bavaria: king ludwig s way

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1 active europe for you 1 GRADE: Founded in 1973, Sherpa Expeditions is specialised in self guided and escorted holidays throughout Europe and across the globe. We offer a wide range of self guided inn to inn walking and cycling tours, escorted walks, as well as Walker s Britain, a pioneering collection of over 20 British walking tours which include the Coast to Coast Trail and Hadrian s Wall. We have refined self guided holidays to an art. Over many years, our leaders, local representatives and clients have all contributed to the detailed trail notes provided to walkers, making them the definitive guide to the areas we visit, which includes 16 iconic European walking destinations across France, Spain, Italy, Cyprus and much more. Sherpa Expeditions has now joined forces with UTracks < and the World Expeditions Travel Group < to bring you the most exciting and extensive range of active European holidays available, all at great value. This means you have access to over 300 active itineraries covering more than 25 European countries, from Iceland to Greece, and from Ireland to Cyprus. UTracks offers affordable, self guided and small group guided active holidays across Europe. Choose from a wide variety of quintessential European outdoor experiences from trekking the French Alps, cycling through Tuscany, exploring the islands of Greece, Croatia or Turkey by bike and ship, making a pilgrimage along the Compostela Trail, or discovering the lesser known trails in Bulgaria, Romania, and Slovenia. UTracks offers many family friendly itineraries and can also tailor make tours for private groups. Cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land or sea, introductory level or more challenging Sherpa Expeditions and UTracks can help you explore Europe exactly the way you want. TRIP COST Joining Starnberg : $1170 Trip Concludes: Fuessen All prices are per person OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS Single Supplement: $350 As the trip price is based on twinshare, a single supplement is payable if a single room is required or a single traveller supplement if you are travelling solo*. Please refer to the price options for costs or ask our office for details. Note regarding single rooms The single supplement guarantees the privacy of your own room, however, rooms can at times be small and in some places may not enjoy the same facilities as double/twin rooms. *The single traveller surcharge is only available on trips deemed suitable for solo travellers. It is usually more expensive than the single supplement due to the extra cost for luggage transfers and organisation. Solo Traveller Supplements are payable when the cost per bag of moving luggage increases. Please ask us for costs if you are a solo traveller. TRIP NAME: TRIP CODE: TRIP DURATION: BAVARIA: KING LUDWIG S WAY JKL 8 DAYS GRADE TEXT: MODERATE 3 ACTIVITY: SELF GUIDED WALKING ACCOMMODATION: 7 NIGHTS HOTELS/ GUESTHOUSES/B&B S DATE DETAILS: DAILY FROM 1 MAY TO 22 OCT highlights In the Footsteps of King Ludwig Neuschwanstein Castle Kaffee und Kuchen (Coffee and Cakes) Lakes, Gorges and Mountains Füssen Germany Starnberg Rottenburg Austria 2013 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Nathalie Thomson 11/30/2017 9:18:33 PM Page 1

2 the trip Also known as the Koenig Ludwig Weg or King Ludwig s Way. The eccentric Ludwig II succeeded to the throne of the then independent kingdom of Bavaria in 1864, as a youth of 18. On 13 June 1886 he and his physician Dr Godden were found dead in the water of the Starnbergersee (Lake Starnberg); the question still remains Did Ludwig fall or was he pushed? He was a strong swimmer and a post mortem established that he did not drown. But no one has succeeded in unraveling the mystery. The Koenig Ludwig Weg starts at the Votivkapelle (shrine), which marks the actual spot on the lakeshore ( near the hamlet of Berg) where the bodies were found. The route ends 60 miles away near Ludwig s own fairy tale castle at Neuschwanstein. This walk, which is one of the favourite longer walks in Germany, links places particularly dear to King Ludwig who was himself a keen walker. It is not a mountain walk and much of the route is on farm tracks and country lanes, but the surroundings are delightful, with a host of splendid buildings to admire in magnificent settings and plentiful opportunities to stop for refreshments! The plains surrounding Munich give way to gentle rolling hills that become ever higher as one approaches the great wall of limestone that marks the start of the Alps proper. The route passes two of Bavaria s most scenic lakes and through charming villages of geranium bedecked chalets with typical onion shaped church spires. There are masterpieces of baroque architecture, the Andechs monastery, the wonderful cathedral of Diessen on the Ammersee Lake; the monasteries of Wessobrunn and Rottenbuch, as well as the Wies or Meadow church are on the route. The highest point (988m) on the walk is the summit of Hohenpeissenberg hill, considered by many to be the finest viewpoint in Bavaria. We end our tour at King Ludwig II s most famous architectural masterpiece the castle Neuschwanstein and at the nearby castle Hohenschwangau, both in Allgau on the Austrian border, where Ludwig spent most of his childhood. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of King Ludwig II (in 1995), the route was extended to begin at the Votivkapelle in Berg. It is a popular walk so early booking is recommended Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Nathalie Thomson 11/30/2017 9:18:33 PM Page 2

