Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

There simply is no way to tour Europe & not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history & dazzling artistic & culinary diversity. Once you have ticked off the great Museums, panoramic vistas & energetic nightlife, what's left? A chance to indulge in a culinary adventure to beat all others, that's what!

And prepare for a roller-coaster ride of feasts, treats & temptations in Germany which has always marched to a different drummer - Lederhosen, Oktoberfest, polka dancing, Bavarian pretzels, sauerkraut & drinking beer like no others. Experience Deutschland's soul-stirring scenery, spirit-lifting culture, big-city beauties, romantic Palaces & half-timbered towns. It is Europe at its most exotic.

Frankfurt is one of the biggest financial hubs in Europe, so you may wonder, ‘Why visit Frankfurt as a tourist?’. But it is also home to the most impressive skyline in Germany as well as world-renowned Museums & Galleries, historical Cathedrals & stunning views. So, come……experience Frankfurt am Main with us…

Willkommen to Deutschland. Arrive in Frankfurt am Main with over 20 Museums & various historical monuments scattered around towns,

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Frankfurt International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. *Transfer is mentioned for illustration only. Optional. Supplement, if required.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Glinting with glass, steel & concrete skyscrapers, Frankfurt-on-the-Main (pronounced ‘mine’) is unlike any other German city. A bustling Metropolis & Germany’s commercial heart on the shores of the Main River, founded in the Roman era, it is home to major Banks including the headquarters of the European Central Bank in the gleaming colossal 338 metres Europe Tower, the 259 metres Commerzbank Tower & one of the world’s largest Stock Exchanges. It also famously hosts some of the world's most important Trade Fairs, attracting thousands of business travellers.

The city on the shores of the Main River also boasts a fabulous cultural life. With its towering, futuristic skyline & beautifully preserved historic quarter, it is certainly one of Germany's most heterogeneous cities, not to mention one of its most populous with over 5.5 million inhabitants.

The birthplace of the man considered by many German's the greatest ever writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Frankfurt is still an artistic & cultural beacon for Germans & many others.

Yet at its heart, Frankfurt is an unexpectedly traditional & charming city, with half-timbered buildings huddled in its quaint medieval Altstadt (old town, reconstructed after the War, is the site of Romerberg, a Square that hosts an annual Christmas Market), cosy apple-wine Taverns serving hearty regional food, village-like neighbourhoods filled with outdoor Cafes, Boutiques & street art and beautiful parks, gardens & riverside paths. Its nightlife & entertainment scenes are bolstered by a spirited student population.

Most people associate Frankfurt with Brokers, Banks, Stocks & Shares - & they wouldn't be wrong, but there is much more to the city than just big business. Frankfurt does, after all, have an unrivalled Museum scene. Its collection of Galleries & Museums, 2^nd in Germany only to Berlin’s, is considered one of the world's finest, with contents which reflect this high standing.

Goethe’s former home is now the Goethe House Museum. You can retrace the footsteps of the city’s most famous son for a glimpse of 18^th century Frankfurt. For example, at his House or in the slightly less poetic setting of the Gerbermuhle, a quaint Beer Garden on the banks of the river Main, where the great poet indulged in an occasional glass of cider in his day.

The Museum embankment on the southern bank of the Main is a wonder to behold, in particular the magnificent Stadel Institute of Art with the Municipal Gallery. Situated in the heart of Frankfurt's Museum mile, this is of one Germany's pre-eminent Art Galleries & features masterpieces spanning nine centuries of European art. The underground extension houses a Collection of works from 1945 onwards, including such famous names as Joseph Beuys & Gerhard Richter.

To the east of the Gallery, you will find the Film Museum & the Architecture Museum, which in itself is an innovative & unconventional example of building design. And just a stone's throw from there stands the Museum of Applied Art (MAK). A thousand years of arts & crafts are represented in this striking building designed by American architect Richard Meier.

