Hello, Travelers!
Taking cost out of the equation, which Germany tour would people suggest for a first-time to Germany traveler? My wife and I really want to see it all and are hoping others have experienced both (or just one but have amazing info to share) in order to help us make our destination decision!
Thank you!
Hi gfibbs,
My second RS tour was Berlin Prague Vienna which was wonderful! Berlin has been on my list of places to make a return visit.
I'm going on the Munich Salzburg Vienna tour in December which will not include Berlin, obviously. But next year, my sights are set on the Best of Germany tour and will likely sign up in a few weeks (work issues) which will take me back to Berlin.
With that as context, I would suggest the Best of Germany tour for the overall experience of history, culture and art. My friend and I are especially interested in the history of Martin Luther, the Rhine River area and Rothenburg too. It begins in Hamburg where I have wanted to go also.
Bottom line is, I don't think you can go wrong with either tour. If you want to see it all, the Best of Germany tour is the one I think. It will give you an excellent overview of the entire country.
I went on the GAS tour and two years later in 2018 I went on the 8 day Munich, Salzburg and Vienna tour. I just love Vienna and stayed four extra nights each time. If you really want to see Germany then by all means pick the Best of Germany. No matter what tour you choice it will be wonderful. If cost is not involved or days away, then it just boils down to what do you want to see and do.
Look at the Rick Steve on line srapbooks, they will give you an idea of what you will see and do on the tours. And watch the free YouTube Rick Steves videos on each place you visit which will also help you decide.
I loved the GAS tour so much I took the 8 day tour because I wanted to go back to the places I went to on the GAS tour and spent some time in London before hand. Remember the 8 day tour is a mix of Germany and Austria but you said you want to see Germany so the 13 day tour may be a better fit for you to begin with. I would not rule out the 8 day tour or the GAS tour for the future.
Have a great time and whatever you choice it will not be the wrong choice.
Yes, SO very true! I don't see it as if I could choose only one; more like, which one do I want to go on FIRST! :D I think the 13 Day is calling my name first!
Yes! Which departure are you considering? We are looking at 8/25 - 9/06. It would be nice to “meet “ tour mates beforehand.
Will this be your first RS tour? I’ve been on 6 so far, and 7 when I go on the MSV Tour in December.
Happy travels!
We did the 8 day trip first with additional days before in Baden-Baden and Munich, and additional days after in Vienna and Rothenberg. If you're looking for "gemutlichkeit" then you can't go wrong with Bavaria and Tirol (although I find Germany welcoming all over)! We didn't find the 8 day trip enough 'coverage' for us which is why we added on. That said, the places we staying in Hallstatt and Vienna were so far and above what we could have done on our own. Amazing, amazing, locations!
The next year we did our own three weeks in Germany only (loop from Munich, Fussen, Oberammergau, return to Baden-Baden, then up through Mosel and Rhine). If you're really interested in Germany, then remember that Salzburg and Vienna are Austria!
Yep, I'm aware of the country locations. I think we are settled on doing the 13 Days in Germany! However, this likely isn't until closer to 2022... so we are in the VERY early days of thinking and planning. This would be our 2nd RS tour and we loved our first in Italy! I loved the mix of hand holding, yet also that gentle push to explore on your own as well as getting a more in depth experience in the culture and history from our guide.
