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Fairytale Bavaria & Three Rivers Cruise

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12 days From £2,995 £2,795 per person
4.0 stars(1 reviews)
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Discover fairytale Bavaria, before exploring nine enchanting medieval cities on a luxurious river cruise along the lovely Rhine and Danube

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2025 Tour code: BMR25

About the tour

Discover fairytale Bavaria and journey on the superb Zugsptitzbahn. Then, board a luxurious river cruise along the Danube, Main, and Rhine rivers to explore nine enchanting medieval cities from Regensburg to Strasbourg.

Stay in the picturesque town of Füssen, nestled along the tranquil banks of the Lech River. From here, marvel at panoramic views aboard the Zugsptitzbahn as we ascend to the summit of the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain, before boarding our luxurious cruise ship in Passau. Along the Danube, we discover the charm of Regensburg, the splendour of Weltenburg Abbey, and Nuremberg's medieval treasures. From historic Bamberg to the enchanting Rothenburg ob der Tauber, each destination unveils layers of history and culture.

Unforgettable experiences

Enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle
Enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle
Discover Bavaria’s fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle and marvel at its majestic towers, ornate interiors, and rich history.
Amazing views aboard the Zugspitze Railway
Amazing views aboard the Zugspitze Railway
Journey on the superb Zugsptitzbahn to the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain, and admire the majestic beauty of the Bavarian Alps.
Germany's Medieval Cities
Germany's Medieval Cities
Explore nine of Germany’s most enchanting medieval cities including Füssen, Regensburg, and Nuremberg.
Impressive Weltenburg Abbey
Impressive Weltenburg Abbey
Visit Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest Benedictine monastery in Bavaria, set on a picturesque bend of the glorious Danube Gorge.
Historic Bamberg
Historic Bamberg
Experience the beauty of Bamberg, where quaint half-timbered houses line the riverside, known as Little Venice.
Savouring Würzburg Residenz
Savouring Würzburg Residenz
Savour world-class wines during a tour and tasting at the magnificent Würzburg Residenz.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - To uplifting Stuttgart

Meeting at London St Pancras, our holiday begins as we board the Eurostar to Paris. We continue by rail to the compelling city of Stuttgart, where we spend our first night. The majestic spires of the historic Old Palace and the soaring TV Tower are two of the city's architectural landmarks while its nickname 'cradle of the automobile' comes from the famous automobile museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum and Porsche Museum.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 – Traditional Füssen

This morning we journey to Füssen by rail, where we spend the next three nights. After checking into our hotel, explore this classic Bavarian town at leisure. Sitting on the banks of the glistening Lech River, Füssen offers a snapshot of Bavarian life, with pretty squares and cobbled streets.

Famed for its iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, the town is also known for its violin and lute-making industry which dates back to the 16th century. The artisans who craft these instruments pour their passion and expertise into each piece, creating a beautiful harmony between art and music.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - The fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle

One of Bavaria's finest castles awaits us after breakfast today. Entrance to the castle is included where we can enjoy spectacular views overlooking the Schwangau Valley. Commissioned by the reclusive King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the castle is an architectural masterpiece and a testament to the king's romantic vision.

Built in a striking Romanesque Revival style, it features soaring towers, turrets, and battlements, all of which are set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and verdant forests. Its interior is just as impressive, with ornate carvings, lavish murals, and an opulent throne room that showcases the king's fascination with medieval lore and chivalry.

Interestingly, the castle's construction was plagued by setbacks and financial difficulties, and so was never fully completed during King Ludwig's lifetime. However, the castle remains a symbol of the king's visionary spirit and a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – Wonderful scenery aboard the Zugspitze Mountain Railway

Today we ascend the highest mountain in Germany, the noble Zugspitze. To reach the summit, we first board the wonderful Zugspitze Railway and journey through beautiful landscapes as we climb higher. The final leg of our journey is taken by cable car and, with free time at the summit, we marvel at the breathtaking landscapes. On our descent, we stop at beautiful Lake Eibsee.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - To Passau where we board our luxurious ship

After breakfast this morning, we journey by coach to Passau where our luxurious ship awaits us and we're welcomed on board with a refreshing cocktail. After settling in, we set sail into the serene Danube.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – Charming Regensburg and captivating Weltenburg Abbey

Regensburg is our first port of call this morning, which we discover on a guided city walk. Exploring the historic streets, we see the Dom St Peter cathedral, a grand building with beautiful stained-glass windows.