There are also a number of smaller Galleries around the Cathedral, some of which are less mainstream but feature exceptional displays of art nonetheless. You can even admire art in the Metro System. The Grenzland (borderland) project at the Dom / Romer Station, for example, showcases works that blur the lines between art, architecture & design.

It might be more serious, but the financial district is well worth a visit too, for a true taste of Frankfurt. The towering Banks & office blocks form Europe's most impressive skyline & Frankfurt's ultimate landmark. But rest assured, the art found in this part of the city is also of international standing. Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank & DZ Bank own art collections any Museum would be proud of, and these are opened to the public at certain times. Skyscrapers as Art Galleries ? Only in Frankfurt.

Morning, proceed to the Pick-up Point to board the Hop On, Hop Off Bus tour. With 16 stops around the whole city, the tour gives you the perfect overview of Frankfurt.

Climb aboard to the upper deck of one of the comfortable open-top double decker buses for a panoramic tour through the fantastic city. Just sit back & enjoy the 1 hour drive from the comfort of your bus (with audio-guides explaining about the places you pass by).  Although the loop takes just about an hour, feel free to hop-off & get back on at any of the Stops as your Ticket is valid for the whole day. With buses departing every 20 - 30 minutes all day long, you will have the freedom to experience self-guided sightseeing of Frankfurt on your schedule without worrying about bus availability!

The drive will take you around some famous landmarks like Paul Church, Frankfurt Trade Fair Centre, the Financial District with its Skyscrapers, the Romerberg Square. And, you can catch the wonderful city views from the Hauptwache.

Saint Paul’s Cathedral, located in the very heart of Frankfurt, was built between 1787 & 1833. After having been entirely destroyed in World War II, the historic edifice was rebuilt in the post-war years & inaugurated in 1948. Given that the building had hosted Meetings of the National Assembly during which the first democratic Constitution of Germany had been drawn up, Saint Paul’s Cathedral has been up to now considered, an important Memorial & a symbol of democracy in Germany. It has been used more for Exhibitions rather than as a place of worship. The building regularly accommodates official events of national or local level in the Meeting Room on the upper floor. For some years, the Cathedral hosted the award ceremonies for “Friedenspreis des deutschen Buchhandels” & “Goethepreis der Stadt Frankfurt”.

The Frankfurt Trade Fair Centre in city centre, includes Exhibition Pavilions encompassing almost 370,000 square metres indoor & additional outdoor spaces extending to 96,000 square metres. The Centre, built in 1907, regularly hosts important events - Congresses, Meetings & annually International Automobile Show, the COMIC CON & Frankfurt Book Fair as well as numerous Concerts. Each of the Pavilions boasts a characteristic & unique architecture, culmination of the work of enthusiastic & passionate, internationally renowned Architects & Designers who have enriched the Project with their different stylistic approaches.

Bankenviertel is the name of the central business district in Frankfurt, an area in the city centre where many Banks, Insurance Companies, Law firms & other financial institutions are located. Because real estate is now also being rented by financial sector Companies in adjacent areas, the Financial District is constantly expanding. The density of building mass is the highest here of all places in Germany. The first Skyscrapers were built during the German economic miracle (the “Wirtschaftswunder”) but most emerged primarily in the 1980s & ‘90s.

The history of Frankfurt as a financial center goes back to the Middle Ages & has been shaped by political events to this day. In its present, prominent form, the Banking Quarter developed only after the events of the 2^nd World War. Before the war, the Capital Berlin was the leading financial center located in Berlin-Mitte (East Berlin) & the headquarters of most important Credit institutions were concentrated here.

After the division, the major Banks in Berlin were placed under forced administration or smashed. In the Soviet occupation zone, the Banks were nationalised & business activities were discontinued; in the Western occupation zones, successor companies were founded between 1945 - 1948 whose activities were initially limited to the respective occupation zone.

