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Small Group Tour

Contemporary Germany small group tour

22 days · Small group · Max 14 travellers

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Contempporary Germany including Oberammergau
86% return to travel with us again 40+ years of small-group escorted touring 43,000+ travellers have toured with Odyssey

Tour Overview

Germany’s modern history and culture on a small-group tour

Contemporary Germany is a specialised small-group tour exploring Germany, a country long regarded as one of the world’s most welcoming. Designed for up to 16 mature and senior travellers, this small-group tour offers opportunities to learn and explore, often visiting places away from traditional tourist routes. The tour welcomes couples and solo travellers. Germany’s spirit of hospitality can be felt from the northern port city of Hamburg to Munich, the heart of Bavaria.

Itinerary for the Contemporary Germany Tour

Our tour begins in Heidelberg, a university town known for its narrow cobblestone streets and intricate Baroque architecture. After exploring the town and its surrounds, we travel south to the romantic Black Forest, long associated with the dark fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm.

We stay in Titisee and visit Freiburg, with its impressive cathedral and historic city gates. Nearby, we travel to Feldberg, where a cable-car ride offers views across Lake Feldsee. From Titisee, we continue to the village of Oberammergau. En route, we pause for a horse-drawn carriage ride to Neuschwanstein Castle, perched in the Bavarian Alps, before continuing to Munich, Bavaria’s capital.

Munich is renowned for its annual Oktoberfest, but the city’s lively spirit lasts all year. Over two days, we explore its cultural heritage, including a guided city tour and a visit to the Deutsches Museum, one of the world’s largest museums of science and technology.

Next, we travel to Nuremberg, stopping for a walking tour of Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historic Gothic buildings. In Nuremberg, we learn about Germany’s history, including a visit to the sobering Nazi Party Rally Grounds. On the way to Wagner’s hometown of Bayreuth, we stop to explore Bamberg and Coburg.

We then reach Erfurt, a city rich in horticultural, cultural and political history. From here, we visit Weimar, the birthplace of Weimar Classicism and home to many influential thinkers and artists.

Our next destination is Dresden, admired for its historic centre, museums and architecture. From there, we travel to cosmopolitan Berlin. With a local guide, we see the city’s major landmarks, including the tree-lined Unter den Linden boulevard and the iconic Brandenburg Gate, remnants of the Berlin Wall near Checkpoint Charlie, and the Reichstag building. Its 1933 fire was followed by Hitler’s early steps towards dictatorial power.

From Berlin, we take a morning excursion to the royal palaces of nearby Potsdam, including Cecilienhof Palace and Rococo Sanssouci. There is also time to experience Berlin’s contemporary art and culture at your own pace.

After three nights in the capital, we journey west to Schierke and board a train to Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains. After time at the summit, we return by train to Wernigerode. This charming town is known for its half-timbered houses and local legends of witches said to inhabit the nearby mountains.

From Wernigerode, we continue west to Königswinter for the final three nights of the tour, staying near the Rhine. We take a city tour of Bonn, visit Cologne Cathedral and enjoy a cruise along the iconic Rhine River. Afterward, our tour comes to a close.

Articles about Germany published by Odyssey Traveller

The following list of articles published by odyssey Traveller for mature aged and senior travellers to maximise their knowledge and enjoyment of Berlin and Germany when visiting;

External articles to assist you on your visit to Germany

Odyssey has more information on Germany that you can research. For more details on this tour, click the ‘Top 5’ or ‘Itinerary’ buttons above! If you’re keen to experience this tour, please call or send an email. Or, to book, simply fill in the form on the right hand side of this page.

Tour Notes

Itineraries may change if flight schedules, site availability, and other inclusions have to be amended prior to departure.

Tour highlights

  • Explore and learn about the Port city of Hamburg
  • Visit the magnificent Hohenschwangau Castle and the Neuschwanstein Castle in the village of Hohenschwangau in the Bavarian Alps.
  • Explore the contemporary and vibrant cities of Berlin, Munich, and Dresden.
  • Enjoy the Black Forest and Harz Mountains, often considered to harbour the true soul of Germany.
  • Visit Heidelberg, a university town with narrow, cobblestone streets flanked with intricate Baroque architecture.

