Private Tour: Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau from Munich

This full-day royal castle tour begins with a morning hotel pickup, followed by a drive southwest, from Munich to the Bavarian foothills of Füssen, in an air-conditioned coach. Along the way, make a stop at the famous Wies Church, an oval rococo church in Steingaden, if desired. Arrive in Hohenschwangau in time for lunch (own expense), then take a private, guided walking tour of Hohenschwangau Castle, a majestic Gothic palace that was the childhood home of King Ludwig II of Bavaria.  The next stop is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Germany — Neuschwanstein Castle, a 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace nestled on top of a rugged hill high above the village of Hohenschwangau. This stunning fairy tale palace was the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty and it’s one of the most popular of all the castles or palaces in Europe, drawing 1.4 million visitors each year. Skip the typically long lines to get inside and enjoy a private walking tour of this medieval masterpiece. Explore rooms like Minstrel’s Hall, the Byzantine Throne Room and many more. Learn about the castle’s architect, King Ludwig II, and visit the terraces, grounds and gardens outside as well. Finally, choose between a stroll around the scenic Lake Alpsee or continue by coach for a walking tour of the Linderhof Palace, about an hour away in Ettal. Linderhof was inspired by King Ludwig’s visits to the Palace of Versailles in France. It is the smallest of the three palaces built by the king and the only one which he lived to see completed. Even so, the palace and surrounding park together are one of the most artistic and stylistically complex ensembles of the 19th century — and a sight to behold. The tour ends with a return trip to Munich.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Transport by private vehicle

• Driver/guide

• Gratuities

• Food and drinks