The Economic Council of the United Economic Area of the Bizone took its seat in the building of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in 1947. The Bank Deutscher was founded on 1 March 1948 & it virtually became the successor to Hitler’s Reichsbank which had its headquarters in the same building. In 1957, the Reichsbank became the Deutsche Bundesbank.

The Financial District was the city’s first high-rise cluster after the destruction of the historical cityscape in the 2nd World War, as many tall buildings close to each other emerged here. Major German Banks are headquartered here, including Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, DZ Bank & Landesbank Hessen-Thuringen. There are also numerous representative offices of foreign Banks like Goldman Sachs & Morgan Stanley.

You can’t go to Frankfurt without visiting the Romerberg, the city’s iconic old central Square, home to a host of delights, from picturesque mediaeval buildings to historic markets. This has been the backdrop for famous faces like John F. Kennedy, who addressed an adoring crowd here during his ground-breaking visit to Germany in 1963, just the day before giving his famous speech in Berlin.

The original medieval complex has been extended considerably since it was sold to the City Council in 1405, with several buildings, courtyards & an ornate balcony added throughout the years.

At the heart of the Altstadt (old town), ornately gabled half-timbered buildings, reconstructed after WWII, give an idea of how beautiful the city’s medieval core once was. Only one half-timbered house - Haus Wertheym - in the Altstadt made it through the bombings unscathed. It has been serving hearty home-style cuisine since 1479 & continues to do so today.

Standing in the Square, you will be forgiven for feeling like you are on a picture postcard-perfect film set - of days gone by. Despite extensive damage from bombardment during the 2^nd World War, the Romerberg’s unique architecture has been painstakingly restored - a unique tribute to the past that feels worlds away from the city’s more modern buildings.

It is home to the photogenic Romer, which has been in use as the City Hall since the 15^th century. The 3 stepped gable facades of the Romer are what make the Square so instantly recognizable. In the time of the Holy Roman Empire, it was the site of celebrations during the Election & Coronation of Emperors. Today, it houses the office of Frankfurt’s Mayor & serves as the Registry Office. The barrel-vaulted Kaisersaal is accessed from Limpurgergasse via a courtyard & carved red-sandstone spiral staircase.

In the Square's centre, in front of the Romer, is the Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen (Fountain of Justice). Dating back to 1543, it features a bronze statue of Justitia, the Roman Goddess of Justice, armed with her sword & scales. According to legend, wine flowed from the fountain at the 16^th century Coronation of Emperor Matthias, causing a commotion worthy of immediate repairs.

Trade Fairs & Markets have been held in the Romerberg since the Middle Ages, attracting visiting merchants from all over Europe. The tradition continues to this day with Frankfurt’s spectacular Christmas Market in December, one of the oldest & largest in Germany. It is a fairy-tale experience - & a great excuse to sample local delicacies like hot apple wine & Bethmannchen marzipan cookies by the 30 metre high Christmas tree.

After your Hop Off, Hop On sightseeing, to be finished when you feel like, return to the hotel or continue exploring the interesting spots you just discovered.

You can explore Goethe House, Riverbank Museums, or spend your evening exploring the Sachsenhausen Pub District where the international flavour encompasses Irish Bars, funky Latin Clubs, Discos & traditional Bier Kellers, where the Germans' love of beer can be fully appreciated.

Shoppers will be in their element in Frankfurt, with the wallet-stretching delights of the famous commercial street Zeil, with its upmarket Department Stores & Boutiques offering a marked contrast with the nearby Fressegasse, whose Food Stores will draw you in with their delicious smells & where you can linger among the gift shops, Delicatessens & Cafes. For a taste of the local speciality, head to a riverside Cafe & order a Frankfurter Hackensteak.

Or, enjoy an upstream or downstream river cruise along the Main River, passing by the iconic Bridges & so many more landmarks. Or perhaps opt for one of the many Optional activities available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.30 am & embark on an exciting day of sightseeing.

Drive to the Rhine River Lorelei Valley, full of old Forts, Castles & Vineyards.

