Ancestral Germany Hometown Tour Package

Have you ever dreamed of traveling back to your ancestors’ German hometowns and walk the same paths as they once did? But you don’t find the time to plan it all? Let us customize your trip together. So you can travel to your ancestral hometown(s) with peace of mind that everything is taken care of.

Overview

Would you like to travel to your ancestral German hometown to learn more about your German ancestors?

But do you struggle with finding the time to plan your trip? Or are you unsure about how to find the right accommodation, attractions and people that can help you find out more about your German ancestors?

Then, the “Germany Hometown Package” with me (Sonja Irani, main tour guide and travel consultant at My Ancestor’s Journey) is perfect for you!

In two Zoom calls (1 hour each), we will create an individual ancestry-inspired trip itinerary according to your specific travel style, time, budget and wishes.

Create a customized trip to your German hometown in just 2 hours of your time – and I will take care of everything else!

Tour Highlights

2 Live Zoom Calls with ancestry travel expert and German native Sonja Irani

Individual itinerary including a summary of your hometown’s history

Mix and match to create a customized trip to your German hometown(s)

Included meals, local guides, transport and attractions of your choice

Travel in a private group or solo (minimum 1 traveler, maximum 16 travelers)

You investment: $249 (only $199 with discount code valid until September 30, 2024)

To securely process your booking payment, we partnered up with the specialized payment processor for tour companies: WeTravel.com.

If you decide to book the tour consultation and click on the “Book Now” Button below, you will be redirected to the website of WeTravel.com to complete and secure your booking.

Book Now

How it works

Step 1:
First Consult

In our 1 hour Zoom call, you can ask me (Sonja) any questions you may have about planning your ancestry-inspired trip to Germany, especially to your ancestral German hometown(s).

Step 2:
Customized Itinerary

After our initial call, I will research the options that best fit your travel style, interests, time, budget etc. I will then send you a customized itinerary for your ancestry trip within 24 hours.

Step 3:
Second Consult
and Final Booking

In our final Zoom call (1 hour), you can ask any remaining questions and/or make adjustments to the itinerary. If you are happy, you can book your package with one click.

Done! After these three steps, you can sit back, relax and look forward to walking in your ancestors footsteps!

Yes, I am in!

Requirements

Please note: In order to make the most of our ancestry trip planning session, there are two requirements you need to fulfill before you can click on “Book Now”:

1. Requirement: You have already decided to definitely travel to Germany in the near future either this year or next and perhaps have already booked your flights.

2. Requirement: You need to have done some prior ancestry research. You should have confirmed at least one ancestral hometown where at least one of your German ancestors came from.

I am not a genealogist and therefore not able to assist you with any ancestry research or genealogy questions.

However, I can suggest genealogists or archives in your German hometown regions to you should you wish do to any ancestry research while you are in Germany.

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Example Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in your ancestors’ hometown

Today, your ancestral adventure begins: Welcome to your German hometown.

We can pre-book the transport to get to your German hometown for you according to your preferences and depending on where you are staying prior to this tour. The mode of transport can either be a rental car, trains, taxi or a combination of different modes of transport.

Arrive at your pre-booked accommodation and make yourself comfortable. It’s an almost magical feeling to be “back home”, knowing that for the next few days, you will walk in the same paths as your German ancestors once did. Here, you are finally at the place where you can literally walk in their footsteps.

Meals included today: Depending on your choice, dinner in your hotel or local restaurant can be included tonight.

Day 2: Full day in your ancestors’ hometown

Explore your ancestors’ hometown with the help of a local guide (recommended) or by yourself. Visit churches, former homes, farms, graveyards and much more.

You might be surprised what is still there for you to explore after so many centuries. Now it will come in handy that we got in touch with local key contacts (tour guides, historians, members of heritage societies etc.) during our consultation sessions.

These people might even be able to connect you to living relatives. And perhaps, you can meet some of them today.

