Historic Grandeur and Countryside Charm in Paris and Germany

10 Day Tour of Paris, Heidelberg and Berlin

Overview
Trip Map
Itinerary
Inclusions
Reviews

A view of Heidelberg's Castle and Old Town at sunset

10 Days 9 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Castle & Palace Tours

Exploring Scenic Countryside

Experience the diverse charms of Europe on this journey through Paris, Heidelberg, and Berlin, blending two countries, vibrant cities, and serene countryside. Begin in the romantic streets of Paris, exploring iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Travel to Heidelberg, where history meets nature in a picturesque setting overlooked by a majestic castle. See the enchanting beauty of the Black Forest before venturing to Berlin, a city rich in both history and modernity. Easily combine historic cities and bucolic countryside with the help of guided tours and detailed travel guidance provided through our mobile app, ensuring an unforgettable trip.

Enjoy private guided tours in Paris, including an excursion to Monet's Giverny Gardens.
Ascend to Heidelberg Castle by funicular rail and enjoy a gentle hike along the Philosopher's Way.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Germany's Black Forest with a private guided excursion.
Visit iconic sites in Berlin like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and Museum Island.
Visit Potsdam, the former home to Germany's emperors, to see its beautiful palaces and lakes.

Enjoy private guided tours in Paris, including an excursion to Monet's Giverny Gardens.
Ascend to Heidelberg Castle by funicular rail and enjoy a gentle hike along the Philosopher's Way.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Germany's Black Forest with a private guided excursion.
Visit iconic sites in Berlin like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and Museum Island.
Visit Potsdam, the former home to Germany's emperors, to see its beautiful palaces and lakes.

Eiffel Tower

Historic Landmarks

Louvre Museum

Museums & Galleries

Arc de Triomphe

Architecture

Heidelberg Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Church of the Holy Spirit

Churches & Monasteries

Old Bridge

Architecture

The Brandenburg Gate

Historic Landmarks

The Berlin Wall

Historic Landmarks

Checkpoint Charlie

European History

Must see sights

Eiffel Tower

Historic Landmarks

Louvre Museum

Museums & Galleries

Arc de Triomphe

Architecture

Heidelberg Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Church of the Holy Spirit

Churches & Monasteries

Old Bridge

Architecture

The Brandenburg Gate

Historic Landmarks

The Berlin Wall

Historic Landmarks

Checkpoint Charlie

European History

Starting from

$3390

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

Not included

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

Start

Travelers

Preferred Hotel Stars

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

Trip Map & Itinerary

Enable/Disable Map Scrolling

Click to See Map

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Paris

Day 1

Arrive Paris

To Be Determined

Arrival in Paris Airport & Transfer by Taxi

Upon arrival at one of Paris's Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airports, it's fairly easy to catch a taxi from outside the main terminal building to your hotel. This is cheaper than a pre-arranged private transfer, although that option is also available if you wish - just ask your consultant. Parisien taxi drivers are generally reliable and honest, but we will provide you with instructions on how to avoid possible scammers and charlatans. If you want to save money, and often quite a lot of time as well, we will also give you alternative instructions on taking public transport into the city center. Details are contained in the full itinerary and mobile app available to our travelers. If on the other hand, you are arriving at Paris's third airport, Beauvais Airport (BVA), then you should always take the shuttle bus. The taxi fare might cost more than the flight - it's nearly 50 miles (75km) outside the city.

Day 1

Arrive Paris

To Be Determined:

Airport Taxi Pick-Up

Mid-Day/Afternoon:

Tuileries Gardens & Nearby Museums

Late Afternoon:

Arc de Triomphe

Day 1

Arrive Paris

Day 1

Arrive Paris

To Be Determined

Arrival in Paris Airport & Transfer by Taxi

Mid-Day/Afternoon

A Jaunt Through the Tuileries Garden & Nearby Art Museums

Stroll in the Tuileries and attend one of the nearby museums, a classic way to spend your free hours in Paris. Originally cultivated in 1564 as the grounds for the Tuileries Palace, the gardens are the oldest in Paris. Its succession of royal owners ended and the garden became a public park in the 19th century; Parisians congregated to relax and socialize beside the fountains and leafy horse chestnut trees - they still do today. The Musée de l'Orangerie, in the Western corner of the gardens, exhibits many Impressionist and 20th-century artworks, including Claude Monet’s famous water lilies.

