Arrive in Munich and make your way to the hotel. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist with your flights and other travel arrangements, including travel insurance (a condition of travel), private hotel transfer, or accommodation before or after the tour.

In the early evening, join your tour leader Thomas Abbott and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing at the hotel, followed by dinner.

(D)

Begin the day with a walking tour through the historic heart of Munich and marvel at the iconic towers of the Frauenkirche, the elaborate façade of the Michaelskirche, and the neo-Gothic New Town Hall on Marienplatz.

After lunch, visit the Alte Pinakothek, home to one of the world’s most significant collections of European Old Masters. On a private, guided tour, explore masterpieces by Dürer, Rubens, Rembrandt and Raphael, followed by some free time to explore the 19th-century works from the Romantic and Realist schools at your own pace.

Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.

(BL)

After breakfast, attend a talk by Thomas before walking to the ornate Asamkirche, known for its dramatic ceiling frescoes and opulent stucco work built from 1733 to 1746.

Enjoy lunch at leisure before taking a private, guided tour of the Lenbachhaus art gallery, famous for its pioneering collection of early 20th-century German Expressionism and works by the ‘Blaue Reiter’ group, which included artists such as Kandinsky, Marc and Münter.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure before dinner at a local restaurant.

(BD)

This morning, walk to the Residenz, Munich’s former royal palace, for a private, guided tour including the Rich Rooms and the Treasury, home to the Bavarian crown jewels and sacred relics.

Then, visit Nymphenburg Palace, the summer residence of the Wittelsbach dynasty. Within the palace grounds, see the exquisite Amalienburg, a fine Rococo hunting lodge designed by François de Cuvilliés, renowned for its mirrored hall, delicate stucco work and pastel interiors.

Return to the hotel in the afternoon for some free time before dinner at a nearby restaurant.

(BD)

Depart Munich for Nuremberg and visit the Germanisches National Museum, showcasing a superb collection of German art and cultural history. Marvel at works by Albrecht Dürer, medieval altarpieces and artefacts from the Holy Roman Empire.

In the afternoon, continue to the UNESCO-listed town of Bamberg, famed for its medieval layout and architectural harmony.

In the early evening, enjoy a short walking tour of historic Bamberg, ending with dinner at a local restaurant.

(BD)

Begin the day with a guided visit to the Bamberg Cathedral, a Romanesque-Gothic masterpiece known for the tomb of Emperor Henry II and the famous Bamberg Horseman statue. Learn about the history of the treasury and attached cloister.

After lunch, explore the New Residence, once the seat of Bamberg’s prince-bishops, featuring ornate state rooms and ceiling frescoes. From the 18th-century Rose Garden, enjoy panoramic views over Bamberg’s red rooftops and cathedral spires.

Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.

(BL)

After breakfast, travel to Dresden, the baroque capital on the Elbe River. Visit the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, housed in the Zwinger Palace, and featuring works by Titian, Vermeer, Van Eyck and Raphael’s iconic Sistine Madonna, whose cherubs are recognised around the world.

The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to relax or to further explore Dresden at your own pace.

(BL)

After breakfast, attend a talk by Thomas followed by a visit of the Hofkirche, Dresden’s court church and a symbol of the city’s Catholic past under Augustus the Strong. At the Royal Palace, explore the stunning rooms of the Historisches Grünes Gewölbe (Historic Green Vault), each richly decorated and where one can marvel at the intricate details and the sheer opulence of the exhibits. Continue to the Neues Grünes Gewölbe (New Green Vault) and admire countless masterpieces, including ivory carvings, elaborate objets d’art and baroque goldsmithing.

In the evening, dine at the historic Coselpalais, a Baroque mansion once favoured by courtiers.

(BD)

This morning, transfer to Meissen, birthplace of Europe’s first hard-paste porcelain. Take the Panorama Lift to visit the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, noted for its twin towers and medieval sculpture. Walk through the picturesque town before visiting the Meissen Porcelain Factory for a tour of the workshops and porcelain collection, which include historic tableware and exquisite figurines.

Return to Dresden in the late-afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure.

(BL)

Before leaving Dresden today, visit the Albertinum, home to 19th- and 20th-century German art including works by Otto Dix and Caspar David Friedrich, famed for his romantic landscapes. Then, drive to Berlin via the Spree Forest, a UNESCO biosphere reserve for lunch in a tranquil riverside setting.

Arrive in Berlin in the early afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

(BL)

Begin the day with a talk by Thomas before embarking on an architectural-focused and historical river cruise along the Spree River, passing landmarks from Prussian neoclassicism to cutting-edge contemporary design.

Then, explore the Nikolai Quarter, Berlin’s old quarter, where cobblestone streets evoke the charm of medieval Berlin. Here, visit Berlin’s oldest church, St. Nicholas’ Church, built in the early 13th century as a Romanesque Basilica and later remodelled in Gothic style.

Return to the hotel in the early afternoon for some time at leisure. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

(BD)

Today, travel to Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, Frederick the Great’s extravagant summer retreat and a masterpiece of Rococo architecture. Explore the richly decorated interiors and stroll through its terraced gardens and landscaped parklands dotted with follies and fountains.

After lunch, continue to Peacock Island, a royal retreat on the River Havel accessible only by ferry. Explore the island’s charming neo-Gothic palace built at the end of the 18th century under King Frederick William II and admire the fusion of architecture, nature and decorative art in this unique setting.

Return to Berlin in the late afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure.

(BL)

Spend the final day of the tour immersed in the artistic and architectural splendour of Museum Island, Berlin’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed ensemble of museums.

Begin at the Neues Museum, an architectural landmark designed by Friedrich August Stüler. Its beautifully restored interiors house Egyptian, prehistoric and classical collections, including the famous bust of Nefertiti.

Continue to the Old National Gallery, housed in a neoclassical temple-like structure. The gallery holds an outstanding collection of Romantic, Biedermeier, Impressionist and early Modernist paintings and sculptures.

This evening, celebrate the conclusion of the tour with a special farewell dinner at one of Berlin’s excellent restaurants.

(BD)

Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast.

For those departing today, make your own way to the airport. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including any additional nights’ accommodation before or after the tour and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

(B)