Road Trip: Bavarian Countryside and Romantic Road

Set out from your hotel on a private walking tour of the old town area in this beautiful city known for its historic landmarks and exquisite architecture. Accompany your local expert over the pedestrian-only Alte Mainbrücke or Old Main River bridge with its statues of a dozen saints. From your vantage spot on the bridge, enjoy gorgeous views of the majestic Fortress Marienberg that served as the former residence of nobility. Saunter along the bridge as you savor delightful glimpses of the baroque Käppele pilgrimage church and the 13th century town hall. Pause to get a better look at the collegiate church of Neumünster situated adjacent to the lovely Lusam Garden and also the bustling Market Square. Proceed walking to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wurzburg Residence, a magnificent building that showcases architectural styles over a period of 500 years. Wander around its sprawling expanse and soak in the rich cultural ambiance before making your way back to the hotel. (Half Day; Time of Day: 1000 – 1500 hrs; Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Easy; Transfer included; Includes Wurzburg Residence entrance and wine tastings.)

Travel back in history with this exciting night tour of the streets in Rothenburg. Set off from your hotel as you accompany your local expert to the Market Square where you will meet the city’s night watchman. Follow the individual, who seems to have stepped right out of the Middle Ages, as he leads you through the dark alleyways and dimly lit squares. Stop by notable landmarks and listen to the watchman narrate interesting facts and stories about each of these. Imagine the lives of people in medieval times as you walk along, learning about the city’s many secrets. Pause en route to capture stunning images of the popular landmarks that appear quite different in the glow of the night lights. Return to your hotel with memories of a lifetime. (Duration: 1 hr; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Easy; Transfer included; No inside visits included in activity: inside visits can be purchased at guest’s expense.)

Go back more than 2000 years in time on your tour of Augsburg, the third oldest city in Germany. Marvel at the Renaissance magnificence of the City Hall where the Goldener Sal or Golden Hall drips opulence from its gilded ceilings and brilliant mural. Witness the oldest social housing project in the world at Fuggerei where residents still keep to the timings laid down 500 years ago! Amble down the Maximilianstrasse boulevard as you take in the three exquisitely sculpted Mannerist fountains known as the Augsburger Prachtbrunnen. (Private Activity; Daily; Duration: 2 hrs; Transfer included; Includes entrance to Fuggerei and Goldener Saal)

Enjoy the heritage town of Füssen where medieval churches and castles still whisper of happenings 2000 years ago. Set against the stunning Alps and on the shores of Lake Forggensee, Füssen boasts of a wealth of cultural and historical attractions. Explore the charming old town center known as Schrannenplatz that dates back to 700 years. Witness the grand baroque architecture of St Mang’s Abbey where the oldest fresco in the country can still be seen. Soak in the Gothic grandeur of medieval times with a visit to the Hohes Schloss which houses an arts museum too. After the tour, wind up your medieval journey individually with a visit to the City of Füssen Museum where you can learn all about the tradition of violin and lute making that the city is famous for. (Private Activity; Seasonal, May to October; Transfer included; No inside visits included in activity: inside visits can be purchased at guest’s expense.)

Get to know a little of the distinctive character of the Bavarian capital on this leisurely walk. Following a hearty breakfast at your hotel, meet your local guide at the landmark fountain on Marienplatz Square, Munich’s central square. As you stroll through the city, passing by iconic churches and cathedrals, museums and historic palaces, let your guide fill you up with stories and anecdotes behind each. Starting off with the Marienplatz, the heart of the Altstadt with the striking St. Peter’s Church and City Hall, enjoy your informative and laidback tour. Amble past the landmark Frauenkirche, the gigantic church with its twin towers; the Residenz Palace and Museum, the erstwhile home of Bavaria’s Wittelsbach rulers; and the legendary Hofbräuhaus, the massive beer hall and restaurant that easily hosts the largest beer tent during Oktoberfest! Also take in the lively Food Market, the old Jewish quarter and the City Museum, as your guide keeps you entertained with snippets from the cultural history of this remarkable city. (Time of Day: Morning; Duration: approx. 2 hrs, from 1000 onwards; Private Activity; Fitness level: Moderate; Note: Please wear comfortable walking shoes; Transfer not included: meet at the fish fountain in Marienplatz; No inside visits included in activity: inside visits can be purchased at guest’s expense.).

Beginning your day in the heart of Munich at Marienplatz Square, savor a Bavarian breakfast featuring white sausages, pretzels, local bread, and a pint of beer. Next, admire the city’s churches and palaces as you stroll past historical attractions. Visit the Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s biggest market to shop for fresh produce, home-baked specials, and traditional sausages prepared using heirloom recipes. Learn about this landmark farmers’ market turned gourmet destination that showcases myriad local specialties. Handpick items that make the traditional ‘Brotzeit’ platter, which may include pretzels, cheeses, sausages, Obatzda, grapes, mini cakes, and Bavarian loaves with sweet mustard, among others. Later, take the subway to reach the English Garden – a large urban park set along the Isar river. Following a brief stroll greeting cyclists, joggers, and soccer enthusiasts across the shaded paths and public installations, settle down at a beer garden. Enjoy your picnic meal over another pint of beer, while your expert guide shares Bavarian food traditions. (Half Day; Time: 1000; Duration: 3 – 3.5 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Meals and drinks included; Fitness level: Easy; Please note that the tour is not available on Sundays as shops are closed)