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Day 1

Board your flight from your home destination to Munich, Germany.

This itinerary assumes this to be an overnight flight.

Air fare independently arranged.

Day 2: Hopfen Am See

Meals: Dinner

Arrival in Munich, Germany.  Your flight should arrive at the Munich Airport by 11:15 a.m. at the latest for the complimentary transfer at noon.

When the group is complete we head south to your home away from home in HOPFEN AM SEE, on the lake near Fussen (Füssen or Fuessen in German).  Our home base here at the southern end of Germany's famous Romantic Road is within hiking distance of Neuschwanstein in the beautiful Bavarian Alps.

You are staying in a typical local "landhaus", where you are a friend, not a tourist.  Your rooms are very gemuetlich, decorated in Bavarian country style, all with cable TV, telephone, refrigerator, extra sitting area, balcony, and a great mountain view.

Your local expert, Astrid Baur, will take you out for a Bavarian dinner on the Lake Promenade tonight.

Your tour includes: Transfer from airport to hotel, three-course welcome dinner with menu choices, one beverage, and

coffee or tea after, overnight at Landhaus Koessel in Hopfen am See

Landhaus Kossel (Kössel / Koessel)

Day 3: Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau

Meals: Breakfast

Today we focus on Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein in German), Germany's most famous castle.  First we go to Marienbruecke (Mary's Bridge) sitting high above the Poellat Gorge, where we can take the best pictures of the castle.  (If Mary's Bridge is closed because of ice or snow on the path, you will be taken to another lookout where you can take wonderful pictures of Neuschwanstein.)

From there we walk downhill for our inside tour of Neuschwanstein.  Afterwards there's time for lunch and a stroll on Lake Alpsee, where young Ludwig learned to swim.  [ Larger photos of Neuschwanstein, including helicopter views, are included in the Bavarian Castles Gallery in the In Depth section below. ]

In the afternoon we visit Schloss Hohenschwangau, the castle built by his father Maximilian, where Germany's fairy tale king spent much of his childhood, and where he dreamed about his future castles.  Local guides in both castles.

Fantastic dinner tonight in the area where Ludwig II was planning his next castle, Falkenstein.

Buffet breakfast, door-to-door transportation, entrances and guided tours of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, horse carriage, three-course dinner, Landhaus Koessel

Day 4: Zugspitze, Linderhof, Oberammergau

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Beautiful drive via Austria to Garmisch where we take a cable car up to the ZUGSPITZE, at almost 10,000 feet Germany's highest mountain, with a matchless panorama.

We continue on to Schloss Linderhof, Ludwig's beautiful hiding castle deep in the forest, which served as a background for the romantic fantasies of the young king.  Inside visit with local guide.

Back home via the pretty village Of Oberammergau, known for the passion play, a tradition which derives from a vow made by the inhabitants in 1633 that if God spared them from the effects of the bubonic plague then sweeping the region they would perform a passion play every ten years.

Medieval Dinner in Fussen tonight.

Buffet breakfast, door-to-door transportation, Zugspitze cable car, guided tour of Linderhof, three-course dinner, Landhaus Koessel

Day 5: Herrenchiemsee, Bad Tolz

Meals: Breakfast

Today we focus on King Ludwig II's largest castle, Herrenchiemsee, which he built on an island in Lake Chiemsee after a visit to Versailles.  Herrenchiemsee was Ludwig's most expensive project, he stayed here only about one week.

Boat and horse carriage rides to the castle and local guide for inside tour.

On the way back we stop in the beautiful town of BAD TOLZ (Bad Tölz or Bad Toelz in German).  Bad Tolz became famous for its spa.  It also features colourful painted buildings.

There's time to relax before we join the locals tonight for great atmosphere and food at a local brewery.

door-to-door transportation, boat and carriage rides, Herrenchiemsee tour, dinner, Landhaus Koessel

Day 6: Munich, Nymphenburg

Meals: Breakfast

We go to MUNICH (München or Muenchen in German, sometimes Munchen on the net) and first we visit schloss nymphenburg (Nymphenburg Palace), where Ludwig was born, and the Marstallmuseum, containing many of Ludwig's elaborate carriages.

An Orientation Tour of Germany's secret capital features the Olympic stadium, Olympic Tower, Leopoldstrasse, Schwabing, Ludwigstrasse, Odeonsplatz, Koenigsplatz, Karlsplatz, Church of our Lady, and Marienplatz where you see the Glockenspiel.

Afterwards plenty of time on your own for shopping, more sightseeing (BMW Museum, German Museum, Pinakothek, ... the options list is endless).  Dinner on your own in the evening.  Why not have a stein of beer at the Hofbrauhaus (Hofbräuhaus), Munich's famous beer hall?

door-to-door transportation, Munich orientation tour, entrance to Nymphenburg Palace, Landhaus Koessel

Day 7: Innsbruck

Meals: Breakfast

Today we drive south through the mountains to INNSBRUCK on the Inn River, the capital of Austria's Tyrol.

First we visit Schloss Ambras, a Renaissance castle and palace located in the hills above the city.  It was built in the sixteenth century on the site of a tenth-century castle, and became the seat of power of the Counts of the Andechs.  The castle is notable for its exterior architecture and interior furnishings, and contains major art and armour collections.  We have a private guided tour.

In the city enjoy a nice stroll through its quaint medieval lanes, see the famous little Golden Roof below the impressive Austrian Alps, the Hofburg palace, and the Hofkirche, Innsbruck's fine Baroque church.  Free time to explore on your own, and maybe shop for Swarovski Crystal, which is made here.

