On tour with a friend and his luxury van
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Heidelberg, Germany
- 3 to 12 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Get more out of your trip to Heidelberg and explore the city with a local guide who brings his homeland to life with stories. The private tour can only be booked for your personal group of family and friends and the itinerary is entirely up to you. Possible routes include views of Speyer Cathedral and Schwetzingen Castle, but you can customize the tour to your liking. Note that entrance fees are not included.
- Explore with a local and feel like you're staying with a friend in Heidelberg
- You are traveling in a luxuriously equipped VW bus that offers plenty of space for up to five guests
- Avoid the rush of a standard tour and take in the sights at your own pace
- Enjoy free drinks like coffee and bottled water
What's Included
- WiFi on board
- Private transportation
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water
- Travel exceeding the mileage allotment of 25 kilometers per hour will be charged with 1.00 € per kilometer.
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Since this is a highly personalized tour, my guest chooses the pickup location—whether at a hotel, the airport, or any other location. The flat rate includes 25 free kilometers per hour. Please note in this context that the trip to the guest’s pickup location, as well as the return trip to Heidelberg, are also counted as regular mileage. The vehicle is wheelchair-accessible as long as the wheelchair can be folded. Child seats are available upon request. The trunk is large enough for medium-sized luggage for up to 5 people.
Arranged start time
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
Select your preferred tour option to see hours.
View tour option
Itinerary
1
Heidelberg
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
Dilsberg Castle Fortress
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
3
Schloss Hirschhorn
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Schwetzingen Palace
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
5
Speyer Cathedral
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Deidesheim
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
7
Altstadt Heppenheim
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
8
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
9
Strasbourg
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
10
Mercedes-Benz Museum
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Wendy_G
Manfred was very knowledgeable and very thorough. He reached out to us before the trip to find out what kind of things we were interested in and to help personalize our experience. He went the extra mile by giving us recommendations for other parts of our trip! I highly recommend Manfred!
Reviews
5.0
based on 353 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Wendy_G, Mar 2026
Manfred was very knowledgeable and very thorough. He reached out to us before the trip to find out what kind of things we were interested in and to help personalize our experience. He went the extra mile by giving us recommendations for other parts of our trip! I highly recommend Manfred!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Wendy, thank you so much for taking the time to write me such a wonderful review. How did your bicycle tour in the wine-growing region Palatinate go? All the best and stay touch with your friend in Heidelberg
Shana_W, Dec 2025
Manfred was an amazing guide! He contacted me almost immediately after booking and asked what our interests are and if we needed any accommodations. The day prior to our tour I asked if we could get coffee and a pastry while we discussed what we wanted to see. Manfred was very knowledgeable about the area. While walking through the Christmas market he stopped and bought us one of his favorite treats. We asked for a recommendation for a restaurant and he actually reached out and was able to get us a reservation at a very popular restaurant. We had a great day, and truly felt like we were with a friend.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hello Shana, thank you very much for taking the time on Christmas Eve to write a review for your friend in Heidelberg. I am very pleased that you enjoyed your day so much! Please give my regards to David, Jordan, Landon and Gail, and take care. Manfred
Kerry_S, Dec 2025
Manfred’s communication and responsiveness before, during, and after our trip were exceptional. His warm personality and service-focused approach made our time in Röthenberg ob der Tauber truly memorable. He was engaging, accommodating, and genuinely lived out his mission of becoming “your friend” in everything he did. What began with a simple greeting and handshake quickly turned into a meaningful connection, ending with a heartfelt hug goodbye. We highly recommend Manfred to anyone looking for an authentic, personal, and unforgettable experience.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you very much for this wonderful and heartwarming review, dear Kerry! I very much enjoyed your friendship during that Christmas trip to Rothenberg ob der Tauber. I wish you, Lisa and Myles all the best and hope that we will see each other again one day. Manfred, your friend in Heidelberg
Stephen_P, Dec 2025
Manfred is an exceptional driver and tour guide in all respects. He was able to accommodate my wife's "must-sees" within the 3-hour window we booked and we would highly recommend using his services. You will not be disappointed..
