7 Days • 6 Nights
Bavaria & the Castles: Munich, Neuschwanstein & the Alps
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Bavarian Munich, with its grand squares, beer halls and museums, is a delightful highlight of this journey. Munich, the proud capital of Bavaria, is one of Germany's most enjoyable cities, a place of grand baroque squares, world-class museums and famously convivial beer-hall culture. You stand on the vast Marienplatz to watch the figures of the Glockenspiel dance out from the ornate New Town Hall, wander the colourful Viktualienmarkt food market, and raise a stein amid the long benches, brass bands and pretzels of a traditional beer hall such as the Hofbrauhaus. You stroll the leafy English Garden and admire the opulent Residenz palace of the Bavarian kings.
- The fairytale castles of King Ludwig, above the alpine foothills, are a magical highlight of this journey. Bavaria is crowned by the fairytale castles of the dreamy King Ludwig II, and this journey visits the finest. You explore Neuschwanstein, the most famous castle in the world, the soaring fantasy of turrets and towers that inspired Disney's castle, rising on its wooded crag above lakes and mountains, and cross the Marienbrucke bridge for the classic, breathtaking view. You also visit the exquisite palace of Linderhof, Ludwig's beloved and only completed castle, a jewel of rococo splendour set in beautiful gardens with a famous grotto.
- The summit of the Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak, is a spectacular, exhilarating highlight of this journey. From the alpine resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you ascend the Zugspitze, at nearly 3,000 metres the highest mountain in Germany, by a combination of scenic cog railway and cable car that is an adventure in itself. At the summit you step out onto a breathtaking panorama of hundreds of alpine peaks stretching across four countries, with glittering glaciers, a glacier plateau and, in winter, skiers and snow. The scale, air and views are exhilarating. The mountain drama is breathtaking.
- The alpine resort of Garmisch and the painted village of Oberammergau are a beautiful highlight. Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a twin resort town beneath the towering Alps, is a beautiful base for the mountains, with its painted Bavarian houses, flower-decked balconies, dramatic gorge and famous Olympic ski jump. Nearby lies Oberammergau, a picture-perfect village renowned for its Luftlmalerei, the tradition of painting entire house fronts with vivid fairytale and religious scenes, and for its famous Passion Play. You take in the beautiful alpine scenery, painted villages and mountain culture. The beauty and charm are captivating.
- The Partnach Gorge and beautiful alpine walking add adventure to this Bavarian journey. Around Garmisch, the mountains offer superb walking and dramatic natural beauty. You can walk through the spectacular Partnach Gorge, where a path clings to the rock beside a rushing torrent through a narrow, dramatic ravine, and take in the beautiful alpine meadows, lakes and viewpoints of the surrounding peaks. The fresh mountain air, dramatic gorges and sweeping views are exhilarating and refreshing. The scenery and walking are captivating. Walking the spectacular Partnach Gorge, where the path clings to the rock beside a rushing torrent.
- Above all, this journey immerses you in the castles, culture and mountains of beautiful Bavaria. Bavaria is the Germany of the imagination, and this journey takes in its very best. Over seven days you enjoy Bavarian Munich, the fairytale castles of King Ludwig at Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, the summit of the Zugspitze, the alpine resort of Garmisch and the painted village of Oberammergau, guided by expert local guides and travelling by comfortable private transport. The combination of grand baroque cities, cheerful beer halls, fairytale castles, painted villages and soaring Alps makes Bavaria utterly captivating.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Your Bavarian journey begins as your flight arrives in Munich, the proud capital of Bavaria, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Munich is one of Germany's warmest and most enjoyable cities, and its blend of grandeur and good cheer is immediately appealing. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first stroll to the grand Marienplatz or through a leafy beer garden with a cool stein. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to hearty Bavarian cooking, from roast pork and dumplings to giant pretzels, and to the beautiful journey ahead through the castles, culture and mountains of Bavaria. As you settle in, the warmth and good cheer of Bavaria work their magic. Rest well, ready to explore gracious Munich tomorrow with your expert local guide.
Today you explore Bavarian Munich with your expert local guide. You stand on the vast Marienplatz to watch the figures of the famous Glockenspiel dance out from the ornate New Town Hall, wander the colourful stalls of the Viktualienmarkt food market, and stroll the elegant pedestrian streets, grand churches and squares of the old town. You visit the opulent Residenz, the former royal palace of the Bavarian kings, with its treasury and lavish rooms, and take in the twin-domed Frauenkirche. The history, elegance and good cheer are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having explored gracious Munich. This evening, savour the celebrated Bavarian beer-hall experience, with hearty food, cool beer, brass bands and long communal benches at a traditional hall such as the Hofbrauhaus. Rest well, for tomorrow you explore more of Munich and the English Garden.
Today you enjoy more of Bavarian Munich at a relaxed pace. You stroll the vast English Garden, one of the world's largest city parks, where locals cycle, picnic and even surf a standing wave on the Eisbach river, pausing at the Chinese Tower beer garden. You might visit the stunning Nymphenburg Palace on the city's edge, with its gardens and pavilions, or explore Munich's world-class art museums, from the old masters of the Alte Pinakothek to modern works. You could browse the shops and cafes of the old town or relax over coffee and cake. The elegance and ease are delightful. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having savoured cheerful Munich. This evening, enjoy a Bavarian dinner in a lively tavern. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey south to the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein.
Today you journey south into the beautiful Bavarian foothills to the fairytale castles of King Ludwig. You travel through rolling countryside and alpine scenery to the villages of Hohenschwangau and Fussen, where the soaring castle of Neuschwanstein rises like a dream on its wooded crag, framed by lakes and mountains. You tour its lavish, opera-inspired interiors, hear the tale of the dreamy King Ludwig who built it and inspired Disney's castle, and cross the Marienbrucke bridge for the classic, breathtaking view of its turrets against the peaks. You also see the yellow castle of Hohenschwangau, where Ludwig grew up, on its own wooded hill nearby. The fantasy and setting are magical. As the day ends, you settle into your hotel near Fussen, amid the beauty of the Alps. This evening, savour the mountain calm. Rest well.
Today you journey to the alpine resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and ascend Germany's highest peak. You travel through beautiful mountain scenery to Garmisch, a twin resort town of painted houses beneath the towering Alps, and settle into your hotel. Then you ascend the Zugspitze, at nearly 3,000 metres the highest mountain in Germany, by a combination of scenic cog railway and cable car that is an adventure in itself. At the summit you step out onto a breathtaking panorama of hundreds of alpine peaks stretching across four countries, with glittering glaciers and, often, snow underfoot even in summer. The scale, air and views are exhilarating. As the day ends, you descend to Garmisch. This evening, savour a hearty alpine dinner in this beautiful mountain resort. Rest well, ready to explore Ludwig's Linderhof and the painted village of Oberammergau tomorrow.
Today you explore more of the beautiful Bavarian Alps and King Ludwig's finest jewel. You visit the exquisite palace of Linderhof, Ludwig's beloved and only completed castle, a masterpiece of rococo splendour set in beautiful gardens with cascades, fountains and a famous artificial grotto. You continue to the picture-perfect village of Oberammergau, renowned for its Luftlmalerei tradition of painting whole house fronts with vivid fairytale and religious scenes, and for its famous Passion Play. You might walk the spectacular Partnach Gorge, where a path clings to the rock beside a rushing torrent through a dramatic ravine. The beauty, artistry and drama are captivating. As the day ends, you return to Garmisch, having savoured the castles, villages and mountains of Bavaria. This evening, enjoy a final alpine dinner. Rest well, ready for your journey home tomorrow.
After a final morning in the beautiful Bavarian Alps, perhaps a last mountain walk or coffee with a view of the peaks, you journey back to Munich Airport for your onward international departure. You leave having immersed yourself in the very best of Bavaria, cheerful Munich with its squares and beer halls, the fairytale castles of King Ludwig at Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, the breathtaking summit of the Zugspitze, and the painted village of Oberammergau amid the soaring Alps. The images stay vivid long after you land, the Glockenspiel on Marienplatz, the turrets of Neuschwanstein against the mountains, the panorama from the Zugspitze, and the frescoed houses of Oberammergau. Bavaria offers castles, culture, good cheer and mountain beauty in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to the most romantic and scenic corner of Germany.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Bavarian beer-hall dinner
- Airport and rail-station transfers and comfortable private touring transport
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert local guides
- Entrance fees to castles, museums and sites as per itinerary
- private touring with expert local guides, comfortable private transport, a Munich city tour, visits to Neuschwanstein and Linderhof castles, a Zugspitze summit excursion by cog railway and cable car, an Oberammergau visit, and all entrance fees as per itinerary
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Cable car and mountain railway upgrades beyond the included ascent
- City tourist taxes and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Germany is part of the Schengen Area, and many nationalities (including UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passport holders) can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; others require a Schengen visa. A passport valid for at least three months beyond your departure is required, and the EU's ETIAS travel authorisation is expected to apply to visa-exempt visitors in due course. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality before you travel
- Currency: The currency is the Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shops, but Germany remains a notably cash-friendly country, so carry some euros in cash for bakeries, small cafes, markets, church donations and tips. ATMs are plentiful in every town and city, and contactless payment is increasingly common in the cities
