Germany is one of the most progressive and modern countries in the world, making it a fantastic destination for a holiday. As well as being one of the safest countries to travel to, it has a rich history and culture, with the last two millennia seeing everything from beautiful fairy tale castles, world wars, and the rise of one of the biggest economic powers in the world.
Cosmopolitan cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg complement the beautiful countryside of the Black Forest and the forests and mountains of Bavaria. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Germany without sampling one of the most famous exports – beer.
A trip to Germany is something you won’t regret; this country will enchant and delight you. To help you decide where you want to go to make the most of your Germany trip, we’ve selected 15 of the best tours you can do in this Western European powerhouse.
So, have a read with your favorite flight and hotel websites at the ready in another window and start planning your trip.
1. Berlin: 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour in classic VW Bus
Source: getyourguide.comAlong with the Beetle, the VW Camper has to be one of the most recognizable symbols in Germany, so what better way is there to take a sightseeing tour around the capital city of Berlin?
Your friendly bilingual guide will tell you about the sites as you pass them, including the Berlin Cathedral, the Reichstag, and the Brandenburg Gate. You’ll be seeing a huge number of sites, so in case you miss any, there’s a photo booklet on the tour to help you catch up.
Don’t miss this traditional and fun way of seeing the German capital.
2. Day Trip to Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Castles from Munich
Source: Feel good studio / shutterstockEnjoy luxury bus travel to two of Germany’s most breath-taking castles – Neuschwanstein and Linderhof – on this 10 ½ hour tour from the second city, Munich.
Spend four hours at Neuschwanstein castle in the foothills of the Alps, said to have been built in honor of Richard Wagner and also to have inspired Walt Disney’s famous pink Disneyland castle.
In the afternoon, you’ll stop at Hohenschwangau castle, the home of Ludwig II of Bavaria, who commissioned the castles. Before heading back to Munich, you’ll have some free time and the opportunity for some shopping in the town of Oberammergau.
3. Munich: An Evening of Bavarian Beer and Food Culture
Source: Alexander Raths / shutterstockEvery year, Germany holds a festival for a whole month (Oktoberfest) to celebrate its most popular export – beer. Therefore, it would be a crime to leave Munich without sampling the amber nectar. Luckily, this tour allows you to do just that, with some tasty food thrown in too.
Your friendly, English-speaking guide will give you an exclusive tour of the Munich Oktoberfest museum before moving on to a traditional beer hall, where a reserved table will await you.
Here, you’ll sample more beer, as well as dumpling, white sausage, and other typical Bavarian foods. End the night feeling full and with a warm glow.
4. 2-Hour Segway Tour of Düsseldorf, or VIP Segway Tour
Source: Romas_Photo / shutterstockSometimes there’s just too much in a city to cover by walking, so why not try a quicker way of getting about: the allegedly impossible to fall off Segway?
This two-hour tour of the fascinating city of Düsseldorf will see you board one of these magnificent machines and being led through the Old Town. You will pass churches and theatres, and cruise along the Rhine River, with your friendly tour guide keeping you informed about all the important sites you’ll take in.
You’ll be given a safety talk before the tour, and there’s the option of renting a helmet at no extra cost in the unlikely event that you don’t manage to stay on the Segway.
5. Heidelberg 6-Hour Tour from Frankfurt
Source: anyaivanova / shutterstockStanding on the banks of the river Neckar, Heidelberg is considered as one of the most beautiful cities; you won’t want to miss this opportunity to visit on a six-hour tour from Frankfurt.
Not only does your tour include free time to explore this enchanting city, but entrance fees to the architectural marvel of Heidelberg castle, which has Gothic and Renaissance influences, to name a few. You’ll also be able to enter the world’s second largest wine barrel.
No need to worry about lunch; you’ll be provided with a packed lunch which you can enjoy at any point of your trip.
6. Bremen: Murder Mystery with Dinner
Source: getyourguide.comYour evening will begin in an unusual manner, with a visit to a crime scene. Don’t worry though, it’s all staged by professional actors and part of a thrilling murder mystery evening in the historic city of Bremen.
After a visit to the ramparts and the market square, you’ll head to Canova restaurant, where the fun really begins. You’ll have four courses of typical German fare to work out who you think the murderer is. If you haven’t managed to, it’ll be revealed by dessert.
The city has a dark history, and true crime buffs will be happy to know there’s also a night-time crime walking tour of Bremen.
7. Cologne: 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour
Source: ShutterstockThis three-hour trip will see you enjoy a guided cycling tour of the city of Cologne, passing through the old town and riding alongside Germany’s second longest river, the Rhine.
Learn about the city’s colorful history – dating back from Roman times all the way to the modern day – from your friendly local guide. See Cologne’s famous cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop and a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as enjoying some of the city’s favorite green spaces.
