All pictures of Heidelberg and Schwetzingen by my friend Paul Michael. For more see www.paulmichael.com.au.
Born and raised in Heidelberg, I know the city and the Rhine-Neckar region really well and I love living here. It is my goal to make my client feel like being with a friend and not swimming in the stream of tourists. I want her or him to feel a bit at home and to get to know the corners that are hidden from the package tourist.
If you want to learn more about Heidelberg, its history, culture, etc. just point your browser here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidelberg
![afriend_neues_fahrzeug_unbenannt-30-HDR a friend in heidelberg – Limousine vorm Heidelberger Schloß](https://afriendinheidelberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/afriend_neues_fahrzeug_unbenannt-30-HDR.jpg)
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A friend in Heidelberg brings us to Wurzburg AND Heidelberg - Manfred fetched my friends and myself from Bamberg to transfer to Frankfurt. On the way, we stopped at Wurzburg where he generously provided another guide. The guide in Wurzburg was... read more very knowledgeable and we thoroughly enjoyed our daytrip to Wurzburg. Then, Manfred dropped us off in our hotel in Frankfurt.
The following day, Manfred fetched us for our daytrip to Heidelberg. This time he was the guide because he is from there. His tour was more that of a hometown person who is familiar with the sights. It was more than adequate for us.
Manfred has a complicated way of computing the cost of his tours but I have to say, he is a fair person. It was generous of him to hire another guide in Wurzburg since he said, he was not from there. Our transfer and tours were reasonably priced and we were very happy with our tours with Manfred.Coellum
21. Mai 2024Heidelberg with a friend! - 5.1 stars! Our recent two day tour of Heidelberg, surrounds and the Black Forest was exceptional thanks to Manfred.
Before we arrived in Germany from Australia, Manfred invested a... read more significant amount of time understanding us and our plans, crafting a perfect two day itinerary for our party of four.
When we finally met Manfred in person, we already felt like old friends. His car is impeccably clean and comfortable, his approach warm and relaxed. Manfred is a great raconteur whose sense of humor made for two very fun days, together with fantastic local knowledge and insights. We were surprised and delighted by the places we visited and learned about history, people, flora and fauna and had such an incredible experience overall. We highly recommend Manfred, who will do his absolute best to ensure you take home wonderful memories like we have. ‘Lass die Schwachen hinter dir’GingerMonaro
10. Mai 2024 -
Our amazing Heidelberg experience! - I highly recommend a day in Heidelberg with Manfred Pitz! Our group of four recently did so and had a wonderful time. Manfred’s communications in advance of the tour were... read more excellent, his knowledge of his home region is superior, and he was prompt, courteous and accommodating throughout the day. He has lived in the US and has excellent English skills.
On our trip, we visited the castle, drove through the town, enjoyed an authentic lunch at a monastery outside of the town and strolled through the Old Town. There is great flexibility with Manfred as he is willing to follow your plan or ask what you like and suggest where to take you.
Book with Manfred and you will truly have a new friend in Heidelberg!Brian R
2. Mai 2024Outstanding Personalized Tour with Manfred Pitz, “A Friend in Heidelberg” - My husband and I took my mother on a Viking Rhine River cruise to celebrate her 85th birthday in late April. We contacted Manfred and set up a day... read more to see Heidelberg and the surrounding area. He picked us up at our ship docked in Speyer, and after a day of touring the area, he dropped us off in Rüdesheim where our ship was located later that afternoon. We left the itinerary up to him, and our day ended up just as we had hoped for!
We visited the beautiful Schwetzingen Palace and Gardens and then made our way to Heidelberg castle. He drove us through the city of Heidelberg before taking us all the way to the front entrance of the castle, which greatly minimized the walking required by my elderly mother. He also assisted us by giving my mother a lovely coffee break to warm up and rest before venturing into the castle. We crossed the Neckar River on a small ferry and stopped by the Dilsberg Fortress. We then went to lunch where he joined us at a local restaurant in Hirschhorn, a small town near Heidelberg. It was perfect for a rainy day and the occasion.
