Overview
Lederhosen, Oktoberfest, pretzels, a beautiful Alpine backdrop, excellent beer, storybook castles, and medieval towns… this is Bavaria and on this Germany tour, you’ll experience Bavaria's highlights. You’ll overnight in Munich, Regensburg, Nuremberg, the Black Forest, and Oberammergau, and you’ll visit many medieval towns along the way.
Sightseeing throughout the tour features the must-see attractions. In Munich, visit Marienplatz with its Old and New Town Halls and its famous Glockenspiel, re-creating a royal wedding from the 16th century. History buffs are sure to be delighted in Regensburg, where your sightseeing features the 12th-century Stone Bridge, the oldest preserved bridge of its kind in Germany; the Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in the 2nd century; and St. Peter's Cathedral, dating back to the 13th century. You will also enjoy a Danube cruise on the Swarovski Crystal boat. In Nuremberg, admire the impressive medieval ramparts as you walk through the pedestrian area of the charming Old Town.
Additionally, on this Germany tour, Globus has included special experiences to help you get a feel for Bavaria and to make your vacation unique. Among the many included features, you can sample a "medieval hot dog" at the Historic Sausage Kitchen in Regensburg, one of Germany's oldest restaurants. Here—where the locals congregate—feel the vibrant atmosphere and take in the remarkable views along the river. In picturesque Bamberg, the city with the largest historical centre in Germany and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, taste "smoked beer," a type of beer with a distinctive smoke flavour. And of course, you will enjoy coffee with the traditional Black Forest cake. Near Oberammergau, you'll visit Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairytale castle of King Ludwig II nestled in the Bavarian Alps, and the Museum of Bavarian Kings, with a horse-drawn carriage ride.
These are just a few of the many features on this Bavarian Highlights tour. Between the historical sights, fascinating towns, unique included experiences, and a beautiful scenic backdrop, this is a holiday of a lifetime!
Selected departures can join cruise WAZ “Romantic Rhine”
UK - Munich, Germany
Day
1
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel
Time to relax or to start exploring the lively Bavarian capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Munich - Regensburg
Day
2
Germany’s “Secret Capital” comes alive during your guided sightseeing featuring the Olympic Stadium, built for the 1972 Olympics; the 1,000-foot-high Olympic Tower; Nymphenburg Palace; and the impressive Königsplatz, used for Nazi rallies during World War II. Drive along the Ludwigstrasse, and see the Bavarian Arch of Triumph and Field Marshall Hall, a monumental loggia on the Odeonsplatz. Visit lively MARIENPLATZ with the Old and the New Town Halls and the gothic Frauenkirche. Arrive in Regensburg, and meet your Local Guide for a walking tour, featuring the Stone Bridge, the oldest preserved bridge of its kind in Germany; the Porta Pretoria, built in the 2nd century by Emperor Marcus Aurelius; and St. Peter’s Cathedral. Next, board the Swarovski crystal boat for a relaxing CRUISE on the Danube River. You cannot leave Regensburg without tasting a medieval hot dog at the Historic Sausage Kitchen.
Regensburg – Nuremberg
Day
3
Visit the THURN UND TAXIS PALACE, a former Benedictine monastery that was converted into the residence of the Princes of Thurn und Taxis in 1812. This family started the first large-scale postal service in Europe in the 15th century. Continue to Nuremberg, known for its children’s toys and gingerbread. Admire the medieval ramparts as you walk through the pedestrian area of the charming Old Town. See St. Sebald Church, painstakingly reconstructed as a monument to peace from the rubble of near-total wartime destruction. Also admire the Schöner Brunnen, a 14th-century fountain dedicated to the Holy Roman Empire. It is said that it brings good luck to spin the two brass rings.
Nuremberg. Excursion to Bayreuth & Bamberg
Day
4
Look forward to an exciting day. First, stop in Bayreuth for an orientation of this city of festival fame. Richard Wagner came to Bayreuth in 1871 and was not satisfied with the existing 18th-century theatre, the Markgräfliches Opernhaus, so he had a new one built. Today, the Festival Hall is used exclusively for the Bayreuth Festival, and only works by Wagner are performed there. Continue to picturesque Bamberg, the city with the largest historical centre in Germany and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taste “smoked beer,” a type of beer with a distinctive smoke flavour imparted by using malted barley dried over an open flame. Later enjoy a guided walk along the cobblestone streets, and admire the architecture of the houses. Return to Nuremberg.
Nuremberg – Rothenburg – Black Forest
Day
5
A short drive delivers you to medieval Rothenburg with its ramparts and towers, cobblestone lanes, and 16th-century houses. Hear how the town survived the Thirty Years’ War, and shop for Christmas ornaments. Enter the Black Forest, associated with the Brother Grimm’s fairy tales, and stop for Kaffee und Schwarzwaldkuchen (coffee and Black Forest cake) on your way to your hotel.
Black Forest – Lake Constance – Oberammergau
Day
6
A scenic drive this morning to sparkling Lake Constance, Europe’s largest freshwater reservoir. Enter the Bavarian Alps and arrive in the quaint Passion Play village of Oberammergau.
Oberammergau. Neuschwanstein Excursion
Day
7
Today prepare for a journey to the past: drive to nearby Schwangau and see two castles facing each other: Hohenschwangau, where King Ludwig spent much of his youth, and the one he built: magnificent NEUSCHWANSTEIN, the most famous in Germany and inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle at his theme park. Follow your Local Guide through this fairytale castle on its craggy outcrop high above a sparkling lake. Also, visit the MUSEUM OF THE BAVARIAN KINGS and travel in style on a HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDE.
Oberammergau – Munich
Day
8
A leisurely morning offers the possibility to join an optional excursion to King Ludwig’s Linderhof Castle, the smallest of the castles he built, but the only one finished and where he stayed the most. This afternoon, you can return to Marienplatz and explore its many enticing shops. Tonight, a farewell dinner awaits at one of Munich’s lively restaurants to say auf Wiedersehen!
Munich - UK
Day
9
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.
Transfer from your hotel to the Airport for your return flight to the UK.
Things to note
This Platinum tour is operated by our sister company Globus