Additional Info

Useful things to keep in mind:

• While our tours focus on history and culture, there will be plenty of room to enjoy nature, take walks, chat with fellow travelers or locals, and make friends. We will gladly stop the car for you to take a picture if you wish, and you will have time to relax or browse in shops.
• The maximum length of our guided tours is two hours. They don’t involve strenuous walking but a moderate fitness level will enhance your enjoyment.
• While each tour includes the option of a longer hike, we offer an attractive alternative for travelers who prefer a more relaxed choice.
• We’ve selected comfortable, high quality hotels that also offer a taste of local culture, so that our guests will have a more authentic German experience, one that is different from home.
• The average temperature in spring and fall is between 48º and 60º F. While we can count on blossoms and flowers in the spring and fall foliage in the autumn, the weather may vary from region to region. The Rhine area is usually milder, the Alpine region can be chilly, and East Germany is somewhat in between. Therefore, it is a good idea to pack clothes that you can layer. And don’t forget your raincoat and umbrella…
• Since we’ll be using minivans as our mode of transportation, we ask that you please pack lightly.
• You’ll need to bring a passport that is valid for at least six months after your intended return date. You don’t need a visa if you’re a US citizen.
• The currency in Germany is the Euro. While credit cards are accepted in most places, many German shops and restaurants still prefer cash.
• If desired, SIM cards for your cell phone are widely available.
• Wifi (or WLAN in German) is available in all our hotels and many public places.
• The app “What’s App” is an ideal tool to send free texts and make free phone calls from Germany to the US. Consider downloading it on to your phone or computer before your departure.
• While German voltage is 230, a simple adapter works well for most appliances.
• In restaurants, tips are included in the bill. However, rounding up your bill to the nearest euro is expected and courteous.
• Germans love their coffee and cake in the afternoon. Be sure to follow this tradition and seek out one of the many Konditoreien (cafés), relax, and sample the many delicious cakes.