Fairytale Castles & Bavarian Alps 2012 

Our journey into Germany begins at St Pancras International, where we take the Eurostar to Brussels. We enjoy a complimentary light meal and drinks, served at our comfortable seats, during the journey. On arrival in the Belgian capital, we change trains and continue in First Class on the high-speed service to Cologne. Here we spend the night at either the Four Points Hotel or the Grand City Hotel, both situated close to the Rhine, the charming Old Town and the city's magnificent Gothic Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. (E,D)

This morning we depart Cologne, and continue our journey in First Class on the high-speed train to Munich, where we change for the onward journey through southern Bavaria to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, set in an idyllic location amongst the rugged mountains of the Bavarian Alps. We spend seven nights in Garmisch at the welcoming Reindl's Partenkirchener Hof Hotel, situated in the heart of the town. We enjoy dinner together in the hotel this evening. (B,D)

Your day is at leisure, giving you the opportunity to explore Garmisch-Partenkirchen at your own pace. The town has some fine Baroque churches and historic houses decorated with traditional frescoes, as well as an excellent selection of shops and boutiques. You may wish to simply relax in the hotel and make use of its leisure facilities, or perhaps take advantage of one of the many well-marked walking trails into the Bavarian countryside. (B)

This morning we visit Oberammergau for a guided tour through its pretty streets with elaborately decorated homes featuring historic or fairytale paintings. The town is internationally famous for its celebrated Passion Play, which stars the town's residents and is held once every ten years, most recently in 2010. In the afternoon, we visit Linderhof, the smallest palace commissioned by Ludwig II. The whole complex incorporates a range of architectural influences and here we explore the striking Hall of Mirrors, the ornate bedchamber of the King, the Moorish building and the castle's extensive parkland. (B,D)

Today we enjoy one of the highlights of our tour, as we take an excursion on the Zugspitze Railway, reaching the summit of Zugspitze - which at 9,718 ft (2,962 m) is the highest mountain in Germany. Our train departs from the town centre and climbs along the mountain base, passing the Eibsee lake on its way to the Zugspitzplatt, situated by the impressive Schneeferner glacier - Germany's largest. From here our journey continues by cable car (weather permitting) high above the dense forests to the very summit of Zugspitze. The rocky peak offers breathtaking panoramic views over Bavaria, Switzerland, Austria and Italy. (B,D)

Today's full-day excursion is arguably the highlight of our tour, as we visit two of Europe's most beautiful castles. We begin with a visit to King Ludwig's marvellous childhood home of Hohenschwangau, where we learn about the fascinating history of the two structures. Hohenschwangau was built on the site of the 12th century Schwanstein Fortress, having been lovingly reconstructed by Ludwig's father in the 1830s. From here Ludwig planned his own larger, more impressive castle, just a stone's throw away: Neuschwanstein. We continue to this spectacular building, bristling with turrets and parapets, for a guided tour. Neuschwanstein was equipped with many modern conveniences, but incredibly was only occupied for 170 days before Ludwig was deposed. We take in the opulence of this aweinspiring palace - one of Germany's most popular attractions - with its sumptuous wood carvings, beautiful chandeliers and lavish paintings which adorn the majestic rooms. (B,D)

Today is another chance for you to explore at your own pace. Why not take the opportunity to visit Munich, just a short train journey away? As the capital of Bavaria, the city has a wonderful collection of museums, art galleries and architectural treasures - along with a fantastic selection of excellent shops and restaurants. Be sure to visit the Marienplatz, the city's historic centre and still its vibrant hub today. Here you can see the impressive neo-Gothic Town Hall, or you could take the lift up one of the copper-domed towers of Munich's imposing cathedral, the Frauenkirche, for great views over the city. Don't miss the Hofbräuhaus for a typical Bavarian meal accompanied by the local brew. (B)

We travel south by train into the Austrian Tyrol to the historic city of Innsbruck, the beautiful region's capital. Your time here is free to explore. The magnificently preserved Old Town still reflects the city's historic and cultural past with its wonderful Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and maze of quaint cobbled streets. Make sure you see the Golden Roof, built for Emperor Maximilian I to serve as a royal box from where he could observe the tournaments below, and including nearly 3,000 gold-plated copper tiles. Close by is Maximilian's Imperial Palace and the 15th century City Tower. Another popular option is the Hungerburgbahn Funicular Railway, which runs from Innsbruck's centre to the Hungerburg plateau - affording brilliant views over the city, the sweeping Inn Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. (B,D)

We leave Garmisch-Partenkirchen and travel by rail through the Rhine Gorge to Cologne. This spectacular journey takes us past the extensive vineyards and brooding hilltop castles in the region. Our last night is spent at the Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre or the Four Points Hotel, both close to the station. (B,D)

Our morning departure to Brussels connects with the Eurostar service to London. A complimentary light meal and drinks are served before our arrival into 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