Hanseatic League
An Article on the early trading of Germany and the Baltic states by an Antipodean travel company serving World Travellers since 1983 with small group educational tours for senior couples and mature solo travellers who are curious.
Odyssey offers easy, convenient, and relaxed escorted small group tours for senior couples and mature solo travelers across Western Europe and beyond. The small group tour in Germany explores the incredible natural beauty, its medieval towns, state and imperial heritage, World Heritage Sites including a castle or two, and world famous cities, such as Salzburg, Nuremberg or Rothenburg, all with some truly spectacular scenery along the way. This and more is all waiting to be explored on one of Odyssey’s small group tours of Germany, designed for the senior traveller, and led by experienced, and enthusiastic like minded people.
Continues below
This 22-day small group program visits the major arts centres of Hamburg, Amsterdam, Paris, and London. We travel in winter avoiding crowds and enjoy a different perspective of the places visited. At Odyssey Traveller we have sought to assemble entry and show tickets to what many will consider the best arts experiences available in those cities during each program.
Experience Berlin while living there for almost three weeks in an apartment. From one of the best small group tour companies for Europe enjoy an escorted tour learning about the city’s history and experiencing it like a Berliner. This holiday is for like minded people, mature couples or solo travelers who enjoy getting off the beaten track and exploring with some adventure.
This small group escorted educational tour combines visits to France, Belgium, Luxemborg, the Netherlands, and Germany. During the 26 days, we will discover a selection of the finest gardens and chateaux in Europe. Our destinations also include several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, for example the royal palaces built by the Prince-Bishop of Cologne in Brühl, Germany.
Join us on this this comprehensive small group journey in Germany that begins in Heidelberg and ventures south to the romantic Black Forest to Munich. Spend 21 nights in Germany, featuring Berlin, Munich, the Black Forest, Bavaria, the Alps, and the Rhine.
Enjoy an escorted walking tour of Berlin. This small group holiday is for like minded people, mature couples or solo travelers who enjoy getting off the beaten track and exploring with some adventure. The itineraries set for each day follow sections of the Berlin Wall, whilst local guides realise authentic experiences found in this amazing city.
For the senior couple or mature solo traveler seeking a small group educational tour focussed on exploring and learning with like minded people in Europe.
Enjoy the best of Bach travelling with mature couples or solo travellers in a small group tour. We take time to appreciate not just the music but also to explore Bach’s history and influences in Germany. The program spends 16 days visiting the locations that where influences on his life as well as attending the Bach Music festival in Leipzig.
Merchants generated much of the wealth of Europe, from Venice to Genoa, Lisbon and London. On the Baltic coast building on the Vikings, the Hanseatic league become the traders influence trade from the middle ages across Europe. This small group tour for senior couple and mature solo travellers explores the history.
For couples and solo travellers who enjoy the ballet and the arts this 16 day program from Amsterdam to Hamburg and finishing in Paris is a dance delight. Programs and actual performances will vary, but the structure and fabric of the experiences to be enjoyed within a small group remains the cornerstone of your experience on this program.
The small group tour will see the opera performed in the city of Richard Wagner’s birth, Leipzig. Our tour starts in Dresden and we also visit Bayrouth and Munich. We will not only experience his music in these 4 operas, but also be shown the influences of culture and family on the extraordinary composer’s life.
Travellers on this small group tour will have the chance to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of Beethoven’s life and music. Beginning in the city of Bonn, where Beethoven was born, we visit the city precincts and buildings where Beethoven’s unique artistic sensibility was formed. In Vienna, we explore many of the concert halls and churches where his work was performed. In each city visited we attend performances of his work.
Most of us have already experienced the grandeur of classic galleries such as the Louvre and the National Gallery. Travel with like-minded people in a small group tour and be surprised by the lesser-known but equally wonderful smaller art galleries across Northwest Europe.
Enjoy the authentic experience of the Oberammergau passion play on this small group escorted tour. One of the best small group tour companies Europe, the destinations and itineraries provide small group journeys for like minded people. For solo travelers a minimal single supplement applies.
