Absolutly different Germany 8 days / 7 nights
Are you used to the fact, that Germany is considered as a country of beer festivals and commercial exhibitions? Look at this part of Europe from the other side! During a fascinating journey through the Baden-Württemberg region you will visit the sunniest place in Germany, a famous spa complex and one of the oldest cities in Europe!
Day 1. Arrival at the airport of Stuttgart / Zurich.
Transfer to the hotel. Free time in the town of Donaueschingen (transfer included).
The main attraction in Donaueschingen is the mysterious Prince's Palace with its beautiful park. Besides there are many other places of interest: the source of one of the largest European rivers - the Danube, the Biedermann Museum known for its unique mirror hall and a beautiful old cathedral.
Day 2. The city of Stuttgart. In the splendour of the Kings. The Romanov and Württemberg dynasties in Europe.
Stuttgart, the capital of the Baden-Württemberg state, is a city, which connected the Russian Romanov imperial dynasty with the Kingdom of Württemberg through the marriage of princesses Dorothea and Charlotte to the Russian Tsar Paul I and the Duke Michael. Stuttgart welcomed the Russian grand duchesses Olga, Catherine and Vera Romanov as well, who married the Württemberg monarchs.
We will take a stroll through the historic city center in the shade of sycamore alley, visit the Collegiate Church, where more than 90 dukes of Württemberg are buried, go up to the observation tower and admire the view of magnificent vineyards and the picturesque town.
Day 3. The"Russian" city of Baden-Baden, from Gogol to Tolstoy. Optional excursion - 90 euro.
You will travel to the most famous resort in Germany - Baden-Baden. Since the 19th century this town was the favourite place of resort for Russian princes. Famous writers and poets such as Gogol, Turgenev, Zhukovsky, Dostoevsky and Tolstoy came here to improve their health. Walking through the quiet streets and alleys of Baden-Baden you will see the famous baths, admire the architecture of the spa resort and casino complex Kurhaus built in the neoclassical style and visit one of the oldest gambling establishments in Europe, which was described by Marlene Dietrich as "the most beautiful casino in the world."
Day 4. Freiburg – the city of legends.
The university town Freiburg, located on the crossing of three countries (Germany, France and Switzerland) welcomes its guests with the song of brooks running through the main streets for a thousand years. The Old and the New City Halls, The Whale House, the fishermen’s and tanners’ quarters, plenty of legends and fairy tales – that is what immerse you into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. The symbol of the city is the Freiburg Minster with its tracery stone spire, intricate gutters, numerous sculptures, magnificent stained-glass windows and the main altar painted by Hans Baldung Grien.
Day 5. The Fabulous Black Forest.
You will make sure that the famous Russian poetess Marina Tsvetaeva was right poetizing the Black Forest. Dense coniferous forests, crystal clear lakes, nice small houses just like in a fairy tale – this is the Black Forest, one of the most beautiful places in Germany. You will go for a walk along the scenic lakeside of Titisee, take pictures of the Germany’s largest waterfall and visit the 1000 cuckoo clocks store, which were invented in the Black Forest in the 18th century. Besides there is an opportunity to admire spectacular views from the highest point in the region. (Optional excursion - 90 euro)
Day 6. Tour to Friedrichshafen. The Zeppelin Museum and the Dornier Aircraft Museum.
Friedrichshafen is a harbor on Lake Constance. Numerous tourists are walking and wondering at the engine roar of the airships soaring in the sky. Just in this town Count Zeppelin made the first flight of his airship in 1900. The museum visitors have the opportunity to enter the cabin and the saloon of the largest airship and see the power of the Maybach engines. More than 400 displays are waiting for you in another museum – The Dornier Aerospace Museum. You will see the famous Dornier Do 26 – a long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft and even get into the light attack jet „Alpha Jet”, which Germany and France are armed with.
Day 7. Lake Constance. The island of Lindau - the heir of the Roman Empire.
The history of the most beautiful and the largest resort island on Lake Constance dates back to the Roman Empire. In the old town you can find wonderful medieval German buildings. The harbor is guarded by a six-meter high stone lion and two ancient lighthouses - one of them dates from the 12th century AD. The Lindau Sailing Club is the organizer of the regatta "Around Lake Constance". Besides the German cycling race called “Deutschland Tour” and other international athletics competitions take place in Lindau. We will go for a walk through the ancient streets of the city, visit the oldest church on Lake Constance, where frescoes by Hans Holbein the Elder remain today and find out why the locals believe, that the German famous traditional song "Oh, Du Lieber Augustin" was written in Lindau.
Day 8. Transfer to the airport of Stuttgart / Zurich.