Winter Wonderland: Germany’s Iconic Cities and Alpine Landscapes

10 Day Tour of Heidelberg, Nuremberg and Munich

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Trip Map
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Neuschwanstein castle amidst the Bavarian mountains in winter

10 Days 9 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Exploring Scenic Countryside

History Buffs

Explore Germany's enchanting winter landscapes on this 10-day adventure. Begin your journey in the historic Heidelberg, wandering through medieval streets and climbing to its romantic ruined castle. See Nuremberg's Old Town and imposing Imperial Castle, and take a day trip to picture-perfect Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The bustling city of Munich follows, where modernity meets Bavarian tradition. Discover Germany’s fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle and experience the snowy charm of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, nestled in the Alps. Enjoy hearty German cuisine & breathtaking winter vistas, as well as 3 private guided walks and detailed travel guidance.

Experience a guided tour through the picturesque streets of Heidelberg & cross the famed Old Bridge.
Discover Nuremberg’s Imperial Castle courtyards on a private guided tour of the Old Town.
Wander Munich’s charming Altstadt and relax in its renowned beer halls.
Take a self-guided excursion to Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s Alpine winter wonderland.
Marvel at the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for countless fairy tales.

Experience a guided tour through the picturesque streets of Heidelberg & cross the famed Old Bridge.
Discover Nuremberg’s Imperial Castle courtyards on a private guided tour of the Old Town.
Wander Munich’s charming Altstadt and relax in its renowned beer halls.
Take a self-guided excursion to Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s Alpine winter wonderland.
Marvel at the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for countless fairy tales.

Heidelberg Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Church of the Holy Spirit

Churches & Monasteries

Old Bridge

Architecture

Nuremberg Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Nazi Rally Grounds

The Great War & WWII

Old Town

Historic Landmarks

Old Town

Architecture

Residence Palace

Castles & Chateaux

Deutsches Museum

Museums & Galleries

Must see sights

Heidelberg Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Church of the Holy Spirit

Churches & Monasteries

Old Bridge

Architecture

Nuremberg Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Nazi Rally Grounds

The Great War & WWII

Old Town

Historic Landmarks

Old Town

Architecture

Residence Palace

Castles & Chateaux

Deutsches Museum

Museums & Galleries

Starting from

$1899

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Heidelberg

Day 1

Arrive Heidelberg

10:52 - 11:23, 15:59 - 16:16

Rail or Bus from Frankfurt Airport to Heidelberg

Frankfurt Airport is the most convenient airport for those traveling to Heidelberg. Taxis are available directly at the terminal exit, or you can arrange a private transfer for added convenience. Uber is also available. Any of these options though will be very expensive. The cheapest and fastest way to reach Heidelberg is by train or bus. A train station is co-located with the airport, and there are several daily direct trains to Heidelberg's main station, where you can easily hail a much less expensive taxi. If a direct train is not leaving at a convenient time for you, you can take a train which connects in Mannheim - in either case the journey only takes an hour. There are also direct buses which depart from a stop next to the rail station exit.

Day 1

Arrive Heidelberg

10:52 - 11:23, 15:59 - 16:16:

Train or Bus to Heidelberg

4:16 PM:

Transfer from Rail Station

Day 1

Arrive Heidelberg

Day 1

Arrive Heidelberg

10:52 - 11:23, 15:59 - 16:16

Rail or Bus from Frankfurt Airport to Heidelberg

4:16 PM

Arrival and Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains arrive in Heidelberg Hbf station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option, and the local tram system picks up directly in front of the station. Taxis are available at all rail stations and are generally honest, although you can also arrange a private transfer if you prefer. Uber is not yet available in Heidelberg.

Day 2

Heidelberg

Day 2

Heidelberg

Day 2

Heidelberg

Day 2

Heidelberg

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Guided Walking Tour of the Heidelberg's Altstadt and Castle

On this 4 hour tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Heidelberg and help you understand what makes this city so unique. Sites visited will include the Heidelberg University, the Old Bridge, Altstadt, Town Hall and Heidelberg Castle.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Tour Heidelberg Castle and Königstuhl

Heidelberg has the fortune to have some uniquely atmospheric castle ruins and is home to the oldest yet most modern funicular railway in Germany. Use this funicular to take a trip up Heidelberg Castle and stroll through the castle gardens. Continue up to the top of the hill where you will reach the Königstuhl to experience spectacular views of Heidelberg and the Neckar River valley.

