Best of Germany: A 12-Day Road Trip

Suggestion For The Day: 

• Start your morning at Checkpoint Charlie, once a key Cold War border crossing. Visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum to learn about daring escape attempts from East Germany. Then, head to the East Side Gallery, where the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall showcases powerful murals symbolizing freedom and unity.
• Next, visit the Berlin Cathedral on Museum Island, a stunning Baroque landmark with breathtaking interiors and panoramic dome views.
• For lunch, explore Nikolaiviertel, Berlin's oldest district, and enjoy traditional German dishes in one of its charming restaurants.
• In the afternoon, visit the Topography of Terror, a museum documenting the Nazi regime’s history on the former Gestapo headquarters site. Then, unwind with a stroll or bike ride through Tiergarten, stopping at the Victory Column for another great city view.
• As evening sets in, explore the lively Potsdamer Platz, known for its modern architecture, shopping, and entertainment options.
   

Today, embark on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Dresden, the dazzling capital of Saxony.

Suggestion For The Day: 

• Begin at the Zwinger Palace, home to masterpieces in the Old Masters Gallery. Nearby, admire Theaterplatz and the grand Semperoper.
• In the afternoon, visit the iconic Frauenkirche, then explore the Deutsches Hygiene Museum for interactive exhibits.
• End your day with a stroll along Brühl’s Terrace, overlooking the Elbe River, before dining at a traditional Saxon restaurant.
   

Drive from Dresden to Nuremberg (approx. 2.5 hours) and check into your hotel.

Suggestion For The Day: 

• Start your exploration in the Altstadt, wandering its charming streets lined with half-timbered houses. Visit Nuremberg Castle for panoramic views, then stop by the Hauptmarkt to browse local crafts and try the city’s famous sausages.
• In the afternoon, explore the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds to learn about Nuremberg’s complex history. Alternatively, visit the Spielzeugmuseum (Toy Museum) for a nostalgic journey through toys from different eras. End your day with a hearty Franconian meal and a glass of local beer in a cozy Old Town restaurant.

Suggestion For The Day: 

• Upon arrival, check into your hotel, and start your exploration at Marienplatz. Watch the famous Glockenspiel chime at noon and enjoy the lively square surrounded by shops, cafes, and the New Town Hall. Then, immerse yourself in art at the Alte Pinakothek, home to masterpieces from the Renaissance to Rococo periods.
• In the afternoon, you have two options: visit Nymphenburg Palace for its baroque architecture and beautiful gardens, or explore the BMW Welt for a futuristic look at the world of automobiles.
• As evening approaches, head to the English Garden, one of the world’s largest urban parks. After dinner, experience Munich’s vibrant nightlife, from traditional Bavarian pubs to trendy rooftop bars.
   

Suggestion For The Day: 

• Today, embark on a journey to uncover Munich's hidden treasures. Start your day by visiting the opulent Munich Residenz, the former royal palace, and explore its magnificent state rooms and the Antiquarium library.
• Next, head to the bustling Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s iconic food market, where you can enjoy local delicacies like sausages and cheeses. For a more reflective experience, consider a visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, a powerful reminder of history.
• Spend the afternoon exploring Munich at your leisure or discover more local gems.

Leave Munich behind and head to Stuttgart, a 2-hour and 45-minute drive. Once you arrive, check into your accommodation.

Suggestion For The Day: 

• Start your day with a scenic hike up Kesselwand, a steep sandstone cliff offering panoramic views of the city and vineyards. Descend through charming vineyards and enjoy a traditional lunch at a restaurant nestled in the hills, savoring local Maultaschen or Spätzle.
• Afterward, visit the Weissenhof Estate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing modernist architecture from renowned Bauhaus and International Style architects. If traveling with family, consider exploring Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden.
• In the afternoon, immerse yourself in art at the State Gallery of Stuttgart, home to masterpieces by Rubens, Monet, and Picasso.
• End your day with a delicious dinner, either enjoying traditional Swabian dishes or something international.

For your final day, enjoy a relaxed drive back to Frankfurt with a scenic stop along the way.

Suggestion For The Day: 

• On your way to Frankfurt, make a scenic detour to Ettal Abbey, a beautiful Benedictine monastery nestled in the Bavarian Alps. Explore the ornate Baroque church, wander through the peaceful gardens, and taste some of the delicious treats made by the monks, like Ettal cheese and Ettal liqueur. If you prefer a scenic route, take the Romantic Road, renowned for its medieval castles, charming villages, and stunning landscapes. Stop in picturesque towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber or Dinkelsbühl for a fairytale experience.
• After, continue your journey to Frankfurt, where you’ll arrive by late afternoon. Once settled into your hotel, take the evening to relax and enjoy a leisurely farewell dinner. Savor the flavors of local Hessian cuisine or opt for an international dish, and raise a toast to your unforgettable German road trip.

Note: The drive from Munich to Ettal Abbey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Ettal Abbey to Frankfurt, the drive takes around 3 hours.