Romantic Road and Bavarian Alps

We meet at London St Pancras and take the Eurostar to Brussels, continuing to Würzburg, for two nights. On Day 2 we journey along the famous Romantic Road, a picturesque road filled with fairytale scenery of half-timbered villages, soaring forests, and enchanting castles. We travel to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where a guided tour immerses us in local culture, heritage, and medieval music, followed by time to look around the town.

On Day 3, we discover Würzburg on a walking tour, exploring the wealth of beauty the city has to offer in its cobbled streets and grand Baroque architecture. Later, we travel by rail to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, set amongst the rugged Bavarian Alps, and our hotel for 5 nights.

• Day 1 - Eurostar meal, Dinner
• Day 2 - Breakfast
• Day 3 - Breakfast, Dinner

Today we visit two of Europe's most stunning castles. We begin at King Ludwig's childhood home, Hohenschwangau. Set on a verdant hill, this yellow fortress is covered in towers and turrets. We continue to Neuschwanstein for a guided tour. The castle is known worldwide for its beauty, and was famously the inspiration behind the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland. We have time to take in the opulence of its wood carvings, beautiful chandeliers, and lavish paintings. On our return to our hotel, we stop off at a local brewery for a taste of Bavaria, as we're taken on a guided tour of the facility before a tasting of the excellent local beer.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today, you have a free day in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The town has some fine Baroque churches and historic houses decorated with traditional frescoes. You could indulge in some local cuisine, such as Spaetzle, a Bavarian comfort food similar to mac and cheese.

On Day 6, we journey on the Zugspitze Railway, reaching the summit of Zugspitze - the highest mountain in Germany. Our train passes Eibsee Lake and 'Hell Valley', where a narrow gorge gives way to steep valley walls. We journey to Zugspitzplatt and continue by cable car to the summit of Zugspitze. The rocky peak offers panoramic views over Bavaria, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy. We pause to admire the natural beauty of Eibsee Lake on our descent, before returning to our hotel.

• Day 5 - Breakfast
• Day 6 - Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we visit the mysterious Church of Weis, found nestled among the deep forests of Bavaria. Its magnificent halls are classic examples of Bavarian Rococo architecture, featuring ornate stonework, vibrant and luxurious colours, and golden furnishings. In the afternoon, we visit Linderhof, the smallest palace commissioned by Ludwig II, where we explore the interior, seeing the striking Hall of Mirrors.

Leaving Garmisch-Partenkirchen on Day 8, we travel via Munich to Cologne, where we spend the night. On Day 9 we travel to Brussels to connect with the Eurostar service to London St Pancras.

• Day 7 - Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 8 - Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 9 - Breakfast, Eurostar meal