Sunday, January 25, 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.

Before you set out on your trip, decide what it is you'd most like to see and experience. Then choose a tour that focuses on your particular interests. For example, you may want to go sightseeing in a particular city or you may want to focus on German food and drink. In this way, you'll be able to really get to know Germany's particular charm.

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.

Of course there's more to the country than its cities. In spring or summer, take long hikes in the Black Forest or go rowing on the lakes of the south. When temperatures drop, grab your skiing gear and go to the ski resorts of the Bavarian Alps.

A cruise on the Rhine is a wonderful way to appreciate the countryside. It takes you from the mountainous south to the north, where the land is flat. Along the coast you'll be able to enjoy the beaches and take a dip in the North Sea in the west or the Baltic Sea in the east.

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.

Many of the shorter day trips are easy to book through a local travel agency once you're at a destination. This is the case for wine and food tours too. For some of the more popular trips, especially those that are seasonal like Munich during Oktoberfest, it's better to book well in advance. You can do this online.




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