Late Afternoon

Survey the Lights from the Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile is an enduring icon of Paris and offers a spectacular view across the city. In fact, some people say the best view of Paris is from the Arc de Triomphe, as the sweeping vista found at the top includes the Eiffel Tower. 'De l'Étoile' or 'star' refers to the junction on which the Arc de Triomphe stands. This is the meeting point of 12 straight avenues including the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, famous for its theatres, cafés, and luxury shops, and the inspiration for the catchy, eponymous song by Joe Dassin. Although this area of Paris bustles with shoppers, tourists, and commercial enterprises there is still much to explore, see, and do here, and some secret places to be found away from the crowds.

Day 2

Paris

Day 2

Paris

Day 2

Paris

Day 2

Paris

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Private Guided Walking Tour of the Center of Paris

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from your accommodation, you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Tour Paris' Heart, Notre Dame and the Île de la Cité

Discover the origins of Paris on the Ile de la Cité, it's glorious heart. The original settlement from which Paris grew overwhelms with the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Revolutionary history of the Conciergerie, the numinous kaleidoscope of Sainte-Chapelle's stained glass, and a plethora of other interesting sights. This island is a captivating blend of Parisian history and beauty, offering unforgettable experiences at every turn. A visit here traverses the river Seine and centuries, perfect for capturing the spirit of Paris.

Early Evening/Evening

Discover Montmartre: Paris's Bohemian Village

Montmartre, Paris's bohemian heart, where countless artists have whiled away their time, beckons with its cobblestone streets and vibrant history. Ascend the butte to find the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a white-domed sentinel offering breathtaking views of the city below. Wander through Place du Tertre, where artists capture the essence of Paris on canvas. Delve into the nightlife at the Moulin Rouge, a testament to the area's hedonistic past. Montmartre, a blend of artistic legacy and lively modern culture, offers a captivating escape into the soul of Paris, where every corner tells a story, and every moment is a brushstroke on the canvas of the city.

Day 3

Paris

Day 3

Paris

Day 3

Paris

Day 3

Paris

9:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Monet in Giverny Privately Guided Excursion

With a private guide, Giverny, the long-time residence of the artist Claude Monet, reveals it genius loci, and its attraction to this 'Father of Impressionism'. Filled with life, color, and artworks, Monet's house is a special experience; moreso, the gardens at Giverny are truly sumptuous. Lovers of Monet's paintings will quickly recognize the bridge and pond that inspired Monet's Water Lilies series, some of the most beautiful and famous paintings of all time. This excursion takes half a day and includes a pick up and drop off from your hotel in Paris with a fully-licensed guide.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Belle Epoque Splendour in the Paris Opéra District

Enamored with the late 19th-century, Belle-epoque Paris? Then, the Opéra area is for you. Many of the delights we now associate with the City pf Lights - fashion, can-can dancing, art nouveau architecture, opera and ballet, emanated from this part of Paris in the late 1800s. Also known as the 9th Arrondissement, this neighborhood features the Palais Garnier Opera House, the grand department stores Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, and hidden gems of museums such as the lavish Musée Jacquemart-André. Special Note: Be aware that the Palais Garnier Opera House routinely closes for performances during the day. Check the website calendar in advance to best plan your visit.

Early Evening to Late Evening

The Eiffel Tower From Above and Below

Maybe the most recognized landmark in the world, the Eiffel Tower never fails to impress and inspire. Its elegance has always drawn crowds, and it demands a little logistical planning in order to expedite the security checks and avoid the crowds. We'll provide you with very detailed information on how to do this in the Full Itinerary, along with how to purchase tickets to speed up your visit. Let your consultant know if you wish to have your Eiffel Tower tickets purchased for you - they require a very specific time slot. We will also provide you with information on the other grand sights to visit nearby, including the famous Museum of Man across the river at Trocadero, and the Quai Branly Museum.

