinhaus does not translate to Eagle's Nest in English. The name Eagle's Nest is rumored to have started by a visiting journalist who referred to it as such and has stuck since. It's said that Hitler barely even visited this location. To reach the top, you have to go up a brass elevator located in the heart of the mountain.

• 
  The Autobahn

  Automotive enthusiast or not, no trip to Germany is complete without visiting the Autobahn. The first segment was completed in 1932 between Cologne and Bonn. Today it stretches more than 8000 miles. If visiting on a guided tour from one of our partners, chances are your motorcoach will drive along the legendary autobahn and you can check it off your bucket list!

  You Should Know

  Contrary to popular belief, there are segments of the Autobahn that have a speed limit. The speed limit is only completely removed when driving on the outskirts of cities and towns with little residential areas.

Germany Tour Packages

• Spring (March to May)

  Spring (March to May): This is a delightful time to tour Germany as the country bursts into color with blooming flowers. The weather is mild, making it ideal for city tours and outdoor activities.

• Summer (June to August)

  Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season. Warm and sunny weather makes it perfect for exploring Germany's diverse landscapes and participating in numerous festivals. However, popular spots can be crowded.

• Autumn (September to November)

  Autumn (September to November): Autumn is a great time to tour Germany, especially for its famous Oktoberfest. The countryside is beautiful with fall foliage, and the weather is pleasant, albeit a bit cooler.

• Winter (December to February)

  Winter (December to February): Winters are cold, but the festive Christmas markets across the country offer a unique experience. It's also an excellent time for winter sports in the Bavarian Alps.

• Are You Ready to Tour Germany

  Are you ready to tour Germany and immerse yourself in a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty? Germany offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern vibrancy. From exploring fairy-tale castles in Bavaria to experiencing the bustling nightlife of Berlin, a Germany tour is filled with diverse attractions. Enjoy scenic landscapes along the Romantic Road, dive into the country's profound history, and indulge in its hearty cuisine. Germany's welcoming atmosphere and diverse experiences make it a worthy destination for any traveler. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable Germany tour, where every turn brings a new and exciting discovery.

Germany Tours Frequently Asked Questions

• What's a Germany Tour?

  Germany tours are prepackaged trips with a set itinerary and dedicated tour manager. Many people who want to take a Germany vacation want to avoid all the planning and logistics involved in a big week or two week foreign trip abroad and are looking to save money by doing it all in a package instead of piecing things together at full price. The trip is led by a tour director who will take care of all the services from beginning to the end of your vacation. Your tour director connects you with local tour guides who will have a lot of knowledge on the specific cities you explore. Typically, hotels, transportation throughout your trip, some meals and sightseeing are arranged and included with the price of your  Germany tour.

• What's Included on a Germany Tour?

  Generally,  a Germany tour will include as many services as possible, giving you less to worry about. Usually included on your Germany tour are: transportation (getting from place to place while on tour), accommodations, most meals, and the services of a dedicated tour director. As per the itinerary, certain sightseeing opportunities are also included: tickets to special VIP access to the most famous landmarks, skip the lines, and when available, access to a personal local guide for expert commentary.  Visitors to Germany find vibrant cities with amazing historic architecture, as well as enchanting medieval villages. Germany is romantic with its castles, palaces and abbeys, yet there are also opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors here, strolling the pretty, forested countryside.

• What’s The Best Germany Tour?

  The best Germany tour is the one that fits your budget and schedule! The most popular tour operators are Globus, Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Cosmos, Costsaver, CIE Tours, Intrepid, Tauck and others. You can't go wrong with any  Germany tour. Please speak with one of our travel consultants to find the best tour for you!

• How Much Do Germany Tours Cost?

  You can book an affordable Germany tour starting from under $99 per day per person. Besides our award winning customer service, the best part about booking with AffordableTours.com is you will always receive a discount on your Germany tour. We are committed to providing you with the lowest prices on all top tour operators.  No one beats our prices on all of our Germany tours!