Germany and Poland— Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
Tour overview
- Major UNESCO world heritage sites: UNESCO-based tours to Germany and Poland include trips to Auschwitz, the Bialowieza Forest, Koln Cathedral, and the Rhine Gorge.
- Major architectural features: There is a huge variety of architectural designs in both countries, from the brightly colored streets of Wroclaw to the modern architecture of Sony Center in Berlin.
- Culinary specialties: The food in Germany and Poland is filling and tends to be heavily meat-based, although plenty of vegan places are available. Try bratwursts, pierogies, doner kebabs, and plenty of pretzels.
Tour Highlights
- Take a guided tour of vineyards and wineries in Rhine Valley. Famous for its dry Rieslings, it is a beautiful part of Germany to explore.
- Enjoy a pierogi-making workshop in Poland and learn to prepare and taste these delicious dumplings.
- Explore the splendor of the Imperial Palace in Poznan.
- Get all warm and fuzzy as you wander around the famous Koln Christmas markets. Make sure to get some mulled wine and a big bag of candied almonds.
- Learn about the tragic history of WW2 and pay your respects at Auschwitz.
Check out one of the many free art galleries and museums while touring Berlin, such as the Allied Museum or the exciting Futurium. - Raise a stein in the beer capital of Munich. Whether you are visiting the iconic Oktoberfest or not, it is a must-do when you are in Germany’s second-largest city.
Travel Tips
- Bring clothes that you could layer as well as waterproof gear no matter what time of year you are visiting. Both Germany and Poland are notoriously unreliable when it comes to weather.
- Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes. If you are on Germany and Poland tours, you will likely be doing a lot of walking between key sites.
- Avoid taking taxis in major cities. Public transport networks in central Europe are among the best in the world.
- Check out local street markets and food vendors. There are many amazing affordable food markets across Germany and Poland.
Recommended durations for trips to Germany and Poland
Depending on what you want to see and where you want to visit, we recommend that you allocate anywhere between 7 to 10 days for tours of Germany and Poland.
For instance, if you want to see the major sights in Berlin, Krakow, and Munich, you will need at least three days in each place, which does not account for the travel time. If you want to visit parts of western Germany like Koln and the seaside city of Gdansk in northern Poland, you will need to set aside more travel time. Adventuring in nature in the Black Forest and Tatra Mountains deserve a dedicated trip of their own of at least a week.
Other articles
How many days to spend in Germany?
Best time to visit Germany and Poland
The best time for trips to Germany and Poland is late summer or early fall, from August to October. The weather is still warm and dry, and the tourist crowds are also low compared to June and July. The exception to this is Oktoberfest which takes place in Germany in September. As festival crowds build up around this time, prices go through the roof, and finding accommodations can be difficult. If possible, schedule your trip to avoid Oktoberfest or plan to be in Poland during this time.
FAQ for tours of Germany and Poland
- How can I travel between Germany and Poland?
You can easily drive or take a bus across the land borders, jump on one of the many high-speed trains, or use budget airlines for a speedy transfer. - How much does a Germany and Poland tour cost?
Organized Germany and Poland tours could cost you around USD 2,000 for two weeks, including travel, excursions, food, and accommodation. You can make your trip cheaper by opting for budget accommodations and free or inexpensive excursions. - Do I need VISA for Germany and Poland?
As both Germany and Poland are in the Schengen area, if you’re from an eligible country in the EU, you won’t need a tourist visa as long as you’re only staying for 90 days within a 180-day period.