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hello Stephen, I am delighted that you took the time to share your travel experiences. I enjoyed showing you my hometown and am glad that you liked this gem just an hour south of Frankfurt. Take care and give my regards to Pat! Manfred, your friend in Heidelberg
Kareena_D, Dec 2025
Manfred was so personable! He made sure our experience was exactly what we wanted. He took the time to get to know us. Super friendly, knowledgeable, and went an above and beyond! Thank you!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Dear Kareena, it's very kind of you to review me as well, after your husband did. If all my guests did that, the number of reviews I receive would be three times higher 😊 Cheers from Manfred, your friend in Heidelberg
Heather_T, Nov 2025
Manfred is lovely! Knowledgable and informative. We had a great private tour of Heidelberg castle, old town and the old bridge. Then he found us an awesome authentic German restaurant for lunch that was delicious
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words, dear Heather. I just took a look at that one funny photo the waiter at the restaurant Kulturbrauerei took of the six of us. I had a great time too and want to again thank you for having me as your "friend of the day". Please say hi to Jonathan, Jana, Paul, and Charlotte and stay in touch!
Steph_R, Oct 2025
Like the title says, this was our favourite tour and experience we did in Germany!
After many days in other cities with pre-recoded audio tours, I was intent on finding someone who we could chat and connect with, especially for my senior parents. Our choices were also limited due to my dad’s accessibility needs as he uses a cane and walker.
This tour was everything we were looking for and more. To start, Manfred as a guide was fantastic. He shares stories of Heidelberg through both his own life of growing up there, as well as through the rich architecture and historical sites. This tour is totally customizable to your interests and needs, which was unlike anything else we did.
The tour started right at the doorstep of our hotel (which we were picked up and dropped off at). We decided on a driving tour of the town and a visit to the castle for our 3 hours. Manfred was able to take us right up and directed us for tickets to visit the castle. Mid-way in our visit, my dad needed a break, so we sat down for drinks and lunch with his help to translate. He was incredibly easy going, very interesting to listen to, and the warmest welcome we had yet.
Manfred also helped with photos for our family and ensured we had been given everything we were looking for in the tour. He even checked in with us a couple days later as he knew we were heading to our next city and wanted to make sure we arrived safely.
I could say more but all together - if you are undecided if this tour is worth the money, rest assured that this is absolutely an incredible experience and unique to anything else you can book. You leave Heidelberg with a friend and someone you hope to visit again one day if you find yourself there. Thank you again Manfred!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you so much for your very kind and comprehensive review, dear Steph. I looked at the many pictures I took of the four of you that very day and all the fond memories came back immediately. Please say hi to your parents and Jacob. I very much hope to see the four of you again one day! Manfred, your friend in Heidelberg
Missy_M, Sep 2025
Manford was was an excellent guide, wonderful, personality, warm, charming, funny. It was a wonderful three hour tour. It ended too soon. We had a great time.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Missy, thank you so much for taking the time to write that very kind review. Speaking of taking time: Next time we definitely need to spend more than three hours together. Please say hi to Jordan and Amanda from Manfred, your friend in Heidelberg
Karen_C, Sep 2025
Manfred is an experienced, fun and extremely accommodating guide to all things Heidelberg! Our time with him was awesome.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Karen, thank you so much for your kind words. I just looked at the picture that shows us at the Italian restaurant in front of the church of the Holy Spirit in Heidelberg. We all had quite some fun that day 😊 Please say hi to Scott, David and Teresa from your friend in Heidelberg
Lori_M, Sep 2025
Can I give more than 5 stars?
This was a trip back to Heidelberg after living there in the late sixties. Our family was there when there was a military base in Heidelberg. So, my brother and I decided to go back and visit…
We had some memories and pictures and Manfred was wonderful from our first contact with him. He researched our schools & housing. He took pictures and found addresses and we took a trip back in time. We spent an entire day with him and the only thing we could have done better would be to schedule more time with Manfred.
I know there are a lot of things you can do on your own while traveling. However, the day was so much more by spending it with a friendly local who made us feel so comfortable. We went to the old schools, neighborhoods and army spots. We also stopped at a bakery, grocery store (we had to find specific candy we remembered), ventured outside of Heidelberg, had lunch and just had a great day!
