Frequently Asked Questions about Family Tree Tours

Which countries and hometowns can you help me research?
Would a cultural heritage trip still be beneficial to me if I don’t know my ancestral hometown?
Will I have problems with the German language?
How do I travel within Germany?
How much do we walk every day while on our heritage trip?
What is included in the price of genealogy tours?
How large are your cultural heritage tour groups?
What is the difference between your independent and personally guided genealogy tours?
What can I expect on your group ancestry tours?
How do you prepare travelers for an independent German heritage tour?
How do I get started planning my German genealogy tour?

Which countries and hometowns can you help me research?
Currently, our focus is on researching and traveling to German-speaking countries. We have research resources to help you discover more about your ancestors and hometowns. We plan and coordinate group ancestry trips to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with occasional trips to other European countries such as Ireland.
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Would a cultural heritage trip still be beneficial to me if I don’t know my ancestral hometown?
Yes. Whether you choose a privately escorted, group, or independent tour, heritage trips explore a specific region of Germany and its culture. Through living history museums, historical and genealogy societies, and lectures by history professors or local experts, we paint the picture of your ancestors’ lives—whether you know the exact town or not.

If you wish, our European Heritage professionals can help you research your family history and make an educated guess about which regions of Germany your family came from.
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Will I have problems with the German language?
No. An English-speaking guide who also speaks German travels with us, and we arrange for an English speaker to meet you in your hometown.
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How do I travel within Germany?
Usually, we travel by train. We give you detailed instructions to your family hometown, and you’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery during your train ride. If you choose a privately guided Germany tour, you’ll travel by minivan. When you arrive in your hometown, your translator or guide will meet you and show you around.
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How much do we walk every day while on our heritage trip?
Europe is not a drive-thru. To see the historic old towns and enjoy guided walking tours, you should be able to walk several hours a day at a leisurely pace. Also, we travel by train, which may require being able to climb a flight of stairs.
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What is included in the price of genealogy tours?
Depending on the type of trip you choose, prices include your tour escort throughout the tour, land transportation, accommodations, local tours, and your English-speaking guide or translator in your hometown. The price also includes breakfast daily and most dinners. We will clearly indicate what is included in the price when you book your cultural heritage trip.
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How large are your cultural heritage tour groups?
Our groups usually range from 10–16 people.
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What is the difference between your independent and personally guided genealogy tours?
When we plan an independent genealogy tour, we take into account your travel and accommodation preferences, where you wish to go, and what you’d like to see. We then arrange your car, hotel, and transportation and plan an itinerary. All you need to do is pack and go to the airport, but you will be traveling alone or with your private party, unescorted by us.

Personally guided ancestry trips are escorted by us, and you’ll travel by minivan alone or with your private party.
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What can I expect on your group ancestry tours?
We take small, intimate groups, no larger than 16 people, to a region of the country and immerse ourselves as temporary natives. We home base in a centrally located small town and take day trips out by train. This ensures you won’t be packing and unpacking, and we promise you won’t be staying at chain hotels.

We include group activities geared to help you enhance your knowledge of your ancestors’ lives. Most important, you’ll have free days to visit your hometown. We will have made contacts for you in your hometown who will meet you, show you around, and provide you with a thrill of a lifetime.
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How do you prepare travelers for an independent German heritage tour?
Before you leave for your trip, you’ll receive a Genealogy Orientation Packet with everything you need to know, such as appointments with archives and town halls, suggested day trips from your hometown, tips on the local culture with useful key foreign language phrases, public transportation options, and much more.

We are available for questions before your genealogy tour, and your English-speaking guide or translator can help you with any questions during your trip.
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How do I get started planning my German genealogy tour?
Call us at 888-798-2208, or contact us today.
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