Heidelberg, Strasbourg & Mercedes-Benz Museum: Private Day Tour

Summary

Private tour from Heidelberg with castles, wine towns, and museum stops

You’ll travel by luxury van with a local friend from Heidelberg—exploring medieval castles, wandering Strasbourg’s old town, tasting local flavors near Deidesheim, and finishing at the Mercedes-Benz Museum. Every stop is shaped around your interests and pace, with stories and small surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so at home in Heidelberg. Maybe it was the way our guide greeted us—like we were old friends, not just tourists piling into his spotless Mercedes van. He’d grown up here, knew every shortcut and story. We started in the old town, winding through cobblestone lanes under the shadow of the castle. The air smelled faintly of roasted chestnuts (someone selling them nearby), and I caught myself smiling at how relaxed I felt already. He pointed out a tiny bakery where he used to buy bread as a kid—nothing fancy, but those details stuck with me.

We could pick our own route, so after some back-and-forth (and me mispronouncing “Schwetzingen”—Li laughed), we headed for the Schwetzingen Palace gardens. The morning was cool and there was this quiet dampness on the hedges; I brushed my hand along one and it came away wet. Later, driving past vineyards near Deidesheim, our guide told stories about wine harvests and Bollywood movies filming in Heppenheim. It’s funny what stands out—a flash of yellow leaves by the roadside or the smell of earth after rain.

Strasbourg was next—just across the border but it felt like another world: French chatter in the square, timber-framed houses leaning over narrow alleys. We ducked into the cathedral to see that astronomical clock do its thing (I almost missed it because I got distracted by stained glass). Lunch was wherever we wanted; our guide had suggestions but let us wander off for a bit. Then we finished at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart—so many cars lined up like time capsules. I’m not even a car person but seeing an 1886 Benz up close is something else.

The whole day felt more like hanging out with someone who really loves their home than ticking off boxes on a tour list. There were moments of silence too—just watching fog roll over the Neckar valley from Dilsberg fortress or listening to church bells echo somewhere behind us. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Heidelberg and nearby castles

• Visit Heidelberg Castle
• Explore Heidelberg old town
• See Dilsberg castle fortress
• Visit Hirschhorn medieval castle
• Stop at Schwetzingen Palace garden
• Tour Speyer Cathedral
• Explore Deidesheim wine route
• Walk Heppenheim old town
• Visit Starkenburg castle
• Tour Rothenburg medieval town
• Explore Strasbourg old town
• See Strasbourg Cathedral and clock
• Visit Mercedes-Benz Museum

Top questions

Is pickup included for this private day tour?

Yes, pickup is included as part of your private transportation from Heidelberg.

Can I customize my itinerary on this tour?

Absolutely—the guide will shape your route based on your preferences and wishes.

Is this tour suitable for families or travelers with mobility needs?

Yes, it's wheelchair accessible and infant seats are available if needed.

How long does it take to reach Strasbourg from Heidelberg?

The drive from Heidelberg to Strasbourg typically takes about 1 hour 30 minutes by van.

Are entrance fees or meals included?

The inclusions are private transport, bottled water, WiFi onboard; meals or entry fees are not specified as included.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide speaks fluent English and German.

Is public transportation an option during this tour?

Public transportation options are available nearby if needed during your visit.

How flexible is timing at each stop?

The schedule is very flexible—you can spend more or less time at each place as you wish.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned luxury van with WiFi onboard, bottled water for comfort between stops, plus all arrangements handled by your local guide—from hotel pickup to shaping your itinerary around what you want to see most before returning in the evening.