Group tour Operator for holidays to Bavaria, Germany
Bavaria – Munich, Passion Play and the Castles of King Ludwig II
-
Neuschwanstein Palace, Schwangau, Bavaria, Germany ©GNTB, Photographer Florian Trykowski
-
View towards Viktualienmarkt, Church of the Holy Spirit in Munich ©DZT, Saskia Wehler Photography, GNTB
-
Benedictine Abbey Ettal with park ©DZT, Jens Wegener, GNTB
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
From story book castles and snow-capped mountains to crystal clear lakes, medieval towns and villages, Bavaria offers a veritable treasure trove of wonderful and memorable experiences.
The castles of King Ludwig II are some of the highlights of this tour and Linderhof Palace is especially wonderful. Although small, it was the only palace which was fully completed and the opulent rooms are exquisitely furnished. Furthermore, you also have the chance to visit the Mad King Ludwig’s most famous castle – Neuschwanstein, one of the most photographed castles in the world.
Spend a day exploring Bavaria’s capital, Munich. Known for its beer and hearty cuisine, the city is also bursting with history. Explore the city’s past in its wonderful old churches and traditional beer halls. From the divine English garden to the BMW Museum, there’s something for everyone.
Wander the medieval streets and see wonderful woodcarvings on the buildings in Oberammergau, home of the world famous ‘Passion Play’ and enjoy some peace and tranquility in the Benedictine Monastery at Ettal.
Dates
On request
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1-2
Travel to Germany
Drive to Dover and take the short sea ferry crossing to Calais and continue across France. After making an overnight stop, continue into Germany the following day. The spectacular Bavarian landscape unfolds as you travel to your hotel in Bavaria for the next 5 nights.
Day 3
At leisure – Oberammergau sightseeing
For centuries, the German village Oberammergau has staged its depiction of the betrayal and suffering of Jesus Christ. Revisited and refined every ten years, the Passion Play has grown into a must-see event. On a guided walking tour you will learn about this traditional event and take a backstage tour of the theatre where the play is held. The streets are lined with beautifully painted houses, their decoration ranging from ornamentation to biblical scenes. Also known for its woodcarvers, admire magnificent creations in shop windows and maybe watch the woodcarvers at work. The town is very easy to explore on foot and there are many shops, cafes, bars and restaurants to enjoy.
Day 4
Linderhof Palace, Ettal Monastery and Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Linderhof Palace is one of Bavaria’s architectural wonders. It is the smallest of the palaces built by Ludwig II and is famous for its ostentatious, chandelier-filled rooms. A guided tour includes the Hall of Mirrors, the Peacock Throne and an artificial grotto with a wave-making machine. After the tour, spend some time exploring the magnificent gardens and fountains.
On the way to Garmisch–Partenkirchen stop at the famous Benedictine Abbey at Ettal which was founded by King Ludwig. Guided tours for groups are available of the basilica, the brewery, museum and liqueur distillery. It is possible to enjoy the exterior of the basilica and make a visit of the interior without a guide.
Continue to Garmisch-Partenkirchen a town formed of two villages. See the distinct character of these quaint towns surrounded by mountains. If time allows, why not hop on one of the many cable cars which will whisk you up to the mountain peaks where you can relax and enjoy magnificent alpine views.
Day 5
Schloss Neuschwanstein, Füssen and Lake Forggensee
Schloss Neuschwanstein, surrounded by the Ammergau, Lechtal and Tannheim Alps, has made its mark on the world of film in The Great Escape and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and will strike a chord with fans of Disney, having inspired the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle. It was built by King Ludwig II in the 19th Century as a private retreat but he died before the building was completed. Ludwig was notoriously reclusive, and insisted that the castle’s design reflect the height of architectural romanticism. As you walk up to the entrance of the castle over Marienbrücke (St. Mary’s Bridge) you can take in the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, Hohenschwangau Castle and Alpsee Lake.
Leaving the castle head to the nearby medieval town of Füssen, situated on picturesque Lake Forggensee. It is Bavaria’s highest town at the foot of the Alps on the border with the Austrian Tyrol. There’s free time to visit the fascinating Museum of Bavarian Kings, where you can see Ludwig II’s famous blue and gold robe, or perhaps take a lake cruise (seasonal operation).
Day 6
Munich Sightseeing
Meet up with a local guide for a panoramic city tour by coach and see key sights such as Nymphenburg Palace and the Olympic Stadium before a walking tour of the old town which will highlight Marienplatz and Neues Rathaus (New City Hall) which as a glockenspiel that plays daily at 11 am. If time permits, pop into the Hofbrauhaus, the most famous of Munich’s beer halls.
If time allows, perhaps visit the Residenz, a sumptuous palace laid out around seven courtyards and one of the great treasure houses of Europe, or see the Cuvilliés-Theater, a jewel-like baroque auditorium or head for the Englischer Garten, one of the largest public parks in the world with a rotunda offering a lovely view of the city skyline.
Day 7-8
Return to the UK
Make the journey through Germany and into France for an overnight stop before continuing next day to Calais for the short sea ferry crossing to the UK.
Optional extra day/excursion
Herrenchiemsee New Palace and Lake Cruise
Located on an island in the middle of Bavaria’s largest lake, Lake Chiemsee, this is King Ludwig’s II ‘unfinished palace’ and was built in the style of Versailles. After a short boat trip on the lake across to the island, a guided tour of the Palace will show you the Great Hall of Mirrors, the State Staircase and bedrooms. Return via the beautiful spa town of Bad Tolz which lies on the River Isar. The town is famous for its Boys Choir.
- The suggested itinerary shown is based on staying in the resort of Oberammergau. This may have to be reschedules if the hotel is based in another resort in Bavaria.
- Some attractions may require pre-booking and/or payment direct on arrival – this will be indicated on any formal quotation that you receive as the providers terms and conditions can be changed without notice.
- Important notes regarding Neuschwanstein Castle: The castle is located about 40 minutes walk uphill from the parking. There is the alternative horse & carriage ride which takes 20 minutes but there is still a short uphill walk to the castle or there is a shuttlebus which stops at the Marienbrücke, where you have a magnificent view of the castle from the bridge. From this point you’ll have to walk 500 meters downhill to the entrance of the castle. Payment for these options to be made locally and cannot be prebooked. Once inside the castle, there are around 300 steps to negotiate and no lifts. For those not wishing to take the castle tour, maybe take the shuttlebus or carriage ride and go as far as the Marienbrücke to see close-up exterior of the castle and the surrounding views, which are amazing!
| Departure date | 8 days/7 nights | Single Supplement |
| 2026 | Price on request | Price on request |
