5 Days in Germany - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Germany Train Tour: Berlin, Dresden, Nuremberg & Munich

This train tour across Germany allows travelers to immerse themselves in the country's culture, history, and world-renowned beer, perfect for first-timers wanting to cover the highlights quickly. Starting in the vibrant streets of Berlin, you'll discover the picturesque cities of Dresden and Nuremberg before ending your tour in Munich's historic beer halls. You'll explore Berlin's street art scene, see the Berlin Wall, taste wine at a castle in Dresden, and stroll through Nuremberg's charming Old Town.

In Berlin, head to the hip Kreuzberg district, the heart of the countercultural movement, for a small group tour to uncover its history at Checkpoint Charlie, discover remnants of the historic Berlin Wall, and wander through art-lined streets and creative hubs, such as East Side Gallery. On Day 2, bike along the River Elbe in Dresden for castles and wineries, taking in the city's picturesque sights and stopping at Albrechtsberg Castle to taste local wine.

Continuing your adventure, you'll travel by train to Nuremberg in Bavaria. Here, you'll explore the charming Altstadt (Old Town), stroll along the city's medieval walls, and stop at notable landmarks like the Handwerkerhof (Craftsmen's Courtyard) and the Imperial Castle. Day 4 takes you to Munich, Bavaria's capital, where you can sightsee the charming Old Town, landmarks like Marienplatz and Frauenkirch, and even see surfers riding the waves at the Eisbach. In the spirit of Munich, you'll enjoy a beer tour, sampling traditional German specialties along the way. Learn more

Itinerary #2: World War II History Tour: Berlin, Dresden & Northern Bohemia

History buffs will appreciate the historical allure of Germany and the Czech Republic in this World War II history-focused itinerary. Highlights include guided tours of iconic landmarks such as Berlin's Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie, a sobering visit to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, a walk through Dresden's restored cityscape, and a day in Northern Bohemia exploring the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

Begin in the bustling capital of Berlin, where you'll embark on a historic walking tour to explore iconic landmarks that shaped the 20th century. From the stunning Brandenburg Gate to the symbolic Checkpoint Charlie, the infamous border crossing between East and West Berlin, you'll delve into the city's captivating past. Spend Day 2 on an educational trip to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. This poignant experience deepens your understanding of the World War II era and the resilience of the human spirit.

On Day 3, travel south to Dresden, a city that has transformed after suffering enormous damage during World War II. A walking tour will allow you to admire the city's reconstructed Baroque and Renaissance architecture. The following day involves a day trip to Northern Bohemia in the Czech Republic. You'll visit the Terezín Memorial and Fortress, a World War II-era site, and the stunning Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Finally, return to Berlin for your departure, possibly fitting in time for a visit to the somber Holocaust Memorial before your journey home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Taste of Germany: Culinary Tour of Berlin & Dresden

This culinary journey through the vibrant cities of Berlin and Dresden is perfect for food lovers and beer enthusiasts. It features a deep dive into Berlin's street food scene, tasting sessions at the city's top craft beer spots, and an experience of Dresden's Baroque café culture. With scenic visits to Dresden's beer gardens along the River Elbe, this itinerary promises an immersive gastronomic adventure in Germany.

Your culinary journey begins in the vibrant Berlin, where you'll sample delicious street foods such as kebabs and currywurst and get to know the city's history through its cuisine. After settling into your hotel, you can sightsee grand structures like the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag, explore the remnants of the Berlin Wall, or delve into the hip, alternative scene in the Kreuzberg district. The next day is dedicated to Germany's iconic beer culture; you'll visit several of Berlin's best beer spots, taste a variety of brews, and learn about the history of the city's beer culture.

Continue with a train ride to Dresden for a culinary walking tour through the city, trying beer, wine, coffee, chocolate, and the famous Eierschecke cheesecake. Next, marvel at the city's cultural gems, such as the Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House, and Frauenkirche. The following day, immerse yourself in the city's beer garden culture, visiting several gardens, including the city's largest, Schillergarten, and enjoying panoramic views over the vineyards, river, and city from the terrace at Lingnerschloss (Lingner Castle). On your final day, savor a hearty traditional German breakfast before returning to Berlin. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Relaxing Getaway in Germany's Spa Towns

Unwind with this relaxing and active getaway and experience a couple of Germany's scenic spa towns: Konstanz and Baden-Baden. You'll start with a leisurely paddleboarding adventure on Lake Constance and a hike to the Rhine Falls before immersing yourself in the timeless luxury of Baden-Baden's historic spas. The trip culminates with a stroll through the beautiful Lichtentaler Allee, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated.

Your getaway starts in Konstanz, Germany, nestled on the shores of Lake Constance. After exploring museums, and art galleries, visit the historic Konstanzer Münster cathedral and the medieval tower of Rheintorturm. Stroll through the attractive Niederburg (Old Town) and Marktstätte (shopping district). Next, get out on the lake with a standup paddleboarding session. Beginners can consider taking a lesson, while the more adventurous can try a paddleboard yoga class. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city or the beautiful Mainau Island, also known as the "Flower Island."

On Day 3, drive to Schaffhausen, Switzerland, where you'll take the scenic walkway along the river from the town center to enjoy breathtaking views of the Rhine Falls. In the afternoon, make your way to Baden-Baden, Germany's luxurious spa town, ideal for unwinding after a day of walking. Relax at Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Therme spa complex, where you can indulge in various therapies in luxurious surroundings. On Day 5, walk along the beautiful Lichtentaler Allee, a historic park, in Baden-Baden before driving to Frankfurt for your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Best German Christmas Markets: Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Dresden & Berlin

Get into the spirit of the holiday season and delight the senses on this German Christmas market tour that spans Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Dresden, and Berlin. A holiday shopper's dream, this trip features a ride on Frankfurt's Baroque carousel, a taste of genuine Christstollen in Dresden, and a chance to shop for handmade crafts at Berlin's Gendarmenmarkt. Along the way, you'll immerse yourself in centuries-old festive traditions and savor regional culinary delights.

Your festive journey begins in Frankfurt, where you'll discover the charming Christmas market in the heart of the city's Old Town. Here you'll sample traditional German holiday treats like mulled wine and gingerbread and enjoy a ride on the historic Baroque carousel. Next, you'll immerse yourself in Nuremberg's authentic Christmas Market, filled with old-fashioned charm. Along your drive to Nuremberg, you'll visit the medieval city of Rothenburg, where its cobblestoned streets and half-timbered houses are adorned with festive lights.

Continue your festive adventure in Dresden, home to Germany's oldest Christmas market, the Striezelmarkt. Wander through the market's bustling atmosphere, try local delicacies like Christstollen, and marvel at the world's largest Christmas pyramid. In buzzing Berlin, over 100 Christmas markets await. Starting at the iconic Brandenburger Tor, you'll take a historic stroll to Gendarmenmarkt—Berlin's most famous Christmas market. Here, you can indulge in a plate of the capital's beloved currywurst and tuck into the market's gourmet restaurants housed in heated tents. Learn more

More Great Germany Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Germany? Check out these other Germany itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.