Group Tour Operator and DMC for South West Germany
Secrets of the South – Undiscovered Germany
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Old Bridge and Heidelberg Castle ©Francesco Carovillano, GNTB
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Stuttgart © TMBW Mende
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Stuttgart, Rotenberg © TMBW Mende
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Ludwigsburg Palace © TMBW Mende
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Swabian Jura, Castle Lichtenstein © TMBW Mende
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Tübingen, South West Germany © TMBW Mende
South West Germany: Cars, Wine and Scenery
Although famous for cars, wine and beautiful scenery, South West Germany is often left undiscovered. Based near Stuttgart, the region’s capital, you will explore the many highlights the area has to offer. Visit vibrant and modern Stuttgart itself, travel to baroque Ludwigsburg and romantic Heidelberg and marvel at the awe-inspiring landscape which is the Swabian Jura.
Read MoreStuttgart; Home to Beamers, Benz’s and Beautiful Scenery
Stuttgart is well known for being a modern, international hub in the south-west of Germany. Home to some of the most well-known car manufacturers in the world. Brands like Mercedes Benz or Porsche, call Stuttgart their home. This in turn has gave Stuttgart the tag of the home of the flash and when visiting you can get that sense of German big city life. However, Stuttgart isn’t just about business executives and fast cars, the capital of Baden-Württemberg is also a hub of culture and is surrounded by vine-clad hills.
Heidelberg; The city of Love, Literature and ‘Something Ideal’
Heidelberg is a city which draws tourists from all over the world and has certainly earned its popularity. J.W. Goethe, one of Germany’s greatest writers – has “something ideal” about it. World-renowned for its beauty and idyllic setting Heidelberg straddles the river Neckar and this cosmopolitan, friendly and vibrant university city is known for its love and ode to literature. Since December 2014, the city has been an UNESCO City of Literature. Walk along the cobbled streets of the wonderful old town and marvel at the view from its majestic castle and you soon see why so many love this city.
Schloss Ludwigsburg: An Impressive tour of Discovery
Ludwigsburg Palace is one of the largest Baroque buildings in Europe to survive in its original condition.However, better still, it is just as delightful to explore. Located just north of the city of Stuttgart, the palace is home to a remarkably imposing ensemble that has been preserved, offering a one-of-a-kind world in a Baroque residence.
Enquire today to explore more of Germany and its culture and traditions while exploring the area’s many facets.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Start your journey to Germany and depart from your local area in direction of Dover where you will take the ferry to Calais. Make an overnight stop in France, perhaps in the Reims area. If time permits, explore this charming town at leisure.
Day 2
Arrive at Stuttgart
Continue your journey to the south-western German metropole that is Stuttgart, perhaps stopping in Baden-Baden en route. The beautiful spa town at the border of the Black Forest has a lot to offer. Stroll along the Lichtentaler Allee, discover small boutiques and little cafes in the picturesque old town or visit one of the many museums, e.g. exhibiting the work of Frida Kahlo.
When you arrive at your hotel, enjoy dinner and spend the evening at leisure.
Day 3
Explore Stuttgart – the Capital of the South West
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at your hotel before you head to central Stuttgart to meet your guide for a gentle walking tour through Stuttgart. Discover everything around the city’s main square, the Schlossplatz, and marvel at the Old Castle and New Palace.
In the afternoon, explore further at leisure. You might want to go inside the Old Castle and New Palace or look at beautiful Stuttgart from a bird’s eye view by taking a ride on the funicular railway. Alternatively, find out more about Germany’s rich car history by visiting the Mercedes Benz or Porsche Museum; both brands call Stuttgart home. You might prefer to spend your afternoon outside strolling around Wilhelma, a famous zoological-botanical garden. Do some shopping along the city’s main retail street, Königsstraße, or visit the art nouveau style Market Hall for a special treat.
Day 4
Ludwigsburg
On this day explore baroque Ludwigsburg, a city full of history. The highlight of this day trip will be Ludwigsburg Palace. Discover these historic, baroque grounds and a enjoy a guided tour. Additionally, there are two nice restaurants on palace grounds where you might want to savour a traditional German lunch of Maultaschen or Käsespätzle.
Further discover Ludwigsburg’s gorgeous old town. Perhaps stop for a treat in one of the delicious bakeries, or visit Blühendes Barock, the gardens behind Ludwigsburg Palace, including the Märchenwald Fairytale Garden. En route back to your hotel, perhaps you want to stop in Untertürkheim, an area famous for its wines, and take part in a wine tasting.
Day 5
Heidelberg
Today, make your way to Heidelberg and enjoy a guided tour through the beautiful old town. Discover the cobbled streets, learn about the city being a scientific hub and find out more about the quaint monkey sitting on the Old Bridge. Together with your guide, make your way up to Heidelberg Castle using the funicular railway and enjoy breath-taking views of the city, the River Neckar and its gorgeous surroundings.
Spend the afternoon strolling around the cobbled streets and along the River Neckar or stop for a little tea break in one of Heidelberg’s many cafes. Alternatively, you might want to visit one of the city’s museums, e.g. the Carl Bosch Museum or the, some might say bizarre, Body Worlds Museum.
Day 6-7
Return to the UK
After breakfast at your hotel, start your journey home. Retrace the route back to Calais for the ferry to Dover, stopping overnight in France along the way.
Suggested Hotels
Mercure Hotel Stuttgart Böblingen ****
This four-star hotel is only a 20 minute drive from Stuttgart city centre, located in the charming small city of Böblingen. The air conditioned bedrooms come with TV and free WiFi, as well as a safety deposit box, electric kettle and an en-suite bathroom with free toiletries. In the restaurant regional specialities are served alongside appetising international dishes, which can also be enjoyed on the terrace. There’s an outdoor pool with garden and a volleyball pitch too. Coach parking is available at this hotel.
Maritim Hotel Stuttgart ****
This elegant hotel is located in a quiet part of central Stuttgart, 0.6 miles from the Königsstraße shopping mile, and right next to the green Hoppenlau Park. The refurbished en-suite rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, safety deposit box and minibar. International as well as regional food is served in the Maritim’s Rôtisserie, Reuchlin and Liederhalle restaurants. Guests can also relax with a drink in the café, piano bar or on the terrace.
| 7 days / 6 nights | Hotel | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| 2024 dates | Maritim Hotel Stuttgart | Price on request | Price on request |
