German Alpine Road & Fairytale Castles of Bavaria

Escape to the deep forests and tall mountains of beautiful Bavaria, the home of King Ludwig II's fairytale castles: Schloss Linderhof, Neuschwanstein and Herrenchiemsee.

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Escape to the deep forests and tall mountains of beautiful Bavaria, the home of King Ludwig II's fairytale castles: Schloss Linderhof, Neuschwanstein and Herrenchiemsee. With tours of all three castles, free time in the resort town of Ettal, and scenic drives around the gorgeous Alps, you can step into the most significant German state and enjoy your journey on the German Alpine Road.

INCLUDES

Return luxury coach travel

Return ferry crossings

Escorted by a Skills representative

2 nights bed & breakfast enroute

4 nights half board

Excursion to Chiemsee

Admission into Schloss Linderhof, Neuschwanstein Castle & Herrenchiemsee

Optional excursion to Lindau & Oberammergau

Free time in Ettal

This tour may be unsuitable for passengers with restricted mobility.

Day 1

We head for the channel ferry crossing before travelling to our overnight hotel.

Day 2

We continue our journey into Germany for our first sight of the mighty German Alps. Travelling through the beautiful Bavarian countryside, we arrive at our hotel in Ettal this afternoon, where we stay for the next four nights.

B, D

Day 3

Today, we visit our first two fairytale castles, both built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Our first stop is at Schloss Linderhof, a beautiful rococo-style castle with magnificent gardens; this is the smallest of King Ludwig's palaces and the only one completed in his lifetime. This afternoon, we travel to Neuschwanstein Castle. One of the world's most majestic castles, perched high on a hilltop, you'll find breathtaking panoramic views from every window. Used as inspiration for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle, you might remember seeing this gorgeous fortress before, being used as a filming location in classics such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang & Steve McQueen's The Great Escape.

B, D

Day 4

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore your resort of Ettal; surrounded by beautiful mountains and waterfalls, this alpine village is home to Ettal Abbey, a vast Benedictine monastery & domed Baroque church. Found just a short walk from our hotel, the abbey was founded in the fourteenth century by Emperor Ludwig of Bavaria and is one of the architectural highlights of Bavaria. Alternatively, why not join us for an optional excursion to the town of Lindau? Situated on an island on the eastern side of Lake Constance and surrounded by mountains, explore historic buildings, lively squares and picturesque alleyways of the Old Town, stroll along the lakeside promenade or head to the bustling harbour, where a Bavarian lion and lighthouse flank the entrance. We return via a visit to Oberammergau. This village is most famous for its once-a-decade performance of the Passion Play and its long tradition of Bavarian woodcarving.

B, D

Day 5

Another full-day excursion takes us to Chiemsee, the region's largest lake and known as 'the Bavarian Sea'. We take a boat to the island of Herreninsel to visit Herrenchiemsee, the largest and most expensive castle built by King Ludwig II. Modelled on the Parisian palace of Versailles, you'll find the famous 'Great Hall of Mirrors', which stretches almost one hundred metres, and the French Rococo-style royal apartments, which have never been lived in, due to King Ludwig dying before its completion.

B, D

Day 6

We leave Bavaria today, beginning our homeward journey. We cross back into France for an overnight stay.

Day 7

We continue our journey via a ferry crossing back to Dover before driving back to the East Midlands.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner

Alphotel Ettal 3*

Located in the German Alps and near the Bavarian village of Ettal, the Alphotel provides comfortable lodging within a traditional cottage-style hotel. Take advantage of the onsite leisure facilities, including a pool, gym and spa, perfect for relaxing after a long day.

Hotel Facilities

Restaurant
Bar
Lift
WiFi

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The map below can be used to check the price of a home pick-up. The map shows the price bands for each area we service. To check the price from your address either click your street on the map or enter your postcode or city/town and click the 'Check Price' button.

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Home Pick-up Pricing Key:

£90.00

£75.00

£45.00

£40.00

£30.00

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Name	Address	Distance
Alfreton	Bus Station, Hall Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BT
Arnold	High Street Bus Stop, Outside Leisure Centre Car Park, Arnold, NG5 7EE
Beeston	Beeston Lace Road, behind the Cricketers Pub Beeston, NG9 2LA
Bulwell	Aldi (Bus Stop SW12), Sellers Wood Drive, Bulwell, NG6 8GE
Chesterfield	Coach Station, Beckingham Way Chesterfield, S40 1TH
Derby	Bus Station, Bay 27 & 28, Derby, DE1 2AY
Heanor	Market Place, Wilmott Street (Market Square side) Heanor, DE75 7EG
Ilkeston	Wharncliffe Rd, Market Place, Ilkeston, DE7 5GF
Leicester	St Margarets Bus Station, Stand SA, Gravel Street, Leicester, LE1 3AG
Long Eaton	The Green, Outside Poundland Long Eaton, Notts, NG10 1HQ
Loughborough	Amber Rooms, The Rushes Loughborough, LE11 5BE
Lutterworth	George Street, Outside Wycliffe Rooms Lutterworth, LE17 4EG
Mansfield	Bus Stop, Walkden Street Mansfield, NG18 1QN
Nottingham	Mount Street, Alongside the Grosvenor Casino, Nottingham, NG1 6HE
Ripley	Market Place, Express Stand Ripley, DE5 3FJ
Rotherham	Interchange Bay C1/ C2, Frederick Street, Rotherham , S60 1QB
Sheffield	Pond Hill, Opposite Penny Black Public House Sheffield, S1 2BG
Toton	Tram Stop Park and Ride, Toton Lane Notts, NG9 7JA