You’ll be provided with safety gear for the ride, and even a rain poncho so you don’t get wet.
8. Stuttgart: Culinary Excursion through Bad Cannstatt
Source: getyourguide.comThis two-and-a-half-hour culinary tour will introduce you to the oldest part of Stuttgart: Bad Cannstatt.
You’ll be led through the district by a friendly guide, who will explain the sights in English or German, before stopping to try some traditional regional cuisine. As part of the tour, you’ll taste the braided bread known as Hefezopf and a traditional German pasta soup called Maultaschen.
This tour is a perfect opportunity to learn about the history and cuisine of a charming and enchanting German city.
9. Potsdam: City and Castles Tour
Source: Mike Mareen / shutterstockPotsdam is less than an hour from the center of Berlin. This city and castles tour is a great day trip if you’re looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of the capital.
The tour includes both a walking tour and a bus tour of this beautiful city. You’ll see the Dutch Quarter, the “Forbidden City,” and the Cecilienhof castle. There’s even a part of Potsdam called Little Siberia, a small enclave of Russian houses.
You’ll have the afternoon to spend however you wish, and to really make the most of your time in this lovely little town.
10. 1.5-Hour Dresden City Center and Loschwitz Bridge Boat Tour
Source: ShutterstockEnjoy the Baroque capital of the Lower Saxony region, full of art museums and classic architecture, as well as a tour of the Loschwitz bridge from the water.
On this 1 ½ hour tour, you’ll sail along the River Elbe, where you’ll be able to appreciate the magnificence of the Elbe Palaces, and duck under the Elbe bridges, while an audio commentary regales you with tales of their history.
You’ll enjoy food and drinks on board this relaxing river cruise.
11. Dachau Memorial Site Half-Day Tour from Munich
Source: Brandon Bourdages / shutterstockThe Second World War was one of the darkest periods in Germany’s history. Although concentration camps are a long way from a fun day out, they are important educational sites that serve as a memorial to those who died in the atrocities of the war.
This tour comes with transportation from Munich and a professional and knowledgeable guide, who will inform you about the concentration camp in a sensitive way.
It’s an opportunity to reflect and pay your respects whilst learning about events that hopefully will never be repeated.
12. Berlin Street Art and Graffiti Tour and Workshop
Source: getyourguide.comDon’t miss this exciting tour of Berlin’s famous street art, led by a local artist. This 4 ½ hour tour will take you past some of the city’s most important and meaningful street art, including the East Side gallery, where many famous artworks are located.
However, the tour will also take you into the backstreets to show you much less well-known but equally stunning works. Your guide will tell you all about the city’s street art history, which dates back to 1970.
After your tour, you’ll head to an abandoned factory where a local workshop is hidden. Here, you’ll make your own artwork for a truly unique and memorable souvenir.
13. FC Bayern München Football and Allianz Arena Tour
Source: Yuri Turkov / shutterstockThis four-hour tour takes you to one of international football’s most innovative and modern stadiums, the Allianz Arena. The Allianz is better known as the home of Germany’s most successful football club, FC Bayern München.
Your day includes transfers from Munich’s Hauptbahnhof, before embarking on your four-hour guided tour through the stadium. You will be aided by a knowledgeable, football-mad guide, who will tell you all about the players and championships that have a place in the club’s folklore.
After your tour ends, pick up some souvenirs from the Bayern gift shop before you’re taken back to the Hauptbahnhof.
14. Nuremberg: 2-Hour Tour through the Historical Old Town
Source: marcociannarel / shutterstockEmbrace this opportunity to visit one of the largest German towns during the Middle Ages – Nuremberg. Pick up and drop off at your accommodation is available on request, so take full advantage before this fascinating two-hour walking tour.
Your friendly and knowledgeable guide will be able to inform you about the city’s historic past in either English or German – from the Holy Roman Empire to the invention of the world’s first pencils and Germany’s first railway line.
This is a great way to experience Bavaria’s second largest city. Your guide might even be able to give you some local tips on the best places to eat and drink once your tour is over.
15. Sex and Crime in St. Pauli – tour for ages 18+
Source: getyourguide.comNot a tour to do if you’re traveling with the family, this X-rated tour will help you to learn all about Hamburg’s red-light district and its dark and seedy history. You’ll visit the world famous Zur Ritze bar, and the boxing club in the basement where the likes of Mike Tyson and the Klitschko’s practiced their trade.
There’s also a trip to a role-reversal strip club, where only men are permitted to dance. Learn about a Jack the Ripper likeness, the district of St. Pauli’s organized crime past, and end the show with a tour.
Of course, there’s a chance to try a local beer too.