Fairytale Castles & Tyrolean Alps

This tour combines iconic Bavarian castles with spectacular Tyrolean Alpine scenery, all based in Lermoos, one of the most picturesque villages in Austria. Typically Tyrolean, the village is positioned in the shadow of the mighty Zugspitze Mountain, close to Fern Pass, in the lush green meadows of the Loisach Valley and is surrounded by forest with cable-car connections up the mountain for wonderful views. It is superbly positioned close to the German border, making it ideal for touring the scenic delights of Bavaria and the Austrian Tyrol - one of our drivers' favourite tours and one of our clients top rated European hotels.Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Join your holiday coach for a morning departure to Dover and ferry crossing to Calais before continuing through France for an overnight stop. BBDay 2 - Continue today through Germany and it's not long now before you get the first sight of the mighty Alps. Drive through scenic Bavarian countryside to your holiday base in Lermoos for your 6 night stay. Buffet dinner, bed & breakfast.Day 3 - 7 - At leisure in Lermoos with three included excursions. There are plenty of wonderful hiking trails as well as the Grubigsteinbahn cable car which starts in the village of Lermoos.You may like to enjoy a fabulous day's sightseeing through magnificent scenery by cable car and train to Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze. By local bus and then cable car to the summit on the Austrian side of the mountain, with time at the top. Descend on the German side to Eibsee and then board the cog railway to the winter resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, before returning to the hotel by local train. Details available from hotel reception, Lermoos tourist information and / or your driver.INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau & Füssen
Travel back into Germany to King Ludwig II's fairytale Castle of Neuschwanstein. One of the most romantic castles in the world, it featured in the film 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' and was the inspiration for Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle for an included visit. You will also visit King Ludwig's nearby childhood home, Hohenschwangau Castle, with its richly furnished interiors and more 'lived-in' feel (Please note - entrance to both castles involves an uphill walk as well as steps so may not be suitable for those with mobility difficulties). There will be some time to explore the old monastic town of Füssen with its pretty blend of brightly coloured buildings, typical Bavarian architecture and cobblestoned streets.Scenic excursion to Solden
Take a scenic drive through one of the most beautiful valleys in the Tyrol to Obergurgl Parish and the Alpine resort of Solden. The village is renowned as a ski centre during the winter months, but in summer the surrounding backdrop comes alive offering wonderful views of the forests, mountains and valleys. Later today you will have the opportunity to take an optional ride up the spectacular Glacier Strasse to the Solden Glacier set at some 2,800 metres above sea level.

Linderhof Palace, Ettal Abbey & Oberammergau
A visit today to the beautiful palace and gardens of Schloss Linderhof (entrance included). The smallest of Ludwig II's three palaces, this luxurious Rococo residence in Louis XIV style is said to be where he spent most of his time and the only one that he lived to see completed. There will also be a visit to the elaborate Ettel abbey, a stunning Benedictine Monastery, where the monks still brew beer to traditional methods. Finally onto the well-known village of Oberammergau. Every ten years the world-famous 'Passion Play' is performed here and you will enjoy strolling around admiring the beautifully detailed murals that adorn nearly every house and building.OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Tyrolean Capital of Innsbruck
Join the sightseeing excursion along the Inn Valley to Innsbruck, the historic 'Capital of the Tyrol'. There will be plenty of time for exploration, perhaps stroll along Maria Theresien Strasse with its bustling shops, see the Olympic ski jump high above the town or discover the old quarter with its charming arcaded streets and famous Golden Roof. You may also like to join the optional guided city tourDay 8 - It's farewell to the Tyrol and Bavaria as you head north and back into Germany. Time permitting, your route may take a scenic ride alongside part of the mighty River Rhine as you continue to your overnight hotel in Germany. BBDay 9 - After breakfast, it's back through France to Calais for the return to England.Edelweiss Hotel, Lermoos
The superb 4* Edelweiss Hotel is situated close to the centre of Lermoos offering stunning views over the mountains, with the famous Zugspitze to the forefront. It offers a large bar, restaurant and lovely mountain view terrace. There is a lift and guests can enjoy free use of the leisure facilities which include an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi & sauna (mixed). The 145 spacious en-suite bedrooms feature TV, safe and hairdryer.Please note that not all Continental Hotels have tea and coffee making facilities in the bedrooms.