Romantic Strasse to Oktoberfest

Journey along the Romantic Strasse to arrive at Oktoberfest

Travelling from north to south along Germany’s ‘Romantic Road’ admire the scenery as it changes from river valleys, fertile agricultural land, forests and meadows to the dramatic mountain scenery of the Alps.

Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber, the ‘Jewel of the Middle Ages’ is a well-preserved medieval town located high above the Tauber River and where we start our tour. We then travel through the Swabian landscape reaching the quaint towns of Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen and Donauworth, with their high gabled houses and cobbled streets. Along the way, marvel at the beauty of the Spessart Mountains and delight in arriving to the Alps; where Neuschwanstein, the world-famous fairytale castle of Bavarian King Ludwig II is awaiting.

Then its time to explore the German Alps, including a visit to the Eagles-Nest, as we make our way to Munich for the renowned Oktoberfest. Receiving around seven million visitors each year, Oktoberfest is the world’s largest festival of beer.

Throughout this tour, enjoy a large number of group meals combined with short driving days to provide a relaxing holiday with great visits along the way.

Day One – Tuesday 15^th September
We meet at a campsite on the Romantic Road at Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber. Group dinner this evening in a local restaurant, an opportunity to meet everyone on the tour whilst enjoying German cuisine and drinks.

Day Two – Wednesday 16^th September
We make our way into Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber this morning to meet a local guide for a walking tour around this historic old walled town.

Day Three – Thursday 17^th September
A short drive today along the Romantic Road, allowing for time to visit some of the quaint villages of the route. Dinkelsbühl, with its 800-year-old townscape preserved almost all in its original condition, is well worth a visit. This evening, we park ‘Aire Style’ overnight at Harburg Castle. With no ‘campsite facilities’ it’s an opportunity to use those of your own motorhome. During the afternoon we have a group tour of the castle, followed by dinner at the castle in the evening. 70 miles

Day Four – Friday 18^th September
Leaving Harburg Castle we continue south along the Romantic Road to our next campsite at Augsburg. En-route make a stop at Nördlingen, housing a completely intact circular town wall, take time to walk the full loop of its towers and covered parapet paths. 40 miles

Day Five – Saturday 19^th September
Today is spent in Augsburg, with lunch included. In Augsburg a visit to the Fuggerei is included. The Fuggerei is a social housing complex from the 16th-century, which makes it the world’s oldest community housing, and it still operates to this day.

Day Six – Sunday 20^th September
Schwangau near Fussen is our next destination. This ‘Village of the Royal Castles’ is surrounded by four lakes and set against the backdrop of the Ammer Mountains. Group dinner this evening in the campsite’s own restaurant. 90 miles

Day Seven – Monday 21^st September
Today has been left free, primarily for making an independent visit in Fussen. From our campsite the local bus passes the entrance and there is also a direct cycle path (4 miles).

Day Eight – Tuesday 22^nd September
A short drive today travelling towards the German Alps. On-route we visit the Royal Castle of Neuschwanstein for a group tour. 30 miles

Day Nine – Wednesday 23^rd September
A completely free day and chance to take it easy at this well-appointed campsite, with great views of the Alps.

Day Ten – Thursday 24^th September
Drive through the Alps today to another good campsite in the Berchtesgaden National Park. Group dinner this evening in the campsite restaurant. 130 miles

Day Eleven – Friday 25^th September
Free day. Opportunity to relax and take in the wonderful setting around the camping area or make use of local transport to visit Lake Königssee (Kings Lake), Germany’s highest lake at 600m above sea level.

Day Twelve – Saturday 26^th September
Today we have a group visit to the Salzbergwerk (Salt Mines) for a guided tour. Dating back to 1517 the year of the birth of the salt mine industry in Berchtesgaden.

Day Thirteen – Sunday 27^th September
A short drive today allowing a group visit on route to the Eagles-Nest (Adlerhorst). Standing on the summit of Kehlstein, the approach to the building is a true engineering masterpiece; firstly, the scenic private mountain road and then the special brass lift cutting through the rock to the very top. Arriving to our overnight campsite we walk into town this evening for a group dinner. 40 miles

Day Fourteen – Monday 28^th September
Travel today to the Bavarian capital of Munich and home to the Oktoberfest. Early evening we make our way (using the local metro transport system) from our camping to Oktoberfest, where we have a reserved area in one of the largest beer marquees, with an included evening of food, drinks and entertainment. Oktoberfest is far more than just about beer, the entertainment and atmosphere of the event is great and suitable for all. 75 miles

Day Fifteen – Tuesday 29^th September
A relaxed start to the day following last night. Later maybe make a visit to Munich centre, using the local transport system from close to the camping. This evening, an opportunity to independently return to Oktoberfest, to visit all there wasn’t time to see last night.

Day Sixteen – Wednesday 30^th September
Our tour comes to an end. If you chose to include the optional package for travel out from the UK with Tour Directors (detailed below), your fully flexible return ferry is included, allowing you to travel back to the UK in your own time.

PRICE

Motorhome with 2 people = £1439 per person
Motorhome with 1 person = £1999

DEPOSIT £400

INCLUDED IN PRICE

• 14 Campsite nights with hook-up
• 1 night ‘Aire Style’ parking
• Transport for Excursions/Events as per itinerary
• Entrance Fees as per itinerary
• Tour information pack with suggested routes and GPS co-ordinates
• Services of Tour Directors travelling in their own motorhome

Excursions, Events & Meals

• Welcome dinner with wine
• Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber Walking Tour
• Harburg castle visit
• Dinner at Harburg castle with wine
• Excursion to Augsburg including lunch
• Entry to the Fuggerei
• Fussen campsite dinner with wine
• Visit to Schloss Neuschwanstein Castle
• Alps campsite dinner with wine
• Entry to Salzbergwerk Salt Mines with guided visit (this visit may not be suitable if mobility is limited)
• Visit to the Eagles-Nest including entry
• Group dinner with wine in town
• Group evening at Oktoberfest with food, drinks and entertainment

This tour starts at Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber in Germany, but if you would like to travel in a relaxed manner at the same time as the Tour Directors from the UK on the outward journey, with two group meals included, please book the optional tour package so that everything can be arranged on your behalf.

OPTIONAL PACKAGE

• Return Dover/Calais Ferry with fully flexible ticket plus Club Class Lounge
• Five additional campsite nights with electric hook-up starting in Kent on Thursday 10^th September followed by Belgium, Luxembourg & Germany x 2
• Group dinner in Luxembourg campsite restaurant with drink
• Group dinner in Germany campsite restaurant with drink
• Tour information pack with suggested routes and GPS co-ordinates
• Services of Tour Directors travelling in their own motorhome

OPTIONAL PACKAGE PRICE

Motorhome with 2 people @ £559 per person
Motorhome with 1 person @ £899