Drive to Rudesheim am Rhein - a town located in the Rheingau landscape celebrated in Rhine romanticism. It is known for winemaking, especially of Riesling wines. The location of the World Heritage Site Rhine Gorge, makes it one of Germany's biggest tourist attractions. Some 3 million+ day-tripping coach tourists descend on Rudesheim each year.

In 1877, the first foundation stone was laid for the Niederwalddenkmal, a patriotic Monument above the Vineyards which would be finished in 1883. It attracted many tourists who could reach it on a cog railway. Today, a gondola lift brings visitors up to the Monument for super views & a pleasant walk back to the Rhine through Vineyards.

The picturesque Old Town, located in the Rheingau landscape celebrated in Rhine romanticism. The picture-perfect Town Centre - especially its most famous feature, a kitschy & colourful medieval narrow alley known as Drosselgasse - is lined with shops & restaurants & is famous for its Bars & Taverns, faux Gothic & live music. 

Nearby, Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet is a museum of automated musical instruments. Medieval Bromserburg Castle is home to the Rheingau Wine Museum, exhibiting wine paraphernalia from ancient times to the present.

There is also the Gothic 20 meter high Eagle Tower - on the corner of the old town fortification, built in the 15^th century, that formerly stood directly on the Rhine. The dungeon located in the basement was only accessible through an opening in the vault crown. In the last century, the Zum Adler (Eagle) Inn, was located in the Tower & it is where the Tower derived it name from. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is known to have stayed here on his visits to Rudesheim.

After a short ‘walking’ tour of the Town Centre, proceed to the Jetty to board a River Boat for a 3 hour Cruise sailing downriver along the most picturesque stretch of the Rhine, past the Lorelei Rock to St Goar. During the cruise, you will enjoy a wine tasting (included).

The immediate vicinity of astonishingly beautiful Castles, Vineyards & pretty small towns make this cruise very interesting. From here to around Koblenz, the Rhine Valley is narrow with steep slopes - often planted with Vineyards - & statistically a Castle every 2 km. The easiest to recognize - if hard to pronounce by non-German speakers - is Burg Pfalzgrafenstein built on a small Island in the Rhine at Kaub.

The Rhine River in the Lorelei Valley, is a fast & strong flowing river, especially downstream from Rudesheim. Cruising downriver is thus much faster than sailing back upriver: to Koblenz - less than 4 hours against more than 6 hours coming back. Even to nearby Assmannshausen, the downriver cruise time is only two-thirds of the upriver time, as Boats have to pass through the Bingen Gap (Binger Loch). which was impassible to most Boats until the Rapids were blasted into submission during the 19^th century.

Disembark in St. Goarhausen & begin your drive back to Frankfurt.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or for Optional activities (we shall be happy to suggest & arrange).

Alas, like all good things, your short glimpse of this enchanting city comes to an end & it is time to say au revoir.

Check-out of the hotel by 11:00 am (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the use of the hotel facilities & leave the luggage at the Bell Desk if you have the time to walk out). 

Germany is full of wonderful culture that just wants to be discovered. There is something for everyone in this ancient country’s most diverse selection of towns & cities and its top Museums & other cultural institutions.

Frankfurt is a pretty modern city, home to businesses, skyscrapers & Europe's 3^rd largest Airport - all of which are state of the art. This may be why Frankfurt has a certain fondness for a wide array of Museums & the city is always a little ahead of its time but likes to keep records of it too.

With so much culture to explore & cuisine to taste in Frankfurt & beyond, spending 4 days here is bound to be a fantastic glimpse / experience but certainly not enough do justice to the city or the country.

So, you see, you have much more to discover if you come to enchanting Germany ‘again’ & we will of course, look forward to be able to facilitate that.

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller” - Ibn Battuta

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Frankfurt International Airport, for your onward journey.  B

*Transfer is mentioned for illustration only. Optional. Supplement, if required.

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