Bavaria & the Romantic Road 2011 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Brussels, travelling in Standard Premier Class. From Brussels we continue our journey by high-speed train to Würzburg, changing en route in Cologne and Frankfurt. On arrival in Würzburg, we transfer to the Maritim Hotel, where we stay for three nights. (E,D)

This morning we take a guided walking tour of Würzburg, a Franconian city situated on the banks of the river Main. The city is known for its history as an artistic centre, a heritage which is evident in many surviving buildings from the Baroque period, that we see on today's tour. Starting in the Old Town, we take in St Mary's Chapel and the Romanesque Cathedral of St Killian, as well as the medieval Alte Mainbrücke Bridge, which offers spectacular views of Würzburg's tallest landmark, the majestic Marienberg Citadel. Your afternoon is free to further explore this fine city, and perhaps visit the Würzburg Residenz, a marvellous Baroque Palace. (B)

Today we take the train to Nuremberg, Franconia's largest city. Your day is free to explore this fascinating city at your leisure - the beautiful Old Town, which fans out from the Kaiserburg Fortress, should really not be missed. Other options include the Toy Museum, the German National Railways Museum and the Alstadthof, a wonderful courtyard dating back to the 1700s, where you can sample the region's famous Franconian wines. (B,D)

Today we depart Würzburg by coach for a journey along the Romantic Road, one of Germany's prettiest tourist trails. A trade route during the Middle Ages, the Romantic Road still retains much of its medieval character. The road winds its way through unspoilt sections of countryside, and passes picturesque villages with half-timbered houses. We stop along the way in beautiful Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where we enjoy a guided tour which takes in its quaint alleys, cobbled squares and medieval walled towers. We also include a stop in Dinkelsbühl, another medieval walled town. After a short break we continue to Nördlingen, where we spend two nights at the NH Hotel Klösterle. (B,D)

Today is free for you to explore Nördlingen at your leisure. Along with Rothenburg and Dinkelsbühl, the town is one of just three towns in Germany that retains its entire city wall. You can take a walk around this, complete with its defensive towers. Otherwise, you could visit the Bavarian Railway Museum. Tonight you are free to dine in a restaurant of your choice, and absorb Nördlingen's wonderful evening atmosphere. (B)

We take a coach along the lower part of the famous Romantic Road this morning. The scenic route passes through arched gateways as it winds its way through the countryside. We stop at Neuschwanstein Castle, a beautiful Romanesque castle perched on a rocky outcrop. We enjoy a guided tour of this fairytale castle, before we continue on to Füssen. Nestledbetween towering Alpine peaks, amid idyllic lakeland scenery, this pretty town features many architectural treasures. On arrival we transfer to our base here for the next three nights, the Luitpoldpark Hotel. (B,D)

Today you are free to explore Füssen at your leisure. The Old Town, which sits on the banks of the turquoise river Lech, is a maze of narrow medieval streets and  magnificent Baroque Churches. You may want to visit the courtyard of the former Benedictine monastery of St Mang, or the Hohes Schloss, one of the best preserved Gothic Castle complexes in Germany. (B,D)

This morning we take a coach for the short journey to Reutte in Austria, where we board a train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a Bavarian resort town, for today's excursion to the summit of Zugspitze. We join the Zugspitzbahn, which takes us from the town centre, and past breathtaking scenery to the Zugspitzplatt, at 8,528 feet (2,600 m). From here we continue by cable car (weather permitting) to the summit of Zugspitze, which at 9,718 feet (2,962m), is Germany's highest mountain. From here we can enjoy views over Bavaria, Switzerland and Austria. (B,D)

We depart Füssen and travel by high-speed train to Cologne, changing en route in Augsburg. We stay overnight in Cologne, at either the Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre or the Four Points Hotel. Our afternoon arrival means you have time to wander through this fascinating city. You could perhaps visit the imposing Cathedral, one of the largest in Europe. (B,D)

Our high-speed train to Brussels connects with the Eurostar service back to London. We enjoy a complimentary light meal and drinks before our arrival at St Pancras International. (B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday