We are trying to decide between these two tours. Best of Germany looks very comprehensive,but I am sorry Baden Baden and the Black Forest are not included.
It also looks like we’d have to pick between Vienna and Berlin.
Can anyone offer insight on the differences between these two tours?
Thanks so much !
While I have not been on either of the tours you are considering, I have been on the RS Berlin, Prague & Vienna tour in 2015. Fantastic by the way! And goes to both Berlin and Vienna. I loved this tour as it covers history, art and culture of this wonderful area.
I think you want to decide what you are looking to experience on a tour. I would love both of them and can understand your dilemma.
GAS - covers 3 diverse countries - gorgeous Swiss scenery
BoG - delves more deeply into German history and culture. I think it also covers the Martin Luther trail. This would appeal to you if you have an interest in the Reformation. Starts in Hamburg which friends tell me is wonderful, very modern and full of history, too. Ends in Berlin, which I found is an amazing city!
Also, you might buy Rick's guidebooks to learn more. Or, on the Watch, Read, Listen tab on the website, read some of Rick's travel articles on some of these places to see what piques your interest.
Have taken the GAS tour and have lived in Germany as well. Just my opinion, but I think the GAS tour would be better just because of the great diversity of the places visited. Germany, is diverse from region to region, and that tour has a mix of large and small places, but it might be too much of the same thing for a first trip.
We vote for the GAS tour because the Switzerland Lauterbrunnen area is unbelievably gorgeous! We have returned to that area again - just amazing scenery.
Also, we really loved Austria and have returned to spend several more days at both Salzburg and Vienna on subsequent trips.
Thanks so much for the thoughtful replies. I believe we have decided to go with the GAS tour. Can’t wait!
I just wanted to add I have been on the GAS tour and loved it!!!! Beautiful country side and castles and small charming towns and lots to see and do. Great cities.
I stayed in Vienna after the tour and loved it. You will enjoy it very much I am sure. I am taking the 8 day Vienna, Munich, Salzburg tour this year and can't wait to go back to these wonderful cities. I am also staying in Vienna again after the tour because it is just a lovely city. A mini Paris I think. Lots of cafes, operas, concerts, palaces, shopping, churches and easy to get around. I just loved Baden-Baden, Switzerland and Hallstatt and Trier. I wouldn't mind taking the GAS tour again!
Have a great time!
Thanks so much. I do think we may have to go again for the Berlin Prague Vienna tour. I look forward to hearing how you enjoy it!
Just got back from the GAS tour and one of the things I really liked about it was the good mix of small towns and large cities. Overall I think we actually preferred the small towns. And both tours have Munich (one of my faves) so you can't go wrong either way on that count.
Eva,
Yes, I went on the Berlin Prague Vienna tour in June 2015 and would highly recommend it!
GAS is on my list but behind Turkey this October and, hopefully, the Greece tour in 2019. Also, going to Israel in spring 2019 with my church group, details TBD. My bucket list keeps growing!
I know you will love GAS.
