Hidden in the seclusion of the Bavarian mountains, King Ludwig II built two of his dream castles, Neuschwanstein and Linderhof. This trip from Munich shows you both of these extraordinary castles, the legacy of of Bavaria's fairytale King. Capture the grandeur of these castles and the picturesque mountain scenery of Bavaria in one magical day.
Departing Munich, visit the smallest of three royal castles, Linderhof, which was built by King Ludwig II during the 19th century as a hunting lodge. Built in French Rococo style, the castle has a fantastic grotto and Moorish pavilion which can be visited during your two hour stay. You have the option to join a guided tour of the interior of Linderhof.
After departing Linderhof, you will have a short shopping stop in Oberammergau, world-famous for its woodcarvers, richly painted houses (Luftl-paintings) and Passion Play.
On the approach to Neuschwanstein, it will quickly become clear as to why this magnificent neo-Romanesque style castle is the most well known castle in the world. It appears through the mist like something out of a fairytale, and you will not be surprised to hear that the man who conceived its design - King Ludwig II, was considered quite eccentric. If it all seems very familiar, it may be because the castle was the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle.
You will have four hours to explore the grounds of Neuschwanstein, and the option of joining a guided tour of the interior of the castles if you wish.
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This glorious folly was built in the 19th century by the famed "mad" King Ludwig II, a man intoxicated by myth and who himself became a legend. The shimmering white towers of the castle among the clouds are instantly recognizable to many and is the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle, and is also famous as the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Castle. To visit it is to step inside a fairy tale.
Your guide will tell the engaging story of King Ludwig's renowned and tragic reign, of his turbulent times, and of the obsession that drove him to build his fantasy castle in the mountains and ultimately destroyed him. Take an exclusive internal tour of the king's private chambers with a specialist castle guide.
Entrance fees to the Neuschwanstein Castle are not included. A supplement of 9 euros (per person) is payable direct. This guided tour includes advance booking so you can skip long lines and gain quick access to the Neuschwanstein Castle. Don't waste time waiting in lines on vacation!
The journey to Neuschwanstein takes approximately 2 hours by train. Germany's rail system is world renown and this journey to the Alps is no exception. Offering spectacular views, trains are clean, comfortable and equipped with washrooms and snack bars. Feel free to walk around and chat to your fellow travellers as well as your guide, who can answer any questions about Munich and Bavaria.
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Just outside the medieval town center of Dachau, a Memorial Site stands on the grounds of the former concentration camp. This was the 'parent' camp. Dachau was the 'Academy of Terror', the originator, role-model and training ground for the vast order of brutality that spread over half of Europe in the wake of the armies of the Third Reich, and which ultimately culminated in history's greatest crime, the Final Solution.
2005 marked the 60th anniversary of the liberation of most Nazi concentration camps in the closing months of the Second World War. All over an exhausted Europe, advancing Allied soldiers set free the desperate survivors of camp after camp. The diseased, the starving, the barely alive emerged to tell a shocked and disbelieving world of the full horror of a network of systematized murder and degradation that had first been set in motion in 1933.
While each camp was responsible for its own particular form of barbarism, what distinguished Dachau is that almost everything that happened in the system as a whole happened at some level there. Almost every category of victim passed through its infamous Arbeit macht frei (Freedom through Work) gate, German dissidents, outspoken clergymen, Jehovah's Witnesses, homosexuals, Jews, Polish civilians, all in all the citizens of some 34 nations. Today's Memorial Site combines the historical authenticity of the original environment and its many surviving buildings with the function of a modern exhibition center. It is a place of memory, of pilgrimage and of education.
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Salzburg is also one of the most popular movie tourism destinations in the world for one simple reason, The Sound of Music. We'll show you sites you'll remember from the silver screen. Salzburg is one of the finest preserved medieval old towns in Europe, criss-crossed with winding streets and venerable market places and adorned with architectural monuments of the later baroque era. Piazzas and fountains, the stunning Domkirche Cathedral, palaces, gardens, churches, monasteries, confectioneries and patisseries. And towering above it all, the breathtaking 900 year old fortress Festung Hohensalzburg, the magnificent edifice that dominates the city's skyline.
Your expert guide will bring you on a train ride from Munich to Austria and back again and put their knowledge of the city and what is best to see and do at your service. We'll provide you with a map and give you a 1.5 hour orientation tour through the major sites. You'll then have 3 hours to explore the city for yourself before the return journey. We have the inside knowledge of what to see and where to go and are dedicated to helping you experience the city by the most convenient and most efficient means.
