3-Week Germany Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Germany tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffGermany travel expert at TourRadar

• 20 Day Central Europe Itinerary, incl. Basel and Budapest

  A 20-day German odyssey connects 19 destinations, from medieval Cochem to Munich's Marienplatz. Neuschwanstein Castle, UNESCO-listed Regensburg, and Moselle Valley wineries highlight the journey. Scenic Space-Ships provide butler service, 46 meals, and premium beverages.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Switzerland & Black Forest

    Arrive in Basel by early afternoon for embarkation and the welcome reception. On day two, cruise to Breisach, your gateway to the Black Forest. You can visit the colorful Alsatian town of Colmar or sample wines in the volcanic Kaiserstuhl region where unique soil conditions create distinctive local varieties.

    
  • Days 3-4

    German Rhine Valley

    Stop in Rastatt and take an excursion to Baden-Baden. According to a recent visitor: "The historic thermal baths and casino are must-sees, but arrive early - they get crowded after 11 AM." Next up is Rüdesheim where you can ride the cable car to the Niederwald Monument for sweeping Rhine views or visit the unique Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Moselle River Highlights

    The Moselle section starts in medieval Cochem with its iconic Reichsburg Castle. Take an e-bike tour through vineyard-lined riverbanks or explore the Old Town on foot. Sample famous Riesling wines in Bernkastel where steep slate slopes create ideal growing conditions. In Koblenz you can visit Burg Eltz castle which has belonged to the same family for over 850 years.

    
  • Days 8-12

    Bavaria Deep Dive

    Fly from Frankfurt to Munich and spend a free day exploring Marienplatz and traditional beer halls. Visit Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau (book the 8:00 AM tour to beat the crowds). Your next stop is Nuremberg for a walking tour of its medieval walls and Imperial Castle.

    
  • Days 13-16

    Danube Discovery

    Board your ship in Regensburg known for its well-preserved medieval buildings. Take a ferry through the Danube Gorge to the 1,000-year-old Weltenburg Abbey brewery. From Passau you can take day trips to Salzburg or Český Krumlov. The Wachau Valley offers Austria's magnificent Melk Abbey and charming Dürnstein.

    
  • Days 17-20

    Imperial Capitals

    See Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace and enjoy a classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein. Take a walking tour of Bratislava focused on life during the Communist era. Your journey ends in Budapest where a fellow traveler suggests: "Take the early morning hike up Buda Hill before the heat sets in - the views over the Danube and Parliament are incredible at sunrise."

    

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• 18 Days Christmas River Cruise in Central Europe, incl. Prague and Amsterdam

  The 18-day celebration visits 12 German destinations including Nuremberg's Imperial Castle, UNESCO-listed Bamberg, and medieval Rothenburg. Luxury Scenic Space-Ship accommodation supports Christmas market visits and New Year's festivities in Cologne.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Prague, Czech Republic

    The Old Town's medieval architecture sets a perfect festive scene. Get to the Astronomical Clock by 8:30 AM to beat the crowds. Charles Bridge is best in the early morning when it's quiet and misty. Fill your afternoons with communist history walks, Prague Castle tours (wear sturdy shoes for the potentially slippery hill climb), or visits to the Terezin Memorial.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Budapest, Hungary

    Take a 6-hour coach ride from Prague to board your river ship in Budapest. The city comes alive during Christmas with lights and wooden market stalls across both Buda and Pest. Take the funicular up Castle Hill for city views, then find a cozy spot for mulled wine in the historic Jewish Quarter. "Bundle up for the evening illumination cruise - the Parliament building lit up at night is magical, but the wind off the Danube is biting," one traveler shares.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Vienna, Austria

    Vienna truly shines during Advent. Start at Schönbrunn Palace before the crowds arrive, then explore the decorated grand boulevards of the Ringstrasse. Your evening features a classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein. Book afternoon palace tours to avoid morning traffic from the dock.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Wachau Valley & Salzburg

    Sail through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, stopping in Krems and Dürnstein. Take an optional day trip to Mozart's hometown of Salzburg in its holiday splendor. Return to the ship in Passau for Christmas Eve dinner. A previous guest notes: "Don't miss Christmas Eve mass in Passau's St. Stephen's Cathedral - even non-religious travelers found it moving."

    
  • Days 10-13

    Christmas Cruising Through Germany

    Spend Christmas Day cruising to Nuremberg. Visit the Imperial Castle and the famous Christmas market. Continue to Bamberg and Würzburg, where you can walk the cobblestone streets and try local Franconian wines.

    
  • Days 14-16

    Rhine Valley to Cologne

    The Rhine Gorge is stunning in winter light as you pass hilltop castles. Stop for a traditional Rüdesheimer Coffee in Rüdesheim before reaching Cologne for New Year's Eve. Watch the cathedral fireworks at midnight. "Book a table at an authentic brauhaus near the cathedral early - they fill up fast on New Year's Eve," suggests a past traveler.

  • Days 17-18

    Amsterdam, Netherlands

    End your journey in Amsterdam, where winter adds extra charm to the decorated canals. Consider staying longer to visit the museums and warm up in cozy cafes.

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• Enchanted Europe for Beer Enthusiasts with 2 Nights in Budapest (Westbound) 2026

  

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  • Budapest Hungary

    133 mi

  • Vienna Austria

    41 mi

  • Durnstein Austria

    2 mi

  • Wachau Austria

    12 mi

  • Melk Austria

    91 mi

  • Passau Germany

    68 mi

  • Regensburg Germany

    48 mi
  • Show 9 more

  • Roth Germany

    14 mi

  • Nuremberg Germany

    93 mi

  • Munich Germany

    125 mi

  • Bamberg Germany

    42 mi

  • Wurzburg Germany

    31 mi

  • Miltenberg Germany

    38 mi

  • Frankfurt-am-Main Germany

    49 mi

  • Boppard Germany

    6 mi

  • Rhine Gorge Germany

    16 mi

  • Rudesheim am Rhein Germany

    97 mi

  • Strasbourg France

    38 mi

  • Breisach Germany

    34 mi

  • Black Forest Germany

    59 mi

  • Basel Switzerland

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