After lunch, we visit the lovely Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest Benedictine monastery in Bavaria which sits on a scenic bend of the Danube Gorge - a magical setting. The Abbey is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, with its stunning frescoes, intricate stucco work, and grand façade that is both imposing and inviting.

One of its highlights is the stunning baroque altar, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The high altar is an exquisitely carved masterpiece that is richly decorated with gold leaf and features a beautiful painting of the Annunciation, which is surrounded by an array of stunning sculptures.

The Abbey is also famous for its brewery, which produces some of the finest beer in the world. The beer, which is brewed using traditional methods, is made from local ingredients and is renowned for its rich, full-bodied flavour.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Fascinating Nuremberg

At lunchtime, our ship moors into the historic city of Nuremberg - once the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. On a guided tour, we see the imperial Kaiserburg castle, impressively situated overlooking the enchanting Altstadt marketplace. There's a unique charm here, from the vibrant figurines to the striking stone sculptures and murals that vividly depict the city's rich medieval history. During dinner this evening we set sail for Bamberg, cruising overnight.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Historic Bamberg

We arrive and moor in beautiful 9th-century Bamberg this morning. Exploring this medieval town on a guided tour, we see the stunning Bamberg Cathedral and the charming district of 'Little Venice' where quaint half-timbered houses line the riverside. During lunch onboard, we begin an overnight sailing.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber and wine-tasting in Würzburg

Mooring in Ochsenfurt this morning, we drive along Bavaria's wonderful Romantic Road to the historic walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This small and picturesque city, often referred to as the 'Jewel of Germany', is filled with medieval marvels and was even featured in the classic film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang due to its perfectly preserved medieval charm.

During a sightseeing tour, we stroll along atmospheric cobbled lanes, past brightly painted houses and characterful squares, taking in the city's fascinating history and culture. After the tour, we rejoin our ship in Würzburg for lunch before continuing on to our next stop - the Würzburg Residenz, a grand Baroque palace. Here, we indulge in a wine-tasting experience, savouring the rich flavours of the region.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Discovering the history of Wertheim and Miltenberg

This morning we arrive into the town of Wertheim for a guided tour. We see the town's ancient castle which overlooks its medieval centre and marketplace before we visit the Glass Museum. Here, we can admire its extensive collection of glass objects from the past and present.

Next, we head to Miltenberg, a town surrounded by dense green forests and gentle hills. Its medieval centre has been impeccably preserved, and we have the pleasure of touring it with a guide. As we explore, one of the most notable landmarks is the castle which sits on a hilltop, overlooking the town. This 12th-century building has been renovated and restored over the years and now serves as a museum that showcases the town's rich history.

After a morning of exploration, we return to our ship for lunch and begin our next overnight cruise.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 – Delightful Mainz

In the heart of Germany's winelands, Mainz has a fascinating ancient history. We explore it today on a guided tour, seeing its 1,000-year-old Romanesque cathedral, the Mainz Dom, and walking among the city's lovely half-timbered buildings.

Returning to our ship, we enjoy our last night onboard.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 – Homeward bound

After arriving into Cologne, we say goodbye to our wonderful crew and head to the railway station for the Eurostar service to London St Pancras where our holiday comes to an end. You then make your way home with memories of Füssen, where we immersed ourselves in Bavarian culture, exploring the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle and ascending Zugspitze Mountain. Then cruising the Danube, we visited charming towns along the river banks, each offering unique historical and cultural treasures.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Trains

Eurostar
Zugspitze Railway

Ships

MS Amadeus Imperial
MS Amadeus Star

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Upgrades

London Hotels
UK rail connections

Reviews

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David Whitfield : Carlisle

4 stars

Submitted 10/Sep

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River Cruise Holidays 2025

River Cruise Holidays 2025

Experience the magic of cruising along some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways. Glide serenely along the romantic Rhine, explore the blue Danube or meander through the enchanting Douro Valley. With our river cruises, you’ll drift through beautiful landscapes and historic towns.

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