Day 4

Paris to Heidelberg

Day 4

Paris to Heidelberg

Day 4

Paris to Heidelberg

Day 4

Paris to Heidelberg

Early Morning to Afternoon

Grand & Grand Gardeners, Visiting the Palace of Versailles

The Château of Versailles, a symbol of the grandeur of French monarchy, invites visitors to explore its lavish history and architectural majesty. From the spellbinding elegance of the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, to the vast, meticulously manicured Gardens the pinnacle of French garden design, every corner tells a story of opulence and power. Discover the intimate escapes of royalty at the Grand and Petit Trianon, and marvel at the divine beauty of the Royal Chapel, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.

To Be Determined

Rail Drop-Off by Taxi

Paris taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Parisian streets can get very congested, but if you are picked up one hour and 15 minutes prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train. Instructions for calling a taxi and finding your way around your specific rail station are included in the Full Itinerary.

17:10 - 20:17, 20:30 - 20:47

Rail Journey to Heidelberg

Your approximately 4-hour rail journey to Heidelberg will first take you through the famed terroire of Champagne. The vineyards in Champagne are the only ones who can rightly call their sparkling wine champagne. As you approach the German border, you will be passing through the region of Alsace-Lorraine. On crossing the border into Germany, you may notice some similarities as the region of Alsace-Lorraine shares some common history and culture with its German neighbors. You'll then travel north through the bucolic landscape of the southern Rhine Valley of Germany. You will likely connect trains either in Mannheim or Karlsruhe before reaching Heidelberg.

8:47 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 5

Heidelberg

Day 5

Heidelberg

Day 5

Heidelberg

Day 5

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

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.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

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.

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 6

Heidelberg

Day 6

Heidelberg

Day 6

Heidelberg

Day 6

Heidelberg

9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Guided Excursion to the Black Forest

With over 6,000 square kilometres of rolling hills, magnificent mountains, and pristine old forests, the Black Forest (Schwarzwald in German) is truly a national treasure. Outdoors enthusiasts travelling to Heidelberg are not to miss out on a visit to this incredible region filled with some of Europe’s best hiking and mountain views.

Early Evening/Evening

Dining Out in Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a fun city to enjoy at night as the city streets fill with locals, tourists, and students from Heidelberg University. Heidelberg has a plethora of bars, cafes, and restaurants, sure to please any visitor. Most are located within the Old Town, so it is easy to hop between spots and sample all the city has on offer.

Day 7

Heidelberg to Berlin

Day 7

Heidelberg to Berlin

Day 7

Heidelberg to Berlin

Day 7

Heidelberg to Berlin

8:10 AM

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.

09:10 - 09:24, 09:32 - 14:29

Rail Journey from Heidelberg to Berlin

This journey of over a little more than five hours will require a change in either Frankfurt or Mannheim, which are both located near Heidelberg. If changing in Frankfurt, you will likely travel on the high-speed inter-city express train (ICE) the whole journey. If changing in Mannheim, you'll first take a regional train before changing to the ICE train. You'll enjoy a scenic journey as you first pass through the Rhine Valley, and then travel through central Germany. You'll see charming towns and villages, and pass through countryside filled with forests, farmland, and hills. You will also pass through the Fulda Gap; once considered the most militarily important terrain in the world. It was along this corridor of lowlands that NATO expected the Soviets to invade in a hypothetical World War III. Upon approaching Berlin, you'll enter a flat region of thick pine forests which surrounds the city before arriving at its main station.

2:29 PM

Transfer from Rail Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains arrive in Berlin 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. The station is well connected by public transport to all of central Berlin; U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and bus all service the station. This means public transport is often the fastest and easiest way of reaching the station. Berlin taxis are generally reliable and honest, so if you prefer the convenience of not carrying your bags on public transport, they are a good option. Uber is also a good option, and some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags.

Late Afternoon

Wander the Tiergarten and Climb the Victory Column

Once the hunting ground of the Prussian kings, the Tiergarten is Berlin’s most famous and expansive park. It is a wonderful escape from urban stress located in the very center of the city. You will discover beautiful forests, fields, and ponds, all easily reached through an extensive and well maintained network of trails. Some of Berlin's favorite beer gardens are also located in the park.

