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The Ultimate King Ludwig Tour

A Dive Deep into the Enigmatic World of King Ludwig II of Bavaria

Tour Snapshot

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Trip duration:Â

7 Days / 6 Nights

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Key places visited:

Germany

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Activity level:

Moderate to Active

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Transportation:

Executive Class Coach

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Accommodation:

Hand-picked Superior Hotels

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Meals Included:

All Breakfasts
1 Lunch
3 Dinners

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Max group size:

18 Travellers

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Trip price (pp):

EUR 2.990,-

“I wish to remain an eternal enigma to myself and others”  – King Ludwig II of Bavaria

Our Ultimate King Ludwig Tour is a deeply immersive journey through the opulent, mysterious world of Bavaria’s most captivating monarch, King Ludwig II. Known as the “Fairytale King,” Ludwig left behind a legacy of fantastical castles and palaces that evoke the romance and intrigue of a bygone era. This exclusive tour takes you beyond the famous walls of Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, and Herrenchiemsee, revealing little-known stories about the king’s life and his unfinished dreams. We visit several other sites connected to this eccentric king, filling out the story of his life and the tragic solitude that marked his reign. Our Ultimate King Ludwig Tour is an unforgettable adventure through Bavaria’s enchanting landscapes and legendary castles.

Our Ultimate King Ludwig Tour traces the path of Ludwig’s life and imagination, beginning and ending in Munich, while exploring both the renowned and hidden sites that shaped his story. You’ll spend two nights in the scenic Allgäu region, where Neuschwanstein stands majestically against the Alps, and two nights near the serene Chiemsee, where Ludwig’s vision of grandeur reached new heights. This journey unfolds through the Bavarian countryside Ludwig cherished, with stops at his lesser-known retreats that reveal deeper insights into his enigmatic world. Woven with special treats and surprises along the way, this itinerary offers an unparalleled look into the life, dreams, and lasting legacy of Bavaria’s most imaginative king.

We follow the arc of Ludwig’s story—through Munich’s palaces and gardens, along the secluded paths of Rose Island, and across the shimmering lake that still carries the echoes of a king lost to time. Our journey ends at the still waters of Lake Starnberg, where Ludwig’s life slipped into legend beneath the cross that marks his mysterious death.

Linderhof Palace With Fountain

Linderhof Palace

Arrows Slide Tabs

The Ultimate King Ludwig Tour offers an immersive journey through the life and imagination of Bavaria’s "Fairytale King," exploring both his grand castles and secluded retreats. From Neuschwanstein to Chiemsee, you’ll uncover the enchanting landscapes and untold stories that reveal the romance, ambition, and mystery surrounding King Ludwig II.


Itinerary Overview

Day 1:  An Introduction to Bavaria’s Royal Heritage
Day 2:  Bavaria's Majestic Royal Castles
Day 3:  Linderhof Palace and Ludwig’s Mountain Retreats
Day 4:  Lake Chiemsee and the Bavarian Versailles
Day 5:ÂLudwig and the Wittelsbacher Legacy in Munich
Day 6:  The Final Chapter by the Lake
Day 7:  Auf Wiedersehen


Amenity Overview

Hotels:
- 2 nights in a village in the Allgäu region
- 2 nights in a village in Oberbayern
- 2 nights in Munich

Included Meals:
- 6 buffet breakfasts
- 1 lunches
- 3 evening meals

Day 1: An Introduction to Bavaria’s Royal Heritage

Busts of King Ludwig II at Nymphenburg Palace In Munich, Germany
Past special exhibit of King Ludwig at Nymphenburg Palace

We begin our journey with an introduction to the Bavarian Royal family’s rich history, exploring their legacy from Munich to Hohenschwangau. With a late morning start to account for incoming flights, we start the day at Schloss Nymphenburg, the birthplace of King Ludwig II, where the grandeur of Bavarian royalty comes to life through opulent architecture and art. Midday, we enjoy lunch in the historic Kurfürst Room at the Royal Hirschgarten, which happens to be the world's largest Biergarten on the site of the former royal hunting grounds.

Afterward, we travel to the Allgäu region and the alpine foothills to Hohenschwangau to visit the Museum der Bayerische Könige(Museum of the Bavarian Kings), where you’ll deepen your insight into Bavaria's royal lineage and Ludwig’s world. And we conclude the day with a warm welcome dinner with authentic specialties from the Allgäu region, setting the tone for this immersive royal adventure.

Included:


View of Neuschwanstein Castle from Mary's Bridge
Magnificent, always impresssive Neuschwanstein Castle.

