8 Days  •  7 Nights

Germany Family Adventure: Castles, Cities & Theme Parks

Berlin (2N) - Munich (2N) - Fussen (1N) - Black Forest (1N) - Rudesheim (1N)

Tour Includes

Accommodation
Meals
Sightseeing
Transfers
Local Guide
Activities
Overview

About the Trip

Germany is a wonderful family destination, safe, welcoming, superbly organised and packed with real-life adventures that thrill children, from fairytale castles and hands-on science museums to thrilling theme parks and boat trips past hilltop fortresses. This eight-day journey is designed for families to enjoy together. In Berlin you explore the Brandenburg Gate and remnants of the Wall in a way that brings history alive for all ages, and enjoy the city's excellent museums and zoo. In Munich you dive into the vast, interactive Deutsches Museum, one of the world's greatest science museums, and visit the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein, straight out of a storybook. In the Black Forest you spend a thrilling day at Europa-Park, one of the finest theme parks in the world, and you finish with a scenic boat trip on the castle-crowned Rhine. Safe, varied and endlessly exciting, this is an ideal, unforgettable family adventure through one of Europe's most rewarding and child-friendly countries.
Highlights

Trip Highlights

  • Berlin's history brought alive, with its gate, Wall and excellent museums, is a fascinating highlight for families. Berlin is a superb city for curious families, where the big stories of modern history come alive in ways children can grasp. Together you stand before the Brandenburg Gate, touch surviving sections of the Berlin Wall and see its vivid murals at the East Side Gallery, and hear the gripping true stories of daring escapes at Checkpoint Charlie. The city's excellent museums range from ancient treasures on Museum Island to interactive technology and natural history, with dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum, and there is a fine zoo too.
  • The fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein, straight from a storybook, is a magical highlight for children. Neuschwanstein is the most famous castle in the world, the soaring, turreted fantasy palace that inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle, and children are enchanted by it. Together you journey into the beautiful Bavarian foothills, where the castle appears like a vision on its wooded crag, framed by lakes and mountains, and you can ride up by horse-drawn carriage. You explore its lavish rooms, hear the tale of the dreamy King Ludwig who built it, and cross the Marienbrucke bridge for the breathtaking view of its turrets against the peaks.
  • The vast, hands-on Deutsches Museum in Munich is a thrilling highlight for inquisitive families. Munich is home to the Deutsches Museum, one of the largest and greatest science and technology museums in the world, and it is a paradise for curious children and grown-ups alike. Together you explore its vast halls of real aircraft, ships, locomotives and space capsules, press buttons and pull levers at countless interactive exhibits, watch dramatic demonstrations of high-voltage lightning, and descend into a realistic model coal mine. There are hands-on discoveries around every corner. The wonder and fun are captivating.
  • A thrilling day at Europa-Park in the Black Forest is an exhilarating highlight for the whole family. Europa-Park, near the edge of the Black Forest, is one of the finest and largest theme parks in the world, regularly voted the best in Europe, and a guaranteed family favourite. Together you spend a thrilling day among its themed European quarters, riding world-class roller coasters and water rides, enjoying gentler attractions and shows for younger children, and meeting costumed characters. There is fun for every age, from adrenaline-pumping coasters to charming carousels and parades. The excitement and variety are captivating.
  • A scenic boat trip on the castle-crowned Rhine is a memorable, relaxing highlight for families. The Rhine Gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage landscape where the great river winds between steep, vineyard-clad slopes crowned by more than a dozen medieval castles, and a boat trip here delights children and parents alike. Together you glide past hilltop fortresses, spotting castles around every bend, hearing the legend of the Lorelei rock where a siren was said to lure sailors, and watching the pretty wine villages slip by. It is a relaxing, story-filled adventure on the water. The castles and legends are captivating.
  • Above all, this journey is a safe, varied and endlessly exciting family adventure through Germany. Germany is a wonderful family destination, safe, welcoming and packed with real-life adventures, and this journey is designed for families to enjoy together. Over eight days you bring Berlin's history alive, marvel at the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein, explore the hands-on Deutsches Museum, spend a thrilling day at Europa-Park, and enjoy a scenic Rhine boat trip, all safely and comfortably. The combination of gripping history, fairytale castles, hands-on science, world-class theme-park thrills and river adventure captivates all ages.
Itinerary

Day by Day

A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.

Day 1

Your family adventure in Germany begins as your flight arrives in Berlin, the reunited capital, where you are met and transferred to your family-friendly hotel. Berlin is a safe, welcoming and endlessly interesting city for families, and its blend of big history and easy fun is immediately appealing. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first stroll to the floodlit Brandenburg Gate or a nearby park to stretch young legs. This evening, a relaxed welcome dinner introduces the family to hearty German cooking, from sausages to schnitzel, and to the exciting journey ahead through castles, museums and theme parks. As you settle in together, the friendly energy of the city works its magic. Rest well, ready for a fun and fascinating day exploring Berlin tomorrow with your friendly local guide.

Your Journey This Day
Berlin Airport
Arrival · Private
Berlin hotel
Meals Included
Dinner
Day 2

Today you explore Berlin together in a way that brings its big stories alive for all ages. You stand before the Brandenburg Gate, touch surviving sections of the Berlin Wall and see its vivid murals at the East Side Gallery, and hear gripping true tales of daring Cold War escapes at Checkpoint Charlie. You might visit the interactive technology of the German Museum of Technology with its planes and trains, meet the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum, or enjoy the popular Berlin Zoo and aquarium, choosing what best suits your children. There is discovery and fun at every turn. The history and variety are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having enjoyed a fun, fascinating day. This evening, savour a relaxed family dinner. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey south to Bavarian Munich.

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 3

Today you travel south to Munich by fast, comfortable train, an easy and fun journey across Germany, arriving in the cheerful Bavarian capital. After settling into your hotel, you dive into the vast, hands-on Deutsches Museum, one of the greatest science and technology museums in the world and a paradise for curious families. Together you explore its halls of real aircraft, ships, locomotives and space capsules, press buttons at countless interactive exhibits, watch a dramatic high-voltage lightning show, and descend into a realistic model coal mine. There are discoveries around every corner. The wonder and fun are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, buzzing with what you have seen. This evening, enjoy a fun Bavarian dinner, perhaps in a lively beer hall with pretzels for the children. Rest well.

Your Journey This Day
Berlin
Transfer · First-class rail
Munich
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 4

Today you enjoy Bavarian Munich together at a relaxed, family pace. You stand on the vast Marienplatz to watch the figures of the famous Glockenspiel dance out from the ornate New Town Hall, a favourite with children, and climb a church tower for views over the city and the distant Alps. You wander the colourful Viktualienmarkt food market, sampling treats, and stroll the vast English Garden, where you can watch surfers riding a standing river wave and relax in a leafy beer garden with space for children to play. You might visit the Bavaria Filmstadt film park or a toy museum. The good cheer and fun are delightful. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having enjoyed cheerful Munich. This evening, savour a Bavarian feast. Rest well, for tomorrow you visit a fairytale castle.

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 5

Today you journey south into the beautiful Bavarian foothills to the most famous castle in the world, straight from a storybook. You travel through rolling countryside and alpine scenery to the villages of Hohenschwangau and Fussen, where the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein rises like a vision on its wooded crag, framed by lakes and mountains. You can ride up by horse-drawn carriage, then tour its lavish rooms and hear the tale of the dreamy King Ludwig who built it and inspired Disney's castle, before crossing the Marienbrucke bridge for the breathtaking view of its turrets against the peaks. The fantasy and setting are magical for children. As the day ends, you settle into your family hotel near Fussen, amid the beauty of the Alps. This evening, enjoy a cosy Bavarian dinner. Rest well, ready for a theme-park thrill tomorrow.

Your Journey This Day
Munich
Transfer · Private
Fussen
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 6

Today you journey west to the Black Forest for a thrilling day at Europa-Park, one of the finest and largest theme parks in the world and a guaranteed family favourite. You travel to the park near the edge of the Black Forest and settle into your nearby hotel, then spend the day among its beautifully themed European quarters, riding world-class roller coasters and water rides, enjoying gentler attractions and shows for younger children, and meeting costumed characters. There is fun for every age, from adrenaline-pumping coasters to charming carousels and parades. The excitement and variety are exhilarating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, tired and happy after a day of thrills. This evening, enjoy a relaxed family dinner nearby. Rest well, for tomorrow you enjoy a scenic boat trip on the castle-crowned Rhine.

Your Journey This Day
Fussen
Transfer · Private
Black Forest
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 7

Today you journey north to the romantic Rhine valley for a scenic boat trip the whole family will love. You travel to the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape where the great river winds between steep, vineyard-clad slopes crowned by medieval castles. Together you board a boat and glide past hilltop fortresses, spotting castles around every bend, hearing the legend of the Lorelei rock where a siren was said to lure sailors, and watching pretty wine villages slip by, before stepping ashore in the cheerful town of Rudesheim. You might ride the cable car over the vineyards to the great Niederwald monument for sweeping views. The castles and legends are captivating. As the day ends, you settle into your Rudesheim hotel. This evening, enjoy a fun final family dinner. Rest well, ready for your journey home tomorrow.

Your Journey This Day
Black Forest
Transfer · Private
Rhine valley
Rhine Gorge
Cruise · Rhine boat
Rudesheim
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 8

After a final morning by the Rhine, perhaps a last riverside stroll or one more castle view, you are transferred to nearby Frankfurt Airport for your onward international departure. The family leaves having enjoyed a safe, varied and endlessly exciting adventure across Germany, Berlin's history brought alive, the hands-on wonders of the Deutsches Museum, the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein, a thrilling day at Europa-Park, and a scenic Rhine boat trip past castles and legends. The images stay vivid long after you land, the murals of the Berlin Wall, the lightning show in Munich, the turrets of Neuschwanstein, the coasters of Europa-Park, and the castles gliding past on the Rhine. Germany offers safe, varied and unforgettable family fun in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this welcoming and endlessly exciting land.

Your Journey This Day
Rudesheim
Transfer & departure · Private
Frankfurt Airport
Meals Included
Breakfast
Route Map

Where You Will Travel

Package

What's inside the package?

Inclusions

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Rhine boat trip
  • Airport and rail-station transfers and comfortable private touring transport
  • Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert local guides
  • Entrance fees to castles, museums and sites as per itinerary
  • private touring with friendly expert local guides, family-friendly hotels, a fun Berlin family tour, a Deutsches Museum visit, a Neuschwanstein castle visit, an Europa-Park day, a Rhine boat trip, and all entrance fees as per itinerary

Exclusions

  • International airfare
  • Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Europa-Park in-park food and extras
  • City tourist taxes and tips for guides and drivers
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
  • Drinks unless specifically stated
  • Optional excursions and experiences
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Best Time to Travel

Know when to go.

Place
Germany
Conditions
Cold, crisp
Daily max temperature
3°C
Monthly rainfall
50mm
Weather data is based on monthly averages. Popularity rating
Good to Know
  • Visa & entry: Germany is part of the Schengen Area, and many nationalities (including UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passport holders) can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; others require a Schengen visa. A passport valid for at least three months beyond your departure is required, and the EU's ETIAS travel authorisation is expected to apply to visa-exempt visitors in due course. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality before you travel
  • Currency: The currency is the Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shops, but Germany remains a notably cash-friendly country, so carry some euros in cash for bakeries, small cafes, markets, church donations and tips. ATMs are plentiful in every town and city, and contactless payment is increasingly common in the cities
  • Best time to visit: May to September brings warm, long, green days ideal for the castles, mountains, river valleys and city terraces; spring and autumn are mild and beautiful, with blossom or golden foliage and fewer crowds; and December is magical for the famous Christmas markets, though cold. Winters are cold and often grey, but atmospheric, especially for the markets of Nuremberg, Dresden and Cologne
  • Language & etiquette: German is the official language, and English is widely spoken in cities, hotels and tourism, so travel is easy. Germans value punctuality, courtesy and a firm handshake; a friendly 'Guten Tag' and 'Danke' are appreciated, and it is polite to greet shopkeepers on entering. Recycling and quiet, orderly public behaviour are part of daily life, and many shops close on Sundays
  • Getting around: Germany has one of the finest rail networks in the world, with fast, comfortable ICE trains linking the cities, alongside excellent motorways (the famous autobahn). Our journeys use a combination of comfortable private transport with your guide and, where it is quicker and more scenic, first-class rail. City centres are compact and walkable, with excellent trams, buses and metros
  • Health & safety: Germany is a very safe, stable and well-organised country with excellent healthcare and high standards throughout; normal city precautions against pickpockets in crowded areas and stations are sensible. Tap water is clean and safe to drink. We recommend comprehensive travel insurance; EU and UK visitors should carry a valid EHIC or GHIC card in addition to private insurance
  • Culture & tipping: Beer, wine and hearty regional cooking are central to German life, and each region has its specialities and festivals. Many shops close on Sundays, and a small deposit (Pfand) is charged on many drink bottles and cans, refunded on return. Tipping is modest: rounding up or adding around five to ten percent for good service in restaurants and cafes is customary
  • Power & plugs: The electricity supply is 230V, and sockets take the round two-pin type F (Schuko) plug used across much of continental Europe, so bring a suitable adapter for UK, US and other devices. Mobile coverage and public Wi-Fi are widely available in hotels, cafes and on many trains, making it easy to stay connected throughout your journey
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this journey suitable for younger children as well as teenagers?

Yes, this journey is designed to delight a wide range of ages. Younger children love the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein, the Glockenspiel, the Rhine boat and the gentler rides and shows at Europa-Park, while teenagers enjoy the gripping history of the Wall, the hands-on Deutsches Museum and the world-class roller coasters. We tailor the pace, museum choices and activities to your family's ages and interests, keeping days flexible with plenty of fun, snacks and downtime, so everyone has a wonderful time.

How much travel is involved between places, and is it easy with children?

Germany is compact and superbly organised, so journeys are comfortable and straightforward. The longer hop from Berlin to Munich is by fast, fun train with space to move around, while the castle, theme park and Rhine sections are by comfortable private vehicle with your driver-guide, allowing stops as needed. We keep travel days manageable and build in breaks, so families with children of all ages travel easily and enjoyably throughout this varied and exciting journey.

What meals are included?

Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with any meals named in the itinerary (typically a welcome dinner and selected dinners or tastings, such as a wine tasting in the Rhine or Moselle valleys). German and regional cuisine is hearty and delicious, from Bavarian roast pork, pretzels and beer to Black Forest gateau, Rhineland wines and fresh North Sea fish, and we usually leave other meals free so you can explore, recommending the best beer halls, wine taverns and restaurants at every stage.

Are the tours private or in a group?

Your journey is private by default, with your own expert local guides and comfortable private transport, giving you flexibility, depth and a pace tailored to you; where fast, scenic rail is the best option between cities, we include comfortable first-class train travel. Small-group and scheduled options can be arranged if you prefer. Germany's knowledgeable guides bring the history, castles, art and culture vividly to life at every stage.

Do I need a visa for Germany?

Germany is part of the Schengen Area, and many nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, while others require a Schengen visa. A passport valid for at least three months beyond departure is required, and the EU's ETIAS authorisation is expected to apply to visa-exempt travellers in due course. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality and advise you well before you travel.

Is Germany safe to visit?

Germany is one of the safest, most stable and best-organised countries in the world, with excellent infrastructure, healthcare and high standards throughout, and travel here is smooth and rewarding. Normal city precautions against pickpockets in crowded areas, markets and stations are sensible, as anywhere. We use trusted local guides and drivers, monitor conditions and follow official guidance at all times, so you can travel with complete confidence.

When is the best time to visit?

May to September brings warm, long, green days ideal for the castles, Alps, river valleys and city life; spring and autumn are mild and lovely, with blossom or golden foliage and fewer crowds; and December is magical for the famous Christmas markets. Winters are cold but atmospheric. We advise on the best timing for your interests, whether alpine scenery, wine harvests, festivals or the twinkling Christmas markets of Nuremberg and Dresden.

Can the itinerary be customised?

Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of cities, castles, mountains, river valleys and wine country, add nights in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg or the Black Forest, include a Rhine or Moselle cruise, time your visit for Oktoberfest or the Christmas markets, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus entirely to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through the beautiful and varied landscapes of Germany.