It’s time to load-up and head home with memories to last a lifetime. Our private coach will meet us directly in front of the hotel delivering us to the Munich International Airport in time for many international flights. Squeeze in one last Aufwiedersehen as the Bavaria & Beyond tour comes to a close.
Bus will arrive at the Munich Int. Airport by 0700
Wake up in the heart of Munich with the iconic Fraunkirche and Marienplatz Rathaus just down the street. After gathering in the hotel lobby, you will be guided through the hauptstadt of Bavaria and beer capital of the world on our Munich City Walking Tour. Discover the relics which Luther so strongly opposed on display in the city's many breathtaking cathedrals. Watch the famous glockenspiel bell play and explore one of Germany's most beloved cities.
Celebrate the memories made on your Bavaria & Beyond vacation on the tour's final evening. Savor a traditional Bavarian meal as we recap the adventures of the previous days. "Prost" with the new friends you’ve made and say Aufwiedersehen – until next time.
Inspired by the Palace of Versailles, Linderhof Palace is one of the region's hidden gems. It was the only construction project ordered by King Ludwig II to be completed. Learn about Ludwig's eccentric life and mysterious death as we drive through the rural Graswang Valley.
Today is the day we will see a production of the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play! Since 1634, after being spared from the bubonic plague ravaging through the region, inhabitants of this quaint alpine village have been performing a play depicting the last days of Christ’s life. Still today the production is performed every 10 years by a cast consisting strictly of local participants. The play is broken up into two acts with a break for dinner which is included in your Bavaria and Beyond tour.
Nestled at the base of the towering Alps sits the world famous Neuschwanstein Castle. Learn the history of King Ludwig II and his inspiration for building this picturesque fairy-tale castle.
Wake up inside the historic walls of Rothenburg ob der Tauber with the city square just outside your doorstep. Treat yourself to a slow and relaxing start to the day and watch the town come alive. Stroll through the romantic road's most romantic village. Peruse the village's unique shops and boutiques. Or take trip back in time and walk along the centuries old medieval walls of this fortified city. Following our time in Regensburg we make our way south to the Imperial City of Augsburg.
Highlights: The city walls - German National Christmas Market Museum - Medeival Torture Museum
Photo Credit: ©Rothenburg Tourismus Service, W. Pfitzinger
Spend the day discovering the fascinating city of Erfurt as our guide, Martin Luther himself, leads us on a walking tour through the town in which he studied and committed his life to the service of God. After Luther’s Erfurt orientation, take in the sights and further explore the lay of the land at your leisure. Marvel at the beauty of the awe-inspiring domes and cathedrals in Erfurt or wander the towns picturesque pedestrian streets. A must see is the Kramer Bridge and its half timbered homes sandwiched across its span.
Highlights: Tour Guided by Luther – Merchants Bridge - Church of Saint Severus – Petersburg Citadel – Old Medieval Synagogue - Medieval Mikveh – Luther’s Augustinian Monastery -
The Wartburg Castle, located just outside of Eisenach, is one of the most influential fortresses in all of Germany. Dating as far back as 1067, the castle has aged magnificently over the centuries defying the tells of time. Built in no more than 16 years, an astonishing 70 percent of the building is still in its original form. However, the true significance of this Neo-Romanesque fortress lies not only in its construction, but rather in the events which it facilitated. During his time at the Wartburg Castle, Luther or “Junker Jörg” as he was called while incognito, translated the New Testament from Greek to German in just 12 weeks! This monumental event was a key point in the Reformation and all German speaking regions. Luther’s translation made the Word of God accessible to the common man and furthermore created a foundation for a standardized written German language. Guests will be able take in all the history this spectacular sight has to offer.
Highlights: Wartburg Castle - Luther's study - Eisenach
One Hammer, Four Nails and The 95 Theses: that’s how it all began. Long before the reformation, on November 10th, 1483, Martin Luther came into the world. On our way to Wittenberg, we will make a short visit to his birth town of Eisleben, Germany. Upon arriving in the Lutherstadt Wittenberg we will be greeted by the imposing Castle Church where Luther proclaimed his grievances with the Catholic church by posting the 95 Theses. A short stroll through this historic town takes us to the Luther Museum; renovated and reopened in 2017 to celebrate the reformations 500th anniversary. Here guests can visit this exception museum and historic building. Following the museum visit, we will enjoy a hearty German meal at the local town brewery before a short walking tour through town.
Highlights: Castle Church & the 95 Thesis Door –St. Anne Church – Luther House – The World’s Largest Reformation Museum - Philipp Melanchthon House – Luther’s Burial Site -
Enjoy a leisurely day discovering the cultural and historical significance of Weimar. This small town, once a focal point of German culture during the 18th century, was home to giants of the Enlightenment such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schriller. Our day begins with a locally guided tour visiting the sites within the city. The small city of Weimar boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and over 16 UNESCO objects.
Guests will have the afternoon to themselves. Book a horse and carriage ride around the town. Visit the delightful shops and boutiques scattered throughout pedestrian zone. A visit to the Goethe National Museum or Bauhaus Architecture museum is sure to delight the arts & culture enthusiast. History buffs can visit the city museum and learn more about the founding of the Weimar Republic and the pivotal role it played early 20th century German national history. For guests seeking another type of history, the sobering Buchholz Concentration Camp Memorial Site is a short 20 minute drive from the city center, with public busses departing hourly.
Highlights: Lucas-Cranach-Haus, Democracy Square - Stadt¬schloss Weimar, Fürsten¬haus und Anna Amalia Bibliothek - Ginkgo¬baum – Goethe House – Schriller House - Bauhaus-University and Museum – Belvedere Palace – Buchenwald Concentration Camp (optional)
Rise and shine on the banks of the Danube in the heart of picturesque Regensburg. Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before heading out on a guided walking tour of this historic city. After seeing the sights, it’s time to depart on a scenic cruise on the Danube river. Upon the cruise's conclusion, guests will have the opportunity to savor a beer & brats at Germanys longest operating sausage stand, established more than 500 years back. After exploring the city’s historic old town during your free time, it’s time to load up and head out to our next stop – Bayreuth!
Surrounded by the natural beauty of Bayreuth we will slowly make our way through the city's Imperial Garden. Following in the footsteps of the famous composer Richard Wagner, we will pass the town's world renowned opera house and palace. After a traditional Bavarian meal, it’s off to a center point of German culture – Weimar.
Highlights: Thurn & Taxis Palace – Steinerne Bridge – St. Paul’s Cathedral – Danube River Cruise – Festspiehaus – Margravial Opera House - Neue Schloss Bayreuth –
Shortly after landing at the Munich International Airport you will be greeted by your Bavaria & Beyond tour guides. Enjoy a beverage on us as you get acquainted with your fellow travelers. Once the group has gathered, it's time to load up and head out to our first destination – Regensburg!
Our first night’s stay will be spent at a quaint hotel located in the heart of Regensburg. With roots reaching back to the 12th century, this recently renovated hotel has been hosting international travelers for centuries. After settling in, enjoy a short stroll through town as we make our way to the Welcome Dinner Reception hosted on the banks of the Danube river. Eat, drink, and be merry as we kick-off the tour of a lifetime!
Highlights: Munich Int. Airport Pick-Up – Overnight in the Heart of Historic Regensburg - Welcome Dinner Reception on Danube River
