Group Tour Operator and DMC for Germany
Lake Constance Explorer
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Lake Constance, Meersburg ©Internationale Bodensee Tourismus GmbH_Fotograf Achim Mende
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Lake Constance, Zeppelin über dem Bodensee ©Internationale Bodensee Tourismus GmbH_Fotograf Achim Mende
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Friedrichshafen and Zeppelin, Lake Constance
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Friedrichshafen with Schlosskirche (church), Lake Constance
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Mainau Island, Lake Constance
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Mainau Island, Lake Constance
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Lake Constance, Friedrichshafen ©Internationale Bodensee Tourismus GmbH_Fotograf Achim Mende
Tried and Tested: Visit Lake Constance and stay in Friedrichshafen
Bordered by Germany, Switzerland and Austria, Lake Constance offers a treasure trove of spectacular landscapes. Combine that with a mild climate and an array of fascinating places to visit and it’s easy to see why it remains such a popular destination. During this tour, we visit the lake’s capital, Constance. We explore Mainau, the ‘Island of Flowers, discover the ‘Island Town’ of Lindau and visit the spectacular Rhine Falls.
Read MoreFriedrichshafen is a wonderful base for your time on the Lake
This charming town is home to beautiful views and you also have good access to the many treasures found around the Lake. Take a stroll along the lakeside promenade, one of the longest on Lake Constance, with a magnificent view of the Alps, almost within touching distance across the water. Friedrichshafen has another claim to fame, as the birthplace of the Zeppelin airship. Whilst here, be sure to visit the engaging Zeppelin Museum. One of the museum’s highlight is a 33m reconstruction of the Hindenburg airship. Located in the striking former harbour station, tells the story of the remarkable aircraft. A highlight is a 33m-long reconstruction of the famous Hindenburg airship.
Visit Medieval Meersburg & the Island of Flowers
Built on a steep lakeside vineyard, with an imposing medieval fortress that looks over the town. The old town is simply enchanting. Nearby is the oldest castle in Germany: Salem Castle. It was originally a Cistercian monastery but it now houses several interesting museums, a wine cellar and café, all set in beautiful parkland. We take a passenger ferry for the 20-minute crossing to Mainau, the Island of Flowers. This tropical paradise is still owned by the noble Bernadotte family, the Swedish Royal family.
Another breathtaking excursion is to Europe’s largest waterfall. Cross into Switzerland to see the waters of the Rhine thundering and crashing. This is a phenomenal sight.
Perhaps, you’d like to see this stunning Lake from another angle and stay in Austria on our Lake Constance: One Lake, Four Countries tour.
Dates
Dates throughout 2021
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1-2
Travel to Germany
Take a short sea crossing and travel towards Germany, stopping en route for an overnight stay. Be sure to take in those first views of Lake Constance as you arrive at your hotel in the German lakeside resort of Friedrichshafen.
Day 3
Lake Cruise, Lindau and Cable Car
We take to the water this morning as we enjoy a relaxing cruise to Lindau, the famous ‘Town on the Island’. Arriving by boat we see Lindau’s best-known attractions, the famous Bavarian Lions and 33m high lighthouse that stand guard at the entrance to the picturesque harbour. There’s time to wander into the medieval town centre and see the beautifully painted City Hall. We continue around the lake by coach to Bregenz to take a ride on a cable car to the summit of the Pfänder Mountain. The ride is memorable in itself, but the panoramic 360˚ views from the top of the lake and of the Alpine peaks of Germany, Switzerland and Austria are truly stunning.
Day 4
At leisure in Friedrichshafen
Spend today relaxing in the hotel and exploring Friedrichshafen. Take a stroll along the lakeside promenade, one of the longest on Lake Constance, with a magnificent view of the Alps, almost within touching distance across the water. Friedrichshafen has another claim to fame, as the birthplace of the Zeppelin airship. The Zeppelin Museum, located in the striking former harbour station, tells the story of the remarkable aircraft. A highlight is a 33m-long reconstruction of the famous Hindenburg airship.
Day 5
Constance and Mainau
This morning we visit the picturesque town of Meersburg, built on a steep lakeside vineyard, with an imposing medieval fortress that looks over the town. We take a ferry across the lake to spend time in the historic town of Constance. The centre, with its narrow, winding streets, has changed little since the Middle Ages. Our day of discoveries takes us next to Mainau, the ‘Island of Flowers’. This tropical paradise park, still owned by the noble Bernadotte family, boasts a Butterfly House, Arboretum and Palm House, as well as Castle Mainau.
Day 6
Rhine Falls and Schaffshausen
We take a scenic drive today following the northern shore of the lake before crossing into Switzerland to visit the mighty Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall. Stand high above the falls and feel the vibration of the water as it thunders below you. If you’re feeling brave, take a short ride by boat to the famous rock in the middle of the falls. There’s free time in the neighbouring medieval town of Schaffshausen before we return to the hotel.
Day 7-8
Return to the UK
It’s time to leave the lake and return to the UK. Stop for an overnight before taking a short sea crossing on day 8.
Suggested hotels
SEEhotel Friedrichshafen ****
Centrally located between the railway station and the shores of Lake Constance. All rooms at the Seehotel are equipped with hairdryer, TV, telephone and air-conditioning. The restaurant offers regional and international cuisine. Coach parking is available in front of the hotel.
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- SEEhotel Friedrichshafen exterior
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- SEEhotel Friedrichshafen double room
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- SEEhotel Friedrichshafen bathroom
Hotel City Krone, Friedrichshafen ****
Centrally located and a 2 minute walk to the lake side promenade of Friedrichshafen. All rooms are equipped with satellite TV, minibar, seating area and a private bathroom with hairdryer. The hotel has a bar, swimming pool, sauna and a terrace. Coach parking is a 5 minute walk from the hotel.
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- Hotel City Krone Friedrichshafen bedroom
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- Hotel City Krone Friedrichshafen – restaurant
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- Hotel City Krone Friedrichshafen
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| 8 days by Land and Sea | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| 2021 dates | Price on request | Price on request |
Prices also available on request for travel by air
