back road tours germany

• Gardens & Nature Tours

A Journey Through Germany 2024

9 Days Starting and ending in Munich

Visiting: Munich, Bamberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Baden-Baden, Freiburg, Ammergau Alps

Tour operator:

Back-Roads Touring

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

Physical rating:, special diets catered:.

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

Trip styles:.

Coach tours (worldwide) , Small Group

Gardens & Nature Tours , History , Photography

Activities:

Beer Tasting

Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

NB: Prices correct on 18-May-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour overview.

Fall in love with this captivating country as we follow the Romantic Road through medieval towns, fairytale-like forests and the snow-capped Bavarian Alps. With our expert Tour Leader at the helm, we’ll unravel local stories, seek out delicious flavours and learn the fascinating history behind each unique stop. Join us as we take the scenic back roads on this journey through the heart of Germany.

Enjoy a beer tasting at Weltenburg Abbey, the world’s oldest monastic brewery

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the Ammergau Alps

Unravel the fascinating history behind some of Germany’s magnificent medieval towns

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Day 1: Munich (Germany)

Location: munich, accommodation: hotel, drei löwen (or similar), accommodation name: hotel drei lowen, meals included: dinner.

The Bavarian capital of Munich is where we’ll begin our journey through this picturesque and historic country. After meeting our Tour Leader and fellow travellers at the hotel, we’ll clink glasses over a sumptuous welcome dinner.

Day 2: Munich – Regensburg And Weltenburg – Bamberg

Accommodation: hotel, welcome residenzschloss bamberg (or similar), accommodation name: welcome hotel residenzschloss bamberg, meals included: breakfast.

After breakfast, we’ll board the mini-coach and move on to our first stop: Regensburg. Located on the mighty Danube River and known for its medieval city centre – we’ll relish some free time to stroll across the 12th-century Stone Bridge, marvel at the magnificent Gothic Cathedral and enjoy lunch at our leisure. Then: we’ll move on to Weltenburg Abbey. Here, we’ll be treated to a tour of the oldest monastic brewery in the world and savour a tasting of the Abbey’s award-winning beers. Winding up our day in Bamberg, we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure.

Day 3: Bamberg

Location: bamberg, accommodation: welcome hotel residenzschloss bamberg (or similar).

This morning, the city will be brought to life as we embark on a walking tour with a local guide. Unravel the intriguing history of Bamberg as we wander around Cathedral Square and the Old Town Hall – hearing fascinating stories that have been passed down from generations as we go. Equipped with our newfound knowledge, we’ll have the afternoon to explore at our own pace. What you choose to do is up to you, although we recommend a visit to Altenberg Castle – which dates back to 1109 and has a rich history to uncover. This evening, we’ll have time to savour some delicious Bavarian cuisine at a local restaurant or spend at our leisure back at the hotel.

Day 4: Bamberg – Würzburg – Rothenburg

Location: rothenburg ob der tauber, accommodation: hotel altes brauhaus (or similar), meals included: breakfast, dinner.

Today, we leave Bamberg behind as we continue onwards to Würzburg. After an orientation tour of the Old Town with our Tour Leader, we’ll turn our attention to the splendid Würzburg Residence. An exquisite example of baroque architecture and one of the most significant palaces in Europe – we’ll have plenty of time to admire the ingenious interior design, ornate rooms and grandiose Garden and White Halls. After lunch at our leisure, we’ll continue our journey along the Romantic Road to Rothenburg – where a delicious group dinner awaits.

Day 5: Rothenburg – Heidelberg – Baden-Baden

Location: baden-baden, accommodation: heliopark bad hotel zum hirsch (or similar).

A visit to Germany’s oldest and most famous university town is on the agenda today. Looming high above the Altstadt (Old Town), the red-sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle are a remarkable example of Renaissance architecture – and we’ll have plenty of time to explore the castle grounds at our own pace. Choose to take lunch in the cafe-lined Marktplatz and marvel at the Gothic Heiliggeistkirche church towers, before we continue on to the spa town of Baden-Baden. The evening will be free to enjoy some local fare in town or relax at the hotel.

Day 6: Baden-Baden – Schonach – Freiburg

Location: freiburg, accommodation: the alex hotel (or similar).

This morning will see us say farewell to Baden-Baden and set a course for Central Black Forest. We’ll make a scenic stop in the quaint village of Schonach, where a visit to a traditional cuckoo clock manufacturer is in store. Then: we’ll wind our way through this enchanting forest in search of one of the many mesmerising waterfalls in the area. Later, we’ll arrive in the vibrant city of Freiburg – where we’ll be free to wander the cobblestone streets lined with water-filled runnels at our leisure.