Early Evening/Evening

Stroll the Kurfürstendamm in West Berlin

In the 1920's the elegant, tree-line boulevard known as the Kurfürstendamm was the center of Berlin's nightlife and leisure scene, attracting writers, film stars, and artists. WWII left it in ruins, and today at the end of the boulevard you'll discover a chilling reminder of that destruction: the purposefully unrecontructed remains of the Memorial Church. During the Cold War, the Kurfürstendamm and its surroundings were central to West Berlin's revitalized identity. This was perhaps best symbolized by the famous KaDeWe, the gigantic department store which served as a symbol of market capitalism lodged in the heart of the Iron Curtain.

Day 8

Berlin

Day 8

Berlin

Day 8

Berlin

Day 8

Berlin

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Highlights of Berlin Guided Walking Tour

On this 3 hour tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Berlin and help you understand what makes this city so unique. Sites visited will include the boulevard Unter den Linden, the Gendarmenmarkt, Check Point Charlie, remnants of the Berlin Wall, Potsdamer Platz, the Holocaust Memorial, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Berlin's Most Iconic Sights

Many of Berlin’s most iconic symbols are found within a short walk of each other. Most famous of all is the Brandenburg Gate. First built as a symbol of peace, it became a symbol of division during the Cold War. A few steps away stands the Reichstag, which was destroyed in the climax of World War II but which has been beautifully rebuilt with a glass dome. Meanwhile, the modernistic Sony Center also symbolizes a revitalized and rebuilt Berlin. Also close by is the sobering Holocaust Memorial, with its more than 2700 concrete slabs creating an ominous impression of loss. Just beyond it is another reminder of Germany's darkest period - the site of Hitler's bunker during the seige of Berlin.

Late Afternoon to Evening

The TV Tower and Berlin's East German & Medieval Legacies

The Television Tower and its surroundings in Alexanderplatz are Berlin's main architectural monument to the former East Germany. Despite the high-rent stores and offices that now fill the buildings, you can still detect quite a bit of that old communist character. Somewhat ironically, you'll find the medieval Nikolaiviertel, the oldest residential area of Berlin, just a few steps away. You'll also find nearby the Marienkirche (Berlin's oldest parish church), the displaced Neptune Fountain, the Red Town Hall, statues of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, and the massive Loxx model railway that even non-model train enthusiasts will gasp at.

Day 9

Berlin

Day 9

Berlin

Day 9

Berlin

Day 9

Berlin

Morning to Early Evening

Excursion to Potsdam

For most visitors, Potsdam means Sanssouci, Frederick the Great's palace and his majestically landscaped park of architectural treasures that once competed with Berlin as the grand Prussian capital. But there is much more to Potsdam than just Sanssouci. From taking a cruise through pristine lakes, exploring the charming city center, or wandering the numerous tranquil parks studded with fantastical palaces, visitors will be hard pressed to fit a visit to Potsdam into just one day. In fact many choose to rent a bike to fit more in, as well they should, as Potsdam is the perfect place to discover on a bicycle.

Early Evening/Evening

Cruise on the River Spree

The Spree is a 250 mile long river that flows through the German states of Saxony and Brandenburg. But it’s best known for its final stretch where it drifts through the city center of Berlin, flowing under more bridges than in Venice and passing the Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom), the Reichstag and the Charlottenburg chateau. Taking a cruise, whether for an hour or half the day, offers a wonderful way to see the city in a relaxed manner.

Day 10

Depart Berlin

Day 10

Depart Berlin

Day 10

Depart Berlin

Day 10

Depart Berlin

To Be Determined

Transfer to Berlin Airport by Taxi or Train

The most affordable and fast way to reach Berlin Brandenburg airport is by train. The Airport Express train takes only 30 minutes and leaves directly from the main station in central Berlin (Berlin Hbf). Regional and S-Bahn trains also depart from other locations in Berlin. Berlin taxis are generally reliable and honest, so you may wish to take a taxi or Uber, although this is more expensive than the train and puts you at the mercy of traffic. 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 about two hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

Click to See Details

Historic Grandeur and Countryside Charm in Paris and Germany

10 Day Tour of Paris, Heidelberg and Berlin

$3390

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

Arrival in Paris Airport & Transfer by Taxi

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.