10 Day Southern Germany (2024)

Welcome to Munich, the capital of Bavaria and Germany's third-largest city. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage, historic architecture, and vibrant arts scene, Munich seamlessly marries deep-rooted tradition with modern innovation, offering visitors a unique fusion of classical charm and contemporary vitality.

We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 3.00pm.

We’ll join our fellow travellers and our tour director for a brief orientation walk and welcome dinner.

Special Experience: Enjoy a warm and authentic Bavarian reception as you savour a delightful welcome dinner at Spatenhaus at the Opera.

The city of Munich was founded in the 8th century from its humble roots as a small monastery. The local monasteries have played an important role in the city's history, not least by starting the beer brewing traditions for which Munich has received worldwide renown. This morning we'll take a walking tour, admiring some of Munich's iconic buildings including the Frauenkirche (the Munich cathedral), and Marienplatz, the city's main square. We'll also visit the famous Viktualienmarkt, an original farmers market which has developed into a gourmet and culinary paradise.

The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore at your own pace. During your free time, why not try some local dishes? Munich is known for its unbeatable bread, try a salty pretzel or a yeast bun with raisins from one of the many bakeries surrounding the city.

Enjoy the beautiful alpine scenery as we make our way to Füssen today. The charming town is famous for its stunning location at the foothills of the Alps and its proximity to the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle. Füssen itself boasts a rich history, with well-preserved medieval architecture, colourful facades, and quaint cobblestone streets.

Before arriving in Füssen, we visit the quaint alpine town of Oberammergau. Here in the early 17th century, the villagers began performing a ‘Passion Play' to keep a vow they made after begging to be spared from the ravages of the bubonic plague. The play involves over 2,000 people in its production and is performed every 10 years. Whilst here, we will have the opportunity to learn about the biblical story at the Passion Play Theatre & Museum. We continue our journey to Füssen, arriving in the late afternoon.

Upon arrival we will take a short orientation tour of the town, followed by some time at leisure to get acquainted with our new destination. Tonight, we will gather for dinner at a local restaurant.

This morning we will ride the Tegelberg Cable Car, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Bavarian Alps. Here we will have some time to enjoy the vistas from the various viewpoints. Next, we'll visit the small village of Hohenscgwangau, situated near the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle. Take advantage of some free time here to grab some lunch and to explore the charming local shops.

Our final destination today is the imposing Neuschwanstein Castle, the archetypal fairytale castle that was Walt Disney's inspiration for the Magic Kingdom. The castle perches high above the quaint village of Schwangau and was built in the late 19th century as a retreat for King Ludwig II. The king had a particular interest in the romance of the Middle Ages and the operatic works of Richard Wagner, which is evident in the Romanesque castle that he built. We'll enjoy a guided tour including a horse carriage ride before we return to Füssen.

Today we travel to the university town of Freiburg im Breisgau, often referred to simply as Freiburg. This city is renowned as one of Europe's most environmentally friendly urban centres, owing to its abundant green spaces, extensive parklands, and the picturesque highlands that encompass it. On the way we'll stop in Lindau, situated on an island in Lake Constance. Lindau exudes Bavarian charm with its colourful buildings, cobblestone streets, and lively market squares. It's a great place to explore on foot, and we'll do just that as we walk around the old town, taking in the sights and sounds.

Special Experience: Experience a wine tasting and enjoy platters at a local vineyard situated along the scenic shores of Lake Constance. We'll arrive in Freiburg im Breisgau in the early evening.

Today, we'll make our way to our next destination, Baden-Baden, often affectionately referred to as the 'summer capital of Europe.' This colourful spa town beckons travellers with its rich history and healing thermal springs. Before we reach Baden-Baden, we'll take a brief excursion to Strasbourg, France, tracing along the famous Rhine River.

This journey offers us the opportunity to explore the contrasting landscapes, transitioning seamlessly from the verdant embrace of the German Black Forest region to the enchanting Alsatian culture of France. Whilst here, we will enjoy a walking tour of the city and have some free time for your own discovery. We'll arrive in Baden-Baden late this afternoon, where the remainder of the day will be at leisure.

After breakfast we will take a guided city walking tour, offering a fascinating journey through Baden-Baden's history. Our tour will include a visit to the illustrious casino, where we will be transported to a world of glamour and opulence. Here, we'll learn about the casino's storied past and gain insight into the lavish gaming rooms, which have been described by some, as the most beautiful in the world.

After the tour, the morning is yours to unwind and enjoy the therapeutic thermal waters and spas, with entrance included to the Caracalla Spa's main spa area. The rest of the day unfolds at your leisure. You might choose to dine at one of Baden-Baden's exquisite restaurants, or simply soak up the town's elegant ambiance.

Frankfurt, unlike any other city in Germany, is the largest in the state of Hesse and functions as a significant financial, cultural, and transportation hub, both nationally and on an international scale. We travel to Frankfurt via the picturesque town of Heidelberg. Set on the banks of the Neckar River, we will immerse ourselves in the romantic ambiance of Heidelberg on a guided walking tour.

We'll stroll through the charming Altstadt (old town), culminating in a visit to the majestic Heidelberg Castle. Situated on the northern Königstuhl hillside, this red sandstone structure has a rich and eventful history, enduring attacks from both war and mother nature, including devastating lighting strikes. After some free time for lunch, we'll continue to Frankfurt where the rest of the afternoon is free before our group farewell dinner at a local restaurant.