Anyone going to Heidelberg wanting to make the most of your time, book some time with Manfred! He was responsive to everything we asked and willing to do anything we wanted - even switching around once we started the day. I promise you will have a great time!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Dear Lori, thank you so much for sharing your experience with others. Touring my hometown and its vicinity with people who have a connection to the place is always something special. In a way it is learning from each other. You shared your experiences, and I did the same with mine and as a result we now view certain things from a different angle. I very much enjoyed spending the day with you and Bart and I sincerely hope that our paths will cross again. Stay safe and in touch, Manfred, your friend in Heidelberg
David_B, Sep 2025
Manfred truly becomes your friend in Heidelberg. He is interested in your entire vacation and even gives helpful hints and advice for other cities you are traveling to see. We enjoyed the sights and inside information. Manfred has energy to spare and will even enjoy a cup of coffee with you if you need a break. Manfred picked up / dropped us off at our hotel. Go with Manfred, you won’t be disappointed!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hello David, thank you so much for your kind review! I very much enjoyed showing you my hometown Heidelberg and the lovely Neckar Valley. All the best to you, Sally and Beverly. Manfred, your friend in Heidelberg
CHRISTOPHER_S, Jun 2025
We were able to visit both Heidelberg and Spyer the same day. Manfred knows Heidelberg really welll. He took us to the Philosophers’ Walk (a special request from me), the Heidelberg Castle, the Old Town, and a nice restaurant for lunch. We then proceeded to visit the Speer Cathedral. The whole experience was excellent because of Manfredis knowledge. The van was spacious and very comfortable.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Dear Chris, thank you very much for thaking the time to review my service. I very much enjoyed getting to know you, Nora, Victor and Stella. All the best to all of you, Manfred, your friend in Heidelberg
Marjorie_W, May 2025
My wife and I had a fantastic tour with Manfred Pitz, A Friend in Heidelberg. From the time we booked the tour, Manfred communicated with my wife and was very helpful in making sure that our tour would be more than expected! My wife lived in Heidelberg 64 years ago and wanted to see where she lived and didn't know the address for the second apartment. Manfred went to work and located that apartment along with contacting the daughter in law of the women my wife knew from her time living in Heidelberg on the Neckar River. We wrote the woman and Manfred was able to set up a meeting with her so we could see the apartment! WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!
We ended up spending more time than originally booked and Manfred was able to adjust his fee based on time and distance! Very accommodating and a truly wonderful person. He went above and beyond every aspect of our 3 days with him.
Highly recommend Manfred and his tour. He customized everything, is very knowledgeable about the area and truly cares about his customers and providing a wonderful experience.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hello Jim, I have very fond memories of the time we spent together. The highlight was for sure the visit of the home where your wife lived the year before I was born. Please say hello to Marjorie! Manfred, your friend in Heidelberg,
Marjorie_W, May 2025
Truly a wonderful experience. Manfred is a life savior! I had a medical emergency while in Baden-Baden and he came to my rescue and took care of everything I needed and MORE! He was able to solve my problem and went above and beyond to make sure that my experience in Heidelberg was everything I had hoped for. I was able to extend my booking with Manfred - he picked my husband and I up in Baden-Baden and drove us to Heidelberg. This was totally unexpected, but worked out great. We were able to spend more time seeing the sights and enjoying our time with Manfred. Excellent experience all around. Before he left us off on the third day he checked our train tickets and found out that our train from Heidelberg to Frankfurt had he cancelled. He told us how to get a revised reservation and sent multiple texts to make sure that everything was ok with our trip.
I highly recommend Manfred and "A Friend in Heidelberg" and have told my travel agent that if she has anyone going to this area of Germany that that should us Manfred's service. You won't be disappointed!
william_k, Apr 2025
Manfred will construct a tour based on your time, and interests. He is very familiar with the Heidelberg region.
Response from Host, May 2025
Hello Bill, thank you so much for letting me and your family show you around in Heidelberg and the Neckar Valley. All the best, Manfred, your friend in Heidelberg
Bill_C, Mar 2025
Great day with Manfred! Excellent local knowledge added much to our trip. Were able to see all we had asked plus more. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Dear Bill, it was my pleasure to show you around Heidelberg and to visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart that day. I am already looking forward to having your wife and your daughter as my guests next month. Take care and say hi to Tate! Manfred, your friend in Heidelberg
Jeff_C, Nov 2024
We had an outstanding day with Manfred. Our tour far exceeded our expectations. Manfred is highly knowledgeable and we were able to see and learn so much. We didn’t feel rushed, we got to see and try things we didn’t expect based on his recommendations, which truly heightened our experience. Besides the Heidelberg castle and historic Old City, the Schwetzingen Palace Gardens is a must visit! Add it to your list. Weinheim is another small, stunning city we got to visit. If you have time, even for a coffee, it’s worth the trip! I highly recommend you book an experience with Manfred for your next trip. He even made sure we had a great time before/after our tour with recommendations. Just like the name says, it truly felt like a day with a friend in Heidelberg.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Hi Jeff, thank you for your very kind review. I loved taking you to not only the attractions of Heidelberg but also to some more quiet and quaint places. All the best and please stay in touch! Manfred, your friend in Heidelberg
Lindsay_S, Nov 2024
We just returned from 13 days in Europe and our day with Mannfred in Heidelberg was our absolute favorite! He was waiting for us at our agreed upon location, and Mannfred couldn’t have been more entertaining, informative, and flexible. At the end of our day, we said goodbye to our friend, and thanked him for the most unforgettable day! Our little group just loved Mannfred!