Germany marries old and new as harmoniously as it does city and country. Gothic architecture meets Bauhaus, while modern innovation has shaped the skyline of some of Germany‘s biggest cities. Uncover UNESCO World heritage site histories with your local tour guide. A small group tour in Germany takes you to explore and learn about the turbulent history of Berlin at the Reichstag Building, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Brandenburg Gate. In Munich, explore the medieval Marienplatz (or central square), visit the Baroque palaces of the Bavarian kings, Linderhof Palace and Nymphenburg Palace, and make time to sample iconic the Bavarian beer. Outside the cities, Germany is covered by beautiful scenery, ranging from the rugged Bavarian Alps to the eerie Black Forest. Pass grand fairytale castles on a Rhine River cruise, or head through the quaint villages of the Romantic Road. If the varied scenery, historic monuments and cultural experiences are not enough to entice you, Germany also hosts a wide array of festivals and markets each year-including the world-famous Oktoberfest, Berlinale, and the Leipzig Christmas market-making it a destination that is not to be missed.
Germany tours for seniors. Explore the medieval towns, fairytale castles, quaint villages that a tour operator seeks to offer on a vacation. However, for Odyssey Traveller our guided sightseeing trip goes beyond these inclusions in a vacation package. Odyssey’s collection of German tours for seniors with a tour director (program leader) and a destination expert provides a Germany tour that focuses on the history, culture and landscapes for the mature and senior traveler whether travelling as a couple or as a solo traveler.
Your guided tour is a blend of sightseeing with the tour guide as a day trip collection and free days to allow you to explore or linger in key places on your trip such as Berlin or Frankfurt or one of the quaint villages in scenic Bavaria allowing you time to absorb more of Germany whilst on vacation avoiding the frantic rush rush feeling of a continous circuit of another day trip.
An Article on the early trading of Germany and the Baltic states by an Antipodean travel company serving World Travellers since 1983 with small group educational tours for senior couples and mature solo travellers who are curious.
Explore and learn more about Berlin. Germany, referred to as Europe's economic engine also includes one of the great cities of Europe, Berlin. You can discover more about this city on a long stay program in the city or as part of a Baltics tour.
Walhalla Memorial, Germany The Neoclassical Walhalla Memorial, reminiscent of the Parthenon and reaching for the grandeur of the mythological Norse Valhalla after which it was named, is located high above the Danube River, east of…
Bayreuth, Germany Bayreuth is located on the Red Main river in Northern Bavaria. The pretty, mid-sized town is world famous for the Bayreuth Festival, and for its affiliation with the German composer Richard Wagner. The…
Munich, Germany Munich, capital of Bavaria, lies on the elevated plains north of the edge of the Bavarian Alps. The city of Munich is the third largest city in Germany after Berlin and Hamburg. It…
Dresden, Germany Dresden is the capital of the German state of Saxony, and the third largest city in eastern Germany after Berlin and Leipzig. It lies in the basin of the Elbe River between Meissen…
Escorted small group tours for mature and senior travellers to Germany. Designed for couples and solo travellers who like to explore and enjoy learning as they travel to Berlin, Gothic Germany, Munich or the Black forest and beyond.
The term Gothic is often used to refer to a turning point and new era of European architecture that is generally seen as starting in the mid 12th century. Gothic architecture was in stunning contrast…
Often described as the Prussian Versailles, Sanssouci refers to the ensemble of palaces and garden complexes built under Frederick the Great (1712-1786).
