Born on the 25th of August 1845 in Schloss Nymphenburg, King of Bavaria from 1864 to his death on the 13th of June 1886 in Lake Starnberg, King Ludwig II of Bavaria was, and still is, the most important figure and personality in Bavaria. Even before his death, the king had already become something of a living legend. "I want to remain an eternal mystery to myself and others", Ludwig once stated, and it is this air of mystery that continues to fascinate people to this day. His vivid imagination, his isolationist tendencies, and his pronounced sense of sovereignty were aalready evident when Ludwig was a child. In 1864, Ludwig II ascended to the throne at the age of 18, without any experience of life or politics, but adored by women. Crown Prince Ludwig was fascinated by the music and writing of Richard Wagner. In 1864 he summoned Wagner and in the following years, Munich became the music capital of Europe with the premieres of "Tristan und Isolde" (1865), "Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg" (1868), "Das Rheingold" (1869) and "Die Walküre" (1870). In 1866, Ludwig II suffered the biggest defeat of his life: the expanding state of Prussia conquered Austria and Bavaria in the "German War". From this point on, Bavaria's foreign policy was dictated by Prussia and the king was merely a "vassal" of his Prussian uncle. In 1885 foreign banks threatened to seize his property. The king's refusal to react rationally led the government to declare him insane and he was deposed in 1886 – a procedure not provided for in the Bavarian constitution. Ludwig II was interned in Berg Palace. The next day he died in mysterious circumstances in Lake Starnberg, together with the psychiatrist who had certified him as insane. Part of the “Fairy-tale King's” legend was the nature he loved so in his life. Mountains, lakes, a beautiful scenery with the Alps in background make the surroundings very amazing and brings you to dream with an unreal world, full of fantasy and peace. We invite you to live your own fantasy in the fairy-tale adventure of the Bavarian Royalty and its nature. We are sure you won´t be disappointed.
DAY 1 INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT - MUNICH
Arrival at the international airport in Munich, the capital and the largest city of the German state of Bavaria. Located on the River Isar north of the Bavarian Alps, Munich is the third largest city in Germany, after Berlin and Hamburg. Its name in German, München, is derived from the Old High German Munichen, meaning "home of the monks", in reference to the Benedictine monks who founded the city in the 8th Century.
Our representative will assist you in getting your rented car. You will then drive to Munich and check in to your hotel. After checkng-in, feel free to walk through the historic city center, including Karlstor Gate, the Cathedral of Munich (Frauenkirche), the Odeon Square and Marienplatz (Mary Square) where the city hall is located. Overnight.
DAY 2 MUNICH Nymphenburg Castle
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, you will drive to Nymphenburg, a baroque palace that was the main summer residence of the rulers of Bavaria, and where Ludwig II was born. One of the most famous sights of Munich is open to the public, but remains the home and chancery for the Royal House of Wittlesbach, the descendants of Ludwig II. You will visit the Palace with its different pavilions, the carriage museum (one of the greatest coach collections in Europe), the porcelain collection and the park. Return to the hotel. In the afternoon you can drive to Dachau and visit the concentration camp from the Second World War. Or you can stay in the city and stroll around the old town, perhaps do some shopping. In the evening, we suggest dinner at the Hofbräuhaus, a very popular brewery restaurant with local food and the best beer. Return to the hotel. (B)
DAY 3 MUNICH Herrenchiemsee Castle
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day excursion to Chiemsee, around 87 km south of Munich. The “Chiemsee”, “the Bavarian sea” is the largest lake in Bavaria. This term has a real origin: the lake is approximately 80 square kilometers, and has tides much like the sea. Secondly, the current lake is a legacy of the Chiemsee primeval Thetis Ocean, which once covered almost half of Europe. Upon arrival at the Lake, you will take a ferry to the biggest island where the Herrenchiemsee Palace is located. The unfinished New Palace was built between 1878 and 1885. Ludwig stayed in this Palace for only a few days in September 1885. After his death, the construction work was discontinued, and the unfinished building was opened to the public. Unlike the medieval design of Neuschwanstein Castle, the New Palace is, in a sense, a Neo-Baroque monument to Ludwig's admiration for King Louis XIV of France. In the great hall of mirrors, the ceiling is painted with 25 tableaux showing Louis XIV at his best. It was to have been the equivalent of the Palace of Versailles. You will visit the rooms of the palace, including the Hall of Mirrors, the Hall of Peace and the Hall of War. After visiting the gardens, return to Munich. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight. (B)
