Travel Eye CI asked local tour operator, Bontour, to tell us all about a magical destination they are offering – Bavaria.
This August, Bontour is offering to take you to the magical and mysterious region of Bavaria, from the shiniest dizzying heights of castle turrets to the deepest darkest depths of the Black Forest.
Famed for fables, fairy-tales and gateau, the southern corner of Germany tells a beautiful story of the country’s more whimsical side with hand-painted villages, mountain tops adorned with crazy castles and an impressive show from Mother Nature herself. This region is ripe to be explored and enjoyed.
On your 7-night tour you will fly direct from the Channel Islands to Zurich where you can then sit back and enjoy the ride across the border and through your first stunning glimpses of the region. First stop is the capital Munich where you’ll get straight into the action with a welcome dinner in the Merienplatz in the old town. Founded in 1158, it is the heart of the city and the old town, it used to be the market square but is now famed for it’s neo-gothic architecture and the dancing figurines of the Glockenspiel who perform 3 times each day. The city offers an interesting insight into old and new, from the futuristic BMW World to the historic opera house. This trip will introduce you to the highlights of your host city and get you to the heart of the action with a thigh slapping celebration of the city’s much-loved beer at the stein wielding Hofbräuhaus.
Moving away from the city you get to know some of the countryside’s locals with a stop at Andechs Monastery, where the resident monks have been brewing beer for hundreds of years. You have time to taste 6 of their current offerings in this unique and peaceful setting. With fire in your belly it’s time for one of Bavaria’s most famous sights, the impressive Neuschwanstein with fairy-tale spires and a backdrop of proud Bavarian Alps, this architectural feat was built by Mad King Ludwig as an elaborate retreat. A winding incline by foot or horse and carriage takes you to the heart of the castle which is just as spectacular as the outside with majestic interior frescoes and a peaceful walled garden.
As lakes and mountains complement each other so beautifully in Alpine settings, it’s time to head for the water. Sitting on the fertile banks of Lake Constance, the pretty village of Meersburg is caressed from the other side by lush vineyards. Punctuated with the half-timber homes that provide a nod back to life of yesteryear, this is the starting point for a trip to the unique Flower Island of Mainau. The private island houses a Baroque Place and 150 year old arboretum full of seasonal flowers and secret gardens. Inside the Butterfly House you can lose yourself amongst 120 colourful species of delicate butterflies and then simply relax in this island retreat.
Then finally, it’s time to meet the mystery of the Black Forest, and of course, not only taste the sweet treats of the region, but learn how to make a mouth-watering Black Forest Gateau as only they know how – with a cherry on top! To work up an appetite first it’s into the forest walking with wildlife to the well-known Triberg waterfalls which tumble some 163 metres. Getting even more up close and personal you are treated to a falconry show where the feathered inhabitants have a chance to show their majesty. To bring you back to reality, a trip to the world’s largest cuckoo clock displays some of the finest craftsmanship in the region and gets you back on strict German time for your final day.
From the shade of the forest you will find yourself one day later in the sunniest city and Jewel of the Black Forest, Freiburg. After time to explore the cobbled city with its medieval centre and Gothic Cathedral, your final stop is the historical Schauinsland Cable Car taking you to the highest peak of the area where you can stand and admire the region that has been your host for the last 6 days and relive all the highs!
This Bontour tour includes direct flights from the Channel Islands, 7 nights bed and breakfast, 5 dinners and all tours and transfers. Their second tour for 2019 departs on Saturday 31stAugust and costs from £1,389 per person. Find out more on their website: www.bontour.co.uk