Early Evening/Evening

Explore the Old Town (Altstadt)

Heidelberg's Altstadt (i.e. its Old Town) is full of cafes, restaurants, and pubs, and is almost always abuzz with foot traffic. With one of Germany's most prestigious universities partially located within the Altstadt, it also has a youthful and international vibe which makes it seem especially vibrant. The baroque buildings which line the market squares and quaint sidestreets by themselves make the Altstadt undeniably charming. But factor in its perfect setting, wedged between the river and forested green hills dominated by a castle, and it is no wonder it is one of Germany's most photographed locales.

Day 3

Heidelberg to Nuremberg

Day 3

Heidelberg to Nuremberg

Day 3

Heidelberg to Nuremberg

Day 3

Heidelberg to Nuremberg

Early Morning/Morning

Hike Along the Philosophenweg

Enjoy a gentle hike up into the hills above Heidelberg from the Old Bridge to get magnificent views of the castle on the other side, then trek up further to visit the wonderfully atmospheric ruins of St. Michael's ruins and Thingstätte, the pseudo-Grecian amphitheater built by the Nazis in the mid-1930s to stage opera and theater plays extolling the virtues of the Aryan race.

2:15 PM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains depart from Heidelberg Hbf station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option, and the local tram network stops directly in front of the station. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is not yet available in Heidelberg.

15:13 - 15:53, 15:54 - 17:51

Rail Journey to Nuremberg

Your approximately 3-hour rail journey to Nuremberg will travel through charming landscape in the heart of southern Germany. You will encounter forests, farmlands, vineyards, and river valleys along the way, likely connecting trains in Frankfurt or Stuttgart.

5:51 PM

Arrival and Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains arrive in Nürnberg Hbf station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance (many are located very nearby). Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option, and the station is the public transport hub of the city, meaning you can easily connect to anywhere in the city. Uber is not yet available in Nuremberg, but taxis are available at all rail stations and are generally honest. Some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags.

Day 4

Nuremberg

Day 4

Nuremberg

Day 4

Nuremberg

Day 4

Nuremberg

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Guided Walking Tour of Nuremberg's Old Town & Imperial Castle Courtyards

Discover a truly extraordinarily place on this 2-hour private guided walking tour of Nuremberg’s medieval walled old city. Enjoy a pleasant walk around the Old Town, passing churches, art treasures, wells and fountains as you make your way up to the Imperial Castle. Explore the outer courtyards with your guide before returning to the Main Market Place.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Explore the Sebald Altstadt and Visit the Imperial Castle

With its abundance of half-timbered homes, Gothic churches, and a dramatic castle, Nuremberg was once an ideal representative of Germany’s architectural inheritance. While most of its Old Town was destroyed in World War II, much of it was rebuilt to reflect this pre-war appearance. The beauty and vibrancy of the historic city can still be easily imagined as you shop on the Market Square or explore the narrow lanes of the Old Town, which are lined by brightly painted and steeply gabled half-timbered burgher houses. The impressive castle overlooking the city is also a must see when visiting the Sebalder Altstadt.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Tour the Lorenz Old Town, Nuremberg's Shopping District

The Old Town to the south of the Pegnitz River is known as the Lorenz Old Town, after the magnificent medieval Church of St. Lorenz. Like the Sebald Old Town to the north, it was also rebuilt after being nearly completely destroyed in Allied air raids in January 1945. While it doesn’t have quite the old world charm found on the other side of the river, it makes up for this with liveliness and activity. This is the true heart of the city for locals, as it is filled with shopping, restaurants, pubs, and other attractions.

Day 5

Nuremberg

Day 5

Nuremberg

Day 5

Nuremberg

Day 5

Nuremberg

Early Morning to Late Afternoon

Excursion to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Massive stone walls studded with 42 towers; half-timbered colorful houses with red-tiled roofs; cobblestone streets and flower-filled window boxes: this is Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the most fairy-tale towns in all of Europe, and the most popular stop on Germany's famous "Romantic Road". This little slice of storybook heaven is one of the most photographed towns in Europe, with thousands of visitors from all over the world coming to experience its magical atmosphere. If traveling by train, it is located only a little more than an hour from Nuremberg, although you will need to make two connections on the journey.

Day 6

Nuremberg to Munich

Day 6

Nuremberg to Munich

Day 6

Nuremberg to Munich

Day 6

Nuremberg to Munich

9:15 AM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains depart from Nürnberg Hbf station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option, and you can easily reach the station from almost anywhere in the city, as it is the public transport hub. Uber is not yet available in Nuremberg, but if staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags.

10:02 - 11:08

Rail to Munich

The short but scenic train journey from Nuremberg to Munich will take you north through the charming Bavarian countryside, as well as the Audi-producing industrial city of Ingolstadt and the town of Dachau where the first Nazi concentration camp was infamously located.