Day 7: Freiburg

Today is yours to spend how you wish. You could choose to visit one of the many fascinating museums and galleries scattered around Freiburg’s city centre or enjoy the temperate climate while relaxing in the picture-perfect Rathausplatz. This evening, we suggest seeking out some scrumptious local cuisine within the medieval Altstadt – and perhaps sample a slice (or two) of the decadent Black Forest gâteau hailing from this area.

Day 8: Freiburg – Friedrichshafen And Lindau – Ammergau Alps

Location: ammergau alps, accommodation: luitpoldpark hotel (or similar).

Today’s journey will begin with a stop at Friedrichshafen – a city known for its significant historic contribution to the aviation industry. We’ll pay a visit to the fascinating Zeppelin Museum before having some free time to wander the lakeside promenade and savour lunch at our leisure. Then: we’ll take in the marvellous views over the Bodensee as we continue to Lindau for a brief photo opportunity. Our day will end amid the breathtaking Ammergau Alps – the perfect setting for our delectable farewell dinner.

Day 9: Ammergau Alps – Neuschwanstein – Munich

Before our tour comes to a close, we’ll pay a visit to the imposing Neuschwanstein Castle – known as the ‘castle of the fairytale king’. Dramatically located above the village of Hohenschwangau, we’ll have time to wander the 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace at our own pace. After, we’ll make our way back to Munich – where we’ll say our goodbyes.

What's Included

Meals 8 breakfasts, 3 dinner

Premium mini-coach transportation

Experienced Tour Leader and Driver

Check out our Q&As

Are children permitted to take part in the tour.

From the Age of 13

Are all entrance fees included in the price?

All Entrance fees listed are included

Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

Yes, please request at time of booking

What currencies are required for this tour?

Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour.

Guests from all over the world could be joining you

What is the tipping policy?

At the discretion of the guest

Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

Ample free time due to low drive days

What is the maximum group size?

18 is the maximum on any tour

Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

Yes there is - 20kg and a max dimension of 158cm (W+D+L)

Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Yes, All guides are English speaking

Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

This will be provided on final documentation

Is the tour coach air conditioned?

Yes the Coach is air-conditioned

Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

A Tour Leader and separate driver will take you on your journey

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Hand Picked and Boutique

Are airport transfers included in this tour?

No they are not.

Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

A Small supplement, but dedicated allocation on every tour

Are flights included in this tour?

Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour.

Please see your local governments for rulings on destination Visa's

Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

We have solo capacity, however no single share.

What documents will I receive before I travel?

Upon final payments, we will distribute E-Documentation to all of our guests. Dont forget we also have our App to download as an added feature.

Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

Like-minded travellers awaiting the opportunity to explore the less explored regions. Interests in food, wine, history, art as well as wartimes there will be a great mix of people to connect with on tour.

What policies are in place for Covid-19?

We have our COVID Assurance Policy, Book now and relax knowing you are covered under our new COVID-19 Assurance Policy. At no additional cost to you, new bookings are now 100% refundable in the unfortunate event you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or unable to travel due to government-enforced lock downs prior to your scheduled departure date.

What level of mobility do I need?

You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to be able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms.

Who goes on Back-Roads tours?

The majority of our guests come from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. All tour commentaries are in English. Our tours appeal to those looking for a more relaxing style of travel, and who enjoy culture, good food, meeting like-minded people and exploring destinations in depth.

What is the minimum age for any Back-Roads Touring trip?

The minimum age on all of our trips is 18 years.

Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

All Hotels in line with protocols following the World Health Organisation meet and exceed requirements for all Touring with us.

How long has the tour company been trading?

Back-Roads Touring has been operating from the UK for over 30 years.

What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

Inline with our booking flexibility policy, you are able to make as many changes as required up to 60 days from departue - with 1 last included up until 30 days out.

Can I join the tour once it has departed?

Generally no, but in extraordinary circumstances it can be looked at.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Provision of complimentary drinks with included meals would have been a nice gesture given the cost of the tour. The (mini) bus had luggage on a seat due to full numbers which required 4 people seated on last row which was not ideal for comfort.

Read previous comments. I will not be travelling with Back Roads again.

I've already answered this. But all my comments about Germany equally apply to my Scottish trip. Too many people crammed into the bus - no knee room. it was like cattle class economy in a cheap budget airline. You should only have had a max of 16

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Please note, this tour is not available for booking in your country.

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Free date changes.

Back-Roads Touring allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.

Transfer as credit to Future Tours

Back-Roads Touring allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform back-roads touring, 60 days before departure.

Low Deposit

Back-Roads Touring requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

Cancellation Policy

We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of back-roads touring charges.

Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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A Journey through Germany

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• COVID-19 protected
• Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Young Adults
• Customizable
• duration 9 days
• tour type Small group Request as private
• age requirement 18-80 yrs
• max group size 18
• guiding method Fully guided
• Tour Code BM-37462

• Starts Munich, Germany
• Ends Munich, Germany
• Enjoy a beer tasting at Weltenburg Abbey, the world’s oldest monastic brewery
• Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the Ammergau Alps
• Unravel the fascinating history behind some of Germany’s magnificent medieval towns
• Day 1 : Munich (Germany)
• Day 2 : Munich – Regensburg and Weltenburg – Bamberg
• Day 3 : Bamberg
• Day 4 : Bamberg – Würzburg – Rothenburg
• Day 5 : Rothenburg – Heidelberg – Baden-Baden
• Day 6 : Baden-Baden – Schonach – Freiburg
• Day 7 : Freiburg
• Day 8 : Freiburg – Friedrichshafen and Lindau – Ammergau Alps
• Day 9 : Ammergau Alps – Neuschwanstein – Munich
• 8 Breakfasts
• - 8 nights in hand-picked accommodation
• Premium mini-coach transportation
• Experienced Tour Leader and Driver
• Any international flights to/from Munich are not included in this price. We always recommend that you arrive 1 day prior to your tour starting date.
• Travel insurance is not included in this A Journey through Germany tour. Travel insurance is mandatory to buy. World Nomads' travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers.
• Personal Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
• Protected Travel within your own bubble.
• Professional Access our Travel Specialists' insider knowledge.
• Privacy Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.
• Earn US$ 124+ in travel credits.
• Best price guaranteed.
• No credit card or booking fees.
• 100% financial protection.
• Carbon neutral tours.
• 25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
• Read more reasons to book with Bookmundi less Read less

No additional cancellation fees apply for this A Journey through Germany tour. You can cancel the tour up to 65 days prior departure and avoid paying the full amount, but your deposit paid is non-refundable. No refund applies for cancellations within 64 days of departure.

For any tour departures within 21 July 2024, full payment is required. For tours that depart later than 21 July 2024, a deposit of 200 USD is required to confirm the tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 64 days before trip departure.

A Journey through Germany tour requires that you have adequate and valid travel insurance covering medical and personal accidents, including repatriation costs and emergency evacuation. World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families.

For this A Journey through Germany tour getting the required visa(s) is the responsibility for each individual traveller, as visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. We recommend to check with your local embassies representing the countries that you are traveling to, as part of this itinerary.

This trip incorporates the following COVID-19 measures:

• This tour has received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp, which provides travellers with assurance that COVID-19 health and hygiene global standardised protocols have been adopted.
• Coaches are immaculately cleaned before each tour starts and regularly throughout.
• The crew in this tours are trained in COVID-specific hygiene standards and equipped with the skills required to keep every traveller safe.
• This trip requires you to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 atleast 14 days before departure, unless you are medically exempt from having the vaccine.

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The 6 best road trips to explore Germany

May 2, 2024 • 5 min read

Drive manicured roads and admire castles like Neuschwanstein on these road trips in Germany © Samot / Shutterstock

Birthplace of the autobahn, Germany  is a wonderful country for driving tours. It’s big and varied enough to allow longer, more ambitious trips, yet has plenty of small, distinctive regions begging for in-depth exploration. Throw in a superb road network (including over 13,000km of autobahnen), an orderly and predictable driving culture and a wealth of rental options, and you’ve got everything you need for a driving holiday.

It’s also increasingly easy to minimize your carbon emissions while driving in Germany with electric vehicles available from plenty of car rental agencies and most parts of the country are well served for charging infrastructure (download  PlugShare  for more).

Here are the best road trips taking you through the best of Germany.

1. Fairy Tale Road

  Best for fans of the Brothers Grimm 

Hanau-Bremerhaven; approximately 707km (439 miles); allow five to six days

Starting in little Hanau – birthplace of famous folklorists the Brothers Grimm – the popular Fairy Tale Road runs north through Marburg with its handsome Altstadt  (Old Town); Kassel – with its 560 hectares of stunning UNESCO-listed baroque parkland known as the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe ; Bodenwerder , home of the "Liar Baron" von Münchhausen; and Hamelin  of Pied Piper fame. This route can also be tackled by public transport, but a car lets you fully explore any diversions at your own pace.

2. Germany's Baltic Coast

Best road trip for beaches and islands 

  Lübeck-Binz; approximately 417km (259 miles); allow three to four days

Germany’s share of the southern Baltic Coast is adored by locals, but curiously under appreciated by international visitors. This scenic driving route strings together historic maritime cities of the Hanseatic League (a medieval confederation of trading ports) like Lübeck , Wismar and Stralsund, Greifswald plus the natural splendor of places like the Darss-Zingst Peninsula. Expect sandy beaches, historic architecture and opportunities to island hop (some islands like Rügen are accessible by bridge).

