Itinerary Overview

D1–D2 Berlin → D3 Dresden → D4 Nuremberg → D5 Munich → D6 Neuschwanstein Castle → D7 Depart from Munich. Berlin to Dresden takes about 2 hours, Dresden to Nuremberg about 3 hours, and Nuremberg to Munich about 1 hour, with smooth connections between ICE and regional trains.

D1–D2 Berlin: History and Museums

• D1: Brandenburg Gate → Reichstag Building (book dome access on the official website) → Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe → Checkpoint Charlie → Evening TV Tower for city panoramas.
• D2: Museum Island (Pergamon Museum and Neues Museum) → Berlin Cathedral → East Side Gallery for Berlin Wall murals → Dinner in Kreuzberg.

D3 Dresden: Baroque by the Elbe

Visit Zwinger Palace, Dresden Royal Palace, and the rebuilt Frauenkirche, stroll along the Elbe River promenade, and admire the city skyline from Brühl’s Terrace. Porcelain enthusiasts can detour to Meissen to see workshops.

D4 Nuremberg: Medieval and Imperial Legacy

Climb Kaiserburg Fortress for views of the old town, see Frauenkirche and Schöner Brunnen, explore the Craftsmen’s Courtyard and the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, experiencing the city’s multifaceted history. Try Nuremberg sausages in the old town in the evening.

D5 Munich: Bavarian Capital

Watch the Glockenspiel show at Marienplatz, visit Frauenkirche and Nymphenburg Palace, try Weisswurst with sweet mustard at Viktualienmarkt at noon, and spend the afternoon in the English Garden or BMW Museum.

D6 Neuschwanstein Castle and the Alps

Travel from Munich to Füssen to visit Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle, capturing classic shots from Marienbrücke. With extra time, add Linderhof Palace before returning to Munich in the evening.

D7 Wrap-Up and Departure

Pick up last-minute souvenirs in central Munich in the morning, then depart from Munich Airport in the afternoon. For a longer trip, consider adding a day trip to Königssee and Berchtesgaden.

Tips

• Book ICE tickets in advance for Sparpreis discounted fares — prices rise significantly closer to travel dates.
• Reserve timed entry slots in advance for both Neuschwanstein Castle and the Reichstag Building on their official websites.
• Bavaria’s Bayern-Ticket is great value for group travel within the state.
• Accommodation in Munich is tight during Oktoberfest — book months ahead.