Leipzig, encircled by a ring of parks and gardens, the city is a major industrial centre and buzzing with life. It has long been regarded as a major intellectual and cultural centre, known since the…
15 Must-See Sites in Berlin | Small group tours Germany Berlin, capital of Germany, venue of the Berlinale, seat of the German Parliament, and location of UNESCO-protected Museum Island, occupies a place of prominence as…
Oberammergau Passion Play 2020 | Small group tours Germany In 2020, Odyssey will offer three small group tours of Europe that will include the Oberammergau Passion Play: Contemporary Germany, The Habsburgs, and our Berlin tour. This article is…
Ancient Routes, Fresh Eyes: Nine European Pilgrimage Routes for the Modern Traveller The word ‘pilgrimage’ or ‘pilgrim’ comes from the Modern French word pèlerin, which means ‘foreigner, stranger’, highlighting the concept that the faithful is not of…
The Bauhaus School and its 100-Year Legacy The Bauhaus School was the brainchild of Walter Gropius of Germany, who reimagined art and utility as a single form that combined architecture, fine arts, and crafts (MET…
Destination Germany | Small group tours Germany The Moselle River, which runs through Trier, Germany’s oldest city. Once labelled the “sick man of Europe”, Germany is now the continent’s largest economy and the sixth largest…
Discover the history of Berlin | Small group tours Germany Berlin is a city rich in history. At every turn are traces of a past plagued by conflict, and stories of powerful resistance. By the…
10 books to read about Berlin There are few cities in which history is as palpable as it is in Berlin. From its medieval origins, to grand Baroque capital of Prussia, and on to its…
History & European Pilgrim Walks Walking pilgrimages provide solitude and tranquillity in an increasingly busy and fast-paced world. These walking tours follow ancient pilgrimage routes, giving the modern pilgrim the chance not only to meet new…
The life of Johann Sebastian Bach While Bach’s compositions receive worldwide acclaim, and are among perhaps the most famous and beloveds works of music, the man himself is somewhat of a mystery. Born in Eisenach,…
Odyssey travels by coach and occasionally uses local transport, including trains and ferries. Specifics are always outlined in your tour itinerary. Germany has a centralised and impressively extensive rail network, the Deutsche Bahn, which links towns to the major cities.
In major cities, Odyssey stays in centrally located 3-4 star hotels, with easy access to public transport. In smaller towns or rural areas, we usually stay in family-run hotels or guesthouses. On our longstay tours, during which you spend the length of the tour in a single location, we use serviced apartments.
Odyssey always engages local guides with regional knowledge to ensure an authentic experience during which you can learn as much as possible about the history and culture of places you visit.
Germany is the largest country in Central Europe. It is bordered to the north by Denmark, to the east by Poland and the Czech Republic, to the south by Austria and Switzerland, and the west by France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands. Germany is a federation of 16 states, roughly corresponding to regions with their own distinct and unique cultures. Renowned for its precision engineering, Germany is a major economic power with a very high standard of living.
Geographically, Germany stretches from the Alps, across the North European Plain to the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The Alps peak at 2962 metres, while the the low-lying lands of northern Germany are traversed by some of Europe’s major rivers such as the Rhine, Danube and Elbe. There is great geographical diversity in Germany, which contributes to its appeal for travellers. Most of the country experiences a temperate climate, dominated by humid westerly winds. Think cool winters and warm summers, when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees celcius. The East experiences more contintental conditions, with longer dry periods common. Central and southern Germany range from oceanic to continental. Climate extremes are rare, but occasional spikes in temperature can occur. Be sure to check long range weather predictions prior to your departure – this will help guide your packing
Germany is home to 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can view the official list of the sites here; https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/de.
It is well worth visiting every site, if you are able. But here’s a few highlights from the bunch:
Germany is very passionate about its football (soccer), and every village has a club. Games are a major social event on weekends. Spas are also common throughout Germany, with sauna areas generally coed and nude. Germany boasts world class opera houses, and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra is known as one of the world’s top 3. Perhaps unexpectedy, Shakespeare is adored in Germany, and you may be able to find a performance during your visit. As for festivals and events, Oktoberfest cannot be missed. It comprises 17 days of celebrating beer, and is held in Munich, Bavaria every year. It is a significant part of Bavarian culture. There is a strong carnival tradition in some parts of Southern Germany, with Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) the highlight of the German Karneval.