The journey to Salzburg takes approximately 2 hours by train. Germany's rail system is world renowned and this journey to the Alps is no exception. Trains are clean, comfortable and equipped with washrooms and snack bars. Feel free to walk around and chat to your fellow travellers as well as your guide, who can answer any questions about Munich and Bavaria.
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:118:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/2666/SITours/salzburg-small-group-day-tour-from-munich-in-munich-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:107:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Munich/Salzburg-Small-Group-Day-Tour-from-Munich/d487-2666MUSIC";}i:4;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:3:"103";s:11:"ProductCode";s:6:"285011";s:11:"ProductName";s:51:"Berchtesgaden and Eagle's Nest Day Tour from Munich";s:12:"Introduction";s:1133:"Embark on a guided tour of Berchtesgaden, Hitler's mountain retreat and the southern headquarters of the Nazi party on a full day coach trip from Munich. Eagle's Nest is a mountain top lodge built by the Nazis, and is a major drawcard for the region. Located at 6,148 feet (1,834 meters) on top of Mt Kehlstein, the lodge has some of Germany's most amazing views of the Alps mountain range. Ironically, Hitler suffered vertigo and rarely took pleasure in the views.
Due to the World War II bombings by the Royal Air Force, there is little evidence left of Hitler and the Nazi party's presence, however Eagle's Nest still stands.
From mid may to October, you will have the option to take a bus ride up the mountain to see Eagle's Nest for yourself. The last 390 feet (120 meters) of the trip is in a brass-clad elevator. During the winter months or during inclement weather when access to Eagle's Nest is restricted, you will instead visit the world famous Salt Mines. Wearing traditional mining gear you will descend into the depths of the mine where you can see glowing salt grottoes and a subterranean salt lake.
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:128:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/2850/SITours/berchtesgaden-and-eagle-s-nest-day-tour-from-munich-in-munich-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:114:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Munich/Berchtesgaden-and-Eagle-s-Nest-Day-Tour-from-Munich/d487-285011";}i:5;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:3:"103";s:11:"ProductCode";s:6:"285010";s:11:"ProductName";s:58:"Romantic Road, Rothenburg and Harburg Day Tour from Munich";s:12:"Introduction";s:1213:"Surround yourself with castles and medieval villages as you travel along the Romantic Road during a full day escorted tour from Munich to Harburg and Rothenburg. There's plenty of free time at each stop, so there's plenty of time for lunch and exploring at your own leisurely pace.
Your first stop is Harburg, one of the oldest, largest and best preserved castles of Southern Germany. It was an important military stronghold during the 11th and 12th centuries. Through the Swabian crater landscape passing Dinkelsbuhl, you will arrive in Rothenburg, the most perfectly preserved medieval town in Europe. You will spend about 3 hours in Rothenburg, so there is plenty of time for sightseeing, lunch and shopping.
A popular attraction is the Kathe Wolhfahrt Christmas Store on Herrngasse, a large store open year round where you can purchase ornaments, nutcrackers, and other Christmas items. Many of the highlights in Rothenburg are centered around Marktplatz, such as the Town Hall with its Rothenburg History Museum, and St Jakob's Church, a Gothic building with soaring ceilings filled with light.
You will return to Munich via the Hallertau, the world's largest hop-growing area.
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:134:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/2850/SITours/romantic-road-rothenburg-and-harburg-day-tour-from-munich-in-munich-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:120:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Munich/Romantic-Road-Rothenburg-and-Harburg-Day-Tour-from-Munich/d487-285010";}i:6;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:3:"103";s:11:"ProductCode";s:6:"285012";s:11:"ProductName";s:47:"Salzburg and Lake District Day Tour from Munich";s:12:"Introduction";s:788:"Leave Munich aside for the day to explore Salzburg and the idyllic Lake District. You'll travel in the comfort of a motor coach, escorted by a professional guide. Enjoy freetime to walk the streets of Salzburg and admire the beautiful views of the Lower Bavarian Alps.
Pass through the Chiemgau before arriving in Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. Stroll the picturesque old city and major attractions including Salzburg Cathedral, St Peter's Abbey and Mozart Square.
On Lake Wolfgangsee, there is the possibility of a boat ride to the famous White Horse Inn overlooking the lake, and a visit to the pilgrim church.
