A tour to visit Germany's famous gardens between Berlin and Munich

1. The Golden Age of Germany Palaces and Gardens from Berlin to Munich

2. Why Germany?

3. Charm

4. Modernity

5. Geography

6. History

7. Cuisine

8. Hospitality

9. Culture

10. Castles

11. Gardens

12. (more numerous and beautiful than you ever imagined…)

13. From the highest authority: “Germany has magnificent historic gardens, inspirational botanic gardens, and imaginative modern ones.” -Charles Quest-Ritson, Editor of the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardener's Yearbook and author of Gardens of Europe: A Traveller’s Guide.

14. Diversity of Styles: As Europe came of age, the countries of Italy, France, and England dominated the cultural landscape of Europe. The many kingdoms, principalities, grand duchies, and duchies that made up what is now known as Germany sought to keep up with these trends – and, true to the spirit of German persistence, exceed them.

15. The Italian Style: The Italian Renaissance garden was characterized by planting beds, or parterres, created in geometric shapes, and laid out symmetrical patterns; the use of fountains and cascades to animate the garden; stairways and ramps to unite different levels of the garden; grottos, labyrinths, and statuary on mythological themes. The gardens were designed to represent harmony and order, the ideals of the Renaissance, and to recall the virtues of Ancient Rome.

16. Parterre:

17. The French Style “The first gardens were made in the Italian style… but, by 1700, every German ruler was dazzled by Versailles and wanted to outshine the Sun King.” “Traces of the French school of garden-making survive in every major German garden.”

18. Rococo: The word Rococo is a combination of the French rocaille, meaning stone, and coquilles, meaning shell, due to reliance on these objects as motifs of decoration. “Germany has some of the best rococo palaces and gardens in Europe…” “Their wit, invention, and sense of fun are captivating – light-hearted, exuberant gardens intended to amuse as much as to impress.”

19. Rococo:

20. The English Style: “The English landscape movement spread quickly throughout Germany and, for the most part, co-existed with the baroque.” “Once the Germans adopted the natural English style, they never reacted against it… The landscape style developed new forms of compelling beauty in Germany long after the English had forgotten it.”

21. Landscape Garden:

22. The German style: “It involves planting large quantities of herbaceous plants in an apparently random arrangement that allows the plants to grow, spread, and seed as in nature.” “Germany’s botanic gardens are many and excellent. Their living collections, often laid out ornamentally, are places of pilgrimage for plant-lovers.”

23. German garden:

24. Conclusion: For a general tour of the gardens of Europe, one need look no further than Germany – the youngest of the major European countries and most prone to imitate, improve, and assert itself. These major styles of the great European gardens are all here to see in one amazing country.

25. What do we propose? A ten day trip from Berlin to Munich, visiting gardens which typify these major periods in gardening history. Minimum travel time each day. Three “free” days to rest, walk about, and experience Europe without any set schedule. An educational, exciting, and enjoyable trip with fellow gardeners and lovers of history and the arts.

26. Transportation: Direct flights in and out of Europe. No confusing changeovers in foreign airports. Into Berlin from the USA and out of Munich straight back to American soil. Minimal coach use, with no drives lasting more than three hours. We want your time to be spent with your feet on the ground and the sounds of nature and other languages in your ears.

27. This way:

28. NOT this way:

29. Lodgings: Centralized locations, staying in German hotels known for cleanliness, efficiency, and comfort. Proximity to these fantastic garden locations is critical. We want to spare you the hassle of feeling rushed or herded along and maximize your free time and ability to get acquainted with your surroundings as much as you dare.

30. This way:

31. This way:

32. NOT this way:

33. Why us? We both know Europe intimately, and we feel that we can give you an experience that caters to your comfort levels, while truly opening you up to the European experience. We both love the mix of history, culture, cuisine, language, and travel.

34. David and Bob:

35. A Traveler, Not a Tourist: This tour will give you the affordability that comes with traveling in larger numbers, while giving you autonomy as you wish it. The first night in any new location will always involve a group meal, but we will encourage you to venture out on successive nights. After each planned visit to a major garden, we will happily suggest places of interest, assist with directions, and escort groups of you around in order to ensure that all of you have the complete experience of Europe. This will never be done from the window of a tour bus or herded along in a group. We think you will quickly find yourself in agreement!