Dinner in Austria tonight on the way back home.

door-to-door transportation, entrance and private guided tour of Schloss Ambras, three-course dinner, Landhaus Koessel, Schloss Ambras

Day 8: Wieskirche, Lake Starnberg, Andechs

Meals: Breakfast

On our last exploring day we take the Romantic Road to visit the masterpiece of Bavarian Rococo, Wieskirche, also known as the Church in the Meadow, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We continue to Lake Starnberg and at Berg see the Votivchapel and the cross in the lake where Ludwig died.  Then on to ritzy Starnberg with time for lunch and a stroll on the lake.

Afterwards a short drive to Andechs, a famous Benedictine monastery on the Holy Mountain.  The monks are also well known for making their own beer, which we have time to enjoy in one of the many beer gardens.

Enjoy your last evening with a wonderful farewell dinner in Hopfen.

Buffet breakfast, door-to-door transportation, three-course dinner with menu choices, one beverage, and coffee or tea after, Landhaus Koessel

Day 9: Return

Meals: Breakfast

Time to say "Auf wiedersehen".  Transfer to Munich Airport for your return flight home.

Your flight should not leave Munich before 10:30 a.m. , transfer to airport

Day 1: Welcome to Berlin

On arrival at Berlin's Brandenburg Airport, transfers depart at 10.30, 13:00 & 16:00. In the afternoon, perhaps visit the KaDeWe department store - the shopping centre of West Berlin which during 40 years of division, became the shop window of the West. At 18:30, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with your Travel Director and travel companions at the Kreuzberger Himmel restaurant. Discover how this establishment helps support refugees as they integrate into German society over a Welcome Dinner with wine.

Day 2: The Spirit of Berlin Relaxed Start

Join a Local Expert to see some of Berlin's many highlights. Travel along the Ku'Damm past the Memorial Church. Drive through the Tiergarten to see Norman Foster’s glass dome that crowns the reconstructed Reichstag building. Continue with a visit to the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of the reunification, and down along the Unter den Linden, past the Humboldt University and State Opera. Stop on Museum Island before enjoying a day at leisure in this once divided city. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the glorious palace of the Prussian Kings at Potsdam?

Day 3: Dresden, a Baroque Phoenix on the Elbe

In Dresden, join your Local Expert to see the splendours of the city. From the Frauenkirche, which has risen again from the destruction of World War II, walk past ‘The Procession of the Princes', a mosaic of colossal proportions on the Royal Palace facade. See the enormous cathedral, Semper Opera House and Baroque Zwinger Palace. Although the town was heavily bombed during World War II, it still remains a treasure trove of early German history and medieval architecture.

Day 4: Nuremberg and the Bavarian Capital of Munich

In the morning, depart Dresden and travel south to Nuremberg with a stop to take in the former rally grounds. Continue on to the vibrant city of Munich.

Day 5: Jewels of Munich

In the morning, visit Nymphenburg Palace and join a Local Expert to explore the beautiful Baroque gardens. Then step inside to admire the interiors and artworks of this vast residence, one of the largest Palaces in Europe. Continue to the site of the 1972 Olympic Games for a visit to BMW Welt. See the worldwide headquarters of this Bavarian icon and enjoy the exhibition. Explore Munich with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Local Expert for a foodie walking tour in the city centre visiting the famous Viktualienmarkt and Marienplatz. Alternatively, go on a guided bike tour in the beautiful English Garden and see the famous Munich surfers. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Bavaria's capital city. Perhaps visit one of its many art galleries and museums, or relax and enjoy a coffee in the delightful Marienplatz?

Day 6: Into the Black Forest to Freiburg Relaxed Start

Take a delightful drive into the Black Forest as you make your way to Freiburg. This evening, savour a Farm-to-Table Highlight Dinner, sourced from fresh local ingredients.

Day 7: Medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The Black Forest is the land of cherry cake and cuckoo clocks, where traditional farmhouses dip their thatched roofs almost to the ground. Stop to meet the locals who still make cuckoo clocks by hand, a tradition passed down over 300 years. Venture to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the best-preserved town on the Romantic Road. Plunge back into the 16th century during your orientation as you walk through narrow cobbled streets lined with high-gabled houses to the market square, dominated by its Renaissance town hall. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure for further exploration on your own. For your Dine-Around Evening, choose from a hand-picked selection of restaurants within the walls of the Old Town.

Day 8: The University City of Heidelberg and Mainz Relaxed Start

Head through the valleys, where villages and isolated farms nestle beside fast-flowing streams, before travelling north to Heidelberg. Visit Heidelberg Palace, or Heidelberger Schloss in German, one of the world's most impressive palace ruins, synonymous with the Romantic Movement. Venture inside to see the Heidelberg Tun, a gigantic wine vat built into the building's cellar in 1591 and able to hold 130,000 litres. Hear its associated tales of the dwarf court jester, Perkeo. Spend time in the vast and insightful Apothecary Museum, before marvelling at the panoramic vistas of the city and Neckar Valley from the castle fortress. Your hotel is in the nearby town of Mainz, a bustling and important town since the time of the Romans, see half-timbered houses and medieval market squares that the city is known for.

Day 9: Castles of the Rhine Experience Relaxed Start

Begin the day with a relaxing cruise past steep-sided vineyards, half-timbered taverns, hilltop castles and the infamous Lorelei Rock. Arrive at Boppard and continue to Koblenz where a gigantic equestrian statue of Wilhelm I guards the junction of the Rhine and Moselle. Have your camera ready as you return along the eastern bank. Enjoy the scenic views from the mighty Niederwald Monument. In the evening, round off your German experience with a farewell Celebration Dinner overlooking the River Rhine, complete with local wine. Prost!

Day 10: Auf Wiedersehen Frankfurt

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast, with departure transfers arriving at Frankfurt airport at 08:00 and 10:00.