Highlights of Germany

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Heidelberg

Willkommen in Deutschland! After meeting your ACIS Tour Manager in Frankfurt, you’ll head to the famed university town of Heidelberg. Afternoon sightseeing includes entrance to the magnificent Heidelberg Castle, a notable example of Renaissance architecture that towers hundreds of feet above the Neckar River.

Day 3: Rothenburg

This morning you’ll depart for Rothenburg, a quintessentially German city that’s famous for its well-preserved, centuries-old buildings. Dotted with fountains, towers and turrets, the city is made for sightseeing by foot. Your walking tour includes entrance to St. Jakob's Church, with its intricate carvings and stained-glass windows. In the evening, re-live chilling tales of medieval Rothenburg during a spooky Night Watchman's tour.

Day 4: Munich

Begin today with a drive to Munich, stopping en route for a somber visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial. This former prison camp actually was not one of the “death camps” but is still a vivid reminder of Nazi atrocities during World War II. Participate in a discussion about the rise of the Nazi Party and learn why every Munich school child must also visit this poignant site. In Munich, you’ll refuel with a pretzel tasting, followed by an evening visit to the Olympic Park.

Day 5: Munich

Explore Bavaria's capital city with a guided sightseeing tour of highlights such as the Marienplatz and its famed Glockenspiel, the Viktualienmarkt food-and-flower market and the surfers on the Isar River. Later you'll discover the city's hidden gems during a bike tour of unique neighborhoods and other off-the-beaten-path sights. Pedal down historic old streets, peek into delightful courtyards, ride along the city's river and explore the popular 910-acre Englischer Garten, one of the world's largest urban public parks. The reward for all your pedaling? A delicious German sausage dinner.

Day 6: Dresden

The morning starts with a journey to beautiful Nuremberg to view the Zeppelintribüne at the Nazi Party Rally Grounds. Then enjoy the historical insight given by audio guides on your visit of the Nuremberg Documentation Center, a museum that provides socio-political context for the Nazi reign of terror. Later you’ll travel on to one of Germany’s Baroque gems, the city of Dresden, for dinner.

Day 7: Berlin

The morning kicks off with a guided sightseeing tour of Dresden that includes views of the Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady), which was reduced to rubble during World War II then rebuilt via donations from people all across Germany, and the grand Zwinger Palace. Then you’ll head for Berlin to explore this historical yet hip city.

Day 8: Berlin

This morning's sightseeing tour with an expert local guide shows you some of Berlin's most important historical touchstones, including a portion of the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, Potsdamer Platz and the infamous Checkpoint Charlie. Then engage with modern German culture as you try something completely different: a street-art workshop where you'll learn about this edgy modern-art movement. A walking tour will reveal many fine examples, including stencil art, paste-ups, graffiti, murals and tagging. In addition, local experts will show you how to make your own street-savvy artwork, which you'll take home as a one-of-a-kind personal souvenir.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Further immerse yourself in the culture and wonders of Germany with an extra night in Berlin, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager.