Germany

Why Choose an Escorted Holiday to Germany?

Germany is a country of regions, each with its own character, dialect and identity. Bavaria in the south has little in common with the flat coastline of the north, and Berlin is a world of its own. Navigating this variety on your own takes effort; on a guided tour, you get a coherent journey through the country's most rewarding places without the hassle of planning logistics across multiple cities.

For British passengers, Germany is a more layered destination than it first appears. The fairy-tale castles of the Romantic Road, the engineering history of Munich, the extraordinary landscape of the Rhine gorge, the weight and significance of Berlin - these are not interchangeable sights. Our tour managers bring them into focus. For British-Indian travellers in particular, Germany's efficiency, cleanliness and extensive vegetarian options across its cities make it a comfortable and well-regarded choice.

Indian-Friendly Features on Our Germany Tours

• Indian dinners included on most multi-day tours, typically three or more evenings
• Vegetarian options available and confirmed in advance, including across Munich and Berlin where Indian restaurants are plentiful
• No beef or pork compulsory in any included group meals
• Midlands, Leicester and London pick-up points for UK departures
• Hindi-speaking representatives on selected departures - confirm at the time of booking

Best Time to Visit Germany

April and May are excellent: pleasant temperatures, the Rhine Valley in blossom and manageable visitor numbers at major sites.

June to August is the warmest period. The Bavarian lakes are beautiful, outdoor beer gardens are in full use, and crowds at Neuschwanstein and the Rhine castles are at their peak.

September and October bring the grape harvest along the Mosel and Rhine, as well as the first three weeks of October's Oktoberfest in Munich - a genuine cultural event beyond the tourist reputation.

November and December are dominated by Christmas markets. Nuremberg, Cologne, Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Dresden all host markets of real quality. One of the best reasons to visit Germany in winter.

Popular Destinations Within Germany

Munich - Bavaria's capital. The Marienplatz, the Deutsches Museum, the English Garden and excellent day trips to Dachau, Neuschwanstein and the Alpine foothills.

Neuschwanstein Castle - the fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney. Best visited as part of the Romantic Road, ideally with a guide who can explain what you are actually looking at beyond the photographs.

The Rhine and Mosel Valleys - river gorges lined with vineyard terraces, medieval castles and small wine towns. Often covered by river cruise or coach on our longer itineraries.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - a perfectly preserved medieval walled town on the Romantic Road. Photographs do not overstate it.

Berlin - complex, essential and unlike any other European capital. The Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, the remnants of the Wall, Museum Island and the extraordinary history visible in every neighbourhood.

Cologne - the great Gothic cathedral dominates, but the city also offers Roman history, excellent museums and the Rhine promenade.

The Black Forest - forested hills and valleys in the southwest, with thermal spas, traditional crafts and some of Germany's finest scenery.

Practical Information

• Currency: Euro (€)
• Language: German; English spoken in cities and tourist areas
• Time zone: Central European Time (GMT+1 in winter, GMT+2 in summer)
• Electricity: Type F plugs (230V). A European adapter is needed.
• Tipping: Included in your Star Tours holiday price
• India bookings: Call our India line free on 1800 123 181 181 (10am-7pm)
• ABTA & ATOL: All our Germany holidays are fully protected