8-Day Heart of Germany: Rhine Valley, Fairy Tale Route & Cologne Cathedral

Tour Overview

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrive Frankfurt

Arrive in Frankfurt. Afternoon orientation: the old town (Römerberg), Main River promenade, and the European Central Bank. Welcome dinner with Frankfurt’s famous apple wine (Apfelwein). Overnight in Frankfurt.

Day 2: Rhine Valley Cruise

Scenic drive to the Rhine Valley. Cruise from Rüdesheim to St. Goar — the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine, passing the Lorelei Rock and dozens of medieval castles. Wine tasting in a Rhine Valley vineyard. Overnight in the Rhine region.

Day 3: Cochem & Moselle Valley

Visit the fairy-tale Reichsburg Castle in Cochem overlooking the Moselle River. Drive the winding Moselle Valley through Germany’s steepest vineyards. Afternoon in Koblenz at the Deutsches Eck where Rhine meets Moselle. Overnight in Cologne.

Day 4: Cologne Cathedral & Fairy Tale Route

Marvel at the Cologne Cathedral — Germany’s most visited landmark, 154m high, taking 632 years to build. Climb the south tower for panoramic views. Afternoon drive to the Fairy Tale Route: visit Trendelburg’s Rapunzel Tower and the half-timbered town of Höxter. Overnight in Hamelin.

Day 5: Hamelin & Hanover

Explore Hamelin, the town of the Pied Piper. Watch the mechanical clock reenact the tale. Continue to Hanover: Herrenhausen Gardens, New Town Hall, and the Royal Gardens. Overnight in Hanover.

Day 6: Bremen & Hamburg

Morning in Bremen: Town Musicians statue, Schnoor quarter, and market square. Drive to Hamburg — Germany’s “Gateway to the World.” Harbor tour of the Port of Hamburg and Speicherstadt (UNESCO warehouse district). Overnight in Hamburg.

Day 7: Hamburg & Lübeck

Explore Hamburg: Elbphilharmonie concert hall, Reeperbahn, and Alster Lake. Afternoon trip to Lübeck, the Queen of the Hanseatic League, famous for marzipan and its Gothic brick architecture. Farewell dinner with North German seafood. Overnight in Hamburg.

Day 8: Depart Hamburg

Airport transfer. Bis bald!

Inclusions

• 7 nights 4-star hotel accommodation
• Daily breakfast
• 4 dinners including wine tasting
• Rhine River cruise
• Hamburg harbor tour
• Professional guide throughout
• All entrance fees
• Airport transfers

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses