Monday, January 26, 2015

How Shorter Germany Tours Will Help You Enjoy The Best Of The Country

By Janine Hughes


Many countries in Western Europe are perfect for a sightseeing tour of a week or two. Switzerland, Portugal, Belgium and The Netherlands are small and it's easy to get from one destination to the next in less than an hour. Luxembourg can be seen in a couple of days. To truly experience Germany, however, you should spend some time here. Various shorter Germany tours are the best way to explore.

As part of planning your German vacation, think about what it is you would to experience more than anything else. Maybe it's a particular city or maybe it's time in the great outdoors. Then, choose some day trips or short tours that focus on that which you are interested in.

If you can visit only one place in Germany, let it be the capital. Berlin is one of the world's most magical cities, with plenty of interesting sights, including the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, a huge variety of museums and the remnants of the Berlin Wall. It's best to visit Berlin in summer, when you can explore by bicycle or on foot and when the city is at its most pleasant. This way you can also enjoy the many outdoor festivals held in various city parks.

There are many other cities that are simply must-sees too. Bonn, which used to be the West German capital, is also known as the birthplace of the composer Beethoven. Hamburg has one of the world's busiest harbors. Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf, Stuttgart, Cologne and Bremen each has its own character too.

The German countryside is breathtaking. If you love hiking, don't miss the Black Forest when the weather is warm. The Bavarian Alps with their mountains and lakes are perfect for lovers of the great outdoors too. This is also the region to visit in winter, with world-famous ski resorts.

The countryside changes as you go towards the north and a great way to see this is with a cruise on the mighty Rhine River. Near the coast, the mountains make way for plains with dikes and canals. Schleswig-Holstein, for instance, is almost like The Netherlands. In the northwest you'll find the North Sea while the northeast borders on the Baltic Sea. In both these regions you'll find popular beach resorts.

Another option is not to focus on destinations but rather on a theme. In the south, for instance, there is a route called the Romantic Road. It takes you to castles that look like they're straight from a fairy tale, such as the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. The Rhine Valley is the place to visit if you love wine and good food. In late September, beer lovers from all over the world go to Munich for Oktoberfest.

In most German cities and popular tourist regions you'll find a variety of travel agencies that offer short tours in the area. You normally don't need to book with them far in advance. However, it's a good idea to book online several months in advance if you want to go on a Rhine cruise of if you want to attend Oktoberfest.




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