- Best time to visit: May to September brings warm, long, green days ideal for the castles, mountains, river valleys and city terraces; spring and autumn are mild and beautiful, with blossom or golden foliage and fewer crowds; and December is magical for the famous Christmas markets, though cold. Winters are cold and often grey, but atmospheric, especially for the markets of Nuremberg, Dresden and Cologne
- Language & etiquette: German is the official language, and English is widely spoken in cities, hotels and tourism, so travel is easy. Germans value punctuality, courtesy and a firm handshake; a friendly 'Guten Tag' and 'Danke' are appreciated, and it is polite to greet shopkeepers on entering. Recycling and quiet, orderly public behaviour are part of daily life, and many shops close on Sundays
- Getting around: Germany has one of the finest rail networks in the world, with fast, comfortable ICE trains linking the cities, alongside excellent motorways (the famous autobahn). Our journeys use a combination of comfortable private transport with your guide and, where it is quicker and more scenic, first-class rail. City centres are compact and walkable, with excellent trams, buses and metros
- Health & safety: Germany is a very safe, stable and well-organised country with excellent healthcare and high standards throughout; normal city precautions against pickpockets in crowded areas and stations are sensible. Tap water is clean and safe to drink. We recommend comprehensive travel insurance; EU and UK visitors should carry a valid EHIC or GHIC card in addition to private insurance
- Culture & tipping: Beer, wine and hearty regional cooking are central to German life, and each region has its specialities and festivals. Many shops close on Sundays, and a small deposit (Pfand) is charged on many drink bottles and cans, refunded on return. Tipping is modest: rounding up or adding around five to ten percent for good service in restaurants and cafes is customary
- Power & plugs: The electricity supply is 230V, and sockets take the round two-pin type F (Schuko) plug used across much of continental Europe, so bring a suitable adapter for UK, US and other devices. Mobile coverage and public Wi-Fi are widely available in hotels, cafes and on many trains, making it easy to stay connected throughout your journey
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to visit Neuschwanstein castle?
Neuschwanstein can only be seen inside on a timed guided tour, and slots are limited and very popular, so advance booking is essential; we arrange your timed tickets as part of your tailored itinerary. From the village you can walk up (about 30-40 minutes) or take a horse-drawn carriage or shuttle bus part-way, and the classic photograph is from the Marienbrucke bridge. We plan your visit to avoid the worst of the crowds and make the most of this magical fairytale castle.
Can we ascend the Zugspitze all year round, and what should we wear?
Yes, the Zugspitze can be visited year-round by cog railway and cable car, though conditions at the near-3,000-metre summit are alpine, with snow possible even in summer, so warm layers, sturdy shoes and sunglasses are advised whatever the season. On a clear day the panorama across four countries is breathtaking; occasionally cloud can obscure the views, so we watch the forecast and, where possible, choose the clearest day for your ascent to give you the best experience.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with any meals named in the itinerary (typically a welcome dinner and selected dinners or tastings, such as a wine tasting in the Rhine or Moselle valleys). German and regional cuisine is hearty and delicious, from Bavarian roast pork, pretzels and beer to Black Forest gateau, Rhineland wines and fresh North Sea fish, and we usually leave other meals free so you can explore, recommending the best beer halls, wine taverns and restaurants at every stage.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert local guides and comfortable private transport, giving you flexibility, depth and a pace tailored to you; where fast, scenic rail is the best option between cities, we include comfortable first-class train travel. Small-group and scheduled options can be arranged if you prefer. Germany's knowledgeable guides bring the history, castles, art and culture vividly to life at every stage.
Do I need a visa for Germany?
Germany is part of the Schengen Area, and many nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, while others require a Schengen visa. A passport valid for at least three months beyond departure is required, and the EU's ETIAS authorisation is expected to apply to visa-exempt travellers in due course. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality and advise you well before you travel.
Is Germany safe to visit?
Germany is one of the safest, most stable and best-organised countries in the world, with excellent infrastructure, healthcare and high standards throughout, and travel here is smooth and rewarding. Normal city precautions against pickpockets in crowded areas, markets and stations are sensible, as anywhere. We use trusted local guides and drivers, monitor conditions and follow official guidance at all times, so you can travel with complete confidence.
When is the best time to visit?
May to September brings warm, long, green days ideal for the castles, Alps, river valleys and city life; spring and autumn are mild and lovely, with blossom or golden foliage and fewer crowds; and December is magical for the famous Christmas markets. Winters are cold but atmospheric. We advise on the best timing for your interests, whether alpine scenery, wine harvests, festivals or the twinkling Christmas markets of Nuremberg and Dresden.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of cities, castles, mountains, river valleys and wine country, add nights in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg or the Black Forest, include a Rhine or Moselle cruise, time your visit for Oktoberfest or the Christmas markets, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus entirely to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through the beautiful and varied landscapes of Germany.
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