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Hi Lindsay, I am extremely happy to hear that the tour with me was the highlight of your entire trip. As you know, I myself enjoyed it big times, too. Please say hi to Robert, Mike and Maureen and take care. Manfred, your friend in Heidelberg
jjennings308, Nov 2024
Manfred was very personible. The accodations were great. We took a little getting start because he does not have defined tour. He will take you to what you would like to see. We ended up going to Schwetzingen Palace and Gardens and then a nice tour of the town on the way back. We did not tour the palace, but did explore the gardens and property. This was one of my wife's and her sister's favorite stop on our 3 week trip. I would highly recommend tour the gardens
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to rate my service, James. I am happy to hear that Regan and Deb enjoyed the Schwetzingen Palace Garden so much. Please come back in spring, summer or fall. Then they will like it even better. Take care and please say hello to everyone from your friend in Heidelberg
Thi_Z, Aug 2024
We recently had an 8-10-hour layover in Frankfurt and decided to make the most of our time by visiting Heidelberg. Thanks to our exceptional tour guide, Manfred! the entire experience was smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free.
From the moment we stepped off the plane, Manfred was there to pick us up with a warm smile and a clear plan for the day. The pick-up from the airport was punctual, and the vehicle was comfortable, clean, and spacious, making for a relaxing drive to Heidelberg.
Once we arrived, Manfred showcased a deep knowledge of Heidelberg’s history, culture, and hidden gems. They tailored the tour to our interests, ensuring we saw all the major sights like Heidelberg Castle, and the Old Town, and even had time for a leisurely walk along the Philosophers’ Walk. What stood out was Manfred's ability to share fascinating stories and historical facts that brought the city to life, all while keeping an eye on the clock to ensure we stayed on schedule.
Throughout the tour, Manfred was incredibly attentive, making sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. He even took care of the small details, like recommending the best spots for photos, arranging a quick but delicious lunch, and ensuring we had enough time to explore without feeling rushed.
The drop-off back at Frankfurt Airport was equally seamless. Manfred made sure we arrived with plenty of time to catch our next flight, allowing us to relax and reflect on what had been a truly wonderful experience.
Manfred ( A friend in Heidelberg) made our layover in Frankfurt an absolute pleasure. If you're considering a layover tour of Heidelberg, we highly recommend Manfred for an unforgettable and hassle-free experience.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Dear Thi, thank you so much for taking the time to review my service while still on vacation. It was a real pleasure being your personal tour and driver guide and to get to know you. Meeting people from around the world and hearing their stories is one of the parts of my job I like the most. I wish you a wonderful vacation in Thailand and Singapore. I am sure your families will love seeing you. Say hello to Aung and Isaiah and stay in touch, Manfred, your friend in Heidelberg
Jasmine_B, Jun 2024
Manfred was a wonderful tour guide! He truly is our new friend in Heidelburg and I would recommend him to anybody. His van is also super cool! He came up with perfect suggestions in a very natural way, we never felt rushed, and our family had a great time talking with him. Manfred has a lot of town pride and is knowledgeable about everything in the area - and if we had questions he hadn’t encountered before, he was quick to find out! He was also very good at navigating, driving, and scheduling. And also a great photographer! Thank you, our new friend in Heidelburg - we will absolutely contact you next time we are in the area! X Jasmine
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Dear Jasmine, going on tour with the four of you was truly amazing. The story of the lives of all for of you are excellent examples of what one can achieve if he or she is determined to make a difference. I am already looking forward to meeting you again the next time you come to Germany!
Remark for the reader of this review: Jasmine was so kind and posted it both on Tripadvisor and Viator. Therefore it might come up twice.
Steven_M, May 2024
Manfred picked us up from our hotel and took us on a tour of the Heidelberg Castle and other must-see spots in Heidelberg. He is a fun and knowledgable tour guide. Very flexible, he can adjust your time with him either extending it or cutting it short because you're still jet lagged. He is a fun, kind, and knowledgeable man.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thank you so much for rating my service as a five-star one. I enjoyed it very much for show you and Gloria the highlights of my native town Heidelberg. Please take care and stay in touch!