Meals included today: Depending on your choice, breakfast, lunch and/or dinner

Day 3: Day trip to a living history museum or emigration museum

Today, you will feel like you stepped back in time as you stroll through an open-air museum (also known as “living history museums”).

These museums can be found all over Germany and often focus on past living conditions and local customs in that area. So it is likely that there is one near your German ancestral hometown(s).

Through stepping into the old houses here, you can learn a lot more about your ancestors’ daily lives, their struggles and their reasons to emigrate to America.

If you found out the emigration port of your German ancestors and you are not too far away, we would also recommend a visit. The two most common emigration harbors in Germany are Bremerhaven (sometimes referred to as Bremen) and Hamburg. Both of these cities have fantastic emigration museums, too.

Meals included today: Depending on your choice, breakfast, lunch and/or dinner

Day 4: Departure

“All things have an end, just the sausage has two” (German saying)

Today, you will checkout from your accommodation and say goodbye to your ancestral town or village, all the new experiences you have made here and the people you’ve met.

By the end of this trip, you will understand the reasons why your German ancestors emigrated and also have some insights into what their lives were really like back in the home country.

The next stop is up to you: Maybe you will continue your vacation in Germany with some general “Germany bucket list sightseeing” or you hop over to another European country.

Meals included today: Depending on your choice, breakfast at your accommodation

Day 1: Arrival in your ancestors’ hometown

Today, your ancestral adventure begins: Welcome to your German hometown.

We can pre-book the transport to get to your German hometown for you according to your preferences and depending on where you are staying prior to this tour. The mode of transport can either be a rental car, trains, taxi or a combination of different modes of transport.

Arrive at your pre-booked accommodation and make yourself comfortable. It’s an almost magical feeling to be “back home”, knowing that for the next few days, you will walk in the same paths as your German ancestors once did. Here, you are finally at the place where you can literally walk in their footsteps.

Meals included today: Depending on your choice, dinner in your hotel or local restaurant can be included tonight.

Day 2: Full day in your ancestors’ hometown

Explore your ancestors’ hometown with the help of a local guide (recommended) or by yourself. Visit churches, former homes, farms, graveyards and much more.

You might be surprised what is still there for you to explore after so many centuries. Now it will come in handy that we got in touch with local key contacts (tour guides, historians, members of heritage societies etc.) during our consultation sessions.

These people might even be able to connect you to living relatives. And perhaps, you can meet some of them today.

Meals included today: Depending on your choice, breakfast, lunch and/or dinner

Day 3: Day trip to a living history museum or emigration museum

Today, you will feel like you stepped back in time as you stroll through an open-air museum (also known as “living history museums”).

These museums can be found all over Germany and often focus on past living conditions and local customs in that area. So it is likely that there is one near your German ancestral hometown(s).

Through stepping into the old houses here, you can learn a lot more about your ancestors’ daily lives, their struggles and their reasons to emigrate to America.

If you found out the emigration port of your German ancestors and you are not too far away, we would also recommend a visit. The two most common emigration harbors in Germany are Bremerhaven (sometimes referred to as Bremen) and Hamburg. Both of these cities have fantastic emigration museums, too.

Meals included today: Depending on your choice, breakfast, lunch and/or dinner

Old farm house in the open-air museum Cloppenburg in Lower Saxony, Germany

Day 4: Departure

“All things have an end, just the sausage has two” (German saying)

Today, you will checkout from your accommodation and say goodbye to your ancestral town or village, all the new experiences you have made here and the people you’ve met.

By the end of this trip, you will understand the reasons why your German ancestors emigrated and also have some insights into what their lives were really like back in the home country.

The next stop is up to you: Maybe you will continue your vacation in Germany with some general “Germany bucket list sightseeing” or you hop over to another European country.

Meals included today: Depending on your choice, breakfast at your accommodation

Your investment

to save tons of time googling your way to your ancestry trip and “last minute stressing out”!

