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Christmas Markets & Fairytale Castles of Bavaria

Christmas Markets & Fairytale Castles of Bavaria


7 days day day
from £999££pp

2026 Dec


Embark on a magical journey through the heart of Bavaria, a region where storybook scenery, centuries-old traditions and festive sparkle combine. As snow settles over the landscape, Bavaria transforms into a place of shimmering forests, snow‑capped peaks and glowing towns that look as though they’ve stepped straight out of a fairytale. A land steeped in myth and legend, grand castles sit proudly atop rugged hillsides and delightful villages line the valleys below. Bavaria’s royal heritage takes centre stage as we explore two of its most iconic landmarks, Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle. We also discover Baden-Baden, Munich and the centuries-old market of Ulm, as Germany's festive season bursts to life with twinkling lights and fragrant stalls.

Highlights

  • Return coach travel & ferry crossings
  • First & last night on a bed & breakfast basis in France (last night with a light evening meal)
  • 4 nights at the B+B Hotel, Ulm (JG3) with breakfast
  • Excursions to Nymphenburg Palace, Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle & Hohenschwangau Castle
  • Guided tours of Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau Castles
  • En-route visit to Baden-Baden
  • Free time at Ulm Christmas Market

Please note: visits to Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles require a considerable amount of walking (up to 1.5 kms, and with an incline). Alternative arrangements are available locally, but will still require a walk of up to 500m, so this tour may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.


Itinerary

We catch the ferry to Calais and journey onwards to our hotel in the Metz area for our overnight stay.

After breakfast, we head to Baden-Baden for some time to explore. Set against the backdrop of the enchanting Black Forest, reminiscent of the Brothers Grimm fairytales, this elegant town was built on thermal springs, making it a popular holiday destination for centuries. With a host of stalls, the Christkindlmarkt in front of the casino is perfect for those hoping to get started on some Christmas shopping.

Later, we continue to our hotel, located near the town centre of Ulm.

This morning, we explore Munich's magnificent Nymphenburg Palace, a stunning example of Baroque architecture with sprawling gardens and opulent interiors. We enjoy a guided tour here, which takes us through the palace's rich history, including its role as the summer residence of Bavarian royalty. Highlights include the Great Hall, adorned with intricate frescoes and the Gallery of Beauties, showcasing portraits of celebrated women of the era. The surrounding gardens are designed in the French style, with peaceful walking paths. In the afternoon, we drive the short distance into the Bavarian capital of Munich, where there's plenty of time to soak up the festive atmosphere. The city's numerous Christmas markets glow with twinkling lights and the air is filled with the aroma of traditional Bavarian treats. You may also like to enjoy one of the many restaurants and see the famous sights: look out for its stunning architectural wonders, including the Frauenkirche, Munich’s largest church with its two dome-topped Gothic towers, and the City Hall in the Marienplatz, a lively square in the heart of the city.

Enjoy a lovely day at leisure in Ulm, where there's the chance to immerse yourself in festive cheer surrounded by twinkling lights and charming stalls at the magical Christmas market. Another highlight is the Gothic Minster, boasting the tallest church spire in the world, and you can ascend the spire to marvel at breathtaking panoramic views of the city and beyond. The old Fisherman's Quarter adds to the delightful atmosphere, with its picturesque half-timbered houses and narrow flagged streets, or choose to take a riverside stroll along the Danube.

Today, we discover the magic of Bavarian castles, starting with Neuschwanstein, a fairytale castle perched on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau. Its stunning architecture and surroundings make it one of the most famous castles in the world, and in fact, its striking silhouette served as the inspiration for Walt Disney to create his iconic Cinderella's Castle. We take a guided tour here before walking down to Hohenschwangau Castle, a historic gem that served as the childhood residence of King Ludwig II, nestled amidst serene landscapes. Our guided tour here provides further insight into royal life and fascinating historical narratives.

We begin our journey home and stop in France for our overnight stay, with a light evening meal included.

We check out of our hotel after breakfast and journey to Calais for our return ferry home.


Accommodation

Conveniently located for our tour, the modern B+B Hotel in Ulm is just a short stroll away from the picturesque banks of the River Danube and 900 metres from the historic Minster. You can expect a breakfast room, bar, free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and comfortable bedrooms with a flat-screen TV and hairdryer.

Hotel Rating

Hotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.

We’ll stay at comfortable hotels (JG3 rating) during our outward and return journey. All rooms are en suite and other facilities include a bar and restaurant.

Your hotel will be confirmed approximately 3 weeks before departure, therefore we cannot guarantee that the hotel will have a lift and/or ground floor rooms and may be unsuitable for those with limited mobility.

Hotel Rating

Hotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.


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