Come For A Grand Adventure in Small Places
Enjoy
this tour of some of Germany’s known and unknown places. The ‘unknown’
places are familiar to James, because he has been living and working in
Germany and Europe for a quarter century.
Limited size of just your group of four adults.
Tour guide: James Derheim, who has been living and working in Germany and Europe since 1989. All photos on this blog by James Derheim
Imagine having a glass of wine with this vantage point. James makes it happen.
Your departure from the USA would be on September 1
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria and area
James meets you at the airport. You travel in his luxury VW "Multivan," with a bench seat in the back for three, two comfortable buckets in the center and one up front. Plenty of room for all and your luggage. We travel two hours from the airport to medieval Rothenburg where you stay a relaxing three nights in a B&B in the heart of the town.
Nothing
much planned for the rest of the day. You can relax and rest. James
highly recommends a nap! You will be exhausted and mixed up on time.
Later, we meet for dinner at a local place.
You will be staying here:
https://www.rothenburg-
On Day 2
James meets you for a historical walk around Rothenburg lasting about 2 hours. You then have free time to explore on your own with guidance from James. Rothenburg has some interesting museums including one dedicated to torture instruments. You can see the "real" Iron Maiden, for example. (Hint: It's not a rock band) It's also fun to walk on the top of the ramparts surrounding Rothenburg for a cool view across the crooked rooftops and towers of the town. You can go up into one of those towers for an awesome view.
James has had an apartment in the heart of town since 1999. Now on his 3rd domicile, by the time you all come over he will have his terrace fully outfitted and so you will all be invited over one evening for an aperitif before you go to dinner.
On Day 3
James shows you around the area including the "hidden wall" that no tourist ever gets to see, it's pretty amazing and was integral to the defense of Rothenburg in the 1400s and 1500s. We also see a very cool castle with a beautiful garden in the village of Weikersheim, which is on the famous "Romantic Road."
Day 4: Saturday, September 5
Day in Nurnberg, overnight in Regensburg (1)
You will be staying here:
https://www.rothenburg-
The B&B where you will stay your first three nights in Germany - "Alter Keller"
On Day 2
James meets you for a historical walk around Rothenburg lasting about 2 hours. You then have free time to explore on your own with guidance from James. Rothenburg has some interesting museums including one dedicated to torture instruments. You can see the "real" Iron Maiden, for example. (Hint: It's not a rock band) It's also fun to walk on the top of the ramparts surrounding Rothenburg for a cool view across the crooked rooftops and towers of the town. You can go up into one of those towers for an awesome view.
James has had an apartment in the heart of town since 1999. Now on his 3rd domicile, by the time you all come over he will have his terrace fully outfitted and so you will all be invited over one evening for an aperitif before you go to dinner.
Rothenburg at night
On Day 3
James shows you around the area including the "hidden wall" that no tourist ever gets to see, it's pretty amazing and was integral to the defense of Rothenburg in the 1400s and 1500s. We also see a very cool castle with a beautiful garden in the village of Weikersheim, which is on the famous "Romantic Road."
Enjoy countryside as James takes the back country roads whenever possible
Day in Nurnberg, overnight in Regensburg (1)
We
take the rural highway an hour away over to Nurnberg, an hour to the east.
James shows you where the Nazis under Hitler had their huge rallies in the 1930s to drum up support for their takeover of the government. It can be a powerful experience to see these places now, crumbling and overgrown. There is an excellent museum worth 90 minutes of your time, and then the courthouse and room where the Nuremburg Process (Trials) were held after the war. There is another museum there worth an hour of your time.
Later, we continue deeper into Bavaria and our overnight in the
former Roman military camp of “Castra Regina,” founded during the reign
of Marcus Aurelius. A huge gate from the former Roman town has been
integrated into our favorite hotel, a 4* Superior property with a
lovely beer garden in a courtyard where the Bishop of Regensburg once
held court. The massive Gothic cathedral, one of Germany’s finest, is
right next door.
Regensburg is a wonderful example of what a large town would have looked like in the medieval period. Since the city was spared in WWII, it has retained its ancient character. Those narrow lanes are now filled with interesting shops. Best of all, down by the river there is a tiny kitchen which has been making sausages since (no kidding) the 1300s. The place was built to feed the workers constructing a stone bridge over the Donau (Danube) River. We can go there and munch of those delicious sausages and sample some of Germany’s best, sweetest sauerkraut while gazing at this 700-year-old bridge.
James shows you where the Nazis under Hitler had their huge rallies in the 1930s to drum up support for their takeover of the government. It can be a powerful experience to see these places now, crumbling and overgrown. There is an excellent museum worth 90 minutes of your time, and then the courthouse and room where the Nuremburg Process (Trials) were held after the war. There is another museum there worth an hour of your time.
Nurnberger Brats and potato salad at our favorite place to have lunch in Nurnberg.
Definitely on the list!
