Private Tour SuggestionsDiscover the most beautiful routes through Germany and Switzerland

For anyone who loves wine, castles, quaint villages and picture-book landscapes, these two river regions shouldn't be missed on any trip to Germany. The majestic Rhine, with the legendary Loreley rock and the highest density of castles in the world, effortlessly captivates every traveler. Whether on a Rhine cruise, on foot along the Rheinsteig trail, by bike or by car along the magnificent panoramic road- that dreamlike landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. No less beautiful and maybe even more charming, is the Moselle Valley. Here you will find not only the time-honoured Eltz Castle, but also the steepest vineyards in Europe and some of the prettiest wine-making towns in the whole country. And that is true for both regions: there is hardly a better place in the world to immerse yourself in the world of Riesling than these two magnificent river valleys. 

Deep forests in the north and a unique mix of meadows, pastures, and wooded hilltops in the south—in between, impressive waterfalls, crystal-clear mountain lakes and typical farmhouses that have shaped the cultural landscape for centuries- the Black Forest in Southwestern Germany is undoubtly one of Germany's most beautiful vacation destinations. Whether it's a cuckoo clock workshop, fantastic panoramic hikes, scenic drives, thrilling ziplines or dinner jumping in Sasbachwalden—there are countless activities for every taste. In fact, the central Black Forest and the region around Baiersbronn are considered Germany's gourmet region par excellence, with some of the finest restaurants in the whole country. The sophisticated town of Baden-Baden with its hot springs or the lively student city of Freiburg with its impressive cathedral and its renowned high quality of life are ideal bases for exploring the Black Forest.

Franconia—the northern part of the state of Bavaria—is often referred to as the most German part of Germany. In many ways, this is true: the wonderfully preserved half-timbered towns and landscapes of Franconian Switzerland look like straight out of a picture book, not to mention the culinary culture with bratwurst, pork shoulder, dumplings and sauerkraut, and last but not least, the highest density of breweries in the world. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is undoubtedly the town where the Middle Ages are more present than anywhere else. For history buffs, Nuremberg offers exciting insights with the Nazi Party Rally Grounds and the Nuremberg Trial Museum. A distinctly different facet of Franconia awaits around Würzburg, where the impressive Residence delights visitors with its pompous Baroque style and everything revolves around wine. 

Munich is often referred to as Germany's secret capital by some and the smallest village in the world by others. Regardless, it stands out as one of Europe's most exciting cities. Beyond classic attractions like Mary's Square, Church of our Lady and the Residence, Munich offers something for everyone: BMW World for car enthusiasts, Olympiapark, Allianz Arena and a run in the English Garden for sports fans and some of Germany's most brilliant museums for culture lovers. Beer, hearty specialties and Bavarian traditions play a prominent role in the city's life, evident during the Oktoberfest, the world's folk and beer largest festival, but also throughout the year in its countless beer halls that the city is known for. Additionally, Munich serves as an ideal starting point for a visit to the Dachau concentration camp and is a gateway for trips the stunning Bavarian Alps.

Snow-capped peaks, fairytale castles and traditional alpine farming villages- even for many Germans the Bavarian Alps are a place of longing. In summer, the region is a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers. In winter, however, the mountains turn into a winter wonderland with the great skiing conditions. The best known mountain resort Garmisch-Partenkirchen is considered the gateway to Mount Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak, and the emerald green Eibsee lake. Oberammergau impresses with its world-famous Passion Play theater and the nearby Baroque Ettal Abbey with centuries of beer brewing history. But the number one visitor magnet is Neuschwanstein Castle, which even inspired Walt Disney for his Cinderella Castle. But no matter where you end up, you'll find dreamlike landscapes, delicious Bavarian specialties and beer-fueled conviviality almost everywhere in the Bavarian Alps.  

When it comes to the question of Germany's most beautiful city, Dresden certainly has a significant say in the matter. Despite the immense destruction in the World War II “Florence on the Elbe River”, with its Zwinger, Frauenkirche, and Semperoper, still breathes the baroque spirit of the era of Augustus the Strong. Its museums, such as the Old Masters Picture Gallery and the Green Vault, are also among the greatest in Europe. Spared by the war, the new town on the other side of the river is an architectural feast for the eyes and today an absolutely trendy district. But the rest of the state of Saxony has no reason to hide behind its capital: Just outside the city await cozy wine villages and fine vintages. Saxon Switzerland impresses with breathtaking rock formations, the Ore Mountains with the most atmospheric Christmas markets in Germany and the old fair city of Leipzig with its rich history cosmopolitan flair. 

Lush green hills, an incredible wealth of exciting traditions, hearty specialties—and all of this overlooked by the spectacular Mount Säntis, the highest peak in the region. Apart from the spectacular Wildkirchli, the Appenzell region is far less touristy than other parts of the country. And lots of centuries-old traditions are more alive and accessible here than almost anywhere else in Switzerland. The area is not only famous for its beautiful landscapes, iconic traditional costumes, and a very special dialect, but also for its flavorful Appenzell cheese and one of the best beers in Switzerland. The picturesque town of Appenzell itself is the perfect base from which to explore the highlights of the surrounding area in a relaxed and stress-free way.