Elizabeth_S, Jan 2024
Such an absolute pleasure! Manfred is such an excellent and gracious host. He’s knowledgeable, personable, flexible, and all around a joy. Exploring the Heidelberg area with some who is truly like a friend.
Loved that he was able to suggest things to see, or follow your itinerary, or switch it up on the fly based on our wishes.
Do not tour Heidelberg WITHOUT Manfred!
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Dear Beth, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with other fellow travelers. It was my absolute pleasure being your host for two days. You proved that touring the region can be fun in the off season, too. There are still places worth visiting. And when the weather is not so great it is even greater to stop for a snack and something (hot) to drink in one of the many nice locations Heidelberg has to offer. Stay safe and say hi to everybody. Manfred, your friend in Heidelberg
AIMILIA_P, Dec 2023
The friendly driver offered us a wonderful time in Heidelberg. Knowledgeable and always smiling look us around the city and told us a lot of stories about it. Then he drove to the castle and we had wonderful views. We saw the biggest barrel for wine!!! We were then escorted to the old town and the Christmas market. Thank you Manfred. We hope to see you again.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Dear Aimilia, I just realized that you not only left me one but two reviews. Therefore, let me say thank you a second time 😊
Barry_W, Nov 2023
Manfred was awesome. Gave us a highly customized tour, was very knowledgeable about the city. We highly recommend.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Hi Barry, thank you for taking the time to review my service. I very much enjoyed showing you my beautiful hometown. Take care and stay in touch, your friend Manfred
Chandan_O, Oct 2023
Manfred was very warm and friendly with exceptional knowledge of the area. He made our tour very comfortable and we had the most amazing time.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Dear Chandan, I very much enjoyed showing you and Ekta both the highlights of my native town as well as the nature that surrounds it. Take good care and stay in touch. Manfred, your friend in Heidelberg
Wesley_C, Oct 2023
Manfred did a great job showing us around Heidelberg and the surrounding area. Was great to get a local’s view of the city. He was on time and very responsive with communication ahead of time.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Hello Wes, I very much enjoyed being the driver guide of you, Betsy, Steve, and Amber on the last full day of your tour of Germany. Together we did not only explore the top sights of Heidelberg but stopped at the hidden gem kind of town of Weinheim on our way to the Frankfurt airport. Thank you for picking the Hamilton while I parked the car. That was a good choice and the market square of Weinheim was the perfect venue for having a late lunch. All the best, Manfred, your friend in Heidelberg
Tara_L, Oct 2023
We had a great time exploring Heidelberg with Manfred. He's friendly and knows the city and surrounding areas well. He's also interested in getting to know his guests and learning from them. An enjoyable and unique experience for anyone interested in a private tour.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Dear Tara, thank you so much for sharing your experience. Like Mark Twain 145 years ago, you not only enjoyed the city of Heidelberg but also the Neckar valley with its villages Hirschhorn and Dilsberg. Please say hello to Mike and Danielle and stay safe.
Judith_A, Jul 2023
June 14, 2023 was my birthday and since we were on a Rhine River Cruise we thought hiring a private guide so we could see the sites and also celebrate in Heidelberg was the way to go. Manfred was the perfect guide for us. Being seniors (my mother is 93yrs old and did not want to do much walking) Manfred picked us up at the ship and ushered us around Heidelberg, entertaining us with a history lesson of the area and stopping for a terrific lunch. More tour in the Black Forest area and then back to the ship. A fantastic birthday. Thanks Manfred
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Thank you for taking the time to review my service, dear Judith. It was a great pleasure being your personal tour and driver guide on that special day. Please say hello to Gil. And of course, to your remarkably fit mother Lois!
Anna_H, May 2023
We had an unforgettably wonderful full day excursion with MANFRED that covered an extensive drive through several locations across Germany. When it became necessary to extend the journey due to emergency circumstances, MANFRED made it all come together. He is a real gentleman with extensive knowledge. The best personal guide you’ll ever meet!!!! We had a great time.
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Response from Host, May 2023
Dear Anna and Jim, it was a great pleasure having you and to not only show you Heidelberg Castle and the Old Town but to also accompany on your trip to the church in Bruchsal where Jim’s forefather were baptized. Our lunch off the beaten track at the restaurant St. Florian was for sure an attraction by itself. I am happy that you enjoyed the unexpected trip through the countryside from Bruchsal to Rüdesheim with a short stop at Papa Rhein in Bingen for coffee, cake and a spectacular view of the lower end of the famous Rhine Gorge. Thank you for having me! Manfred, your friend in Heidelberg
From $418.75
per group (up to 5)up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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