36. Day 1: Berlin:

37. Overview: Arrive into the capital city of Germany and get settled into a hotel in the heart of Berlin. Enjoy the sights, catch up on rest, and enjoy an evening meal of traditional Prussian food with the entire group. What better way to start your tour? (German food is the backbone of “American” food. You won’t have an upset stomach or any problems adjusting…)

38. Architecture:

39. Cathedrals:

40. Guided City Tours:

41. World War II History:

42. Cold War History:

43. Fashion:

44. Museums:

45. Art Galleries:

46. Shopping:

47. Food!

48. Seen enough? Remember that you will have three evenings in Berlin to soak it all in. We will have maps, suggestions, and will take larger groups of people with us for some after-dinner walking tours. With a free day under your belt and a chance to adjust to the time difference and your new surroundings, tomorrow begins the garden tours.

49. Day 2: Berlin Botanical Garden and Museum

50. Overview: Germany’s best and biggest botanic garden. 22,000 taxa – one of the top botanic gardens in the world. Includes: an Italian garden, an herb garden, 16 interlocked glasshouses, a medicinal garden, and a fragrance garden.

51. Botanical Museum:

52. Site Map:

53. Free Evening in Berlin:

54. Day 3: Sanssouci

55. Overview: “Sanssouci Park is by far the most beautiful, exciting, and rewarding garden in Germany, and, in my opinion, the world.” - Charles Quest-Ritson Palaces, terraces, a Neptune Grotto, Sicilian garden, rococo Belvedere ruin, a pagoda, the famous Chinese Teahouse, and a Byzantine church to name a few of the many sights on these incredible grounds.

56. Chinese Tea House:

57. Orangerie:

58. Belvedere (beautiful view) Ruin:

59. Free Evening in Berlin:

60. Day 4: Woerlitzer Park

61. Overview: Germany’s most famous landscape garden, modeled on the great English gardens of Stourhead and Stowe. “Seats, monuments, and paths have been positioned with a deliberate effect in mind – to offer the greatest variety of mood and impressions during a tour.”

62. Pathways of Woerlitz:

64. Night in Dessau: Dinner with the group and rest after a full day of walking the grounds of Woerlitz.

65. Day 5: Sanspareil

66. Overview: “Without equal…” Designed by the sister of Frederick the Great and completely unlike the sculpted rococo gardens of its day. “A wild aesthetic experiment that worked triumphantly…”

68. Travel to Rothenburg and Rest: This will be our longest travel day, as Sanspareil is on our route heading south into Bavaria. We will stay two nights in Rothenburg, with a free day in Germany’s most charming village.

69. Day 6: Rothenburg

70. Overview: A well-preserved medieval town which was founded in 1170 AD. Home of the Christmas museum and Toy and Doll Museum – a haven for shoppers and travelers alike. The perfect antidote to several days of touring, this will be a free day for all.

71. RathausPlatz:

72. Christmas Museum:

73. Shopping:

74. Day 7: Munich

75. Overview: The city is an inspiring mix of historic buildings and impressive architecture, since Munich reconstructed the ruins of their historic buildings but also created new landmarks of architecture. Home to numerous churches, museums, shops, restaurants, and gardens, with a reputation for Southern charm (yes, Germany has that too…)

76. The English Garden

77. Biergarten:

78. Evening in Munich:

79. Day 8: Free Day in Munich

80. German Museum:

81. Shopping:

82. Food:

83. Churches:

84. Day 9: Herrenchiemsee

85. Overview: ‘Mad’ King Ludwig II planned his extravagant palace and gardens on this picturesque island in the middle of a giant blue Alpine lake. It is a near-replica of the formal gardens of Versailles, replete with water parterres, statues, and fountains.

87. Herrenchiemsee Palace:

89. Evening in Munich: Final dinner with the group with an early departure for the airport the next morning. One last chance to see some favorite sights or catch up with old and new friends alike.

90. Day 10 – Fly Home