Manfred is a people person who anticipated our family’s needs very well. His English is excellent, and his van is perfect for touring and was meticulously maintained. We now truly have a friend in Heidelberg, and we sincerely thank him for making this day so enjoyable and unforgettable!Sweetcheek5
30. April 2024Highlight of our Europe Trip Was With Manfred - We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and gain of friendship with Manfred. He is so full of enthusiasm, energy and truly makes your experience for your liking.... read more He checks with you after your booking to see what you are wanting to do / see. We started off railing from Frankfurt to Heidelberg. Manfred picked us up and we went. He gave us everything we were hoping for and more! We visited the castle in Heidelberg, saw many views from outside and in. Many stories to go along with the views. We made a stop on the bridge to take in the beautiful city of Heidelberg. We then stopped at a small cafè for a drink and lunch (cheesecake and sandwich). Sweetest man ever took the extra time to drive us to Mannheim to rail back to Frankfurt. This day was by FAR the highlight of our week long trip in Greece- Manfred made the best part of our trip in Germany! Very grateful.
Alysia M
29. April 2024 -
Family outing with a new friend - Our family enjoyed our tour with Manfred, very much. Our group consisted of 4 adults and 2 children which was accommodated by a luxury rental van, that was arranged by... read more Manfred ahead of time. Communication with Manfred. Before and even after the tour is a breeze, he is very attentive and accessible. We visited the beautiful Speyer Cathedral and the surrounding town, enjoyed local wines at a winery, where the customer service was wonderful and all the staff were very friendly and patient with us, as we tasted different varieties offered on their menu. Lastly, we shared and experienced German cuisine in nice restaurant, outside of the city. After this experience, we can truly say that we have gained a friend in Heidelberg! Will definitely contact Manfred again in a future visit to beautiful Heidelberg 😍
Poulline L
28. April 2024Best Way to See Heidelberg...and more - Prior to embarking on a recent Royal Viking cruise down the Rhine River, we decided to book “A Friend in Heidelberg” to take our group of four on an individual... read more trip from Speyer to Heidelberg and then on to Rudesheim where we re-connected with our boat. It was one of the best decisions we made during our two-week vacation.
Manfred Pitz, the company owner and our driver, was all we could have asked for to get the most out of our Heidelberg venture. Punctual, professional and personal, he was extremely informative and knew all the ins-and-outs of Heidelberg as well as points of interest along the way. Manfred’s knowledge allowed us to be efficient with our time and learn a great deal about the history and culture of Germany in general and Heidelberg in particular. We covered a lot of ground, including a cool local spot where he joined us for lunch.
Manfred speaks English fluently, has spent extensive time in the U.S. and seemed to be enjoying the day as much as we were, all positives in making it successful and memorable.
Personally, he also assisted in making the following day equally noteworthy. I was interested in taking a second side trip to the Nurburgring F1 auto racing facility outside of Koblenz but had run into some challenges in regard to both transportation and what to expect at the venue.
Hearing my frustration, he took an interest, made several phone calls when we were with him and ultimately cut through the language barrier to arrange not only a driver to take me and a friend to the Nurburgring but also reserve a ride with a professional driver around the circuit. It was a fantastic outing and one of the highlights of the trip which would not have happened without Manfred’s expertise and willingness to go above-and-beyond.
I recommend “A Friend in Heidelberg” without reservation.Ken Grosse S
21. April 2024Heidelberg Gem: Unveiling the City with Manfred - For anyone seeking an unforgettable private tour experience in Heidelberg, look no further than Manfred! My recent exploration of this charming German city was nothing short of exceptional, thanks... read more entirely to Manfred's expertise and passion. Manfred isn't just a tour guide; he's a true Heidelberg insider. His deep understanding of the city's history and hidden corners made every step of our tour engaging. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking a picturesque stroll, Manfred tailors the tour to your interests. He possesses an impressive knowledge of the city's must-see sights, like the majestic Heidelberg Castle and the breathtaking Neckar River, but also knows the off-the-beaten-path gems that add a unique touch. Manfred's warmth and genuine love for Heidelberg make the tour truly special. He fosters a friendly atmosphere, happy to answer questions and cater to your pace. It felt more like exploring the city with a knowledgeable friend than a formal tour.
mmmalonerealtor
5. April 2024 -
Truly your friend in Heidelburg! - Good tour guide and very friendly. His pre-trip communication was GREAT. He knows his stuff and shows you the non-tourist side of his city. He took us to a... read more great local restaurant which had the world’s best hot chocolate. Highly recommend Manfred !!!
