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Exploring the Best of Germany and France in 7 Days

Viewed by 74 travelers
Sunday, December 3, 2023: Frankfurt

Start your trip in Frankfurt, the vibrant financial capital of Germany. In the morning, explore the historical Altstadt (Old Town) with its charming half-timbered houses and Römerberg Square. Visit the St. Bartholomew's Cathedral for stunning views of the city. In the afternoon, wander through the bustling shopping street, Zeil, and experience traditional German food at Kleinmarkthalle. In the evening, take a relaxing boat tour along the River Main.

  • Frankfurt Altstadt: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 3-4 hours
  • St. Bartholomew's Cathedral: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
  • Zeil Shopping Street: Cost Estimate - Varies, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Kleinmarkthalle: Cost Estimate - Varies, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • River Main Boat Tour: Cost Estimate - Varies, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Monday, December 4, 2023: Würzburg and Rothenburg

Embark on a day trip to Würzburg and Rothenburg. In the morning, explore the magnificent Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a delightful lunch and sample local wine at one of the traditional Franconian wine cellars. In the afternoon, drive to Rothenburg, a fairy tale-like town famous for its well-preserved medieval walls and narrow streets. Take a stroll along the charming Plönlein Square and visit the Museum of Christmas to embrace the holiday spirit.

  • Würzburg Residence: Cost Estimate - €10-€12, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Franconian Wine Cellar: Cost Estimate - Varies, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • Rothenburg Plönlein Square: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Museum of Christmas: Cost Estimate - €4, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Tuesday, December 5, 2023: Heidelberg and Strasbourg

Start your day in Heidelberg, renowned for its romantic charm. Explore the iconic Heidelberg Castle and wander through the picturesque streets of the Altstadt. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a traditional German tavern. In the afternoon, cross the border into France and visit Strasbourg. Explore the UNESCO-listed Grande Île, home to the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral. Take a boat ride on the canals and experience the unique blend of French and German cultures.

  • Heidelberg Castle: Cost Estimate - €7-€10, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Heidelberg Altstadt: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Traditional German Tavern: Cost Estimate - Varies, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • Strasbourg Cathedral: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • Boat Ride on Canals: Cost Estimate - €8-€12, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Wednesday, December 6, 2023: Colmar and Eguisheim

Discover the charming towns of Colmar and Eguisheim. Start your day in Colmar, known for its well-preserved medieval buildings and colorful half-timbered houses. Explore the picturesque La Petite Venise district and visit the Unterlinden Museum. Enjoy a delicious Alsatian lunch in the town's delightful cafés. In the afternoon, head to the fairytale village of Eguisheim, surrounded by vineyards. Take a leisurely walk along the circular streets and admire the stunning floral decorations.

  • Colmar La Petite Venise: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Unterlinden Museum: Cost Estimate - €13, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Alsatian Lunch: Cost Estimate - Varies, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • Eguisheim Village: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Thursday, December 7, 2023: Freiburg im Breisgau and Hohenzollern

In the morning, visit Freiburg im Breisgau, known for its beautiful medieval architecture and vibrant marketplace. Explore the Freiburg Minster and climb its tower for panoramic views. Enjoy a traditional Black Forest cake for lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Hohenzollern Castle, a magnificent hilltop fortress. Admire the castle's architecture and panoramic vistas, and learn about the fascinating history of the Hohenzollern dynasty.

  • Freiburg Minster: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • Black Forest Cake: Cost Estimate - Varies, Time Spent - 1 hour
  • Hohenzollern Castle: Cost Estimate - €8-€15, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Friday, December 8, 2023: Tübingen and Esslingen am Neckar

Start your day in Tübingen, a picturesque university town adorned with colorful half-timbered houses. Stroll along the Neckar River and visit the beautiful Hölderlin Tower. Enjoy a cozy lunch at a local café. In the afternoon, head to Esslingen am Neckar, known for its charming medieval layout. Explore the Marktplatz and visit the Esslingen Burg, offering panoramic views of the town.

  • Tübingen Neckar River: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Hölderlin Tower: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
  • Cozy Lunch at Café: Cost Estimate - Varies, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • Esslingen Marktplatz: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Esslingen Burg: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Saturday, December 9, 2023: Ludwigsburg and Stuttgart

End your trip in Ludwigsburg and Stuttgart. In the morning, explore Ludwigsburg Palace, one of Germany's largest Baroque residences. Admire the opulent interiors and stroll through the beautiful gardens. Enjoy a delicious Swabian lunch at a traditional restaurant. In the afternoon, head to Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg. Visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum to discover the fascinating history of the automobile. Take a walk along the impressive Königstraße and indulge in some shopping.

  • Ludwigsburg Palace: Cost Estimate - €8-€12, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Swabian Lunch: Cost Estimate - Varies, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • Mercedes-Benz Museum: Cost Estimate - €10-€15, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Stuttgart Königstraße: Cost Estimate - Varies, Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

In Frankfurt, don't miss the opportunity to explore the Palmengarten, a beautiful botanical garden filled with diverse plant species. In Strasbourg, venture beyond the popular areas to discover the charming Petite France district, with its picturesque canals and timber-framed houses. In the region of the Schwarzwald (Black Forest), escape the crowds and discover the tranquil beauty of the Mummelsee, a stunning mountain lake. These hidden gems offer unique experiences and a chance to connect with the local culture.

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