10 Days in Germany - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of Germany: Berlin, Dresden, Munich & Frankfurt

Cover the highlights of Berlin, Dresden, Munich, and Frankfurt on this classic itinerary. You'll see the sites of Berlin by bike, admire Dresden's architecture on an Elbe River cruise, learn about Oktoberfest on a food and beer tour in Munich, and visit Frankfurt's architectural treasures. You'll also have the chance to tour the historic town of Heidelberg and check out the ruins of its castle, hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park, and go wine tasting in the Rhine Valley.

On arrival, and after refreshing at your hotel, cruise around Berlin on a bike tour that includes the city's street art and the infamous Berlin Wall. The following day, check out more art and sample artisanal eats at the historic Markthalle 9 market on a walking tour in the hipster Kreuzberg neighborhood for insight into modern Germany. On Day 3, catch a train south to Dresden, where you'll admire the city's architecture, including the Dresden Opera House and the Royal Palace, from the vantage point of an Elbe River cruise. Escape to the Saxon Switzerland National Park for a hike before boarding a train to Munich.

Learn about Oktoberfest (or join in if you're visiting in October!) and taste popular Bavarian flavors on a food and beer tour, then join a walking tour the next day and hear the legends and love stories that shaped the city. On Day 7, you'll board a train to Frankfurt, where you'll visit the city's old and new architectural treasures like the Römer, the 600-year-old medieval city hall. A day trip to the Rhine Valley offers the opportunity to taste some of Germany's finest wines. Finally, you'll stroll the cobblestone streets of the historic town of Heidelberg and visit the ruins of Heidelberg Castle before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Ultimate Summer Road Trip in Southern Germany

This summer road trip is ideal for those seeking a mix of culture, history, and cuisine, as well as playing up outdoor activities. Highlights include biking and beer gardens in Munich, standup paddleboarding on Lake Constance, hiking to the Rhine Falls in Switzerland, observing artisans in the Black Forest region, visiting medieval villages along the Romantic Road, cruising the Rhine River, and sipping riesling wines in Rudesheim.

Your adventure begins with a bike tour in Munich, where you'll explore the city's history and culture, pedal through the city's famous English Garden, and stop for refreshments at a beer garden. Next, you'll cross the Bavarian countryside to Chiemsee Lake, board a boat to Herreninsel Island and tour the 19th-century Herrenchiemsee Palace, built with the intent to rival Versailles. Continue to Konstanz to standup paddleboard on Lake Constance before crossing the Swiss border to trek to Rhine Falls. You'll also have a chance to hike in the Black Forest, observe local cuckoo-clock artisans, and indulge in the famous Black Forest cake. 

Your next stop is the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where you'll delve into the world of ancient law enforcement and punishment at the Medieval Crime Museum and soak up the atmosphere of the colorful Flat Square plaza. Take a self-guided tour along Germany's Romantic Road, starting at Schillingsfürst Castle, visiting medieval villages, and refueling with traditional Bavarian food in Feuchtwangen. Take it easy on your final full day with a relaxing cruise along the Rhine River and some riesling wine tasting in Rudesheim before driving to Frankfurt for your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: World War II History Tour of Germany

Travelers interested in World War II history can journey through time on this itinerary. Through notable experiences that include guided tours of the Sachsenhausen and Dachau concentration camps, a visit to Hitler's bunker in Berlin, a walking tour at Checkpoint Charlie, and a tour of the courtroom where the Nuremberg Trials were held, you'll gain insights into the rise and fall of the Third Reich and the resilience of the people who lived through this dark period. Given the heavy subject matter, it may not be suited to families with young children.

Your journey through World War II history in Germany starts in Berlin, where you'll tour the infamous Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. The following day, you'll visit significant landmarks such as the Soviet War Memorial and Führerbunker (Hitler's bunker) on a private World War II-focused tour. Then, head to Checkpoint Charlie for a self-guided walk followed by some time to reflect (at a local café or restaurant of your choice) on this location's tense history and transformation. On Day 4, you'll catch a train south to Dresden, where you'll embark on a historic walking tour of landmarks impacted by World War II bombings.

