Discover Bavaria on this all-inclusive tour, featuring excursions to beautiful Lindau, Lake Constance and fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, with time to explore medieval Rothenburg, the highlight of the Romantic Road.
Your journey begins in London today, where you meet your group in Rail Discoveries' dedicated Departure Office at London St Pancras International. From here, travel on the Eurostar service to Brussels, then continue by rail to Ulm, via Cologne, for the short transfer by coach to Langenau. Here you will spend six nights at the 3* Hotel Jägerhaus and all meals are provided from now until your departure from Langenau. Beer, wine and soft drinks are included between 7pm and 11pm.
The following day is at leisure to explore Langenau and the surrounding area. Originally a Roman settlement, Langenau is one of the largest towns in the Alb-Donau region of southern Germany and sits in the shadow of the impressive Swabian Alb mountain range. The historic towns attractions include the fourteenth century Church of St Martin, the Pfleghofsall cultural centre and the Museum of Local History. Nearby Ulm is also well worth a visit; the birthplace of Albert Einstein, Ulm has multiple claims to fame including a Guinness World Record for the world's most crooked house and the world's highest steeple at the top of its beautiful minster. Here, you can find cobbled streets, pleasant walks alongside the River Danube, and the 14th century 'Rathaus' or Town Hall, with its stunning facade and astronomical clock dating back to the 16th century. Otherwise, visit the Steiff Museum in Giengen, home of the Teddy Bear.
Visit Lindau today, on a small island in Lake Constance. This historical, pretty town dates back to the 15th century, and boasts breathtaking views over the water towards the Swiss and Austrian Alps. You are free to explore the medieval town. Perhaps pay a visit to the Mangentrum, a 13th century building that once served as a lighthouse for the lake, now adorned with a colourful tiled roof following a lightning strike in the 1970s. Another option is the Haus zum Cavazzen, a former city palace turned museum and reportedly the most beautiful house on Lake Constance. Dating back to the 16th century, the palace now serves as a museum of Lindau's history.
The spectacular Neuschwanstein Castle is today's destination. Built by 'The Fairytale King' Ludwig II, in the 19th century, the castle served no purpose as a fortification in the traditional sense, but was instead an elaborate retreat for the reclusive monarch. The famous building took 17 years to complete but was only occupied by King Ludwig for 170 days before he was deposed, due to apparent insanity. He died the next day in mysterious circumstances, along with the psychiatrist who declared him insane, leaving behind the glorious castle. Featuring stunning towers and other typically medievalstyle architecture, the castle served as inspiration for the Disney movie 'Sleeping Beauty'. Enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent building and admire its grand interior and stunning views across the untouched countryside.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore the region further. Perhaps take advantage of the hotel's facilities or enjoy a stroll into Langenau. Alternatively visit the city of Munich, which is reachable by local rail services. There is plenty to see in Munich should you choose to go. The landmark Frauenkirche, distinct for its twin oniondomed towers, which stand at a staggering 99 metres tall. Considered a symbol of the city, it appears on many postcards. If you would prefer to see art over architecture, you may wish to visit the Alte Pinakothek. One of the world's oldest galleries, the Alte Pinakothek boasts an impressive and famous collection of Old Master paintings. You can expect to see an excellent representation of European painters on display here including sublime works by Ruben, Botticelli, El Greco and Titian.
Today's excursion is to one of Germany's best preserved medieval towns, the historic location of Rothenburg. Situated along the route of the famous 'Romantic Road', you enjoy a guided tour of the town's inspiring Old Town. Rothenberg is truly the hidden gem of Germany, featuring magnificent town walls marked by towers and gently buzzing squares of natives and visitors alike.
After breakfast, you take a coach to Ulm before continuing to Cologne and Brussels. Here you connect with the Eurostar service back to St Pancras International in London, where your tour concludes.
Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.
Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We will write to you around 10 weeks before your departure date with the precise meeting times for your tour group.
Not Included
of travellers would recommend this tour
Tour Rating
based on 13 verified reviews
Everythng was as described and luckily the weather was dry and we had a good time in a friendly group.
Very enjoyable experience, visited great places, a very knowledgeable Tour Manager and a great hotel to stay at as our base.
The holiday was exciting and there was so much to see. There was also a lot of free time to explore places on your own which was great.
A good holiday, but disappointing that the hotel was not in Bavaria
great holiday but return journey very long for us with 4 trains to arrive back home - even though we used Baggageman and carried little luggage.
Good travel arrangements and trips. Hotel generally good, but no safe in room and aircon would have been welcome in such a hot week. The food was generally good although it was a shame that on the last night the meal was less than satisfactory. (That's being kind.) Overall we thought the holiday was very good value for money.
We felt it was very well organised holiday and our tour manager Karen was very efficient and pleasant. We would only mentioned that while te hotel was very nice and the people working there were very good, the lunch was very repetitive with the same sandwich every day. It would have been better if it was not include in the price and pay the hotel for a lunch service only when required
This was my fourth trip with Rail Discoveries and every one has been a joy. A special plaudit for the Tour Guide Barry Edwards who was ever attentive and good fun.
OVERALL WE HAD A LOVELY HOLIDAY.
Subjective assessment. More should have been mentioned regarding the 1.5km climb to the castle. Impossible to get a train from Mk to Euston to coincide with the departure from St Pancras on the Sunday morning. This has prevented us booking other holidays - too early for connections.
Castles, Lake Constance and Bavaria’s capital
Call:
Enquire
2018's definitive guide to European, Worldwide and Cruise rail tours and holidays by rail.
Order Brochure