We embark on a day steeped in royal history, exploring the fairytale castles that defined King Ludwig II's reign. Begin with a visit to Hohenschwangau Castle, where Ludwig spent much of his childhood summers, immersing you in the early life and influences of Bavaria’s beloved monarch. From there, we'll stroll to the Alpsee, a picturesque lake nestled beneath the castle, where Crown Prince Ludwig learned to swim.

Next, we enjoy a very special lunch at Falkenstein, the site of one of Ludwig’s unrealized architectural dreams. This secluded spot offers a unique connection to Ludwig’s vision for his castles. After lunch, we return to Hohenschwangau for our inside visit to spectacular Neuschwanstein Castle, the crown jewel of Ludwig’s architectural legacy. We first head up by bus to Mary's Bridge for a breathtaking panoramic view of the castle, perched so perfectly over the valley below. Then we have an exclusive tour inside Neuschwanstein, the stunning fairy-tale masterpiece, where Ludwig’s dreams and eccentricities come to life in every room.

Included:


Blue gentian on the Herzogstand mountain
View from the Herzogstand mountain

Leaving the Allgäu we dip into Austria and drive past the peaceful Plansee, a stunning alpine lake in Austria, which offers magnificent views and sets the tone for Ludwig’s love of nature and seclusion. From there, head to the enchanting Linderhof Palace, where Ludwig’s grand vision is realized in opulent style, inspired by his love of French Versailles. In addition to an inside tour of the palace, we have time to explore the beautiful grounds and the hidden gems around the palace. From Linderhof it is just a stone's throw to Oberammergau, the quaint town known for its woodcarving traditions and the famous Passion Play. Ludwig provided lots of work for the craftsmen in Oberammergau, and the town celebrates his birthday every year with festival bonfires blazing on the surrounding mountains.

For lunch, enjoy a meal at a restaurant Ludwig often visited, where he even stayed the night before he headed up to one of his favorite hideaways on the Herzogstand mountain. That is our next destination, also, and we embark on a cable car trip to the former hunting lodge of his father, King Maximilian II. The panoramic views from the summit provide a fitting reflection of Ludwig’s passion for the Alps and the seclusion they offered.

The day concludes with a fantastic group meal at a monastery brewery restaurant and an overnight stay in a small village in the alpine foothills, where you can relax in the serene surroundings that Ludwig adored during his personal retreats.

Included:


Interior view of Herrenchiemsee Palace
The royal museum bedroom in the palace

Today, we embark on a scenic day trip to Chiemsee, Bavaria's "Sea," for a deep dive into Ludwig II's most ambitious and expensive undertaking, Herrenchiemsee Palace. Basically his version of Versailles, Herrenchiemsee is a sumptuous and lavish palace with beautiful gardens and fountains in the most unlikely of settings - a secluded island in the middle of the lake. The isolation perfectly suited the reclusive king, however. The palace was never finished; Ludwig’s failure to manage his finances led to construction being halted and greatly contributed to his removal from the throne.

During construction, King Ludwig stayed at the nearby former abbey, which traces its roots back to the year 630. It was later renamed the Old Palace when royalty began residing there. We’ll have an inside visit to see the rooms associated with Ludwig and peek into the former abbey church, which was converted into a brewery in the 19th century.

Next, we visit the neighboring, much smaller island of Frauenchiemsee, a charming village with lovely flower gardens, artists’ shops, a few restaurants, and a population of about 300. It is also home to one of the oldest convents in Bavaria, a religious center that has been active since the 8th century.

Finally, we explore a couple of out-of-the-way spots connected to King Ludwig, where the king's legacy is still alive, cherished by the local residents.

Included:


Maximilianeum
The Maximilianeum - the Bavarian Parliament Building

We return to Munich to explore the Wittelsbach dynasty and how Ludwig’s reign stood apart. While Ludwig II is famous for his castles and artistic dreams, his predecessors and successor actively shaped Munich into the capital we know today.

Our day begins with The Royal Legacy Tour, tracing the city’s transformation under Ludwig’s father, Maximilian II, and grandfather, Ludwig I. They built grand boulevards, museums, and institutions—contrasting sharply with Ludwig II, who withdrew from public life to focus on his architectural visions. We’ll also examine the role of Prince Regent Luitpold, who ruled after Ludwig’s death, steering Bavaria toward modernization.

Our route takes us through the Englischer Garten, one of the largest urban parks in the world, where we’ll stop for lunch at the lively Chinese Tower beer garden, a favorite gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

We then make our way back to Munich’s Residenz, the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs. Here, we’ll step into the world of Ludwig II by visiting his personal apartments, exploring the Schatzkammer (Chamber of Treasures), and marveling at the opulent Cuvilliés Theatre, where Ludwig attended performances that fueled his love for music and opera.

