Tour Overview
Welcome to Germany! Experience Southern Germany’s highlights on this exciting 7-day private program. Begin in Munich and explore the Old Town with its fantastic shops, markets and always busy beer halls. Tour the Bavarian countryside by private car and visit the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein and Ludwig II’s country retreat at Linderhof. Then, on to Frankfurt- a pleasant mix of old world charm and a bustling commercial center. See the gothic buildings and the house and museum devoted to Germany’s most famous poet and finally, enjoy a private tour of the Rhine Valley and a short cruise on Germany’s famous river.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Munich, GermanyWelcome to Munich! When you arrive at Munich Airport you will be met by your local iExplore Representative in the arrivals hall and then privately transferred to your hotel where you will be assisted with check in procedures. You will be confirmed for three nights at the Kempinski Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in a Standard Room, including buffet breakfast. Please note that official check in time is 3:00pm. If your arrival is before that time we will request early check in on your behalf however this cannot be guaranteed. Kempinski Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten. Dating from 1858, this historic hotel is ideally located in the very heart the city with some of Munich’s finest shops at its doorstep. Each of the 308 exquisitely appointed rooms and suites feature air-conditioning, safe and data ports. Extensive leisure facilities include an indoor pool, gym, sauna, and a number of treatments are available. Dining options at the hotel range from an elegant bistro to a ‘vinobar’ serving Mediterranean specialties. In addition there is a traditional bar and a lobby lounge. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Kempinski Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten- Standard Room Day 2: Munich
Munich is the Bavarian mother lode. It’s home to world-class museums, a lively cultural scene, splendid architecture, boisterous nightlife and some spectacular festivals. It is also one of Germany’s most prosperous cities, fuelled by high- powered industry, bourgeois boutiques, and a renowned academy of art and music. Today your local English-speaking local guide will accompany you on a three hour walking tour through the compact Old Town center with its multitude of fantastic shops, markets and always busy beer halls such as the “Hofbrauhaus” that Munich is so famous for. The walking tour begins at Marienplatz, the heart and soul of the Alstadt. At the center of the square is the Marienslaule, erected in 1638 to celebrate the removal of Swedish forces. At the top is the golden figure of the Virgin Mary, carved in 1590 and originally located in the Frauenkirche. The blackened façade of the neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) is decorated with gargoyles and statues, including, on the corner, a wonderful dragon climbing the turrets. Inside six stately courtyards are used for festivals and events throughout the year. The highlight of the building is the carillon, which has three levels: two portray the Schafflertanz and the other the Ritterturnier, a knight’s tournament held in 1568 to celebrate a royal marriage. The characters spring into action at 11 am and noon (also at 5 pm March to October). The night scene, featuring the Munich children and night watchman characters runs at 9 pm. Also see the Karlsplatz Fountain, the Frauenkirche- The Church of Our Lady. In contrast to the heavy red brick exterior, the interior is a soaring passage of light with the tomb of Ludwig the Bavarian, guarded by knights and noblemen, in the choir.
Breakfast
Kempinski Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten- Standard Room Day 3: Munich- Bavarian Countryside- Munich
After breakfast you will set off with your driver-guide into the Bavarian Countryside (9 hours). Begin your tour at Neuschwanstein Castle. Due to its magical beauty it attracts many visitors from near and far, and is best visited early, before it gets too busy. Looking more like a stage set than a real palace, it is no wonder Walt Disney used it as the model for his sleeping beauty castle and later Disneyland itself. Its construction nearly brought Bavaria to bankruptcy and Ludwig’s early death in the lake is rumored to be closely connected with this. Do try and find time to walk the Marienbrucke (Mary’s Bridge) crossing a deep, narrow gorge. From this vantage point you have the best and probably most photographer views of this stunning fairy tale castle. Please note: this is not suitable for anyone with difficulty walking. You will also see Ludwig II’s country retreat at Linderhof. The Rococo styling of the Schloss Linderhof is said to have been styled after Versailles. After sightseeing you return to your hotel in Munich.
Breakfast
Kempinski Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten- Standard Room Day 4: Munich- Frankfurt
Today you will be privately transferred to Munich Train Station. Second class train tickets will be reserved for you on the fast train to Frankfurt. An iExplore Representative will be on hand to assist you at Munich Station. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local iExplore Representative and privately transferred to your hotel and assisted with check in. You will be confirmed for three nights at the Villa Kennedy in a Classic Room, including buffet breakfasts. Villa Kennedy: Opened as of March 1, 2006, the Villa Kennedy stylishly combines tradition and innovation, with a central courtyard that is a significant feature of the hotel. Located just off the banks of the Main River and near the residential area of Sachsenhausen with its numerous bars and cafes, it is truly a luxurious downtown retreat. The hotel features 163 bedrooms, each individually designed by London-based designer Martin Brudnizki in a minimalist deluxe style. The hotel’s Italian Restaurant, Gusto, opens out on to a central inner courtyard garden during the summer months, creating a picturesque and peaceful setting for dining. One of the hotel’s highlights is its extensive spa area, spilt over three levels with all state of the art beauty and relaxation facilities.
Breakfast
Villa Kennedy- Classic Room Day 5: Frankfurt
Today you will enjoy a two-hour walking tour of Frankfurt with your English-speaking guide. Frankfurt is a pleasant mix of old world charm and a busy commercial center. Your tour will include the historic heart of the city- Romerberg. Romerberg Square is Frankfurt’s old central square, where restored 14th and 15th century buildings, including the Paulskirche provide a glimpse of how beautiful this city was. The old town hall, or Romer consists of three recreated step-gabled 15th century houses. The Romer was the site of celebrations of the election and coronations of emperors during the time of the Holy Roman Empire- today it is the mayor’s office. Inside are portraits of 52 rulers in the Kaiseraal. You will also visit Goethe’s House and Museum, where the great Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born in 1749. Don’t miss Goethe’s original writing desk and the library on the top floor. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy Frankfurt as you wish.
Breakfast
Villa Kennedy- Classic Room Day 6: Frankfurt- Rhine Valley- Frankfurt
Today you will enjoy a full day (10 hours) of sightseeing along the Rhine Valley with your English-speaking guide and private car. Stop in Rudesheim, the Rhine Valley’s capital of wine production where your local English-speaking guide will meet you for a two-hour tour. See the Bromersburg Castle, which was built more than 1,000 years ago by the Knights of Rudesheim. The Rhine narrows dramatically near the town of St. Goar, funneling its water into treacherous, fast-flowing currents and eddies. According to the legend of the Loreley, a 400 foot high rock that protrudes from the river just outside St. Goarshausen, so many boats were wrecked on it that people began saying that a bewitching water nymph with golden tresses inhabited the rock, and lured sailors to watery graves by her beauty and strange songs. You will enjoy a short public boat cruise along the Rhine from Kamp Bornhofen past the Loreley Rock.
Breakfast
Villa Kennedy- Classic Room Day 7: Depart Frankfurt
You will be privately driven to Frankfurt Airport today for your flight home.
Breakfast
