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Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

Grand Tour of Germany by First Class Rail

First Class rail loop from London through six German cities over 13 days.

Illustration of Grand Tour of Germany by First Class Rail

Planet Rail's Grand Tour of Germany by First Class Rail is a 13-day independent journey for those who want to experience Germany's major cities at an unhurried pace without the structure of a guided group. The itinerary departs London via Eurostar to Brussels, then travels entirely by First Class train across Germany, visiting Berlin, Dresden, Munich, Nuremberg, Frankfurt, and Cologne before returning to London. You spend two nights in each city, allowing time to explore. Berlin offers the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag alongside modern galleries and cafes. Dresden reveals Baroque architecture and the Elbe riverside. Munich combines Bavarian tradition with the English Garden. Nuremberg showcases medieval walls and imperial history. Frankfurt straddles tradition and modernity, with access to the Rhine Valley vineyards. Cologne centers on its Gothic cathedral and vibrant Rhine-side culture. All accommodation is in four-star hotels, and every leg between cities is covered by rail, eliminating the need for flights or coaches. This tour suits repeat rail travellers, couples, history lovers, and independent explorers who prefer to set their own pace within a well-planned rail framework.

What to know before you look closer

  • The trip is independent and self-guided; there is no tour escort. You navigate cities and museums on your own schedule.
  • The price from GBP 1,995 covers rail and hotel accommodation only. Meals, attractions, and transfers from stations to hotels are not included.
  • Two nights per city means limited time to explore each destination; day trips (such as Saxon Switzerland from Dresden) are optional and would require separate booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Berlin

    London to Berlin

    Begin with a morning Eurostar departure from London St Pancras to Brussels. After a comfortable change, continue by high-speed train across Germany, travelling through changing landscapes en route to Berlin. Arrive in the early evening and settle into your hotel, with time for a relaxed dinner or evening stroll.

  2. Day 2overnight: Berlin

    Berlin

    A full day to explore Germany's dynamic capital. Discover iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, and Museum Island, or explore Berlin's diverse neighbourhoods, cafes, and galleries that reflect its creative and historic spirit.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Dresden

    Berlin to Dresden

    Travel by late-morning train to Dresden, arriving around lunchtime. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's elegant Baroque centre, including the Frauenkirche, Semper Opera House, and riverside promenades along the Elbe.

  4. Day 4overnight: Dresden

    Dresden

    A full day at leisure in Dresden. Visit the Zwinger Palace and its renowned art collections, explore the historic Old Town, or choose to visit the nearby Saxon Switzerland National Park, known for its dramatic rock formations and scenery.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Munich

    Dresden to Munich

    Continue south by high-speed rail to Munich, arriving mid-afternoon. After checking in, enjoy time to explore Marienplatz, browse the Viktualienmarkt, or experience a traditional Bavarian beer hall in the evening.

  6. Day 6overnight: Munich

    Munich

    Spend the day discovering Munich's highlights. Stroll through the English Garden, admire historic churches and squares, or enjoy the city's blend of tradition and modern life through its markets, museums, and cafes.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Nuremberg

    Munich to Nuremberg

    A short late-morning train journey brings you to Nuremberg. The afternoon is free to explore the medieval Old Town, walk sections of the historic city walls, and enjoy views from Nuremberg Castle.

  8. Day 8overnight: Nuremberg

    Nuremberg

    A full day to delve deeper into Nuremberg's history. Visit museums reflecting its imperial and 20th-century past, wander the atmospheric streets, or relax in local taverns sampling Franconian specialties and beer.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Frankfurt

    Nuremberg to Frankfurt

    Travel west by rail to Frankfurt, arriving early afternoon. Spend time exploring the restored Romerberg square, walking along the River Main, or enjoying panoramic views of the city's striking skyline.

  10. Day 10overnight: Frankfurt

    Frankfurt

    Day at leisure. Explore Frankfurt's excellent riverside museums, shopping districts, or take an optional day trip into the Rhine Valley, famous for its vineyards, castles, and picturesque riverside towns.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Cologne

    Frankfurt to Cologne

    Late-morning rail journey to Cologne, arriving around midday. Visit the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, stroll through the Old Town, and enjoy the lively atmosphere along the Rhine riverfront.

  12. Day 12overnight: Cologne

    Cologne

    Enjoy a full day to explore Cologne at a relaxed pace. Discover its museums, creative neighbourhoods, cafes, and local culture, or simply enjoy the city's riverside setting and vibrant street life.

  13. Day 13rail

    Cologne to London

    Depart Cologne in the morning, travelling by rail to Brussels, before returning to London by Eurostar. Arrive back in London in the early evening, bringing your grand rail journey through Germany to a relaxed conclusion.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Morning Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, then high-speed train across changing landscapes into Berlin by early evening.
  • Day 3Arrive in Dresden by lunchtime and spend the afternoon among its Baroque landmarks: the Frauenkirche, Semper Opera House, and Elbe riverside promenades.
  • Day 5High-speed rail journey south to Munich, arriving mid-afternoon to explore Marienplatz and the Viktualienmarkt.
  • Day 11Late-morning train to Cologne, arriving by midday to visit the Gothic cathedral and stroll the lively Rhine riverfront.
  • Day 13Depart Cologne by rail to Brussels, then return to London by Eurostar in the early evening.

Included

  • First Class rail travel throughout your journey
  • 12 nights hotel accommodation (4 star): 2 nights in each of Berlin, Dresden, Munich, Nuremberg, Frankfurt and Cologne

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Planet Rail includes all First Class rail journeys: Eurostar London to Brussels, high-speed trains across Germany, and regional trains linking the six cities.
What hotels are included?
12 nights in four-star hotels, with two nights in each of Berlin, Dresden, Munich, Nuremberg, Frankfurt, and Cologne.
Is this escorted or independent?
It is independent and self-guided. Planet Rail tailors the itinerary but does not provide a tour guide or group activities.
What is not included?
Meals, museum entries, and transfers between stations and hotels are not included. Only rail travel and accommodation are covered by the package price.
How much walking is involved?
Each city day involves walking to explore landmarks, squares, and neighbourhoods. Optional activities like visiting Saxon Switzerland National Park near Dresden require additional hiking.
When does the trip run?
Planet Rail does not publish specific departure dates in their materials. Contact the operator directly to confirm availability and book your preferred dates.

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