Hi - Nine or ten family members will be doing a 11 day self-guided tour to several areas of Germany starting from Dusseldorf and going to Berlin, the down the river/wine area to the Alps then eventually back to Dusseldorf. Would it be best to rent several cars or a van or use public transport. We're open to all suggestions. Thanks in advance for your reponse(s)!!
Mari
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
I would suggest several vehicles. You are going to have trouble finding a van that has comfortable room for that many people and their luggage. And having several vehicles gives you the option of going different directions for awhile if you want.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17436 posts
We have traveled exclusively by train in a family group of nine and it was fun and easy. We didn't have to worry about keeping together, finding parking, etc. I made the hotel reservations and everyone carried a copy of the itinerary. Each could make his or her way to the day's destination, but in reality we all chose chose to ride trains together. The German train system has great prices for groups---I just learned that today at a "Rick Steves" meeting. Something like 50% off regular prices. Lee could help you find the fares. And that way you could do part of the journey by boat if you choose.
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
You could rent a big car and a second, smaller one. If you are visiting the countryside, it is better to have a car instead of spending money on trains (the discounted group tickets are visited only for woefully slow regional trains that take twice as long as the ICE).
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17436 posts
AndreI just checked for tickets on the ICE from Dusseldorf to Berlin, on Oct. 25. Group price is 44,80 per person inc. Reservation fee.
Regular price for individual tickets is 107 euro. Sparpreis for this particular train is 89 euro; others that day might be 79 euro. Again, this is the direct ICE train, taking 4 hours 18 minutes, not a regional train.
Posted by
Beverly Hills, MI
813 posts
Between Dusseldorf and Berlin the train would be just fine. The problem is that for the rest of your trip cars would be better if you are planning on getting off the beaten path and into the smaller towns. In terms of cars, the answer might be one van and one good sized car. All of the rental vans I have seen listed would be stretched the limit to hold 9 people and there would be virtually no room for luggage. The two big questions is how big are the people in your group and what kind of packing discipline can you enforce on the group. A limit of one carry on per person would be a good target or your fleet will get very big. If you do get a large van, it would be a good idea for whoever drives it to have an IDP. IDPs are not required in Germany but, at least a few years ago, a German drivers license needed an endorsement to drive anything bigger than a car. There will be stamp mark on the IDP that says the you are good up to 7700 pounds vehicle weight. You may never need to prove it but if you do, it's $15 very well spent.