2026 Solar Eclipse Cruise:

Totality in The Mediterranean  

with Sarah Rugheimer

FRANCE & SPAIN

Great Music Masters of Italy: Verdi and Italian Opera

with Robert Greenberg

ITALY

ENGLAND & FRANCE

D-Day: Courage, Conflict, and History in England and France  with Ed Lengel

Great Music Masters of Vienna: The Romantics

with Robert Greenberg

Enchanted England: Folklore, Fairy Tales, and Wonder

with Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman

Revisiting World War 1 in France

with Keith Huxen

Exploring Cuba: From Trinidad 

to Havana

with Joyce Salisbury

Great British Mysteries: Conan Doyle, Christie, and More

with Maureen Corrigan

ENGLAND

ENGLAND

FRANCE

CUBA

AUSTRIA

Travel with Insight, Explore with Passion

CLOSE MENU

Neuschwanstein Castle

Pegnitz River, Nuremberg

Bavarian Food

Bavarian
Beer Fest

Nymphenburg Palace

Starting at $6,750 per person

Join Professor James Pfrehm on a The Great Courses Journey in southern Germany, a region where history and tradition intersect at every turn. Begin in Munich, where royal palaces stand as a testament to the artistic and political ambitions of former dynasties and traditional beer gardens offer an entertaining example of the historical significance of communal dining and brewing culture in German society. Travel to Haldenwang for the rare opportunity to witness the annual Viehscheid, or cow train, that marks the return of cattle from alpine pastures with lively music, dancing, and regional cuisine. Continue to Nuremberg, where both castles and beer have roots that date back to the Middle Ages, and visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Germany’s most well-preserved medieval towns and home to Franconian wines renowned for their distinct terroir. Conclude your journey in the university town of Heidelberg, where the evocative ruins of Heidelberg Castle and monastic winemaking traditions of Eberbach Monastery showcase how culture is not only preserved in sites and monuments, but also in the languages, traditions, and artisanal practices that endure throughout the ages.


with James Pfrehm

Germany’s Castles, Cultural Traditions, and Medieval Life

DEPARTURE DATE AND PRICING

September 24-October 1, 2026

Starting at $6,750 Per Person

Walk the cobblestoned streets of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval towns, and enjoy a tasting of Franconian wines


In charming Heidelberg, visit a historic Cistercian monastery renowned for its centuries-old winemaking tradition and explore the grand ruins of Heidelberg Castle

Explore the legendary Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles and uncover the myths surrounding “Mad” King Ludwig II, Bavaria’s most enigmatic monarch


Attend the annual Viehscheid Festival in Haldenwang and observe as decorated cattle return from mountain pastures, accompanied by traditional music, jubilant folk dancing, and hearty local cuisine


Visit Nuremberg and discover the historic stronghold that played a key role in the Holy Roman Empire while sampling the city’s signature red beer

Highlights

James Pfrehm

James Pfrehm is an independent scholar who taught German language, literature, and culture at the university level for more than 20 years. He has a deep passion for sharing his love of German and Austrian cultures. In addition to studying and conducting research in Germany and Austria, Professor Pfrehm has led many student tours to both countries. As an associate professor at Ithaca College, he was recognized for his outstanding teaching and commitment to his students. He has a PhD in Germanic Linguistics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Professor Pfrehm is the author of the book Technolingualism: The Mind and the Machine. For The Great Courses, he has created both The Great Tours: Germany and Austria and Learning German: A Journey through Language and Culture.

Journey Expert

James Pfrehm

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Day 1 – Willkommen in München

Town Hall Glockenspiel in Munich

Arrive on individual flights into Munich (Munich International Airport - MUC) and meet your fellow travelers and expert, Professor James Pfrehm. Begin your journey into southern German culture on an introductory coach tour of Munich, where you will visit vibrant gardens like Hofgarten and the English Garden, and Marienplatz, home to the city’s town halls as well as the iconic glockenspiel whose life-size characters reenact scenes from Munich’s history twice a day. Enjoy a guided tour of Nymphenburg Palace, once the main summer residence of the former rulers of Bavaria and the House of Wittelsbach, followed by a welcome dinner at Königlicher Hirschgarten, a classic German beer garden that has been serving pints since 1791.


      Included Meal: Dinner

      Accommodations: Hotel Jakl-Hof

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Hohenschwangau Castle

Begin with a visit to the legendary Neuschwanstein Castle, built by “Mad” King Ludwig II of Bavaria to serve as both a summer retreat from the constraints of Munich and a tribute to composer Richard Wagner. In the afternoon, visit Hohenschwangau Castle, King Ludwig II’s childhood residence, as well as The Museum of the Bavarian Kings, which highlights the history of the House of Wittelsbach. Throughout the day, Professor Pfrehm will discuss Ludwig’s unique vision, his patronage of the arts, and the role his mythologized image continues to play in Bavarian identity. Join professor Pfrehm this evening at a local restaurant.


      Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

      Accommodations: Hotel Jakl-Hof

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Almabtrieb Festival

Travel to the quaint village of Haldenwang to experience an annual event during which decorated cows are driven from mountain pastures to mark the beginning of autumn. This Viehscheid, or “cow train,” is accompanied by traditional Bavarian music, folk dancing, hearty local dishes like sausages and pretzels, and local revelers celebrating this cherished rural tradition. As you admire the elaborately adorned cattle and take in the stunning alpine scenery, Professor Pfrehm will offer insight into how this festival underscores the deep connection between agrarian life and regional identity.  After a day of beautiful landscapes with rolling hills and a picturesque countryside, enjoy dinner at a local resturant.


      Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

      Accommodations: Hotel Jakl-Hof

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Nuremberg Imperial Castle

Check out of your hotel and travel via coach to Nuremberg. Explore Nuremberg’s city center on the Bimmelbahn, a comfortable mini-train that passes by historic sites such as the Maxbrücke Bridge, St. Lawrence Church, and the Hospital of the Holy Spirit. After lunch in a local restaurant, visit Nuremberg Imperial Castle, a collection of centuries-old fortified buildings that played a key role in the domestic and imperial affairs of the Holy Roman Empire. Gather at Hausbrauerei Altstadthof for a cellar tour and a tasting of Rotbier, a red beer brewed with barley malt and coincidently, one of Professor Pfrehm’s favorite beverages. Check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner and the rest of the evening at leisure.


      Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

      Accommodations: Le Meridien Grand Hotel Nuremberg




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Rothenburg o.d. Tauber

Enjoy a day trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a “quintessentially German” walled town in the heart of the Franconia region. Learn from Professor Pfrehm about the thousand years of history packed between its cobblestones on a guided walking tour of the city’s remarkably well-preserved medieval center. After lunch on your own, visit a winery where you will have the opportunity to taste local Franconian wine. Return to Nuremberg, where dinner will be in a local restaurant.


      Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

      Accommodations: Le Meridien Grand Hotel Nuremberg



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Eberbach Monastery

Check out of your hotel and depart for the delightful town of Heidelberg and a tour of the 12th century Eberbach Monastery, the former monastic home of the Cistercian monks who have been cultivating vineyards and producing wine since the 1600’s. Enjoy a tasting of the monastery’s most popular varietals, which may include Riesling, Spätburgunder, and Grauburgunder, and engage in a discussion with Professor Pfrehm about the ways in which religious institutions have historically shaped both regional economies and cultural landscapes. After lunch in a local restaurant, the remainder of the day will be yours to enjoy at leisure in Heidelberg.


      Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

      Accommodations: Atlantic Hotel Heidelberg

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Heidelberg Castle

Begin your day with a walking tour of Heidelberg Altstadt, the historic city center known for its narrow streets, quaint market squares, and gothic churches. Stroll across the iconic Old Bridge, where statues of medieval rulers and philosophers stand watch over the river, and take in the timeless charm of this university town. Explore the grand ruins of Heidelberg Castle, the former home of the Palatine Wittelsbach family that offers sweeping views of the Neckar River below. In the evening, raise a toast to your journey through southern Germany during a farewell dinner cruise along the Neckar River.


      Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

      Accommodations: Atlantic Hotel Heidelberg

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Transfer to the airport (Frankfurt Airport – FRA) and depart Germany on individual flights for your journey home


     Included Meals: Breakfast

Atlantic Hotel Heidelberg – Heidelberg (2 nights)

Located in the heart of medieval Heidelberg, Atlantic Hotel’s 310 rooms offer high-speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning, flat-screen televisions, tea and coffeemaking equipment, and a pillow menu to ensure a restful sleep. A state-of-the-art fitness and wellness area features a full suite of fitness equipment, a relaxing sauna, and a stylish steam bath. At the 15 High Restaurant & Bar, sophisticated flavors meet a unique view high above the rooftops of Heidelberg. Atlantic Hotel follows Germany’s Passive House standard, a set of guidelines that aims to reduce energy use and carbon emissions.

Hotel Jakl-Hof – Wörthsee (3 nights)

Family-run for generations, Hotel Jakl-Hof is located only 200 meters from Lake Wörth, one of the warmest and cleanest bathing lakes in Bavaria. Bright and comfortable rooms feature knotted-pine furniture, Wi-Fi, and satellite TV, while onsite amenities include a sauna area with large whirlpool, a daily breakfast served in a quaint dining nook, and cozy bar offering the perfect spot to enjoy a nightcap after a day of travels.


Le Meridien Grand Hotel – Nuremberg (2 nights)

Set against the stunning backdrop of Nuremberg’s historic city center, this elegant hotel highlights the skillful fusion of classic and modern style. Contemporary rooms are outfitted with uxury bedding, Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, and Art Nouveau-style marble bathrooms. The refined Restaurant Brasserie serves regional specialties, Atelier Bar is a chic gathering space for specialty cocktails and other beverages, and an onsite fitness and wellness area offers workout equipment and sauna and steam rooms.

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