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Romantic Germany: Rhine Valley & Bavaria

Germany in 8 Days, 6 Nights in Destination

Summer in Europe
, Travel Expert


Travel crafter

Discover dreamy destinations on this semi-escorted trip to Germany, and fall in love with Bavaria’s villages, medieval castles, and winding rivers, from Heidelberg to Rothenburg.

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Heidelberg
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Munich
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    Neuschwanstein Castle
  4. map-pin-check-icon
    Rhine River
  5. map-pin-check-icon
    Rothenburg

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. Some transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Breakfast only

Availability

  1. Departures available until December 2025

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers available

  4. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. superior included

  2. WHAT'S THIS?

From

$6,159

$3,999

/person

-35%

Book with an expert:

+61 02 8823 5094

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Best Price Guarantee

SmartFare has secured the lowest fares on flights & services for this trip

Itinerary

Land in Germany for a 6-night storybook escape! Head to the heart of picturesque places like Rothenburg. Then, cruise along the Rhine River before exploring spectacular sights like the famous Neuschwanstein Castle and Munich.

1st Day: Australia - Night on board

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Time to discover the old-world charm and timeless appeal of the southwestern and southern regions of Germany! Arrive at your departure airport, ready to catch your flight to Frankfurt.*

*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

2nd Day: Frankfurt

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Touch down in Frankfurt and self-transfer to the hotel*. The city is yours to explore for the rest of the day. A global financial hub with a rich history, you can take in Frankfurt's futuristic skyline, try an authentic Frankfurter sausage, and wander through the Old Town. Afterward, you’ll want to rest up for a full itinerary the following day. Overnight stay in Frankfurt.

*Airport transfer in Frankfurt is not included. You will have the possibility to add a transfer to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt... or similar
tripadvisor rating

1434 Reviews

See our full selection

3rd Day: Frankfurt - Heidelberg

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Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your tour leader and head to the port* to board a water cruise along the Rhine River. Before setting sail, you'll have free time to explore the picturesque town or put your inner wine connoisseur to the test by sampling regional rieslings.

Next, it’s all aboard for an unforgettable trip through the Rhine Valley (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). After some free time for lunch, you'll transfer to Heidelberg and check into your hotel. Overnight stay in Heidelberg.

*Depending on the time of year, you’ll transfer to either the port of Rudesheim or the port of St. Goar.

 

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hilton Heidelberg or similar
tripadvisor rating

64 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Rhine River Cruise

Light

See more

4th Day: Heidelberg - Rothenburg

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Breakfast at the hotel. The day begins with a city tour of the historic Heidelberg. In between exploring the lively Marktplatz in the center, standing on the Old Bridge over the Neckar, and admiring half-timbered houses, you'll have views of Heidelberg Castle*. Enjoy some free time to wander at your own pace and grab lunch (Maultaschen, a sort of German take on ravioli, is a must!).

A scenic transfer to Rothenburg. Feel like you've been transported back to the Middle Ages on a guided city tour of Rothenburg. The cobblestone streets, quaint squares, and ancient town walls will show you why it’s one of the most popular destinations along the German Romantic Road. Overnight stay in Rothenburg.

*Optional visit to Heidelberg Castle: Visit the stately palace and see the city from a different perspective.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Goldener Hirsch or similar
tripadvisor rating

517 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Heidelberg City Tour

Light

See more
included
Rothenburg City Tour

Light

See more
Optional
Heidelberg Castle

Light

See more

5th Day: Rothenburg - Neuschwanstein - Munich

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Breakfast at the hotel. A day* of discovering castles lies ahead. Journey to Hohenschwangau, a small town home to the centuries-old Hohenschwangau Castle. Enjoy free time to explore the town and have lunch. Next, it’s on to Neuschwanstein Castle, an iconic landmark nestled in the foothills of the Alps.

Commissioned by King Ludwig II, its towers, frescoes depicting medieval legends, turrets, and throne room are just a glimpse of the castle’s splendor. And the tour of Neuschwanstein Castle is sure to be one of the most memorable moments of the trip, where travelers can live out a fantasy. Transfer to Munich and check into your hotel. Overnight stay in Munich.

*Please note: Final day with the tour leader.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Holiday Inn Munich - City... or similar
tripadvisor rating

3194 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle

Moderate

See more

6th Day: Munich

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Breakfast at the hotel. The day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. In a modern city with timeless charm like Munich, there's plenty to see and do.

Stroll through the streets lined with examples of Brutalism and Art Nouveau, or take an optional hop-on, hop-off bus tour*—a great way to check off the main attractions on your Munich wishlist. Overnight stay in Munich.