Value built into your journey

What’s included

  • 21 nights of hotel accommodation.
  • 21 breakfasts and 13 dinners.
  • Transport, entrance fees and excursions as indicated.
  • Applicable entry fees and services of local guides.
  • Services of a group leader.
  • Gratuities and necessary tips.
  • Detailed tour information booklet.
See all inclusions & exclusions →

The Odyssey difference

Small enough to experience more

One dinner table, shared experience

Our groups are deliberately small enough to dine together around one table—an intimate way to get to know fellow travellers, whether you join as a couple or on your own.

Access that larger groups miss

A smaller group can visit more intimate venues, stay in characterful places, and reach experiences that are often impractical for larger coach parties.

Time to understand a place

Expert Program Leaders and local guides add depth, while a considered pace leaves room to explore, rest, or follow your curiosity.

Discover why travellers choose Odyssey →
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Journey journal

Read, learn & explore before you travel

Expand your journey before departure with destination stories and carefully selected reading that bring the history, art and culture of this tour into sharper focus.

Contempporary Germany including Oberammergau

Destination guide

Contemporary Germany small group tour

A thoughtful journey through the people, places and stories that make this tour distinctive.

Explore tour resources →
Prefer to book or enquire by phone?
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What's Included:
What's included in our Tour
  • 21 nights of hotel accommodation.
  • 21 breakfasts and 13 dinners.
  • Transport, entrance fees and excursions as indicated.
  • Applicable entry fees and services of local guides.
  • Services of a group leader.
  • Gratuities and necessary tips.
  • Detailed tour information booklet.
What's not included in our Tour
  • Return international airfares and departure taxes.
  • Comprehensive travel insurance.
  • Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls and laundry.

Activity Level

Level 2 - Moderate
Participants must be able to carry their own luggage, climb and descend stairs, be in good health, mobile and able to participate in 3-5 hours of physical activity per day, the equivalent of walking/hiking up to 8 kilometres on uneven ground.
Learn about activity levels

Good to Know:

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Prices shown per person

Prices displayed below are per person, twin share occupancy.
Departure Date Price Availability
11 Apr – 2 May 2027
$19,150 AUD
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22 Aug – 12 Sep 2027
$19,150 AUD
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10 Apr – 1 May 2028
$19,750 AUD
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21 Aug – 11 Sep 2028
$19,750 AUD
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11 Apr – 2 May 2027
$19,150 AUD
✓ Available
Book This Date
22 Aug – 12 Sep 2027
$19,150 AUD
✓ Available
Book This Date
10 Apr – 1 May 2028
$19,750 AUD
✓ Available
Book This Date
21 Aug – 11 Sep 2028
$19,750 AUD
✓ Available
Book This Date

A deposit of A$1,000 per person secures your place. Balance is due 120 days before departure. All prices are per person. View Terms & Conditions.

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Available Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm AEST

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Plan your journey

Available dates & prices

Choose a departure and room type to see the current tour price. Every departure travels in a small group of no more than 14 travellers.

Choose your room

Prices shown per person, twin share occupancy. Select a departure to view booking details.

Small-group touring with a maximum of 14 travellers Meals: 21B · 13D included Comfortable accommodation and expert local guidance A$1,000 deposit per person secures your place

How many travellers?

Twin share Sharing a room with a companion
Solo traveller A room of your own

0 travellers Deposit due today: —

Review your booking details next. Balance due 120 days before departure.

Small-group touring with a maximum of 14 travellers Meals: 21B · 13D included Comfortable accommodation and expert local guidance A$1,000 deposit per person secures your place

How many travellers?

Twin share Sharing a room with a companion
Solo traveller A room of your own

0 travellers Deposit due today: —

Review your booking details next. Balance due 120 days before departure.

Small-group touring with a maximum of 14 travellers Meals: 21B · 13D included Comfortable accommodation and expert local guidance A$1,000 deposit per person secures your place

How many travellers?

Twin share Sharing a room with a companion
Solo traveller A room of your own

0 travellers Deposit due today: —

Review your booking details next. Balance due 120 days before departure.

Small-group touring with a maximum of 14 travellers Meals: 21B · 13D included Comfortable accommodation and expert local guidance A$1,000 deposit per person secures your place

How many travellers?