Upon your return journey to Munich, you will pass by Lake Mondsee, which was used in several scenes of the much loved movie "The Sound of Music".
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Munich Grand Hop on Hop off Tour
Enjoy Munich in our open air double-decker buses. Discover the highlights of our city with our comprehensive Hop on Hop off tour. Our route invites you to discover sights such as the Pinakotheken art museums, the world famous Hofbräuhaus, the National Theater with the Royal Palace, Marienplatz and the Viktualien market with its colorful outdoor stalls.
Our tour continues to the Palace of Nymphenburg, the former summer residence of the Bavarian elector princes and kings with its beautiful and spacious gardens. To get an impression of modern Munich, you will visit the Olympic grounds where you will find other attractions like Sea Life, the BMW museum and the new BMW Car World (scheduled to open in July 2007). You will have a fantastic panoramic view from the top of the 290 meter high Olympic Tower. Later we will pass through the former artist quarter of Schwabing where you may stroll along Leopold street. The frequent stopping points make this tour an unforgettable Munich experience. (Non stop tour takes 2.5hours)
Munich Express Hop on Hop off tour
Discover the highlights of our city with our concise Hop on Hop off tour in our open air double-decker buses. Our route presents to you such famous sights as the Pinakotheken art museums, the world famous Hofbräuhaus, the National Theater with the Royal Palace, Marienplatz and the Viktualien market with its colorful outdoor stalls. (Non stop tour takes 1 hour)
Prost! Munich is the beer capital of the world. Home of the beer-halls, beer-gardens, beer-cellars and the legendary Oktoberfest. They've been brewing 'liquid bread' here for 3000 years and they do it better than anyone else. In the company of a local guide, take an evening to travel into the heart of Munich's beer culture. Drink where locals drink and feast on Bavarian snacks as you discover an array of Munich's history and culture.
Discover how beer is brewed and the fascinating story of German brewing. For as long as there have been Germans, there has been beer. From the ancient tribal Hausfrauen brew-women, through the great monastic breweries of the middle ages, to the revered Reinheitsgebot (Purity Law) of 1516, which continues to be the measure of excellence in brewing today. The world has looked to Germany to set the standards of what a cool drink of great beer should be. And Germany looks to Munich. We'll show you why.
You'll emerge, well informed on the different types of beer available as you sample them for yourself. Sample the best traditional Bavarian food including Weisswurst veal sausage, dumpling, roast pork, the celebrated Obatzda cheese and more. There's an exclusive private tour through the beautiful new Beer and Oktoberfest Museum in one of Munich's most historic buildings (standing since 1347) as well as a traditional beer garden to soak up before concluding at the world-famous Hofbräukeller.
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:122:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/2666/SITours/bavarian-beer-and-food-evening-tour-in-munich-in-munich-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:110:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Munich/Bavarian-Beer-and-Food-Evening-Tour-in-Munich/d487-2666BEER";}i:9;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:3:"103";s:11:"ProductCode";s:11:"2160TEB607M";s:11:"ProductName";s:90:"3-day Munich to Frankfurt Tour - Romantic Road, Rothenburg, Hohenschwangau, Neuschwanstein";s:12:"Introduction";s:1302:"Travel along the most picturesque stretch of road in Germany on this multi-day tour from Munich. You'll marvel at the delightful castles of Linderhof and Neuschwanstein while viewing some of the Bavaria's most impressive historic landmarks and beautiful scenery.
Briefly explore Linderhof Castle before setting off to visit the 'Jewel of the Middle Ages' - Rothenburg Ob der Tauber (Rothenburg above the Tauber). A beautiful city, located 425 meters above sea level, on a plateau at the intersection of the Romantic and Castle Roads. This once free imperial city is one of Germany's most frequented towns. The Tauber River flows below the town in a valley 180 feet (55 meters) deep.
Re-live your childhood memories as you venture to a land of fairy tales on your visit to the castle of Hohenschwangau. Your final castle visit before returning to Frankfurt is Neuschwanstein, breathtakingly majestic and built on the ruins of Vorder und Hinterhohenschwangau.
Enjoy the magical castles of Germany as you drive along the Romantic Road at your own pace. This independent multi-day package is a combination of guaranteed scheduled coach services with additional features like transfers, hotel accommodation and sightseeing tours. Please read the itinerary below for full details.
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