11:08 AM

Arrival and Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains arrive in Müchen Hbf station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option - there is a subway and local rail station co-located with the train station. Taxis are available at all rail stations and are generally honest. Some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

Afternoon to Early Evening

Exploring Munich's Altstadt (i.e. the Old Town)

Munich boasts a large old town (Altstadt) with many beautiful historic buildings. Sometimes called the world's largest village, it is a perfect place to wander. You will discover many Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings, as well as several stunning examples of modern architecture. Pleasant cafes, beer halls, cozy restaurants, and great shopping all add to the charming atmosphere.

Early Evening/Evening

Visit to the Augustiner Keller

This vast beer garden under leafy chestnut trees is immensely popular with the locals, so you can study the lederhosen-clad men and dirndl attired women at close quarters while quaffing the Augustiner's own Edelstaff beer from your Maßkrug (one-liter glass beer mug) and wolfing down a plate stacked high with Bavarian sausage and mashed potato.

Day 7

Munich

Day 7

Munich

Day 7

Munich

Day 7

Munich

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Guided Walk Tour of Historic Munich

Munich contains many reminders of a long and varied history but also encompasses the modern features of a strong and vibrant city. The insights of a local help make sense of the traditions, trends, and promises of Bavaria's Capital - sometimes referred to as the city of laptops and lederhosen. On this tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Munich and point out the many hidden treasures.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Tour of the Residence Palace

The Munich Residenz was the seat of Bavaria's Dukes and Kings from the middle ages until 1918. Originally a medieval castle, it was transformed over the centuries into a beautiful palace. Today it is open to the public and you can explore its magnificent interiors, numerous courtyards, and elegant garden. The living quarters of the royal family have been transformed into a museum which provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Kings and Queens. You can also peruse numerous jewels, gold objects, and other precious items which are held in the Residenz Schatzkammer (treasury).

Early Evening/Evening

Dining out in Maxvorstadt

Maxvorstadt is not just Munich’s most central nightlife hotspot, it’s one of the most historically fascinating neighborhoods in all of Bavaria. The area is often called the “Brains of Munich” for its concentration of arts and education centers, including seven universities and several museums and galleries. It’s a lively spot from day to evening to be sure, with a diversity of cozy bars, restaurants, and cafes appealing to the large student population and foreign visitors.

Day 8

Munich

Day 8

Munich

Day 8

Munich

Day 8

Munich

Morning to Late Afternoon

Self Guided Excursion to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Nestled in a magnificent setting at the foot of the Bavarian Alps, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the German capital of summer hiking. The town has also been on the international winter-sports map ever since hosting the 1936 Winter Olympics. Once two different villages, Garmisch and Partenkirchen, the two halves of the town do show sharply contrasting characters: Garmisch is lively and international (in winter at least), while Partenkirchen better preserves its original Alpine charm. Perhaps the biggest draw for tourists is the opportunity to ride the famous Zugspitzbahn railway to Germany's tallest mountain, the Zugspitze.

Day 9

Munich

Day 9

Munich

Day 9

Munich

Day 9

Munich

Morning to Late Afternoon

Self Guided Excursion to Neuschwanstein Castle

An inspiration for the Disney Castles, numerous fairy tales, and countless dreamers, the Castle of Neuschwanstein is perhaps the most famous castle in the world. The eccentric Bavarian King Ludwig II created this amazing palace in the 19th century as an idyllic version of a medieval castle. You can visit by taking a guided tour from Munich or traveling independently by train and bus. In addition to enjoying spectacular views you can take a guided tour of the castle interior which is well worth the experience (but keep in mind that there a lots of steps to negotiate). If traveling independentally, be sure to book your interior tour reservations at least two days in advance.

Day 10

Depart Munich

Day 10

Depart Munich

Day 10

Depart Munich

Day 10

Depart Munich

To Be Determined

Transfer to Airport by Taxi or Train

Munich has one main airport, Munich International Airport, where almost all visitors depart. The most affordable and often fastest way to reach the airport is by train. The "S-bahn" local trains takes 40 minutes and leaves directly from the main station in central Munich (München hbf). Other regional trains to the airport depart from other stations in Munich, so you may have an even better departure option near your hotel. Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi or if you have the app, Uber is also a good option. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about 3 hours before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with a little over 2 hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

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Winter Wonderland: Germany’s Iconic Cities and Alpine Landscapes

10 Day Tour of Heidelberg, Nuremberg and Munich

$1899

Secure Your Customizable Trip Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.

Trip Map & Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Rail or Bus from Frankfurt Airport to Heidelberg

Secure Your Customizable Trip
Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary
Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.