Central Switzerland offers pretty much everything you could hope for on a trip to the Alps: the magnificent blue Lake Lucerne, some of the best mountain vistas in the whole country, and Lucerne, probably the most beautiful city in Switzerland. The backdrop and architecture of the city alone, with its wooden bridges and Belle Epoque hotels on the lake shore, enchants every visitor from the moment they arrive. In addition, excursions to the surrounding mountains of Rigi, Pilatus, Stanserhorn, and Stoss offer indescribable panoramic views. A boat trip on the lake and then a mountain railway ride to one of the peaks is virtually a “must-do” activity. Thanks to the excellent logistics, such excursions are easily possible as half-day or full-day trips from Lucerne. 

Well, it's true that you have to share this region with a lot of other people, but there's a good reason for that. Experiencing the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountain ranges on a clear day is something that can hardly be described in words. The Lauterbrunnen Valley with all its waterfalls and the cozy mountain villages of Mürren and Gimmelwald are also among the major highlights. The same goes for Meiringen, where everything revolves around Sherlock Holmes. But even in this region, there are still countless hidden gems, secluded hiking trails, culinary insider tips, and places where you can have nature all to yourself. The Swiss outdoor capital of Interlaken and the beautifully situated Grindelwald are both excellent starting points for experiencing all this. 

This is where Switzerland is at its wildest. In addition to the glamorous ski resort of St. Moritz and cosmopolitan Davos, Graubünden offers visitors the chance to experience breathtaking natural beauty. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy excellent skiing conditions in winter and some of Switzerland's most fantastic hikes, for example in the Rhine Gorge or around the Bernina massif. In the Swiss National Park in particular, the Alps are reminiscent of the Rocky Mountains and invite you to go on extended exploration tours. The legendary Heidi also lived here, and you can still follow in her footsteps around Maienfeld today. The largest city, Chur, is well worth seeing and can be easily reached by the Glacier Express. 

Seeing the Matterhorn for the first time is a moment you will never forget. And Zermatt is undeniably the best place to marvel at Switzerland's most famous mountain from every conceivable angle. This sophisticated resort in the Valais Alps offers the best conditions for outdoor activities, as well as relaxing train and gondola rides o the most legendary scenic viewpoints of the Matterhorn. The surrounding area, the bilingual Valais, is not only home to the famous cheese fondue, but also boasts picturesque small towns, wild valleys, and the highest wine-growing region in Europe—a region for nature lovers and connoisseurs. 

Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of the country, is considered a dream destination even for Swiss people. Nowhere else in Switzerland does the sun shine more often, nowhere else is the proximity to Italy more noticeable. While the landscape in the north of the canton is still high alpine offering great outdoor adventures, palm trees grow in the South on the shores of the stunning large lakes and the way of life is significantly more Mediterranean. Wildly romantic valleys such as the Maggia or Verzasca valleys, azure blue lakes, and magnificent mountain panoramas make your eyes light up. On top of that, the beautiful towns of Ascona, Locarno, and Lugano offer an almost southern European flair and all the amenities you need for a relaxing vacation. Dolce Vita made in Switzerland—only possible in Ticino. 

Unfortunately, many of my guests don't have a particularly good image of German wine. After this tour, you will have completely changed your mind. Germany is one of the most exciting wine destinations in the world and boasts 13 largely diverse wine-growing regions. Depending on the region, the focus on grape varieties is also different. While Riesling and Pinot Noir clearly dominate in the Rheingau, the Central Rhine Valley, and the Moselle, Sylvaner and Domina are considered the best-known grape types in Franconia. However, what all wine tours have in common is that you get to visit numerous renowned wineries (many of them family-run), enjoy their wines together with culinary delicacies in extensive tastings, and receive a comprehensive introduction to the regional wine culture. 

Germany is beer country—of course! One region stands out in particular: Upper Franconia, the northern part of the state of Bavaria around Bamberg. Here you can experience the world's highest density of breweries. Apart from a few well-known names, you've probably never heard of most of these breweries because they are small family-owned businesses that pass down the craft of brewing from generation to generation. What is marketed as “craft beer” in many parts of the world has existed in Upper Franconia for centuries. The variety and depth of flavor of Franconian beers is simply overwhelming. The first sip of a Franconian beer will leave a lasting impression on you—just like the cozy atmosphere of the brewery taverns we will visit on this tour.

