2026 SOS Germany Ambassador Trip
13-day journey including sister city visit, July 1-13, 2026
Join SOS for an exciting 13-day journey through Germany, for high school students hoping to represent San Antonio to our sister city abroad! Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of major cities like Berlin, where you’ll uncover stories of the Berlin Wall and enjoy interactive museum experiences. Visit the charming streets of Rothenburg and the dark history of Nuremberg, and immerse yourself in the stunning architecture of Heidelberg. Experience the lively atmosphere of Munich, famous for its festivals and delicious cuisine. Plus, engage in meaningful exchanges in Darmstadt, our sister city, where you’ll connect with local students and discover the beauty of German traditions. Only 30 students are selected for the honor of representing San Antonio to our sister city!
Program Highlights:
All-Inclusive Pricing includes:
- Visit medieval cities and see amazing architecture in Heidelberg and Rothenburg
- Learn about history where it happened at the Berlin Wall, Nuremberg and more
- Meet local students, city officials and act as a citizen-diplomat in sister city Darmstadt
- 13-day all inclusive tour with a thorough tour of the major German historical places
- Chance to practice your German language skills
- Castles, cathedrals, street art, museums and more!
All-Inclusive Pricing includes:
- Hotel accommodations
- Round-trip flights
- In-country transportation
- Breakfast, dinner and some lunches
- Entrance to all activities
- Dedicated tour guide and bus driver
- Trained SOS trip leader and medical chaperone
- Travel insurance
DAY 1 — Wednesday, July 1: DepartureDepart from the USA on an overnight international flight to Germany.
DAY 2 — Thursday, July 2: Arrival & Journey to Darmstadt. Willkommen in Deutschland!
Arrive in Germany and travel by train to our Sister City, Darmstadt. Settle into your accommodations and prepare for several days of cultural immersion and citizen diplomacy.
DAYS 3–5 — Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5: Sister City Immersion in DarmstadtThese days are centered around specialized, relationship-driven experiences unique to our Sister City partnership:
DAY 6 — Monday, July 6: Heidelberg - Travel to Heidelberg and meet your ACIS Tour Manager. Begin sightseeing in this picturesque university town, including:
DAY 7 — Tuesday, July 7: Rothenburg - Depart for the medieval gem of Rothenburg. Highlights include:
DAY 8 — Wednesday, July 8: Munich - Travel to Munich with a sobering stop:
DAY 9 — Thursday, July 9: Munich - Discover Munich through:
DAY 10 — Friday, July 10: Dresden (via Nuremberg) - Stop in Nuremberg to explore:
DAY 11 — Saturday, July 11: Dresden to Berlin - Morning city tour of Dresden, including:
DAY 12 — Sunday, July 12: Berlin - Full day of historic and creative exploration:
DAY 13 — Monday, July 13: Return to the USA
DAY 2 — Thursday, July 2: Arrival & Journey to Darmstadt. Willkommen in Deutschland!
Arrive in Germany and travel by train to our Sister City, Darmstadt. Settle into your accommodations and prepare for several days of cultural immersion and citizen diplomacy.
DAYS 3–5 — Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5: Sister City Immersion in DarmstadtThese days are centered around specialized, relationship-driven experiences unique to our Sister City partnership:
- City Welcome and Leadership Exchange – Engage in dialogue with Darmstadt city leaders, including the Lord Mayor and local council members, to discuss youth leadership, civic engagement, and global cooperation.
- Intercultural Exchange Experiences – Participate in dance and cultural presentations, opening local festivals as honored guests from San Antonio.
- STEM & Heritage Explorations – Tour ESA (the European Space Agency), enjoy hands-on demonstrations at local science and food enterprises, and take a field trip to the UNESCO World Heritage fossil pit.
- Community Connection – Celebrate international friendship and see firsthand how our Sister City partnership fosters peace and understanding.
DAY 6 — Monday, July 6: Heidelberg - Travel to Heidelberg and meet your ACIS Tour Manager. Begin sightseeing in this picturesque university town, including:
- Visit to Heidelberg Castle, an architectural masterpiece overlooking the Neckar River.
(Dinner provided)
DAY 7 — Tuesday, July 7: Rothenburg - Depart for the medieval gem of Rothenburg. Highlights include:
- Guided walking tour of the walled city
- Entrance to St. Jakob’s Church
- Night Watchman’s Tour to explore spooky medieval tales
(Breakfast & Dinner)
DAY 8 — Wednesday, July 8: Munich - Travel to Munich with a sobering stop:
- Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial – Reflect on the past and engage in discussion about Nazi history
- Pretzel tasting and an evening visit to Olympic Park
(Breakfast & Dinner)
DAY 9 — Thursday, July 9: Munich - Discover Munich through:
- Guided city sightseeing (Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, Isar River surfers)
- End the day with a traditional German sausage dinner
(Breakfast & Dinner)
DAY 10 — Friday, July 10: Dresden (via Nuremberg) - Stop in Nuremberg to explore:
- The Nazi Party Rally Grounds
- The Nuremberg Documentation Center
Continue to Dresden for dinner and rest.
(Breakfast & Dinner)
DAY 11 — Saturday, July 11: Dresden to Berlin - Morning city tour of Dresden, including:
- Frauenkirche and Zwinger Palace
Then travel to Berlin for the next stage of your adventure.
(Breakfast & Dinner)
DAY 12 — Sunday, July 12: Berlin - Full day of historic and creative exploration:
- Guided tour of the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Holocaust Memorial, and more
- Street art workshop and walking tour — create your own masterpiece to take home
(Breakfast & Dinner)
DAY 13 — Monday, July 13: Return to the USA
- Depart Berlin and fly back to the United States, returning with new friendships, insights, and global perspectives.
To learn more, contact SOS at [email protected]!
If you're ready to sign up, complete the registration form below and someone from SOS will reach out to get you started!
If you're ready to sign up, complete the registration form below and someone from SOS will reach out to get you started!