Heart of Europe Bike & Barge: Cochem to Metz​

At 11:00 a.m. and noon, the Marienplatz fills with onlookers as the carillon in the Rathaus tower clangs into action. Close by is the Peterskirche, the oldest church in Munich, which is notable for its grisly relics of St. Munditia, patron saint of single women, and for the view from its tower (up several hundred steps but worth the climb on a clear day!). The Munchener Stadtmuseum is an excellent local history museum that includes a photo-and-film exhibit and a puppet display. North of Marienplatz is the posh end of the city center. And from the fashionable Maximilianstrasse, the little Kosttor road leads straight to the Hofbrauhaus, Munich's largest and most famous drinking hall.

The English Garden is Munich's largest natural area. Located north of the city, its vistas draw thousands of visitors for walks and picnics. Swimming in the rivers that run through the area is also an option. The garden houses several popular beer gardens that provide a lovely rest stop after a day of exploring.

Today you may visit the interesting BMW Automotive Museum, which displays the history of the company in relation to the development of the modern automobile. Car buffs will enjoy the museum's exhibits, videos, slide collections and films. Nearby, visit the neighboring Olympic Park, the site of the 1972 Olympic Games. Walk through the lovely park, visit the modern and mesmerizing stadium, and see great views from the Olympic Tower.

Or you may wish to venture out of Munich. The Dachau Concentration Camp and memorial site are on the northern edge of Munich and was the home of Germany's first concentration camp. Today, Dachau Memorial Site is a place of memory and pilgrimage and makes for an educational and sobering day trip.

For a longer excursion, join a full-day coach trip to Berchtesgaden, Hitler's mountain retreat and the southern headquarters of the Nazi party. The dictator's Eagle's Nest is a mountaintop lodge built by the Nazis. At 6,148 feet atop Mt Kehlstein, the lodge has some of Germany's most amazing views of the Alps mountain range – despite its history.

Or visit the enchanting old-world town of Fussen, in the foothills of the Alps and surrounded by one of the most breathtaking natural settings in the world. You'll see the ethereal Neuschwanstein Castle, the nearby lake and a postcard-perfect aerial view of the equally beautiful Hohenschwangau Castle and the waterfall gorge.

You can reserve all these tours through your hotel in Munich.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Please be sure that you are waiting at the designated transfer time and in the lobby of the hotel.

VBT recommends that you check your transfer time in your “Transfer Reminder.” The transfer is prearranged by VBT and is prepaid. VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests.

Note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.