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Bavarian Castles Tour – 2010 and 2011
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King Ludwig II's Castles and the Bavarian
Lakes
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Neuschwanstein |
Hopfensee |
Linderhof |
Discover the wonderful castles of King Ludwig II and
the beauty of Bavaria's lakes and countryside. Tour inside the castles with
local guides and take time to explore on your own. Alternate the visits to
castles with other excursions, including a trip to the top of Mount Zugspitze,
the floral grandeur of Mainau, the Nymphenburg Palace in Munich, the Church in
the Meadow, Oberammergau and other picturesque towns and villages in the region,
and other highlights listed in the itinerary below.
New!
Now, if you wish, you can add the optional
Three Nights Venice Extension to
this tour to also visit one of Europe's most romantic cities.
Map
Itinerary
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. |
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Day 2 – HOPFEN AM SEE
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 (Landhaus Kössel / Koessel) |
Day 3 – NEUSCHWANSTEIN, HOHENSCHWANGAU
| 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 new 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 |
Neuschwanstein |
Day 4 – ZUGSPITZE, LINDERHOF, OBERAMMERGAU
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
fancies 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 |
Linderhof |
Day 5 – HERRENCHIEMSEE, BAD TOLZ
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, and where he stayed only 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).
There's time to relax before we join the locals tonight for great
atmosphere and food at a local brewery.> Buffet
breakfast, door-to-door transportation, boat and carriage rides,
Herrenchiemsee tour, dinner, Landhaus Koessel |
Herrenchiemsee |
Day 6 – MUNICH, NYMPHENBURG
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?
> Buffet breakfast, door-to-door transportation, Munich orientation
tour, entrance to Nymphenburg Palace, Landhaus Koessel |
Nymphenburg |
Day 7 – WIESKIRCHE, LAKE STARNBERG, ANDECHS
We take the Romantic Road today 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.
Great dinner in the country tonight.> Buffet
breakfast, door-to-door transportation, three-course dinner with menu
choices, one beverage, and coffee or tea after, Landhaus Koessel |
Wieskirche |
Day 8 – LAKE CONSTANCE, LINDAU, MAINAU
Our last day takes us to LAKE CONSTANCE (or Bodensee, its German
name), where we visit fortified, charming LINDAU, with its harbour and
the old lighthouse, the narrow lanes, the many fountains, romantic
courtyards and hidden corners.
After lunch we take a boat to visit the Island of MAINAU in the lake, a
paradise for plant enthusiasts because even tropical flowers grow in the
mild climate. The palace and the charming baroque church contribute to
the magic of the island.
Expect a fantastic farewell dinner in a typical mountain inn tonight.
> Buffet breakfast, door-to-door transportation, ferry to Mainau,
entrance to Mainau, three-course dinner, Landhaus Koessel |
Mainau |
Day 9 – Bavarian Castles Tour
| 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.
If you wish, you can extend your vacation with the optional
Three Nights Venice Extension outlined below.
> Buffet breakfast, transfer to airport
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Oberammergau Passion Play 2010
Demand for the Oberammergau extension to this tour far exceeded our ticket
allotment, and these tours sold out.
The details below remain online for the information of guests on the June 4
Bavaria + Oberammergau tour.
Information: Day 9 – Bavarian Castles Tour +
Oberammergau Passion Play
The 2010 Bavarian Castles Tour can be extended by an additional day
to include a complete performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play.
Guests return home one day later than on the basic Bavarian Castles Tour
(on Day 10).
After a leisurely breakfast on Day 9 we begin with a guided walk through
FUSSEN, an old Roman Town on the Lech River. Walk its narrow streets
and lanes and enjoy the details your local guide provides.
After free time for lunch we drive to Oberammergau for the Passion Play.
The Oberammergau Passion Play was first performed in 1634 to honour the
village’s vow that it would perform a passion play depicting the life
and death of Jesus every ten years if it were spared the effects of the
bubonic plague then sweeping the region. Oberammergau was spared the
worst effects of the plague and has continued to honour its commitment
throughout the centuries.
In the year 2000 Oberammergau presented its Passion Play for the 40th
time.
The play is now performed repeatedly over the course of five months
during the last year of each decade, and involves over 2,000 performers,
musicians, and stage technicians, all residents of Oberammergau. The
Passion Play Theatre, with renovations completed in 1999, now
accommodates an audience of 4,720 in covered seats.
The first part of the performance runs from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m., the
second from 8:00 to 10:30 p.m. Your ticket category is “1” or “1a”.
During the break enjoy a nice dinner in town. We return to the Landhaus
for overnight. |
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Information: Day 10 – Bavarian Castles Tour +
Oberammergau Passion Play
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.