Regensburg is a wonderful example of what a large town would have looked like in the medieval period. Since the city was spared in WWII, it has retained its ancient character. Those narrow lanes are now filled with interesting shops. Best of all, down by the river there is a tiny kitchen which has been making sausages since (no kidding) the 1300s. The place was built to feed the workers constructing a stone bridge over the Donau (Danube) River. We can go there and munch of those delicious sausages and sample some of Germany’s best, sweetest sauerkraut while gazing at this 700-year-old bridge.
We would be staying here: www.hotel-bischofshof.de
Also
right around the corner from our hotel, possibly the best gelato north
of the Italian border. (Can you tell your guide likes ice cream?)
Regensburg is a wonderful place to wander, and plenty of time for that has been built into the plan.
Days 5, 6 and 7: Sunday, September 6
Monday, September 7
Tuesday, September 8
Berchtesgaden and area (3)
Days 5, 6 and 7: Sunday, September 6
Monday, September 7
Tuesday, September 8
Berchtesgaden and area (3)
Get ready for amazing mountain vistas, deep valleys and quaint
villages, today our drive to the far southeastern corner of
Germany will be full of such sights. We’re heading for a vacation within
your vacation, with three relaxing nights in one of the prettiest corners of
Germany that we know.
Our
hosts at the little hotel I've picked out escaped big city life in
Hamburg, Germany for the fresh mountain air and silence of
Berchtesgaden. They run a super-clean and cozy hotel with a terrific
view. It is the ultimate in charm and authentic German hospitality. We
would be staying here: http://www.alpenhotel-
So much to see and do in this area. Depending on your desired activity level, there is:
So much to see and do in this area. Depending on your desired activity level, there is:
- Hiking both challenging and easy
- The nearby "Eagle's Nest" built for Hitler in 1938 as a ceremonial "tea house" and the ruins nearby of his private protective bunker plus remains of the foundations of his house the "Berghof"
- Walks in the woods or in the meadows surrounding the hotel
- Poking around charming Berchtesgaden
- Nearby Salzburg, Austria – one of the prettiest small cities in Austria and birthplace of Mozart. (Worth nearly and entire day)
Panorama from the Eagle's Nest above Berchtesgaden
Day 8: Wednesday, September 9
Austrian Alps, Southern Tyrol and Innsbruck (2)
Austrian Alps, Southern Tyrol and Innsbruck (2)
We
travel through the scenic Austrian Alps, heading for a two-night stay in an
historic hotel in the center of colorful and historic Innsbruck.
And
now, for something really exciting. Laundry! You can pack for a week
and do laundry at a clean and convenient place within easy walking
distance of our hotel. This will spare you from having to lug around a
lot of heavy suitcases.
Trust James - you will be happy you packed light.
While your clothes spin, you see the sights of the old town center.
We are staying here:
http://www.goldeneradler.com/Trust James - you will be happy you packed light.
While your clothes spin, you see the sights of the old town center.
We are staying here:
Day 9: Thursday, September 10
Austrian Alps
You have your choice of adventures today. We can take a 45-minute drive out of Innsbruck to take in one of Austria’s most magnificent waterfalls. Located deep in a stunning alpine valley, this waterfall makes for an exhilarating way to burn off some calories before the next enjoyable meal. James drops you off at the top and you walk down and down and down where James meets you at the bottom. Or if you prefer to walk up then we reverse the process. (Hiking boots/shoes are recommended)
OR
James can send you on a
white water rafting trip! This is not for the faint of heart. This is a
category 4 set of rapids and you really need to be in top physical shape
to handle the ride. (I think you are all able to handle this) And, the
water is coooooolllllld. However, it is an
option for you if you want to have this kind of thrill. (The cost of
this is not included in the price of your trip, it's about $45 pp)
Days 10 and 11: Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12
Meersburg and Lake Konstanz (2)
Day 13 and 14: Monday, September 14 and Tuesday, September 15
Imagine yourself looking out the windows of the hotel here in Meersburg
Days 10 and 11: Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12
Meersburg and Lake Konstanz (2)
One
of our favorite historic hotels, “The Bear” was built as a coaching inn
back in 1605 but the foundations go back even further. There is even a
"haunted" room, #27. With this much advance planning, James is certain
that this can be reserved for anyone who likes to stay up and wait for
the ghost to appear.
A
long list of innkeepers dating back to the early 17th century is in the
entryway. A set of stairs leads to the rooms (there is no elevator) and
rooms are large and many have splendid views down into the heart of the
town and to the castle beyond.
James
doesn’t intend to drag you through castle after castle, but it’s worth
noting that the oldest castle in Germany is in Meersburg. It was
prominently featured on the old 20 Deutschmark bill, before Germany
retired that currency to join the Euro. One of our guests’ favorites,
the castle allows visitors to go through the many rooms at their own
pace, without a guide.
Things
to do in this area include wine tasting at a small vineyard, exploring
nearby Friedrichshafen and its interesting Zeppelin Museum and an
excursion to Mainau Island, Germany's best and most extensive garden.
Since
Meersburg is so tiny, it is easy to get to know the layout of the town
and to easily fit in as a local. A day tripper’s town, once the sun
starts to go down, those day trippers get back on their buses or their
boats and the town feels like a village again.
Visit the historic Zum Baeren here: http://www.baeren-
Click on "Zimmer," I would reserve rooms 23 and 27 for you.
Day 12: Sunday, September 13
Gleiszellen, Germany (1) We travel through the heart of the Black Forest to the hamlet of Gleiszellen for what I used to call "a great restaurant which just happens to have rooms." Now the owner has built on his success and has added an entire new wing of gorgeous rooms, and we stay here the night, giving you opportunity to enjoy some typical and very wonderful dishes and his own varieties of local wine.
Day 12: Sunday, September 13
Gleiszellen, Germany (1) We travel through the heart of the Black Forest to the hamlet of Gleiszellen for what I used to call "a great restaurant which just happens to have rooms." Now the owner has built on his success and has added an entire new wing of gorgeous rooms, and we stay here the night, giving you opportunity to enjoy some typical and very wonderful dishes and his own varieties of local wine.
Visit the Zum Lam here:
Bacharach and the Rhein and Mosel River Valleys (2)
We end your journey with one of my favorite hotels and favorite villages in the entire land. Bacharach is like Pinocchio's home town if he had been German instead of Italian. It is Uber-Quaint and surrounded by a wall and towers and even a castle at the top. You'll enjoy two nights at a traditional, family-owned and operated hotel where we have stayed with guests of European Focus since 1998. Dennis, who just might be the one who brings your glass of beer or wine to your room, was just about two and a half feet tall when we first got to know him and his smiling face, serving coffee from a pot nearly as big as he was at breakfast time. Now he’s just over six feet, and we think, still growing. (But, still smiling)
You can watch the goings on in the center of town from your balcony.
All around, there are things to see and do including:
• Wine tasting at a private vineyard
• Hiking or walking in the vineyards
• Enjoy some sparkling wine high above the Rhein with a sweeping view. James knows a special place
• Germany’s best-preserved medieval castle
• The Mosel River Valley, with a different character than the Rhein, worth exploring with a highlight being a visit to Burg Eltz
• Wine tasting at a private vineyard
• Hiking or walking in the vineyards
• Enjoy some sparkling wine high above the Rhein with a sweeping view. James knows a special place
• Germany’s best-preserved medieval castle
• The Mosel River Valley, with a different character than the Rhein, worth exploring with a highlight being a visit to Burg Eltz
A cruise on the Rhein River will be included.
Visit your hotel here: http://www.
Enjoy the ambience of Bacharach from your balcony of the grand old hotel
Alt Koelnischer Hof
Day 15: Wednesday, September 16
Day of Departure
Day of Departure
Departure from Frankfurt International Airport. Home later that day.
Your Private Tour in Germany and Austria
6,000 Euro per person (About $6,720 US)
Deposit amount: 900 Euro (about $1,008 US)
Trip insurance mandatory and can be purchased via European Focus, Inc.
I can provide a quote.
Balance due 30 days prior to your departure from the USA. I am sorry but I do not accept credit card payments. Personal checks only.
6,000 Euro per person (About $6,720 US)
Deposit amount: 900 Euro (about $1,008 US)
Trip insurance mandatory and can be purchased via European Focus, Inc.
I can provide a quote.
Balance due 30 days prior to your departure from the USA. I am sorry but I do not accept credit card payments. Personal checks only.
Includes:
• •
Breakfast (at hotel) and two dinners during your trip with James at his
discretion. Lunches will mostly be grab and go or picnic-style, or sit
down at your discretion.
Also included: Sight seeing entry fees to include the castle of Burg Eltz, a Rhein Cruise, entry to the castle at Meersburg, the botanical gardens at Meersburg, the famous Hitler hideaway "Eagles Nest" at Berchtesgaden plus a WWII era bunker complex, Salzburg, Austria sight seeing, the church in Rothenburg ob der Tauber with tour by James. Many other sites are free.
Also included: Sight seeing entry fees to include the castle of Burg Eltz, a Rhein Cruise, entry to the castle at Meersburg, the botanical gardens at Meersburg, the famous Hitler hideaway "Eagles Nest" at Berchtesgaden plus a WWII era bunker complex, Salzburg, Austria sight seeing, the church in Rothenburg ob der Tauber with tour by James. Many other sites are free.
• Spacious double occupancy rooms, all with private bath/shower.
• Transportation by full-sized van
James' working day is usually from about 9 a.m. to about 4:30 p.m.
He usually does not join you for dinner as he is working during that time on administrative matters or preparing for the next day. incidentals, tolls, fuel, sightseeing entry fees for those attractions listed on your itinerary, tips or payments to local guides, etc.
Not included: Airfare or the entry fees for what you choose to do during your unstructured free time. • Transportation by full-sized van
James' working day is usually from about 9 a.m. to about 4:30 p.m.
He usually does not join you for dinner as he is working during that time on administrative matters or preparing for the next day. incidentals, tolls, fuel, sightseeing entry fees for those attractions listed on your itinerary, tips or payments to local guides, etc.
It will be a pleasure to show you these very special places in Germany and Austria.
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