DAY 4 MUNICH – STARNBERGERSEE (Lake Starnberg)
After breakfast, you will leave the hotel and head to Lake Starnberg, where Ludwig II was found dead. The lake is located only 26 km from Munich. Enjoy the beauty of the landscape and its attractions, hiking the riverside path that leads around the lake. Among the most famous locations is Rose Island, a country park commissioned by King Maximilian II of Bavaria. Upon arrival at Starnberg, check-in at your hotel. Today's itinerary includes a light trek around the lake, a visit to Rose Island and a small island villa, as well as the "casino". Short break for lunch in a regional restaurant (not included). Overnight at Starnberg Lake. (B)
DAY 5 STARNBERGSERSEE – LINDERHOF - HOHENSCHWANGAU
After breakfast, leave this idyllic place and continue onward to the highlight of the trip in Hohenschwangau. Along the way, we will make stop at Linderhof, the “royal villa” of Ludwig II who enlarged the existing “Hunting Lodge” of his father. The interesting part of this palace is the neo-rococo style building with a staircase that is a copy of the existing one at the Versailles Palace, the hall of mirrors, the bedchamber, the artificial Venus Grotto and built as an illustration of the Wagner´s “Tannhäuser”, the Moorish Kiosk and the Moroccan House among others. After the visit, continue to your hotel. Overnight (B)
DAY 6 HOHENSCHWANGAU
This is a small town located between the Castle of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. In the morning we will visit the Castle Hohenschwangau (lit: High Swan County Palace), a 19th century palace, the childhood residence of King Ludwig II of Bavaria and built by his father, King Maximilian II of Bavaria. The Castle was built on the remains of the Schwangau fortress, which was first mentioned in historical records in the 12th century. The visit continues to Neuschwanstein Castle, a 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace commissioned by Ludwig II as a retreat and as an homage to Richard Wagner. The palace has been featured in several movies and was the inspiration for Disneyland´s Cinderella Castle. After the visit, take a walk along the shores of the Alpsee, the ideal place for following in royal foosteps. Overnight. (B)
DAY 7 HOHENSCHWANGAU – MUNICH
After breakfast, you will go to the Tegelberg, a hill opposite the Palace of Neuschwanstein, for a wonderful and unforgettable view of the castle. You can take the funicular to climb to the top of the Tegelberg, then do a light hike in the surrounding area, enjoying this unique landscape. Return to Munich. Overnight. (B)
DAY 8 MUNICH – AIRPORT
Breakfast at the hotel. You have the morning at leisure until departure to the airport for your flight to your next destination or back home. In the meantime, we suggest ending your visit to Bavaria with the Residence, a former palace of the Wittlesbach Family. They reigned over Bavaria for centuries and the Residence served as their home and seat of government (from 1385 to 1918). Or if you prefer, you can use the time for some last-minute shopping in downtown Munich or a visit to the famous Allianz Arena, the most modern football stadium, home to the Bayern Munich, Football Club. There is also the BMW-World Museum, worth a visit. After your visit, you will drive to the airport and return the car before checking-in at the airline for your flight home. End of our services. (B)
(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
PRICE PER PERSON
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY EUR 1.192.-
Surcharge Single Room EUR 420.-
Car rental for 8 days :
from EUR 250.- for 2-4 persons
DEPARTURES 2024-2025
Daily from April through November. Contact us to choose the day you start the tour & we will check availabilities. The order of the tours & excursions might vary. For group travel, we propose special offers with buses, minivans or rental cars.
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