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Hidden Gems: from Paris to Munich

France & Germany in 14 Days, 12 Nights in Destination

Irene, Travel Expert

Irene
Travel crafter

From Normandy’s shores to Bavaria’s castles, this journey through France and Germany blends history, charm, and iconic beauty in perfect harmony.

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
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    Rothenburg
  6. map-pin-check-icon
    Caen
  7. map-pin-check-icon
    Mont Saint-Michel
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    Normandy
  9. map-pin-check-icon
    Paris
  10. map-pin-check-icon
    Versailles

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. Add up to 1 nights to your stay

  5. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. superior included

  2. WHAT'S THIS?

From

$11,849

$7,699

/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

Begin in Paris, then journey to Normandy’s D-Day beaches and the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel. Visit Versailles before heading to Germany by train. Cruise the Rhine River, explore Heidelberg and medieval Rothenburg, and tour the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle. End with free time to enjoy Munich’s vibrant charm.

 

1st Day: Australia - Night on board

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Arrive* at your chosen departure airport, ready for a flight to Paris. Night on board.

*If your outbound flight departs in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

2nd Day: Paris

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Land at the Paris airport and self-transfer* to your hotel**. Paris is the cultural and political capital of France, replete with grand boulevards, historic museums, and luxe shopping. Take some time to discover the city’s most famous tourist sites, the local culture, and of course the typical French cuisine. Overnight stay in Paris.

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

**You will have the option to add early check-in on arrival in the next step of the booking process. To guarantee optional services, we recommend that you add them to your current booking, as they are subject to availability.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Mercure Paris Porte de Ve... or similar
tripadvisor rating

138 Reviews

See our full selection

3rd Day: Paris - Beaches of Normandy - Caen

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Breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to the cosmopolitan bustle of Paris as you head north towards the beaches of Normandy. Stop in the charming village of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont on arrival in this picturesque region, known for its rugged landscape and seaside towns. Learn more about Normandy’s pivotal role in World War II by visiting the Utah, Omaha, and Juno beaches where Allied troops landed in 1944 to turn the tide of the conflict. Afterwards, head to historic Caen and check in to your hotel for the evening. Overnight stay in Caen.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Novotel Caen Côte de Nacr... or similar
tripadvisor rating

394 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Visit the D-Day landing beaches

Light

See more

4th Day: Caen - Mont Saint Michel - Caen

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Breakfast at the hotel. Depart in the morning for Mont-Saint-Michel. This tiny tidal island and UNESCO World Heritage Site sits about 1 km off the coast of mainland France, and hosts a permanent population of just 29 people. At low tide, pilgrims would walk across the seafloor to visit the islet’s stunning Abbey, a local landmark visible from quite a distance. Explore Mont-Saint-Michel on your own, with an option to enter the Abbey*. Head back to your hotel in the afternoon. Overnight stay in Caen.

*Optional entrance to Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey: Dive deeper into the rich history of the abbey, which is an essential part of the town as a whole and a protected monument since 1862.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Novotel Caen Côte de Nacr... or similar
tripadvisor rating

394 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Visit to Mont-Saint-Michel

Moderate

See more

5th Day: Caen - Palace of Versailles - Paris

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Breakfast at the hotel. Check out of your hotel in Caen and start your journey back to Paris by road. Before leaving Normandy, make a stop at one of the local cidreries, where delicious apple cider is produced. Discover how it’s made and be sure to try some for yourself!

Continue your journey, arriving at the Palace of Versailles in the afternoon. Visit this UNESCO-listed chateau and enjoy a visit of the structure and grounds, learning about its former inhabitants from the Sun King to Marie Antoinette. When finished, make the short drive into Paris and check in to your hotel there. Overnight stay in Paris.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Mercure Paris Porte de Ve... or similar
tripadvisor rating

138 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Cider tasting in Normandy

Light

See more
included
Visit to the Palace of Versailles

Moderate

See more

6th Day: Paris

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Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day in Paris, enjoying all that this European capital has to offer. As this is your last full day in France, be sure to take full advantage! Try visiting the Louvre* on one of our optional excursions, or just bring a baguette and some cheese to a picturesque Parisian park. Overnight in Paris.

*Optional Louvre Museum & Cruise on the Seine: Get two fun activities all in one! Visit the Louvre to admire some great works of art, plus hop on a boat and cruise down the Seine, taking in the Parisian skyline from the water.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Mercure Paris Porte de Ve... or similar
tripadvisor rating

138 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Louvre Museum and cruise on the Seine

Light

See more

7th Day: Paris

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today enjoy Paris at your own pace. Whether you choose to wander charming neighborhoods like Le Marais or Montmartre, relax in a garden, or discover hidden gems and local cafés, the City of Light invites you to explore its magic on your own terms. Overnight in Paris. 