Tracy L C
1. April 2024Great Heidelburg Tour - Manfred was the best guide we had through our tour though Europe.
We experienced a great local family owned restaurant, had a great I rightful tour of the city... read more and castle.Fabian G
28. März 2024Manfred was the best guide we have ever had and offered us wonderful suggestions for our entire stay in Germany. He has now become an extremely helpful and resourceful friend.... read more We had to rebook our departing flight due to unforeseen travel circumstances. Manfred discovered through his contacts that a vehicle accident caused our travel delay. He obtained proof of it through the regional traffic authorities and we now have the necessary documentation for our insurance company. We could not have accomplished this end result without his guidance and support!
Dream26889851695
5. März 2024 -
Historical trip to Heidelberg Castle - Exploring a castle with an amazing guide . I was here in Germany for the first time to explore outside of the USA, to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. I... read more had felt anxious to take a trip into an unknown area, which included an unknown language for me. With much relief, our guide provided not only a lot of needed information, but also helped my spouse and me see so much more of the Historical castle Heidelberg, and the entire city surrounding it. Manfred really became a friend in the city for us. Manfred answered not only all of our questions, but was there to help make it a fun and a adventure we will never forget.
Larry E
5. März 2024Manfred was more like “family” than “friend.” He contacted us before our travel and he crafted our tour to include all what we wanted, and added his outstanding recommendations. The... read more result was an exceptionally tailored trip. He even found an optical store that provided a difficult to find contact lens lost that morning, and incorporated this activity into our tour. Manfred was fully knowledgeable about Heidelberg’s geography and history as well as other surrounding cities. We will stay in touch with him during our travels and afterwards from home. We are definitely recommending Manfred to all our friends and relatives! On a scale of one to ten, we rate him eleven!
Gina S
21. Februar 2024We recommend Manfred! - Manfred provided a wonderful tour. He was very knowledgeable and knew his city so well. We had people from America and Germany and we were all impressed. The Germans learned... read more a lot of things they never knew and very grateful for that. Manfred was so helpful in advance of our arrival. He even was sending messages about the weather that was coming into Frankfurt as it may have interrupted our flight. So kind of him. If you are in the area, I highly recommend you take one of his tours of one of the places that interests you. He will make it a very memorable, fun and worthwhile experience.
caitlin h
16. Februar 2024 -
Manfred was wonderful! I would highly recommend if you are coming to the area to reach out to him. He made our trip so very special. He was extremely knowledgeable,... read more patient, friendly and truly wanted to make our trip special. He sat down with us and found out what was important for us to see and do while we were here. And made it happen. He is your friend In Heidelberg!
Grace S
9. Januar 2024A first class service - A first class service. Drivers arrived on time, cars were clean and comfortable, and the drivers vey helpful.
peterr542019
1. Januar 2024An enthusiastic tour of beautiful Heidelberg and the region. - Our recent trip to Germany kicked off with a full day tour of Baden-Württemberg. Manfred picked us up at our hotel in Mannheim and gave us an in-depth tour of... read more his home base of Heidelberg. At our request, the tour dropped us at our next destination, the sleepy wine town of Oberderdingen – my maternal family seat. But before we got started, Manfred was in contact with us about our interests, diet and any specials requests for our visit. When he learned that we were going to explore the town when my ancestors once lived, he even did his own research, finding existing relatives in the region. Although they did not fit into our plans for this trip, I will be reaching out on my own.
From the hotel that Manfred recommended, he picked us up and we enjoyed the scenery en-route to Heidelberg.
In Heidelberg, we were introduced to beautiful architecture from medieval to baroque periods that was spared the bombing that destroyed so many European cities in WWII. A highlight of the trip was touring the Heidelberg Castle, destroyed by lightening strikes and French attacks. The partially reconstructed schloss offers a glimpse into castle life, including a wine tasting near the Heidelberg Tun, said to be the world’s largest wine barrel. Being the holiday season, we were also treated to Gluhwein at one of the town’s many Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas Markets), and to a thick and decadent hot cocoa at “yilliy – Chocolaterie.” After a few more pics, including a selfie with the Bridge Monkey statue, we were off to a quick drive through Kloster Maulbronn (Maulbronn Monastery) and delivered to our B & B in the old town of Oberderdingen.
