Highlights of Germany

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Friday June 20: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Saturday June 21: 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. (D)

Day 3, Sunday June 22: 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 the Night Watchman's tour. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday June 23: Munich

Begin today with a drive to Munich, stopping en route for a somber visit of 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. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday June 24: 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. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday June 25: 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. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday June 26: 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. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday June 27: 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. In the afternoon engage with modern German culture as you try something completely different: a street art workshop, where you'll learn about the history and styles of the edgy urban graffiti movement with a local expert. Then collaborate as a group to design and create your own street-savvy masterpiece, leaving your mark on Berlin. (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday June 28: Berlin

Enjoy a free day in Berlin. Perhaps visit the elegant Unter den Linden which has been restored to its former glory. Ku'damm is a very lively spot. Buy your lunch in the food halls of the KaDeWe department store—some say it is the best in the city! (B,D)

Day 10, Sunday June 29: Departure

Depart for the USA.(B)