*Optional hop-on, hop-off bus tour: Move around Munich with ease and in comfort for a flexible way to explore the city.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Holiday Inn Munich - City... or similar
tripadvisor rating

3194 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Hop-on, hop-off bus in Munich

Light

See more

7th Day: Munich

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Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day experiencing more of Munich. Football fans might want to visit the stadium, whereas beer lovers won’t want to miss tasting a quality Bavarian brew. Others might prefer to take a day trip to Salzburg* for a picture-perfect view. Overnight stay in Munich.

*Optional Salzburg and the Lake District tour: A full-day tour of Salzburg offers a glimpse into Austria's UNESCO World Heritage city.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Holiday Inn Munich - City... or similar
tripadvisor rating

3194 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Salzburg and the Lake District full day tour

Light

See more

8th Day: Munich - Australia

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Breakfast at the hotel*. Say goodbye—or Auf Wiedersehen—to Germany’s romantic scenery. Optional transfer to the airport for your return flight back to Australia.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Select a day to go to next step

May 2025
June 2025
July 2025
August 2025

Categories Available:

superior

From $3,999

Selected
  • Accommodation in Superior category hotels.
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Accommodation: 6 Nights

Included activities

Included

Rhine River Cruise

Included activity for day 3

Spend up to 2 hours cruising through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Valley, taking in panoramic views of medieval castles, small villages, and rolling vineyards. Food and drinks can be purchased on board.

Duration 01:30h Approx.

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Included

Heidelberg City Tour

Included activity for day 4 in Heidelberg

Heidelberg is home to the Heidelberg Tun and Germany’s oldest university. Discover its beauty on a 2-hour guided city tour that includes the Market Square, the Old Town, and views of Heidelberg Castle.

Duration 02:00h Approx.

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Included

Rothenburg City Tour

Included activity for day 4

The steeply pitched roofs of the houses and vibrant colors bring this popular destination to life. A guided tour will take you to the Marktplatz and medieval town walls, offering an overview of Rothenburg’s charm.

Duration 01:50h Approx.

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Included

Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle

Included activity for day 5

Top of the list of landmarks to see in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle was built in the 19th century and is said to have inspired the design of Cinderella Castle. Discover its enchanting interior and breathtaking viewpoints.

Duration 02:00h Approx.

Physical rating:

Moderate

Clients need to walk up the mountain to visit the castle.

more information

Available Activities

Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
Optional

Heidelberg Castle

Suggested activity for day 4 in Heidelberg

A true architectural marvel, Heidelberg Castle is a Renaissance ruin famous for its dramatic structure. From its half-destroyed tower to its former role as the residence of the Palatinate, this 13th-century gem is worth visiting.

Duration 01:30h Approx.

Physical rating:

Light

Clients can take this optional tour after the included city tour ends.

more information
Optional

Hop-on, hop-off bus in Munich

Suggested activity for day 6 in Munich

Available in 9 languages, this bus tour is a convenient way to get around Munich while giving you time to take a closer look at iconic landmarks.

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Optional

Salzburg and the Lake District full day tour

Suggested activity for day 7 in Salzburg

Spend a day in Mozart’s birthplace, Salzburg, known for the medieval Hohensalzburg Fortress and forever tied to the beloved movie The Sound of Music. Lush gardens, Baroque fountains, and an Alpine backdrop all add to its charm.

Duration 11:00h Approx.

Physical rating:

Light

Available on Tue from Apr to Nov. Participation in the tour is only possible with a valid passport or visa.

more information

The price includes

  • Departures from main australian airports.
  • International flights: Australia - Frankfurt; Munich - Australia.
  • 6 nights accommodation in Superior category hotels.
    See hotels included
  • 6 breakfasts.
  • Transportation between cities from day 3 until day 5.
  • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
    See itinerary
  • Air taxes and fuel surcharge.
  • Rhine River Cruise.
  • Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle.
  • English-speaking guide from day 3 until day 5.

Not included

Tax, meals, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

*Accommodation tax must be paid directly to the hotel (this amount can range from 2 EUR to 8 EUR approximately per person per night and it is subject to change).

Airport transfers are not included.

Check-in and check-out times are set as a matter of internal policy at each hotel. As a general rule, check-in begins at 2PM and the check-out time is at noon. Please note that these hours may vary per the rules of an individual hotel.

  • Entry requirements

    Passport with a minimum of 6 months validity.

  • Visa

    No visa is required to enter the country.

  • Currency

    Euro.

  • Language

    German.

  • Electricity

    230V, 50 Hz.

  • Health

    There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from Australia.

  • Time zone

    UTC + 01:00.

  • Other useful information

    Shops and businesses usually open 08:30 - 18:30 from Monday to Friday and 08:30 - 13:00 on Saturdays.

  • Tourist Office website

    https://www.germany.travel/en/index.html

Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline's website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or canceled without prior notice.

If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +61 02 8823 5094 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.