Part 1: Due at the time of booking your first call:

$249 (USD)

This price includes the following:

2 Zoom Live Calls with ancestry travel expert and German native Sonja Irani

Customized itinerary for your Germany hometown visit

Part 2: Due after your received your customized itinerary:

The cost for your Germany Hometown Package depends on the services you have chosen to include or not to include (accommodation, transport, meals, museum entries, local guides etc.)

Don’t miss out! Limited time offer:

If you book this tour by September 30, 2024, you get a whopping $50 off!
Just enter the code FALL2024 on the checkout page!

Get your complete trip planning consultation now for $199 USD instead of $249!

Book Now

Terms & Conditions

1. Payment: The payment for part 1 is required in full via our payment partner WeTravel.com before your first consult starts.

2. Time and date: When you book your call via WeTravel, the standard time for your first consultation call is 1 pm EST (New York time), which is 7 pm CET (Germany time) because I am located in Germany. This applies Monday to Sunday. If you like to start the call at a different time, please send me an email at least 24 hours before our call to tours@myancestorsjourney.com.

3. Rescheduling: If you need to reschedule our Zoom Call, please let me know at least 24 hours in advance by writing an email to tours@myancestorsjourney.com.

4. Refunds: We do not offer refunds. The only exception is when I have to cancel our consult due to an emergency or other unforeseen circumstances. If this happens, I will let you know as soon as possible. You can then either reschedule, or will be granted a full refund.

5. No show: If you do not show up to a Zoom live call and you haven’t informed me via email, you are not entitled to reschedule your call or to a refund.

6. You are not required to book your Germany Hometown Package after our two live calls on Zoom. However, most travelers decide to book through us, because you will have your complete tour ready to go and don’t need to book anything yourself.

7. Included insurance: My Ancestor’s Journey is a licensed tour operator and provides both insolvency insurance and travel liability insurance with every tour booking that includes 2 or more services for the traveler (these two insurances are required by German law for professional tour operators).

7. When you book your Germany Hometown Package through us, you agree to our terms and conditions for multi-day tours.

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Hallo, I’m Sonja!
Your personal ancestry trip planner

My name is Sonja Irani and I am the founder and main tour guide at My Ancestor’s Journey – a specialized tour operator for ancestry-inspired tours based in Bremen, northern Germany.

As such, I know a lot about emigration history and the typical questions that come up when Americans with German ancestors plan an ancestry trip to Germany.

I also hold a Master’s degree in tourism destination development and wrote my Master thesis about “the most memorable travel experiences of North American ancestral travelers to Germany”.

Born and raised in Germany and an avid traveler myself, I am here to help you with any questions you might have about the specific challenges when planning an ancestry trip to Germany – especially to your small German hometowns.

Book your call today and let’s walk in your ancestor’s footsteps together!

Count me in!

Me at Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, southern Germany

Your special discount ends in …

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DAYS

–

HOURS

–

MINUTES

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SECONDS

There are only a few spots for 1:1 consultations left in September. So make sure you take advantage of our special offer and book your call for your all-in package today!

Don’t forget!
Just enter the code FALL2024 at the checkout to receive $50 off your trip planning consult!

Book Now

What our previous travelers say:

“We had always dreamed of visiting our German ancestors’ homeland, and Sonja’s expert guidance and planning made our bucket list trip a reality.”

Debbie, Duane, Bernice and Doug
from Illinois, USA

“Our ancestry-themed tour of Bremen with Sonja was extremely memorable, personalized and a highlight of our Germany trip.”

Olivier and Lynn
from Boston, USA

Tour Guide Sonja Irani in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin — Me in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin

I am looking forward to planning your ancestry-inspired Germany dream trip with you!

Bis Bald! (See you soon!)

Sonja

Book Your Call

FAQ

Are flights included in this tour?

No, flights are not included in the tour price and not part of this consultation package. You will need book your own flights from the US to Germany and back. However, I can give you some tips on how to find good flights deals in the consultation.

Is previous ancestry research required?