Dinner hopping allows you to enjoy each course of the evening menu at a different location. That means you not only get to be pampered three times by different top chefs, but also experience the atmosphere of three very different unique restaurants. Of course, there are also matching drink recommendations and entertaining information about the local area and culture between courses. This makes the whole evening an unforgettable experience with lasting culinary impressions. I already offer fixed dinner hopping events in Frankfurt and the Black Forest. But with a little advance notice, I can also put together a suitable dining program in other cities and regions that is tailored to your wishes, including on a wide variety of themes such as local cooking, everything about beer, or even Asian cuisine.

The culinary tours combine sightseeing and delicious food in an entertaining and tasty way. We visit around 5 to 7 selected locations and sample their signature dishes. However, these are only small portions, so you won't be full after visiting the first locations. Along the way, you will also be provided with interesting information about the business owner, his background and the area we visit- the perfect mix of education and enjoyment. The individual locations can be actual restaurants, but also small snack bars, bars, or street food stands. The tour thus offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the gastronomic scene of a city or neighborhood and sample a wide variety of dishes in a relaxed setting. So far, I offer such tours in Frankfurt and Heidelberg. More locations will follow. 

Incredible views, a pleasant climate and fantastic wine- hiking tours along the Rhine and Moselle are perfect for those who appreciate the fine things in life. Medieval fortresses and the steepest vineyards in Europe also wait to be explored. Picturesque little half-timbered towns invite you to linger or enjoy coffee and cake. You can even stay overnight in old knight's castles and feel like being in the Middle Ages. I would recommend the most scenic sections of the Rheinsteig and Moselsteig long-distance hiking trails. The time-honoured city of Koblenz is the ideal base for day trips in both regions.

The Black Forest is world-renowned, and not just for its cuckoo clocks and Black Forest gateau. It is above all the stunning landscape that has captivated travellers for centuries. The sub-regions of the Black Forest differ considerably from each other : In the northern part, deep fir and spruce forests dominate the landscape, while in the south you'll find a magnificent mix of forests, pastures, and lakes. The Westweg long-distance hiking trail takes you through the entire mountain range. The livable city of Freiburg and the glamorous Baden-Baden are good starting points for tours of the Black Forest. 

The Bavarian Alps are undoubtedly the number one hiking region in Germany. Deep forests, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and majestic peaks leave every hiker in awe. The possibilities are endless: The picturesque Allgäu region around Oberstdorf to the spectacular Zugspitze area near Garmisch or the stunning Königsee & Eagle's Nest near Berchtesgaden- each region offers a different unforgettable panorama. Whether it's a challenging mountain climb or a relaxing walk on an alpine meadow - everyone will find something to suit them in this dream region. And since Bavaria is known for its numerous culinary delights, there will be no shortage of excellent food & drinks.

The Swiss Alps are a breathtaking natural wonder showcasing stunning beauty and diverse landscapes. Each season brings unique opportunities for adventure, with vibrant wildflowers in spring and snow-covered slopes in winter. Switzerland offers exceptional hiking trails, particularly in the stunning cantons of the Bernese Oberland, Wallis and Graubünden, always combined with charming places to stay and a delicious local cuisine. Zermatt and Grindelwald would be great bases for some of the most amazing hikes the country has to offer. But even some lesser known villages might be ideal options if you look for more off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Mainz is considered Germany's wine capital, and the mulled wine here taste particularly delicious. As the home of the Gutenberg Bible, impressive Baroque buildings, and one of the largest Romanesque cathedrals in Europe, the setting is truly unique. With its student character and countless inviting wine taverns, the city exudes an exceptionally warm and friendly atmosphere. 

The capital of the federal state of Hesse captivates visitors with magnificent 19th-century buildings, one of the most beautiful casinos in the world, and a brick church that is unrivalled in the region. The steam rising from the underground hot springs gives the city, which remained almost unscathed during World War II, a very special charm. 

Rüdesheim is considered the secret capital of the Rhine Valley and its main attraction, the incredibly picturesque Drosselgasse, attracts several million visitors every year. In addition to excellent mulled wine, you should definitely try Rüdesheim coffee, which is flambéed with local brandy. Top that off with a cable car ride over the  vineyards and you have the perfect romantic Rhine experience. 

For lots of people, Heidelberg feels like Germany's most romantic city, and after admiring the vistas from Philosopher's Walk, you'll totally understand why. The sprawling Christmas market covers almost the entire old town, so you can easily combine browsing the stalls and sampling local delicacies with some classic sightseeing in Germany's oldest university town. 

If you've always wanted to travel back to the Middle Ages, you should definitely come to Rothenburg. The best time to visit is in December, when it's particularly cozy. Germany's largest Christmas store and the integrated Christmas museum are open all year round, but during the Christmas season, these places provide that last bit of Christmas spirit that then flows through the whole town like a magical spell. 

The city itself seems like something out of a fairy tale and a wonderful blend of German and French influences. At Christmas time, the capital of Alsace takes on an even more atmospheric feel. The towering Gothic cathedral, centuries-old half-timbered houses, and numerous delicious Alsatian specialties, including the famous mulled wine and gingerbread, make a visit to Strasbourg a memorable experience.