We will have two days in Munich in early December. We want to see the Castles (Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, etc). Does any one have a recommndation on the best way. We'll have an 11 year old and a 15 year old and 2 adults. I've looked at the Grayline and Johns Bavarian Tours. Grayline is a lot less expensive but you don't get the private tour and see a few less things. With the ages of our kids, we are trying to decide if it is worth the extra money to give them the private tour. I'd appreciate any feedback/ideas on this - we are struggling! Thanks.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19269 posts
If you are considering the "Johns" tour, money is probably no consideration, but you are permitted to see these things on your own (I have), and you can do it for a lot less.
I'm not sure that three castles in one day isn't a bit of overkill. If I were to pick two of the three is would be Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. Neuschwanstein is a must, but after it, Linderhof is somewhat repetitious. On the other hand, Hohenschwangau was not built by Ludwig and is interesting for different reasons.
Posted by
OP
Oklahoma City, OK
3 posts
Well, the money is somewhat a consideration, but since this is a once in a very long time opportunity we'd consider paying the cost of the tour with John if we felt it was worth it to do that based on what we would be seeing.
Thanks for your comments!
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19269 posts
I agree with Harry, do Oberammergau last, but, according to his website, John's Bavarian Tour starts in Oberammergau.
And, although I liked Hohenschwangau better than Linderhof, and, if I had to choose between the two, I would go to Hohenschwangau, I spent half a day at Linderhof.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32345 posts
Nancy,
One other suggestion you might consider is Radius Tours. They offer tours to Ludwig's Castles and also Dachau, but I'm not sure of Linderhof. Given the travel time and the fact that you've only got two days to work with, that might be the best option. They take care of all the transportation arrangement to Fussen and to the Castles, as well as the admission.
One other point is that when touring Neuschwanstein, one Munich tour will not be "better" than another as inside the Castle only the "official" Castle tour Guides are permitted.
If you'd like to have a look at the tours offered by Radius, check their website. Their office is in the Munich Bahnhof. They also offer a very interesting walking tour of Munich, which covers most of the significant history in a couple of hours. I was there in May and quite enjoyed the tour.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
The castles aren't in Munich. You will spend pretty much a full day getting to the castles, touring and getting back to Munich.
The tours are the tours. I wouldn't worry about the private guide. We arrived first thing in the morning and caught the first tours. By the time we were done it was crowded (even on a cold day in mid-October).
I know you need to go just as we did the first time so just as food for thought: You will have a better two days in Munich if you stick with the sites in and around Munich. Munich has more than two days worth of great sites, it's a shame to spend one of your available days outside the area.