Travel to the end of Germany’s famous Romantic Road to Neuschwanstein Castle, King Ludwig II’s fairy‑tale hilltop fortress and inspiration for Disney’s castle. Though never completed, its lavish halls reveal ornate furnishings and Wagner‑themed décor. Continue to Oberammergau to admire painted houses, meet woodcarvers and learn about its famed Passion Plays. Then visit Schloss Linderhof, Ludwig’s only finished Rococo retreat, with mirror halls, tapestry rooms and terraced gardens featuring grottoes.
Explore Munich’s most iconic sights. Wander Old Town’s cobbled streets and the airy Alter Hof courtyard, former seat of the Wittelsbach Dynasty. Discover the Residenz’s 100‑room museum and marvel at the twin onion domes of the late Gothic Frauenkirche. Savor a Maß at the world‑famous Hofbräuhaus before watching the Neues Rathaus glockenspiel in Marienplatz. Stroll the colourful Viktualienmarkt stalls, visit St Kajetan, St Michael’s Church and the ornate Asamkirche. Pass the Ohel Jakob synagogue, Nymphenburg Palace and its gardens, BMW Welt and the Olympic Park. Cap your day with a trip to Lake Tegernsee in the Alpine foothills.
Travel along Lake Chiemsee to Herrenchiemsee, Ludwig II’s island palace replica of Versailles. Continue to Salzburg, renowned for its music festivals and dominated by Hohensalzburg Fortress. Admire Mirabell Garden, stroll Domplatz past the Cathedral and Residenz where emperors met in 1871. Wander Getreidegasse’s boutiques and cafés, passing Mozart’s Birthplace en route. Explore the Christmas Museum’s eleven themed exhibits.
On this full-day journey along the Romantic Road you visit Dinkelsbühl, renowned for its intact town walls, ornate patrician houses like Hezelhof and Deutsches Haus, and St. George’s Minster, a 15th‑century hall church. Enjoy lunch in Dinkelsbühl, then continue to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the former Imperial City famed for winding alleyways, picturesque squares and well‑preserved walls. Wander its Gothic churches, historic market and ramparts.
Cross Lake Chiemsee by ferry to Herreninsel, a 240‑hectare island crowned by King Ludwig II’s Schloss Herrenchiemsee. Tour the Neues Palais, built 1878-85 as an homage to Versailles, featuring lavish state apartments and the 325-foot Hall of Mirrors. Explore the Augustinian monastery’s museum and two art galleries, showcasing royal portraits and historic artifacts. Wander the formal French Gardens, where whimsical fountains, classical statues, dragons and winged warriors adorn manicured lawns and parterres.
Visit Berchtesgaden, a historic Alpine town famed for its salt-mining heritage. Pass by the crystal-clear Lake Königssee, set beneath towering limestone cliffs. Then, climb the Kehlstein road to Kehlsteinhaus - the Eagle’s Nest (open May 9 to October 25) - via vintage bus and brass elevator, where you’ll enjoy sweeping mountain vistas and regional cuisine.