Twin share Sharing a room with a companion
Solo traveller A room of your own

0 travellers Deposit due today: —

Review your booking details next. Balance due 120 days before departure.

◈

Book with confidence

Your departure, room type and price are confirmed before checkout.

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Flexible booking support

Our travel specialists are available to help you choose the right departure.

Your route

Germany’s modern history and culture on a small-group tour

Follow a carefully paced route through the places, stories and experiences that bring this journey to life. Open any day for the detail behind the itinerary.

Route map for this tour
⌖ 22 days · 9 stops
⌗ View larger map
1–3 3 days

Heidelberg

We begin our journey in Heidelberg, where you'll settle into your hotel at your own pace. As evening falls, we gather for a welcome dinner together, sharing wine and conversation as we meet our fellow travellers. It's the perfect start to the weeks ahead.

Upon arrival in Heidelberg we transfer to our hotel individually. Welcome dinner will be in the hotel, with a couple of glasses of wine per person.

We have a morning city tour with a local guide to see the main sights of Heidelberg. We transfer on to Worms for a guided city tour before transferring back to Heidelberg.

Today we travel from Heidelberg to Wurzburg, where we will be met by our local guide for a tour of the main sights of the city including entrance to the Residenz. On our return journey to Heidelberg we pause in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, known for its well-preserved medieval old town. Dinner this evening will be in Heidelberg.

4–6 3 days

Titisee

We venture into the heart of the Black Forest, pausing to discover Baden Baden's elegant charm before stepping into living history at the Open Air Museum in Gutach. Then Titisee welcomes us, its shimmering waters and forested shores offering peaceful reflection as day dissolves into evening.

Today we travel to Baden Baden, with a stop to view the town, before transferring on to Gutach with entrance to the Black Forest Open Air Museum. We transfer to Titisee with the remainder of the day free before dinner.

Today we travel from Titisee to Freiburg, with a city tour with a local guide, taking in the main sights of the city. From Freibrug we travel on to Feldberg, with return tickets on the Cable Car to take in the views over Feldsee. We have a final transfer back to Titisee in time for dinner.

We travel from Titisee to Friedrichshafen, with entrance to the Zeppelin Museum. We transfer on to Hohenschwangau and take a carriage up to Neuschwanstein Castle, with entrance and a guided tour of the castle interior. We will take a carriage back down from the castle before transferring on to Steingaden, where we visit the Wies Rococo Church, before finally returning to Titisee.

7–8 2 days

Munich

We arrive in Munich this afternoon, where centuries of history and culture await your discovery. With free time to wander at your own pace, you'll find yourself drawn through grand squares and intimate streets, perhaps pausing at a café or lingering in a museum. As evening approaches, we gather together for dinner, reconnecting over the

Today, we make our way to Munich. This afternoon there will be free time to explore this amazing city before our dinner.

This morning we enjoy a city tour with our local guide, including entrance to the Deutches Museum. We have an afternoon visit to the BMW Welt Building, with entrance and a brief tour.

9 1 day

Nuremberg

We journey northward from Munich to Regensburg, exploring its medieval heart on foot before continuing to Nuremberg. There, a local guide illuminates the city's layered history, from its architectural treasures to the sobering Nazi Rally Site, while the German National Museum anchors our understanding of the nation's complex past.

We travel from Munich to Regensburg with a short guided walking tour of Regensburg. From Regensburg we head on to Nuremberg for an afternoon tour with a local guide to take in the main sights of the city, including a visit to the Nazi Rally Site and entrance to the German National Museum.

10–12 3 days

Erfurt

We travel deeper into Bavaria's heart, pausing at the formidable Coburg Castle for a guided exploration of its storied rooms. From there, we continue to Erfurt, settling into our home for the next three nights. This evening, after refreshing ourselves, we gather for dinner together.

Today we journey from Nuremberg to Bayreuth, with a stop to view the Bavarian city of Bamburg. We will pause in Coburg, with entrance and a guided tour of the castle before continuing our journey to Erfurt, our base for the next 3 nights. After check-in there will be some time to freshen up before our dinner.

We have a morning city tour with a local guide to take in the main sights. We travel from Erfurt to Weimar with a city tour led by a local guide to view the main sights, including entrances to Goethe’s House and Museum, and the Castle and Museum. We return from Weimar to Erfurt.