> Buffet breakfast, transfer to airport
Bavarian Castles Tour + Oberammergau Passion Play Itinerary
(Sold Out)
(Optional) Three Nights Venice Extension
Turn your Bavarian Castles Tour into an even more magical vacation with an
extension to Venice, described as "undoubtedly the most beautiful city built by
man" and as "one of Europe's most romantic cities."
This three-night extension takes the same approach to visiting Italy's Veneto
region as our longer Italian Highlights Tour.
Travel across the scenic Alps, visit Verona, the setting for Shakespeare's
Romeo and Juliet, and check into your 4-star hotel on Venice's Lido
Island. Ride the bus boats on the Grand Canal and see the Rialto Bridge, tour
inside the palace and basilica on St. Mark's Square, go for a gondola ride, and
visit the scenic islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Shop if you wish,
explore on your own, or relax on Lido Island's beach.
Full details are provided in this
Three Nights Venice Extension itinerary.
Tour Features
Tour Director
Astrid Baur is a German native who has successfully conducted over
200 tours throughout Europe and Germany for thousands of happy clients.
Astrid will take you around Bavaria, which she knows by heart.
You will see not only the highlights but also the spots where only the
locals go. The days are well planned to offer you many highlights, but
you are not rushed. And there is no packing and unpacking, as we stay in
the same place every night.
The tour language is English only.
Astrid organizes the tour personally, and you can contact her directly
as explained in the Contact Information section below.
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Astrid has posted a short video clip on YouTube introducing
herself and her tours.
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Castles Intro Video |
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Astrid Baur |
Hotel – The Landhaus Koessel
The Landhaus Koessel is located on Lake Hopfen, near Fussen, with
beautiful scenery and mountain views of the Bavarian Alps.
You stay in Bavarian Country Style rooms, which are very spacious, with
extra sitting areas, balconies, cable TV, direct-dial-telephones,
coffeemakers, mini-bars, and hairdryers. You will feel at home
immediately. High speed internet is available. For more information
please see the
Landhaus Koessel English-language page.
Find out for yourself what makes this particular place in the Alps so
special that King Ludwig wanted to spend the rest of his life here. |
The Landhaus Koessel |
Images
Hopfensee |
June 2008 Tour at the Landhaus |
Hohenschwangau |
At Linderhof, September 2006 |
View from Zugspitze |
Oberammergau |
Bad Tolz |
Marienplatz, Munich |
September 2007 Tour |
Ludwig Votivchapel, Lake Starnberg |
At Hopfensee, May 2008 |
Lindau Harbour |
There are more pictures in the In Depth section
below. The Gallery has larger images of tour destinations, and Groups has
photos of participants in past tours.
Bavarian Castles Tour In
Depth
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Larger Pictures of Castles, Communities and
Regional Highlights
Images of Bavarian Castles Tour features, contributed by past guests
and from public domain sources. This gallery now includes three
dramatic and exclusive helicopter views of Neuschwanstein. |
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Detailed Itinerary Destination Maps
4-page printer-friendly PDF including:
- Bavarian Castles Tour Destinations map from the top of this web
page,
- Detailed maps with Bavarian Castles destinations marked by day (2
pages), and
- Fussen Area map, highlighting the locations of the castles. |
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Links to Sources of More Detailed Information
Clickable links to detailed articles on major Bavarian Castles Tour
itinerary features |
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Pictures of Previous Tour Groups and Participants
Photos from recent year Bavarian Castles Tours |
Four other website pages, shared with other
tours, also provide in depth information and travel services.
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Tours Characteristics
Notes on the distinguishing features of the various tours offered.
What's so special about these tours? How do they differ
from each other? |
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References
Comments from participants in this and other Castles tours. |
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Travel Info
Clickable links to air and rail travel resources, currency and time
conversion, etc. |
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Book Travel - Flights, Hotels, Packages, Cars, Cruises,
Activities
Through a partnership with
Expedia.com we are pleased to offer self-service travel
search and booking services. |
References
Many additional
comments on this and other Castles Tours are provided on a separate
References Page .
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Comments, experiences and recommendations primarily from guests on
the May and June 2009 Bavarian Castles Tours are featured in the
European Castles Tours
References Video . |
Cost and Date Information
Complete printable itineraries in PDF format:
Bavarian Castles Tour Itinerary
Bavarian Castles Tour + Oberammergau Passion Play Itinerary
(Sold Out)
Three Nights Venice Extension Itinerary
The 2010 and 2011 Bavarian Castles Tours
listed below are offered on the following basis:
Tour prices are for the land segment
only. Air fare is not included.