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Mercure Paris Porte de Ve... or similar
tripadvisor rating

138 Reviews

See our full selection

8th Day: Paris - Frankfurt

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Breakfast at the hotel. At the designated time, self-transfer to the train station to catch your train to Frankfurt. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Frankfurt.

Accommodation

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

1434 Reviews

See our full selection

9th Day: Frankfurt

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today is free for you to explore Frankfurt at your own pace. You may choose to stroll along the scenic River Main, visit the historic Römer square, or discover world-class art at the Städel Museum. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some local specialties like Apfelwein in the Sachsenhausen district. Overnight stay in Frankfurt.



Accommodation

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

1434 Reviews

See our full selection

10th 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

68 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Rhine River Cruise

Light

See more

11th 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

519 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

12th 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

3198 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle

Moderate

See more

13th 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

3198 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Hop-on, hop-off bus in Munich

Light

See more

14th 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

June 2025
July 2025
August 2025
September 2025

Categories Available:

superior

From $7,699

Selected
  • Accommodation in Superior category hotels.
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Accommodation: 12 Nights

Included activities

Included

Visit the D-Day landing beaches

Included activity for day 3

Step back in time with a visit to the beaches of the famous Allied landings during World War II. See Utah, Omaha, and Juno beaches and learn more about the events surrounding this pivotal turning point.

Duration 02:45h Approx.

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Included

Visit to Mont-Saint-Michel

Included activity for day 4

Visit Mont-Saint-Michel, a small island off the coast of mainland France, which is known as a destination for pilgrims and for its stunning abbey which sits atop the town.

Duration 02:00h Approx.

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information
Included

Cider tasting in Normandy

Included activity for day 5

Stop at a local “cidrerie” and learn more about the process of making apple cider in the traditional French manner. Taste some cider for yourself as part of the tour!

Duration 01:30h Approx.

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Included

Visit to the Palace of Versailles

Included activity for day 5

Take a tour of the iconic Palace of Versailles, a symbol of French royal power and grandeur in the 17th and 18th centuries. See rooms like the Hall of Mirrors as well as the palace gardens.

Duration 01:30h Approx.

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information

Show more

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

Louvre Museum and cruise on the Seine

Suggested activity for day 6 in Paris

Visit the iconic Louvre Museum, exploring one of the world’s great art museums independently, with a separate cruise down the Seine included in your ticket price.

Duration 02:30h Approx.

Physical rating:

Light

Confirmation subject to availabilty. For security reasons, you must present a valid ID card at the entrance to the museum.

more information
Optional

Heidelberg Castle

Suggested activity for day 11 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 13 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

The price includes

  • Departures from main australian airports.
  • International flights: Australia - Paris; Munich - Australia.
  • Train from Paris to Frankfurt.
  • 12 nights accommodation in Superior category hotels*.
    more information
    See hotels included
  • 12 Breakfasts.
  • Visits and entrance fees as is indicated in the itinerary.
    See itinerary
  • Air taxes and fuel surcharge.
  • Rhine River Cruise.
  • Cider Tasting in Normandy.
  • Visit to Landing Beaches, Mont Saint-Michel, Versailles Palace and Neuschwanstein Castle.
  • English-speaking guide from day 3 to 5 and from day 9 to 11.

Not included

Airport transfers are not included in the program. You will have the possibility to add a private transfer for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.

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

*Important: accommodation tax in France and Germany must be paid directly to the hotel (this amount can range from 5 EUR to 11 EUR approximately per person per night and it depends on the selected category).

**Suggested tip amount: 7 EUR per person per day.

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.

  • France
  • Germany
    • Entry requirements

      France requires that all foreigners have a minimum term of validity left on their passport or visa, depending on their nationality. Please check your official state department/foreign office website for more information.

    • Visa

      No visa is required.

    • Currency

      Euro.

    • Language

      French.

    • Electricity

      230 V. Adapter not required.

    • Health

      There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from Australia.

    • Time zone

      UTC + 01:00.

    • Other useful information

      Taxis do not have a particular colour, however you can spot them at the station or in the street by their luminous lettering on the roof of the car.

    • Tourist Office website

      http://ee.france.fr/

    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.

    Room allocation: We will do our best to accommodate your family in the same room. If availability doesn't permit this, we guarantee your family will be accommodated as close together as possible. Children will always be accomodated in a room with at least 1 adult.

    Booster seats:Not available in all destinations. Feel free to take your own if you need one.