Throughout the tour, Manfred gave us history and insights that highlighted his love and knowledge of the region. He was an enthusiastic delight, and I would recommend that you consider him as your tour guide.M7532FUedwardg
17. Dezember 2023 -
Manfred is THE BEST! - Best tour we have ever been on. Manfred was so accommodating and went out of his way to make sure we had the best experience after our river cruise had... read more a few logistical hurdles of arriving to the port. Extremely knowable about the history of the region and catered the day around everything our family wanted to see and do. Christmas markets, castles, old town, market square, philosopher's walk. the Old Bridge... he took us to do it all. Couldn't recommend him more if you are in the area - and worth going out of your way to make sure you check out Heidelberg with Manfred! Truly, a friend.
Stephanie T
17. Dezember 2023Perfect day - We had the best day with Manfred! It truly is like spending the day with a friend from the area. He is a wonderful driver and so knowledgeable. You... read more won’t regret seeing the area with your new friend Manfred.
Rosemary V
15. Dezember 2023Loving Heidelburg with Manfred. - We highly recommend Manfred! He was both knowledgeable and charismatic!! Any concerns I had about making our connection were quickly put to ease and everything went without a... read more hitch. We had the best time. We learned a lot and even stopped for lunch and coffee. His driving and hospitality were impeccable!!! Thank you Manfred!!
Bonnie H
6. Dezember 2023 -
Manfred was a fabulous guide - knowledgeable, organized, fun and wonderfully accommodating. He provided every aspect of the tour we wanted and immediately adapted to rainy weather with umbrellas,... read more a warm/dry cafe and pick up service. Top notch in all categories!
June B
5. Dezember 2023Friendly driver of a wonderful city - Manfred took us on a three hour visit to Heidelberg. It was a magnificent experience. The buildings of the city were beautiful and the stories narrated by our friendly driver... read more really interesting. Then he took us to the castle where we enjoyed the views and saw a huge barrel of wine. We finished in the old town with the beautiful Christmas market. Thank you Manfred hope to see you again.
Aimilia P
1. Dezember 2023Amazing!!! - Dear Manfred,
Thank you so much for giving my father and I the opportunity to experience Heidelberg and its beauties as our “friend In Heidelberg” haha. We loved every... read more second of it, especially the Black Forest and its special cake. Your care and flexibility made us feel as if we had known you all our lives. Your recommendations were all perfect. From deciding to go to Stuttgard to deciding to drive through the country side to reach Rothenburg, I wouldn’t have changed one thing about our days and plans together. My father and I hope to return to Germany during different seasons and bring the entire family. We will be waiting for you! Thank you so much!fawzi k
27. November 2023 -
Best private tour ever - Having been in the military, wanted to retrace our steps. This guide was fabulous and got us every where. What a wonderful experience. First time back in 56 years and... read more this tour was priceless. He customized to see what we wanted to see
BarbaraF474
26. November 2023Unforgettable Custom Tour - We had an amazing 2.5-day custom tour with Manfred our Friend in Heidelberg! From meeting us at the train station to coordinating with our ABnB host, researching my husband's ancestors,... read more and surprising us with unique and meaningful experiences; Manfred's help and friendship made our trip unforgettable. The thoughtfulness and effort he put into planning added an extra layer of enchantment to our trip and is something we will cherish for years to come. His professionalism, knowledge, and attention to detail surpassed our highest expectations. Thank you for everything!
998laureenp
21. November 2023Manfred is Awesome! - Manfred was an interesting, knowledgeable, polite and fun host/friend for a day on a recent trip to the Heidelberg area.
He picked us up from a river cruise... read more port and drove us to Heidelberg. Along the way we stopped at a beautiful garden, then he drove us through the US military areas so I could see where my daughter’s father and grandparents had been stationed in the 1950s.
We had a quick city tour, a great lunch, a fun wander around the perimeter of Heidelberg Castle and eventually he delivered us to the next port to catch up with our cruise.
We spent several hours together and thoroughly enjoyed his company. His sense of humor is great, and he gave us a lot of history and information about the area around Heidelberg. All in all, a great host, guide and friend for a day!Nancy L
20. November 2023