There tends to be a standard formula to German cuisine: variations on meat, potatoes and gravy, accompanied by vegetables or salad. International influence has led to lighter offerings, but it is great fun discovering how tradition vies alongside the contemporary. ‘Schnellimbiss’ means ‘quick snack’, and is what you will see on the signs of German stalls and small shops that sell primarily sausage (Wurst) and fries (Pommes Frites). Sausages will include Bratwurst, which is usually a boiled pork sausage. A typical German variant is Currywurst: sausage chopped up and covered in spiced ketchup, dusted with curry powder. Beer and often harder liquor are available in most Schnellimbisse. German bakeries give fast food restaurants a run for their money, and even butchers will often prepare a fresh sandwich for you – or sometimes even a meal.
Biergärtens beergardens) provide drinks and usually meals, though in some traditional beergardens in Bavaria, you are permitted to bring your own food. Brauhaus are small breweries that sell their products direct to the customer, and frequently offer Haxe” or “Schweinshaxe” (pig’s leg), a distinctively German specialty. Other traditional dishes include schnitzel and rinderroulade – the latter is thinly sliced beef wrapped around bacon and pickled cucumber. The meat is quick-fried and then left to cook slowly for an hour, and is traditionally served with red cabbage, potato dumplings and pan gravy.
Among regional dishes is Eierschecke, a cake made of eggs and cream similar to cheese cake, found in Saxony. Beware when ordering fish – if Edelfischplatte is offered, it may not be fresh. Best to consume fish from specialty seafood restaurants. A specialty of the East is “Soljanka” (originating from Ukraine, but probably the most common dish in the GDR), a sour soup containing vegetables and usually some kind of meat or sausages.
While much of Germany is usually safe to travel around, it’s important to stay alert to anything unusual. Also, you will often see signs warning of pickpockets in areas popular with tourists, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your belongings at all times.
Whenever you travel overseas, it’s always wise to take an appropriate travel adaptor. The standard voltage in Germany is 230V and 50Hz. Types C and F plugs are used here, both with two round pins – F also has earth clips on the side. The main plug is also referred to as a Schuko plug
Germany has a single time zone (excluding its overseas territories), Greenwich Mean Time. The nation observes daylight saving time from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.
If you’re on an Odyssey tour, we take care of tipping so you don’t need to give it a second thought. However, in your free time, or if travelling independently, it’s essential that you make sure you tip an appropriate amount for services, as is the case throughout much of Europe. It’s customary to tip 10-15% of the bill at restaurants. It’s polite to round a bill up to the nearest whole figure or leave the change when buying drinks.
Internet access is easily accessible, and most hotels and many cafes will be able to offer it.
Check with your cell phone provider to see whether you’re able to make calls and use data while in Germany. Many providers will allow you to pay a daily fee that allows you to make calls and check the internet while only being charged your regular rates. However, be certain to inform your provider that you’re heading overseas, because just like a bank they can turn off your service as a result of unusual activity.
Germany has some of the best public transportation in the world. All cities and larger towns have public transportation that is reliable and efficient.
Although more expensive – train travel is an incredibly efficient way to get around Germany. Germany’s main rail system is Deutsche Bahn, which has both high-speed trains and regular trains.
Bus is the cheapest way to get around, Flixbus, Eurolines or Deinbus are examples of major bus companies servicing Germany.
Germany is a beautiful, varied country with an impressive culture and endless travel opportunities.
Berlin is one of the most interesting cities in Europe, and certainly the one that has changed the most in the last 20 years, it has become Europe’s capital of cool – a vibrant mix of fashion, design, music, and art.
Cologne is home to one of the most impressive cathedrals in the world, a thriving art scene, and some of the most high-spirited locals,
Germany’s most scenic drive, the Romantic Road, offers visitors the opportunity to discover the rich culture, picturesque scenery, and medieval character of this fantastic country.
Odyssey’s small group tours for seniors include all accommodation, transport, most meals, applicable entry fees and services of local guides, tipping and gratuities, services of an Odyssey Tour Leader Detailed tour information booklet.