From Erfurt we arrive in Eisenach and have included entrance to Bach’s birthplace and Museum. We transfer back to Erfurt with the remainder of the day at leisure.

13–14 2 days

Dresden

We journey eastward into Germany's cultural heartland, pausing at Leipzig's monumental Battle of Nations site before exploring this storied city with a local guide. The Gewandhaus and historic churches reveal centuries of musical and spiritual life. Then we venture to Colditz Castle, standing as a powerful reminder of history, before settling into Dresden for the

From Erfurt we travel to Leipzig, with stops en route to the Battle of Nations site memorial and the Russian Orthodox Church. We arrive in Leipzig and take a city tour with a local guide to view the main sights, including the Gewandhaus tour and visits to some of the local churches. We travel on from Leipzig to Colditz, with entrance to the castle. Dinner will be served in Dresden.

We have a morning city tour with a local guide to view the main sights of Dresden, including entrance to the Zwinger, Old Masters gallery. From Dresden we go to Meissen for an afternoon factory tour and museum visit of the Porcelain Factory. We transfer back to Dresden for the night.

15–17 3 days

Berlin

We journey northward through Germany's heartland, pausing in Wittenberg to explore its historical significance before continuing to Berlin. The afternoon unfolds at your own pace, allowing you to settle into this vibrant capital and begin discovering its many faces. This evening, we gather for dinner together.

We travel from Dresden to Wittenberg, with a stop to explore. From Wittenberg we go to Berlin, with the remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner will be included this evening.

We have a morning excursion to Potsdam with entrance to both Cecilienhof Palace and Sansoucci Palace. We transfer back to Berlin with the remainder of the day at leisure.

We have a morning guided city tour with a local guide to view the main sights of the city, including the Brandenburg Gate, Holocaust Memorial and Checkpoint Charlie. Pending availability, we may have the opportunity to take a Reichstag tour (TBC).

18 1 day

Wernigerode

We journey from Berlin toward the Harz Mountains, where a narrow-gauge railway carries us through forests and moorland to Brocken's misty summit. Descending through layered landscape, we arrive in Wernigerode, the evening's destination, where dinner awaits.

From Berlin we go to Schierke, with an excursion on the Brocken Railway from Brocken to the mountaintop and then back to Wernigerode. We arrive in Wernigerode for our dinner.

19–22 4 days

Konigswinter

We journey from Wernigerode toward the Rhine valley, pausing to admire the landscape before settling into Konigswinter for the afternoon. Here, time becomes yours to explore at your own pace, wander the riverside town, or simply rest. This evening, we gather for dinner together.

We travel from Wernigerode to Hamelin, with a stop to view before transferring on to Konigswinter. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Dinner is included this evening.

From Konigswinter we travel on to Bonn with a city tour with a local guide, viewing the main sights including entrance to Beethoven’s birthplace museum. From Bonn we go to Cologne, with an afternoon visit to the Cathedral and free time to explore the city. We transfer back from Cologne to Konigswinter.

From Konigswinter we go to Mainz, with a city tour taken by a local guide, viewing the mains sights and including entrance to the Gutenberg Museum. We transfer from Mainz to Boppard and take a Rhine River Cruise from Boppard to Sankt-Goar. We arrive in Sankt-Goar and transfer back to Konigswinter (or similar location).

Our tour concludes after breakfast.

Plan with confidence

Travel Information

Everything you need to know before you travel, presented in one easy-to-read planning guide.

What’s Included

What's included in our Tour
  • 21 nights of hotel accommodation.
  • 21 breakfasts and 13 dinners.
  • Transport, entrance fees and excursions as indicated.
  • Applicable entry fees and services of local guides.
  • Services of a group leader.
  • Gratuities and necessary tips.
  • Detailed tour information booklet.
What's not included in our Tour
  • Return international airfares and departure taxes.
  • Comprehensive travel insurance.
  • Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls and laundry.

Traveller stories

What our travellers say

Real reflections from travellers who have experienced this journey with Odyssey.

No reviews have been shared for this tour yet. Be the first to tell us about your Odyssey experience.

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Contemporary Germany small group tour
$19,150 AUD
per person · 22 days
Next departure
11 Apr 2027
View dates & prices