Yes, some ancestry research is required! You should have confirmed at least one ancestral hometown or the home region where at least one of your German ancestors came from.
I am not a genealogist and therefore not able to assist you with any ancestry research or genealogy questions. Knowing which emigration port your ancestor left from (Bremen, Bremerhaven, Hamburg or other) will also be beneficial for planning your trip activities!

How long will each consultation be?

Each consultation call will last for about 60 minutes (1 hour). Since there are two consult calls, you will get 2 hours to task questions.

How does the consultation work?

Once you booked a date for the initial consultation, I will send you a link to the Zoom call. On the day of the call, you just click on this link and you can join the call.

At what time and day do the calls take place?

The two consultation calls take place on any day you pick (Monday to Sunday) and that’s still available in the calendar. The calls normally take place at 1 pm EST (New York time), which is 7 pm CET (Germany time) because I am located in Germany. However, we can also discuss another time that suits you better. In that case, please write an email at least 24 hours before your call to tours@myancestorsjourney.com.

What if I have mobility or health issues?

Please let me know during the consultation calls if you have any mobility or health issues or any requests. That way, we can ensure that you will have a good time during the tour!

Is health insurance included in the tour price?

No, private health insurance is not included in our tour price. Your health insurance back home will not cover any treatments during a medical emergency in Germany. For this reason, we highly recommend to get additional travel health insurance – especially if you are over 50 years old.

I am a solo traveler. Can I still book this tour?

Yes, you can! The Germany Hometown Package can be booked for one person up to a group of 16 people at a time.

Are tips for the tour guides, drivers and other staff included?

No, tips are not included in your Hometown Package. It’s customary to “round the bill” in German restaurants with table services (ie. paying 50 Euros instead of 47,83 for example). It’s also customary, but not compulsuary to tip tour guides and drivers.

Is this tour for Americans only?

The tour has been designed primarily for US-Americans who have German ancestors. However, you can also take it if you live in another part of the world, have German ancestors and plan an ancestry-inspired trip to Germany.

How do I book and pay for this tour?

You can book the first consultation by clicking on the button “Book Now” on this page. You will then be forwarded to a booking page of our secure and specialized tour payment provider partner WeTravel.com. After your consultation (2 Zoom Calls), you can book your customized Germany Hometown Package the same way.

My question has not been answered. How can I contact you?

If you have any additional questions about our tours or consultations, send an email to tours@myancestorsjourney.com

BOOK NOW!

Short on time?
Take a look at our 2-hour Bremen walking tour instead:

2-hour emigration-themed walking tour in Bremen

Join me on this emigration-themed 2-hour walking tour through 1,200 years of history in the city of Bremen.

VIEW TOUR

Ancestral Germany Hometown Tour Package

Overview

Tour Highlights

How it works

Requirements

Example Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in your ancestors’ hometown

Day 2: Full day in your ancestors’ hometown

Day 3: Day trip to a living history museum or emigration museum

Day 4: Departure

Your investment

Part 1: Due at the time of booking your first call:

Part 2: Due after your received your customized itinerary:

Terms & Conditions

Hallo, I’m Sonja!
Your personal ancestry trip planner

Your special discount ends in …

What our previous travelers say:

FAQ

BOOK NOW!

2-hour emigration-themed walking tour in Bremen

BOOK N W!

Still have a question?

Message us!

Overview

Tour Highlights

How it works

Requirements

Example Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in your ancestors’ hometown

Day 2: Full day in your ancestors’ hometown

Day 3: Day trip to a living history museum or emigration museum

Day 4: Departure

Your investment

Part 1: Due at the time of booking your first call:

Part 2: Due after your received your customized itinerary:

Terms & Conditions

Hallo, I’m Sonja! Your personal ancestry trip planner

Your special discount ends in …

What our previous travelers say:

FAQ

BOOK NOW!

2-hour emigration-themed walking tour in Bremen

BOOK NW!

Still have a question?Message us!

Hallo, I’m Sonja!
Your personal ancestry trip planner

BOOK N W!

Still have a question?

Message us!