Bavaria and Oberammergau 2020

Today your Bavarian adventure begins with you meeting your Tour Manager and the rest of your group at London St Pancras. From here, board the Eurostar to Brussels and continue on to Langenau via Cologne in Germany.

• Dinner

Your excursion today sees you visit the charming town of Lindau. Sat on an island, stretching out onto the east side of Lake Constance, Lindau is truly one of the highlights of any visit to Bavaria and indeed, Germany.

With a skyline of rust coloured buildings of traditional Bavarian architecture and bustling streets of taverns, overlooked by grand old town houses, Lindau gives a true taste of classic Bavaria. Particularly delightful is the harbour. Headed by a light house, and impressive lakebearing walls, the harbour bears some beautiful sailing boats, bobbing alongside larger yachts. By nightfall, the harbour lights up and the light house at its peak beams light across the entire lake.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure here. There is much to see and do here, and a particular highlight is ascending the old lighthouse. Built in the mid 19th century, this beacon offers exceptional views across the calm waters of Lake Constance.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today, visit one of the most iconic places in all Germany - the fairy tale castle of Neuschwanstein. Travelling first to Hohenschwangau, you then walk to the castle and enjoy a guided tour.

Strongly inspiring the Sleeping Beauty castle which forms the Disney logo, Neuschwanstein is a magnificent castle, built as refuge from public life by King Ludwig in 1886. It's gleaming white buttresses and towers rest on a small hill which overlooks the valleys and rivers of the surrounding and it is little surprise that Neuschwanstein Castle has inspired countless tales, myths and stories since it first opened its doors.

Inside, the story is very much the same. The interiors are reflective of the grandeur of the 19th century. Arched golden ceilings jostle with impressive religious artwork to give off an air of splendour and luxurious excess.

• Breakfast, Dinner

You travel by coach this morning to Rothenburg deep in the heart of Bavaria. On our way, we drive along Germany's Romantic Road. This delightful route takes in some of Bavaria's most charming town and villages as it stretches from Würzburg to Füssen, encompassing some marvellous scenery along the way.

Snuck away at the end of the Romantic Road, This truly beautiful town is one of Germany's hidden gems. Looking very much the quintessential Bavarian village, picturesque Rothenburg has it all, from the impressively-preserved medieval fortifications to the wonderful half-timbered townhouses. The cobbles which line the streets make way for shops full of traditional Bavarian wares and German taverns and pubs lure in visitors with the smell of classic delicacies.

Enjoy time at leisure here. A particular highlight in Rothenburg is the town hall. Not only do you have the opportunity to see inside this medieval building but you can also take in the panoramic views of the surrounding evergreen forests.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our time in Langenau comes to an end today as we leave to travel on to the Oberammergau region, staying in or around the town itself. After settling in, you enjoy dinner at the hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today is the true highlight of the tour. After breakfast at the hotel, we head into the town to attend a viewing of the 42nd Oberammergau Passion Play.

This magnificent spectacle is held only once every decade and chronicles the Passion of Jesus Christ, covering his arrival into Jerusalem up to his crucifixion and resurrection. The production enlists half of the town's population, with the props, stages and costumes making this play a truly astonishing extravaganza. The town itself comes alive with the play, with celebrations of the play in every tavern, shop and restaurant, and this is little surprise considering the play attracts hundreds and thousands of visitors from across the globe to each rare performance.

You enjoy top tier seats at in the centre of the auditorium and the play itself is split into two halves of three hours with a two hour break in the middle where you are seated at a special Passion Play dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

You leave Oberammergau behind today, as you travel to Munich by rail before continuing to Nuremberg where you overnight. The following day, continue to Paris and then on the Eurostar to London.

• Day 7 - Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 8 - Breakfast