Planning tip:  Seasonal variations are extreme in Germany’s far north. If you're heading here in winter, rather than summer, be prepared for bitter cold winds and the potential for snow.

For more under-the-radar destinations in Germany, find out where the local's go on holiday.

3. Germany's Castle Road 

Best for medieval castles and baroque palaces

Mannheim-Bayreuth; approximately 600km (373 miles); allow four to five days

The towns and countryside between Mannheim and Bayreuth retain some of southern Germany’s most impressive medieval castles and baroque palaces. Particularly notable piles include the Barockschloss Mannheim , the largest baroque palace in the country; the Renaissance ruin of the Schloss Heidelberg ; the 14th-century Burg Guttenberg , looming over the Neckar Valley; and Nuremberg ’s imposing Kaiserburg , which dominates its carefully reconstructed Old Town. If palace fatigue sets in, you can always escape to a contemporary art gallery, fascinating local museum, or settle into a traditional tavern to sample the local sausages and beer.

Planning tip: If you’re intending to linger in Nuremberg, you’ll get excellent value from a Nürnberg Card , available in advance from the website, and delivered to your email. 

For more tips on how to save money, read our guide to seeing Germany on a budget.

4. Romantic Road

  Best for picture-perfect German landscapes  

Würzburg-Schwangau; approximately 350km (217 miles); allow three to four days

The Romantic Road , a sublime meander through the Germany of popular imagination, is one of the country’s best drives. Its combination of sublime Bavarian landscapes, medieval villages, historic centers and alpine foothills pretty much ticks all the boxes. Of particular note are the Würzburg Residenz , a UNESCO-listed baroque palace built for the local prince-bishops; the impossibly photogenic and gloriously intact medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber ; the complete medieval walls, towers and gates of the similarly ravishing Dinkelsbühl; and the romantic excesses of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau  castles (the former famously used as the model for the castle in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty ). 

Planning tip: It’s best to avoid touring the Romantic Road in the height of the summer school holidays when the region can be a victim of its own popularity. If you do this trip in winter, Bavaria's chocolate-box towns look even prettier under a layer of snow.

 5. German Alpine Road 

Best for stunning scenery, spa towns and mountain lakes

Lindau-Königssee; approximately 450km (280 miles); allow four to five days

 Skirting the mountainous border with Austria , this is the perfect road trip for those with a head for heights. From laidback Lindau on the southern shores of glittering Lake Constance to the mountain-framed waters of the Königssee in Berchtesgadener Land , it’s a procession of towering summits, alpine pastures, peaceful spa towns and glittering mountain lakes. Greatest hits include the sumptuous Schloss Linderhof ; the high-altitude honeypot of Garmisch-Partenkirchen ; and boat trips on the ravishingly photogenic Königssee itself. 

Planning tip: Be prepared for snow and ice on high roads in winter; anticipate potential road closures and ensure your car hire includes extras such as chains.

6. German Wine Route 

Best for wineries and gastronomy

Schweigen-Rechtenbach-Bockenheim an der Weinstrasse; approximately 96km (59 miles); allow one or two days

Germany’s north-western Palatinate (Pfalz) region is rightly famed for its vineyards, forests, villages and castles. The short, well established German Wine Route takes in the best of the country’s biggest contiguous wine-growing area, including the Hambacher Schloss , known as Germany’s "cradle of democracy"; the appealing market-square and gastronomic excellence of diminutive Deidesheim; and the parks and hot waters of the spa town, Bad Dürkheim.

Tips for driving in Germany

Driving in Germany is a dream: the roads are excellent, as is road signage, and you’ll generally share the road with predictable, considerate drivers.

Here are some key dos and don’ts while road tripping in Germany.

• Wear a seatbelt and stick to speed limits (30km/h in residential streets; 50km/h on main city streets; and 100km/h outside built-up areas, unless otherwise marked). Speed cameras are ubiquitous. 
• Make sure your vehicle is up to the job, whether that's high speeds on the autobahn or the steep slopes or winter conditions on the German Alpine Road.
• Make use of the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC), Europe’s largest motorists’ association. Its website is packed with information on driving routes, road laws, vehicle maintenance, accessibility issues and more.
• Don’t exceed the blood-alcohol limit if driving – 0.05% (one to two standard drinks only). 
• Avoid driving in larger cities where traffic is dense and parking scarce and expensive.

This article was first published Aug 27, 2020 and updated May 2, 2024.

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