A) Neuschwanstein Castle & Linderhof Palace Tour
Usual Itinerary:
8:30 – Pick up from your hotel
9:45 - 11:00 - After arrival in the alpine village of Garmisch at the foot of Germany’s tallest mountain, the Zugspitze where we usually first visit an amazing spot for a great photo and then proceed to the famed Ludwigstrasse in the heart of Garmisch’s adjacent and sister village of Partenkirchen.
11:00 – 11:30 - Drive to Ettal where we can briefly visit the 14th century monastery and view its spectacular baroque basilica.
11:45 – 13:00 - Drive to and visit of Linderhof Palace and gardens, including time for the optional tour of the palace interior.
13:00 – 13:30 - Drive to a spectacular alpine lake in the Austrian Alps (yes, we will be in Austria on this tour!)
1:30 - 2:15 - Lunch at an excellent lakeside restaurant with a spectacular view!
2:15 – 3:00 – continue on our lovely alpine drive to location of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles, back in Germany. Parking and quick purchase of tickets.
3:00 – 3:30 - walk up to bridge slightly above the castle’s elevation (alternatively we can take the bus up the back road and spare ourselves the uphill walk, however not in winter!)
3:35 – 3:45 - walk 10 minutes downhill to castle entrance.
3:55 – 4:45 - tour of castle interior
4:45 – 5:15 - walk back down to car, briefly visit Alpsee (gorgeous lake and view) and see Hohenschwangau castle up close.
5:30 – departure for return to Munich with arrival generally around 7:15 pm
Although the above example is how we generally do this tour there is plenty of room for flexibility and to customize the day to your interests.
Examples of alternative options include, yet are not limited to:
- Hiking through a spectacular waterfall gorge (1 hour, 3€ p.p.)
- visiting the famous village of Oberammergau (30 mins, free)
- experience the world’s longest (6-minute hectic ride downhill) all weather alpine roller coaster (allow for 1 hour in total, 11€ p.p.)
- swimming in an alpine lake (15-30 mins. free, of course!)
- doing a bike ride (60 - 90 minutes, free!)
- doing a tandem paraglide (60 – 90 minutes, 150€ per person), among others.
Naturally there is not enough time in the day to do ALL of these things as well as those in the sample itinerary above, but your guide will consult with you about what you would prefer to omit in exchange for a different activity or place.