Germany holiday packages
What to see while you're here.
Neuschwanstein Castle: One of three castles commissioned by King Ludwig II, Neuschwanstein was the real castle that inspired the design for the fairytale Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. A major tourist attraction, it took 16 years to complete just one-third of the Neuschwanstein Castle, but sadly, it was never finished.
Berlin: Since Germany's reunification, Berlin has become one of Europe's most vibrant, cosmopolitan cities. Remnants of the Berlin Wall can still be found, including the last remaining gate - the Brandenburg Gate - which lies along Unter den Lindin Boulevard.
The Charlottenburg Palace is the oldest Prussian palace to have survived; another must-see is the Soviet War Memorial. Catch Berlin's annual Love Parade in summer, a crazy street party that attracts more than one million partygoers every year.
The 220-mile-long Romantic Road ranges from the River Main down to the Alps, passing through walled towns and villages. Once used as a trade route during the Middle Ages, the adventurous traveler will thoroughly enjoy discovering the nearby cathedrals and ancient churches by the roadside.
Dachau: The concentration camp is a stark reminder of how just how far the country has come since its war-stricken days during Hitler's rule. Built in 1933, Dachau served as a training ground for other camps, most notably Auschwitz in Poland.
Cologne (Koln): Bordered by the River Rhine, this picturesque town is renowned for its beer-production and its cathedral, which took more than 600 years to complete. The famous Eau de Cologne was also created here.
Heidelberg: this scenic university town is based around a beautiful castle, but those seeking the best scenic vistas should head to neighbouring Konigstuhl.
Oktoberfest is Bavaria's signature attraction every year from late September to early October. Beer drinking, live music and costumed performers all join to make this an unmissable German celebration.
Other sights include: Baden-Wurttemberg, home of Porsche and Chrysler; Munich, home to the Hoffbrauhaus; Hamburg; Frankfurt, Europe's financial services capital; the Black Forest and Lake Constance.
For more information on Germany go to: http://www.germany-tourism.de
Package deals and holiday tours
For a package deal to Germany's world-famous Christmas markets, try Trafalgar Tours (www.trafalgar.com) for the 'Christmas Markets of Germany' deal (8 days from $1299, only available during winter) which visits Munich, Nuremberg and Strasbourg (on the French border). Another option is the 'Christmas Delight' tour, available through Flight Centre (www.flightcentre.com.au) for 3 nights from $769, which includes markets at Annaberg and Leipzig.
For a package deal of the best that Germany has to offer, try the Trafalgar Tours (www.trafalgar.com) 'Best of Germany' deal - a first class tour for 12 days (from $2075). Highlights include Frankfurt, Rhine Valley, Berlin, Hamburg, Rothenburg, Hamburg, Dachau, Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, Newschwanstein and more.
If all you have time for is a quick tour of Berlin, try the 'Big Berlin' tour available through Flight Centre (www.flightcentre.com.au), which starts from $48 for one day of sightseeing tours (including the Kaiser-Wilhelm Memorial Church, Potsdamer Square, Bauhus Museum and more). Or, for a more historical approach, try the 'Historic Berlin' tour (3 days from $190), also available through Flight Centre, to see the Brandenberg Gate, Memorial Church and Berlin Wall ruins.
