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Bavarian Castles Tour
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King Ludwig II's Castles and the Bavarian
Lakes
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Oberammergau
Passion Play option available for 2010 tours, as explained in
Passion Play section below.
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 and the Hofbraeuhaus 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.
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 Fuessen, 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 Koessel |
Day 3 NEUSCHWANSTEIN, HOHENSCHWANGAU
Today we focus on NEUSCHWANSTEIN, 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. 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.
In the afternoon we visit 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 high up in the mountain on the site 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 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.
Tonight we have a typical Kaesspatzen dinner at home.
> Buffet breakfast, door-to-door transportation, Zugspitze cable car,
guided tour of Linderhof, three-course dinner, Landhaus Koessel |
Linderhof |
The next performances of the Oberammergau Passion Play will be in the summer
of 2010. European Castles Tours is offering special extended versions of this
Bavarian Castles Tour in 2010 which will include a full performance of the
Passion Play. Details are provided in the Passion Play
section below. Information about other European Castles Tours which will
include Passion Play performances are provided on the
Oberammergau Passion Play 2010 page.
Day 5 HERRENCHIEMSEE, BAD TOELZ
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 TOELZ.
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 and first we visit 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 Hofbraeuhaus, 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.
> Buffet breakfast, transfer to airport |
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Oberammergau Passion Play 2010
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).
Day 9 Bavarian Castles Tour + Oberammergau Passion
Play
After a leisurely breakfast on Day 9 we begin with a guided walk
through FUESSEN, 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
villages 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.
During the break enjoy a nice dinner in town. We return to the Landhaus
for overnight. |
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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
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. |
Astrid Baur |
Hotel The Landhaus Koessel
The Landhaus Koessel is located on Lake Hopfen, near Fuessen, 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 Toelz |
Marienplatz, Munich |
September 2007 Tour |
Ludwig Votivchapel, Lake Starnberg |
At Hopfensee, May 2008 |
Lindau Harbour |
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 |
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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
- Fuessen 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 |
Three other website pages, shared with all
tours, also provide in depth information.
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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 recent Castles tours. |
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Travel Info
Clickable links to air and rail travel resources, currency and time
conversion, etc. |
References
Additional comments on this and other Castles Tours are
provided on the separate
References
Page
DATES AND RATES
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For castle buffs, a tour with Astrid is a must. We took both the Bavarian tour and the Rhine River tour, and enjoyed them both. Her selection of castles, hotels, restaurants, and city tours was superb. She created a wonderfully enjoyable time for all of us with her warmth, her flexibility, and her graciousness.
- Pat and Lee Flocke, Florida Read more ...
I have a tour company and was interested in sending clients on Astrid's tour, but first I wanted to make sure it met my expectations.
It far surpassed my expectations! I will send clients on any of Astrid's tours knowing they'll come home with wonderful memories and already making plans for another tour.
- Beverly Sorci, Nebraska
The King Ludwig's Castles and Bavarian Lakes tour in September 2007 was a fantasy come true. The scenery was spectacular and the castles were breathtaking. However, the best part of the trip was the tour guide, Astrid Baur .... I would not hesitate to go on one of her tours again. One could not ask for a more pleasant and efficient tour guide. Highly recommended!
- Leslie Ray, Canada Read more ...
This is a wonderful, peaceful, and restful VACATION with the exciting experiences of the daily itineraries: even the short bus rides were welcomed experiences seeing the beautiful countryside and the evening dinners were wonderful with varied menus.
- Joane & Victor Pepper, South Carolina
An in-depth exploration of the origins, settings, exteriors, and interiors of King Ludwig IIs castles and palaces, and of the cultural texture and unique historical sites and features of the Bavarian lakes area.
- Dr. Bruce McKay, Canada Read more ...
Thank you for making our holiday in Bavaria so enjoyable. The itinerary was great, incorporating so many different elements - carriage rides, boat rides, ski lifts as well as the amazing castles.
- T & J & J Hegley, England Read more ...