The Ultimate King Ludwig Tour

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.

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.

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.

Today, we journey to Lake Starnberg, a serene and lovely lake where Ludwig II spent a great deal of time, and which is eternally associated with his tragic end. We begin with a short stop at the Buchheim Museum of Fantasy, offering a glimpse into the world of art and imagination—a reflection of the Ludwig tradition. Then, we head up the shore for a short ride on a skiff to Roseninsel (Rose Island), a tiny refuge where Ludwig and his cousin, Empress Elisabeth, better known as Sisi, would meet to share their frustrations and tribulations.

We then walk along the lakeshore for an exterior view of Schloss Possenhofen, the summer palace of Sisi's family, before boarding a boat for a short cruise on the lake. We’ll pass the villa in Berg, where Ludwig spent his final days, and see the very spot where he tragically died in 1886. We’ll return for a closer land visit tomorrow, but for now, we head back to Munich to check in and freshen up before this evening’s special treat.

We'll experience one of Ludwig's most fervent passions—a live performance of one of Richard Wagner’s operas. At the Munich Opera House, we’ll enjoy "Rheingold", the first and shortest opera in Wagner’s Ring Cycle, a composition that reveals Ludwig’s deep admiration for the composer.

On our final day, we head back into the heart of Munich with a visit to the Munich Residenz, the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs. We’ll explore apartments, including the Ludwig rooms, visit the Schatzkammer (chamber of treasures), and see the Cuvilliés Theatre, which holds a special place in Ludwig's cultural life, as he experienced many performances in this marvelous theater.

Next, we return to Lake Starnberg, where we’ll enjoy a heartfelt farewell lunch in Berg, before walking to the Votivkapelle (Votive Chapel), a sacred spot built in memory of Ludwig’s tragic death. The final act of the tour is to stand on the shore of the lake, in front of the cross marking the exact spot where Ludwig's body was pulled from the water. We’ll reflect on the life and death of this enigmatic king before laying flowers and lighting candles to honor his legacy.

We’ll return to Munich, arriving early enough for some shopping or perhaps to explore the city’s vibrant streets at your leisure.

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