The small group tours in Germany explore the incredible natural beauty, its medieval towns, state and imperial heritage, World Heritage Sites including a castle or two, and world-famous cities, such as Salzburg, Nuremberg or Rothenberg, all with some truly spectacular scenery along the way. This and more is all waiting to be explored on one of Odyssey’s small group tours of Germany, designed for the senior traveller, and led by experienced, and enthusiastic likeminded people.
Germany marries old and new as harmoniously as it does city and country. Gothic architecture meets Bauhaus, while modern innovation has shaped the skyline of some of Germany‘s biggest cities. Uncover UNESCO World heritage site histories with your local tour guide. A small group tour in Germany takes you to explore and learn about the turbulent history of Berlin at the Reichstag Building, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Brandenburg Gate. In Munich, explore the medieval Marinellite (or central square), visit the Baroque palaces of the Bavarian kings, Linderhof Palace and Nymphenburg Palace, and make time to sample iconic the Bavarian beer. Outside the cities, Germany is covered by beautiful scenery, ranging from the rugged Bavarian Alps to the eerie Black Forest. Pass grand fairytale castles on a Rhine River cruise, or head through the quaint villages of the Romantic Road. If the varied scenery, historic monuments and cultural experiences are not enough to entice you, Germany also hosts a wide array of festivals and markets each year-including the world-famous Oktoberfest, Berlinale, and the Leipzig Christmas market-making it a destination that is not to be missed.
You can find all Odyssey Germany tour itineraries, departure dates and tour costs here.
You can book Odyssey’s tour online on our website, alternatively, call or email our office.
Germany marries old and new as harmoniously as it does city and country. Gothic architecture meets Bauhaus, while modern innovation has shaped the skyline of some of Germany‘s biggest cities. Uncover UNESCO World heritage site histories with your local tour guide. A small group tour in Germany takes you to explore and learn about the turbulent history of Berlin at the Reichstag Building, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Brandenburg Gate. In Munich, explore the medieval Marienplatz (or central square), visit the Baroque palaces of the Bavarian kings, Linderhof Palace and Nymphenburg Palace, and make time to sample iconic the Bavarian beer. Outside the cities, Germany is covered by beautiful scenery, ranging from the rugged Bavarian Alps to the eerie Black Forest. Pass grand fairytale castles on a Rhine River cruise, or head through the quaint villages of the Romantic Road. If the varied scenery, historic monuments and cultural experiences are not enough to entice you, Germany also hosts a wide array of festivals and markets each year-including the world-famous Oktoberfest, Berlinale, and the Leipzig Christmas market-making it a destination that is not to be missed.
Germany has used the common euro currency, since 2002.
Odyssey’s tours to Germany ranges from 9-23 days.
Odyssey offers the following tour to Germany:
Contemporary Germany & Oberammergau Passion Play 2022
Oberammergau Passion Play 2022 & the Habsburg cities
The safety of our travellers, tour leader, local guide and support staff has always been our top priority and with the new guidelines for public health and safety for keeping safe for destinations around the world, we’ve developed our plan to give you peace of mind when travelling with us.
For more sunshine and comfortable temperatures, late spring and early autumn – May, September and early October – are the best time to visit.
Odyssey schedules our tours in late spring and early autumn, to avoid crowds.
Odyssey Traveller based in Sydney, Australia, however, we have many travellers from USA, Canada, UK and Europe who travel with us every year.
We specialise in educational small group tours for seniors, typically groups sizes are between 6 to 12 people, and no more than 16 travellers. Odyssey has been offering this style of adventure and educational programs to since 1983. We offer a wide range of fully escorted, cultural and heritage journeys that expand horizons and broaden the mind. Our tours are designed for active, inquisitive travellers in a small group environment.
A history of Berlin for Tourists
Ten books to read about Berlin
Ten of the best art galleries in Europe
For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link.
13 Things to know before visiting Germany
The Telegraph: Thirty reasons why we love Germany
A Rhine Romance: Following the Mighty River
Lonely Planet: 48 Hours in Hamburg
Hey, I'm Mark
CEO of Odyssey Traveller
I send out a weekly Odyssey Traveller newsletter.