History, Culture, and Alpine Beauty from Frankfurt to Munich

Day 1: Arrival in Frankfurt

Morning:
Travel to Frankfurt, Germany.

Arrive in Frankfurt.

Meet your Zoni Tour Manager at the hotel for luggage drop-off.

Afternoon:
Have lunch on your own near the hotel.

Take a guided walking tour where you'll explore the city's highlights, including Römer, St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, and the Palmengarten.

Evening:
Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional German cuisine.

Take a leisurely evening stroll around the city for people-watching and shopping.

Return to the hotel to check in and rest.

Day 2: Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Morning:
Breakfast at the hotel.

Check out of the hotel and travel to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a beautifully preserved medieval town. The city's first castle was built in 1070 AD and its Medieval walls still stand. Prepare to be transported back in time.

Take a guided morning walking tour to see the charming old town. You'll see sites such as the Marktplatz (Market Square), Town Hall, and Medieval fortifications and towers.

Afternoon:
Have lunch on your own in the town center at a local eatery.

Explore Plönlein Square, known for its picturesque half-timbered houses. Keep an eye out for the house that was featured in Disney's Pinocchio.

Visit St. James's Church (St. Jakobskirche). Take in the stunning Riemenschneider Altar and be sure to learn the story behind it.

Discover the Medieval Crime Museum, which showcases more than 50,000 historical instruments of punishment and justice.

Evening:
Enjoy free time to explore and shop for souvenirs.

Have dinner at a local restaurant.

Check into your hotel for the night.

Day 3: Heidelberg and Stuttgart

Morning:
Breakfast at the hotel and check out.

Travel to Heidelberg. Back in 40 AD, the Romans set up a fort here and it's easy to see why they stayed. Enjoy the sweeping views of green mountains and the winding Neckar River.

Explore Heidelberg Castle and the Old Bridge. Visit the Monkey Statue and rub his mirror for good luck.

Afternoon:
Enjoy lunch in Heidelberg on your own.

Continue to Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg.

Visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum. Invented by Carl Benz in 1886, Mercedes-Benz has been a world icon since. Here you'll see over 100 vehicles that trace the history and future of automobiles.

Evening:
Check-in to your accommodation in Stuttgart.

Have dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to the hotel to rest.

Day 4: Dachau and Munich

Morning:
Breakfast at the hotel to prepare for the day ahead.

Check out of hotel.

Travel to Dachau.

Visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site. Weeks after Adolf Hitler was appointed Reich Chancellor, Dachau was set up as a concentration camp for political prisoners, the only one in Germany. This camp served as a model for all future concentration camps and in the 12 years it was in operation, 200,000 people were imprisoned here and 41,500 were murdered. Today the site serves as a reminder of Germany's chilling history and a call to never let such horrors happen again.

Travel to Munich, using the travel time to debrief.

Afternoon:
Arrive in Marienplatz and watch the Glockenspiel show. Twice daily, the giant clock plays out a 15-minute show with life-sized characters acting out the history of Munich.

Have lunch at your own expense nearby.

Guided walking tour of Munich.

Visit the Munich City Museum where you will see an exhibit on the city's role as the capital of the Nazi Movement.

Evening:
Group dinner and debrief at a local eatery.

Check-in to your accommodation in Munich.

Enjoy a free evening for relaxation and continued debriefing as needed.

Day 5: Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Neuschwanstein Castle

Morning:
Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a charming Bavarian town nestled in the Alps.

Enjoy a scenic walk around the town center, taking in the Alpine architecture and beautiful surroundings.

Take a short hike in the nearby Bavarian Alps, enjoying the stunning natural landscapes and the region's outdoor beauty.

Afternoon:
Have lunch on your own at a traditional Bavarian restaurant in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Continue the journey to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Explore the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle, the iconic palace that inspired Disney's Cinderella Castle. Take a guided tour inside and learn about the fascinating history of this palace built by King Ludwig II.

Evening:
Return to Munich.

Have dinner at a local restaurant in Munich

Enjoy free time for last-minute shopping or exploration.

Day 6: Munich and Departure

Morning:
Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit Nymphenburg Castle and its nearly 500 acres of beautiful gardens.

Afternoon:
Travel to the airport for departure.

Lunch at the airport at your own expense.

Rich Cultural Experience: This tour offers students a comprehensive cultural immersion in Southern Germany, with visits to historic towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, iconic cities like Munich and Frankfurt, and the breathtaking Neuschwanstein Castle.

Educational Value: The itinerary includes stops at significant historical sites such as Dachau, providing students with valuable insights into Germany's past. Additionally, the inclusion of Heidelberg and Stuttgart adds an educational component related to technology and academia.

Diverse Activities: From exploring charming medieval villages to hiking in the Bavarian Alps, this itinerary balances cultural exploration with outdoor experiences, catering to a range of student interests.

Efficient Travel: The itinerary is well-organized, allowing students to cover multiple destinations in just six days while minimizing travel time between locations, making the most of their trip.

• Southern Germany has a continental climate with four distinct seasons. Weather will also depend on altitude. Check the weather and pack layers so you can stay comfortable throughout the tour.
• Comfortable walking shoes are essential for guided tours and explorations.
• Germany uses the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in rural areas.
• German is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few basic German phrases can be helpful and appreciated.
• When visiting Dachau prepare for a solemn experience. The site is a former concentration camp, and it's important to show respect by observing silence and appropriate behavior.
• Germany uses Type C and Type F electrical outlets. If your devices or appliances use a different voltage or plug type, you may need voltage converters and/or plug adapters to use them.
• Respect the culture. Germans appreciate punctuality, so be on time for appointments and tours and when visiting churches or museums, dress modestly and remove your hat.

• Travel time to and from various parts of the country may modify these itineraries.
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.
• It is your responsibility to determine if you need a visa to enter Germany, and ensure you have the necessary travel authorizations.
• Itineraries are fully customizable.
• Flexible payment plans are available.