By the day’s end, we will have traced Ludwig’s lineage, seen how his dynasty shaped Munich, and set the stage for our journey’s conclusion at the lake where his story ended.

Included:


The Votive Chapel at Lake Starnberg
The Votive Chapel at the site where Ludwig's body was found

On our final day, we journey to Lake Starnberg, a tranquil and beautiful place forever linked with Ludwig II’s final days. This was a beloved retreat for the king—and the setting of his mysterious and tragic death in 1886.

We begin at the Buchheim Museum of Fantasy in Bernried, a vibrant and imaginative space that reflects the artistic spirit so central to Ludwig’s world. From here, we board a boat for an extended cruise on Lake Starnberg, giving us time to relax and take in the scenery—with the option to enjoy lunch on board at your leisure.

We disembark at Possenhofen, where we take a peaceful walk along the lakeshore for an exterior view of Schloss Possenhofen, the summer palace of Empress Elisabeth’s family. From here, we make our way to Roseninsel (Rose Island), a tiny, secluded refuge where Ludwig and his cousin Sisi would meet in private to escape court life and share their personal struggles.

Our cruise continues past the villa in Berg, where Ludwig spent his final days, and we arrive at Berg to begin our final tribute. We walk to the Votivkapelle (Votive Chapel), built in memory of the king’s tragic end, and make our way to the lakeshore, where a cross marks the exact spot where Ludwig’s body was found. Here, in this quiet, moving place, we pause to reflect on Ludwig’s life and legacy, laying flowers and lighting candles to honor Bavaria’s most enigmatic king.

Included:


Thank You Danke Merci Grazie

Fond farewells, as we bring you to the Munich airport or otherwise say a heartfelt "auf Wiedersehen".

Included:


The Ultimate King Ludwig Tour Price 2025

Adult: 18 & over - EUR 3.200,-
Single Supplement: EUR 480,-

Per-Person prices are based on double occupancy.

Pricing for 3- and 4-bed hotel rooms possible. Please contact us for more information.

We have designed our payment process to be straightforward and flexible. Your reservation is considered complete once the Reservation Form has been filled out and the deposit has been paid.

  • Deposit: A deposit of approximately 10% of the tour price is due at the time of booking.
  • Balance: The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to the start of the tour.

Please see our Terms & Conditions page for details.

 

Approved   What’s Included in Your Tour:

  • Door-to-Door Transportation – Enjoy seamless transfers throughout the tour.
  • All-Inclusive Pricing – Entrance fees, local guide fees, and taxes are all covered.
  • No Hidden Costs – Rest easy knowing there are no surprise charges or surprise optional add-ons.
  • Priority Access – Skip the lines at top attractions for a stress-free experience.
  • Expert Tour Director – Travel with a friendly, knowledgeable guide who brings history to life.
  • Specialized Site Guides – Expert-led tours at key sites add depth and authenticity to your experience.
  • Some Lunches and Dinners – As listed in the Overview and on the Itinerary.

Thumb Up Mod  ÂOur Exclusive Touch:

  • Guaranteed Departures – No minimum group size; your tour will always run as planned.
  • Small Group Experience – Enjoy a more personal experience with a maximum of 18 participants.
  • Stress-Free Travel –Our well-paced schedule balances key highlights with discoveries and is designed to minimize packing and maximize enjoyment.
  • Hidden Gems Included – Explore a unique mix of iconic attractions and off-the-beaten-path treasures.
  • Inclusive Dining Options – Included meals offer generous menu options for every dietary preference.
  • Drinks on Us – Each included meal features two complimentary beverages, plus complimentary water is provided on the coach.

About Info   Know Before You Go:

  • English-Language Tour – All commentary and guidance are provided in English.
  • Active Exploration – Expect plenty of walking; comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential.
  • Accessibility Note – Neuschwanstein Castle has many stairs; this tour requires good physical health and no mobility issues.
  • Prepare for Varied Weather – Layered clothing is key to staying comfortable.
  • Travel Light – Large suitcases can be cumbersome; pack compactly to keep pace with the tour.
  • More Travel Tips – Visit our Travel Tips page for additional advice.
Spiral stairs in a castle

This is a Moderately Active Tour

Please note that this tour involves extensive walking, including many stairs at the castles - especially Neuschwanstein. Additionally, we visit two mountains where sure footing is essential if you wish to explore beyond the paved areas. Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for those with significant mobility limitations.

Easy

Moderate

Active

Please bring sturdy, comfortable footwear.

Route

The Ultimate King Ludwig Tour Map