Bavaria and Switzerland

Christmas reigns year-round in Rothenburg, a gem of a town on Germany’s picturesque Romantic Road. In addition to its perpetual Christmas markets, the town features one of the most intact medieval city walls in Europe and a unique clock. During the Thirty Years’ War, a former Rothenburg mayor was given the chance to save the city by drinking nearly a gallon of wine. He succeeded (and then slept for three days straight), and his feat is reenacted seven times daily by mechanical figures on the clock in the Marktplatz—putting a fresh spin on the concept of a “cuckoo clock.” The grand Gothic St. Jacob’s Church looks on from across the square.

There is no surprise here. The Romantic Road is exactly what it says it is — a drive down the middle of Western Bavaria’s heartland and a path through the center of your own heart with its romantic picturesque scenery. Between Würzburg and Füssen, the route is strewn with quaint villages, colorful castles, farmhouses, elaborate churches and dense forest.

Join a licensed guide for a whirlwind look at Munich, from its medieval heart to modern landmarks. Stroll through Marienplatz to see the Neues Rathaus and its famous Glockenspiel, framed by the twin towers of the Frauenkirche. Visit the Residenz, then explore Olympiapark, built for the 1972 Games, and step into BMW Welt to experience innovation and sleek design.

Bavarian Dancing Lesson

Visit the Bavarian village of Hohenschwangau and learn about Hohenschwangau Castle, the childhood home of King Ludwig II, with views of Lake Alpsee and the surrounding Alps. Then enjoy a scenic hike toward Neuschwanstein Castle and pause at Queen Mary’s Bridge for an unforgettable photo stop of the fairytale fortress and mountain landscape.

Explore Lucerne with your Tour Director, set against the Alps and green pastures. Walk the Old Town’s cobblestones to Chapel Bridge, a 14th-century wooden bridge decorated with murals, and see the Lion Monument, a sandstone tribute to Swiss Guards lost in 1792. Visit the ornate Jesuit Church and take in the charm of Weinmarkt and Kornmarkt Squares.

Visit Zurich, an optional excursion, known as "Downtown Switzerland." The city acts as headquarters for five world banks and countless underground gold bullions. Later, explore the old town (altdstadt) and get a sense of why this city was named number one for best quality of life; stroll through parks and quays, relax by Lake Zurich or shop for products unique to Switzerland.

Experience the legends of William Tell, the Lion Monument, and the story of Swiss independence as history comes to life through vivid reenactments.

Join your Tour Director for a sightseeing tour of Heidelberg, a charming city surrounded by mountains, forests, and the Neckar River. Stroll through Market Square for views of Germany’s oldest university, then visit Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance landmarks north of the Alps. Learn about its turbulent history from the Thirty Years’ War to a lightning strike in 1764, and explore the castle courtyard to see the world’s largest wine barrel, a symbol of the city’s enduring spirit and charm.

Cruise along the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River, surrounded by rocky cliffs topped with picturesquely crumbling castles and covered by the country’s most famous vineyards.

Board your flight home or choose to extend your trip with two days in Prague. Travel via Dresden and visit the Zwinger Museum, a Baroque palace complex renowned for its art collections, including works by Raphael, Rembrandt, and Vermeer, as well as porcelain and scientific instruments. Continue to Prague, where a guided sightseeing tour features Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, the John Lennon Peace Wall, and Prague Castle. Conclude with a city walk through Mala Strana and the historic Jewish Quarter.