Prices are per person, in U.S. dollars,
based on double occupancy.
Single Occupancy is available for a Single Supplement charge of US $ 300.
A child 8 to 16 years old sharing a room with two adults receives a 40%
reduction on this tour.
Guaranteed Departure: These 2010 and
2011 Bavarian Castles Tours are guaranteed to operate as scheduled and will not
be cancelled due to a low level of participation.
A deposit of US $ 300 per person is
required to secure a reservation on the Bavarian Castles Tours, US $ 400 on the
tour with the Oberammergau Passion Play 2010 extension.
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Bavarian Castles Tour – 2010 Departures |
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Your overnight
international flight leaves ... |
Status |
Double
Occupancy |
Single
Occupancy |
Child 8-16
with 2 Adults |
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May 21, 2010 |
Completed |
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June 4, 2010 |
Completed |
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September 10, 2010 |
Available - Book now |
US $ 2,090 |
US $ 2,390 |
US $ 1,254 |
Private Tour Option
Do our dates not work for you? We can arrange the tour for
you or your party as a private tour. Same itinerary as above in a private
limousine or van, with bilingual, professional private guide / chauffeur. With
4 people in a group, for example, the price per person is typically EUR 1,700.
Please send an
e-mail to get a quote for your specific situation.
Semi-Private Tour option: Depart July 29, start Munich July
30, end August 6. There is an opening to add one or two additional couples at
EUR 1,700 or 1,600 per person. Please
e-mail for details.
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Bavarian Castles Tour + Oberammergau Passion Play 2010 |
Sorry, but the June and September Oberammergau extensions to the Bavarian
Castles Tour are sold out.
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Your overnight
international flight leaves ... |
Status |
Double
Occupancy |
Single
Occupancy |
Child 8-16
with 2 Adults |
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May 21, 2010 |
Completed |
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June 4, 2010 |
Completed |
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September 10, 2010 |
Sold Out |
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Bavarian Castles Tour – 2011 Departures |
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Your overnight
international flight leaves ... |
Status |
Double
Occupancy |
Single
Occupancy |
Child 8-16
with 2 Adults |
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April 22, 2011 |
New - Easter Tour
Available - Book now |
US $ 2,190 |
US $ 2,490 |
US $ 1,314 |
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May 21, 2011 |
Available - Book now |
US $ 2,190 |
US $ 2,490 |
US $ 1,314 |
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June 18, 2011 |
Available - Book now |
US $ 2,190 |
US $ 2,490 |
US $ 1,314 |
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September 10, 2011 |
Available - Book now |
US $ 2,190 |
US $ 2,490 |
US $ 1,314 |
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2011 Early Bird Special Book your 2011 tour by
August 31, 2010 and save US $ 100 per person from the above prices. |
2010 and 2011 Reservation details and materials
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The "Christmas Markets Tour" (King Ludwig II's Castles and the Bavarian
Christmas Markets) shares much of the itinerary of the "Bavarian Castles" Tour
detailed here. Full details are provided on the
Christmas
Markets Tour page.
| Dates for all current European Castles
Tours > |
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I have travelled extensively across the world, but this was the best organised tour I had ever been on.
At every point it was organised for the convenience of the customer and not the tour company, and they really went out of their way to ensure the trip was enjoyable and hassle free.
Plus it's true, there are no hidden extras. I hardly spent anything on the trip which was really inclusive, and this makes it a good option in a credit crunch environment.
Highly Recommended. A+++++
- Dawn Osborne, England, June 2010
Thank you again for a wonderful tour of Ludwig's castles and the personal knowledge of the region you shared with us. We had a really fun group and the size was just right. I very much appreciated your arranging everything for us – that personal touch is what made it a wonderful trip for me. We didn't have to worry about how to get to the castles, where to buy the tickets, what time to catch the ferry, etc. And the restaurants you selected were just as wonderful.... I look forward to booking my next castle tour with you, and will highly recommend my friends to do the same.
- Lauriat Heilman, Atlanta, Georgia, June 2009
What an unbelievably fantastic experience! From the fantasy and extravagance of King Ludwig’s storybook castles, the picturesque cities bulging with historical, cultural and religious significance, and the serenity of bovine-studded green pastures and church towers spotting the Bavarian countryside, to the welcoming hearts of our gracious hosts at Landhaus Koessel.... We can’t wait to book our next tour with Astrid, as we know her selection of living accommodations, meals, scenes and sites will, again, exceed our wildest expectations.
- Rosemarie & Jim Wess, Roseburg, Oregon, September 2008 Read more ...