Next up, you're off on a day trip to Northern Bohemia in the Czech Republic, visiting the Terezín Memorial and Fortress (Theresienstadt), a former concentration camp. Then on Day 6, board a train to Nuremberg in Germany, where you'll walk the Great Street, a famous boulevard that was used for parades and processions, and visit Zeppelin Field, a platform for Nazi rallies and propaganda events before decompressing with some sausages and sauerkraut at a local beer garden. Your last stop is Munich, where you'll learn about the city's World War II history and pay a solemn visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Germany & Switzerland Active Road Trip: Munich to Geneva

Active travelers eager to pair outdoor adventures with culinary experiences and historical sites in Germany and Switzerland will enjoy this multicountry road trip. Some highlights include a classic food and beer tour in Munich and a bike ride to picture book Neuschwanstein Castle before hopping the border to kayak on Lake Brienz, e-bike and picnic in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and indulge in cheese and chocolate tastings in Gruyères.

Kick off your trip with a guided Bavarian food and beer tour in Munich. The next day, you'll pick up your rental car and drive along the Romantic Road west to Füssen, stopping to see Friedberg's well-preserved medieval city walls and the colorful buildings and cobblestone streets of Lech en route. Once in Füssen, you'll bike to historic towns and castles, including the Neuschwanstein Castle—rumored to be the inspiration for Disney's "Cinderella," before driving to Konstanz for a standup paddleboarding tour on Lake Constance. Then, cross the border into Switzerland, where you'll take a cable car up Mount Pilatus for epic views in Lucerne.

Continue to Interlaken on Day 6 for a kayaking tour on Lake Brienz that will bring you by secluded beaches and the 12th-century Ringgenberg Castle. Next, you'll e-bike through the Lauterbrunnen Valley and enjoy a Swiss picnic of sausage and cheese. The following day, head to the medieval village of Gruyères for a cheese factory tour and tasting, and make your own chocolate bar in the renowned Maison Cailler chocolate museum in nearby Broc before moving on to Montreux. Wrap up your trip in Geneva, where you'll tour the historic Old Town and savor a traditional Swiss meal at Les Armures. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Highlights of Central Europe: Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Brno, Vienna, Bratislava & Budapest

On this fast-paced multicountry road trip, you'll experience the art, history, and culinary experiences of five central European countries. Highlights include a Cold War tour and beer tasting in Berlin, a river cruise in Dresden, an e-bike tour of Prague, a walking tour of Brno's architectural masterpiece, a concert by the Vienna Mozart Orchestra, a food and beer tour in Bratislava, and a cooking class in Budapest. 

On arrival, sample traditional German brews and experience the city's beer culture on a private beer tour, beginning in Berlin's trendy Friedrichshain neighborhood. Then, learn about East Berlin's Cold War history on a City of Shadows tour before driving to Dresden for a cruise on the Elbe River. Stop to hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park on Day 4 on your way to Prague, Czech Republic. Enjoy the Czech countryside and local wines on a wine tour of the Bohemian vineyards. Take an e-bike tour around Prague, then hit the road to Brno, where a private walking tour will introduce you to the city's architectural highlights, including the St Peter and Paul Cathedral.

Afterward, you'll continue a couple of hours south to Austria's capital, Vienna, where you'll indulge in refinement with a lavish three-course meal and a concert by the Vienna Mozart Orchestra. The next day, you'll dive deep into the city's art scene by visiting various museums, including the Albertina Museum and the Freud Museum. Back in your rental, you'll carry on to Bratislava, Slovakia, for a food and beer tour to acquaint yourself with the capital city. Your last full day sees you capping off the trip in Budapest, Hungary, with a market tour and cooking class followed by a relaxing three-hour dinner cruise on the Danube. Learn more

More Great Germany Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Germany? Check out these other Germany itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.