3 itinerary at a glance Day 1 Arrive Starnberg Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Starnberg to Diessen 20 km/12.5 miles, h Diessen to Hohenpeissenberg Unterbau 25.5 km/16 miles, 7 h Hohenpeissenberg Unterbau to Rottenbuch 15 km/9.3 miles, 4 h Day 5 Rottenbuch to Trauchgau 20 km/12.5 miles, 5 h or Buching 25 km/15 miles, 6 h Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 detailed itinerary DAY 1 DAY 2 Trauchgau to Fuessen 25.5 km/16 miles, 7 h, or from Buching 22 km/13.6 miles, 6.5 h Explore Fuessen Arrangements end after breakfast Arrive Starnberg Make your own way by train to Starnberg. This small resort town is attractively situated by the Starnbergersee (Lake Starnberg), with views up the lake to the distant Alps.Those arriving early can take a boat trip to Leoni on the first afternoon and walk the first 7 km/4 miles of King Ludwig s Way back along the lakeshore via Berg where a chapel overlooks the point in the lake where King Ludwig was found dead to Starnberg. Accommodation: The chosen hotel dates from around 1850 and many of the spacious rooms, now all fully en-suite, retain original features such as inner and outer doors. The hotel is unclassified however is equivalent to at least a 2 star hotel. Our alternative hotel in Starnberg is more modern however the ensuite rooms are less spacious. On occasions such as the annual Munich Oktoberfest in late September and early October accommodation in Starnberg may be fully booked well in advance, but in this case we may be able to provide alternative hotel accommodation in the delightful lakeside village of Leoni, which is only 1 km from the start of King Ludwig s Way at Berg. Leoni has a ferry service from Starnberg, so it is possible to reach; however if the ferry is not operating you will need to take a taxi from the S-Bahn station in Starnberg for the 7 km/4 miles to Leoni. meals: NIL Starnberg to Diessen 20 km/12.5 miles, h From Starnberg you walk through the well wooded Maisinger Schlucht (Maising Valley) to the Maisinger See (Lake Maising - a wetland nature reserve). Stop at Andechs, this world famous pilgrimage church was originally built in 1420, and rebuilt in the rococo style in the 18th century. The tower rises high above the hills overlooking the Ammersee. The church belongs to Andechs Monastery, and you will have an opportunity to taste some of the monastery s own traditional dark and potent Andechser brew. You then walk down through the woods to Herrsching, another deservedly popular lakeside resort, on the eastern shore of the Ammersee, where you can relax at a cafe while you wait for the ferryboat across the lake to Diessen; a nice way to round off the day. Accommodation: There are 2 hotels that we use here, depending on availability, both 2 star properties. The first is in the village centre in an older building that has been extended in traditional style. Rooms are ensuite with a balcony. The second a modernstyle, low-rise building on the lake shore, has its own large garden and offers seasonal specialties Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Nathalie Thomson 11/30/2017 9:18:33 PM Page 3

4 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 Diessen to Hohenpeissenberg Unterbau 25.5 km/16 miles, 7 h The longest day s walk of the tour, much of it level although with a steep ascent and descent near the end. You start with an opportunity to visit the baroque cathedral (Marienmuenster) in Diessen before walking through the forest and across meadows to Wessobrun monastery. An opportunity for lunch at a wayside Gasthof in Wessobrun. Continue via St Leonhard-im-Forst with a fine village church to the summit of Hohenpeissenberg hill (988m/3241 feet), the highest point on King Ludwig s Way, with its splendid views. On the summit are a pilgrimage church, an astronomical observatory and a café with a scenic lounge. Then a steep descent across haymeadows to Unterbau to overnight. Walking time does not include sightseeing stops. Accommodation: A small 3 star Gasthof (Pension) in a rural setting 1.5 km/1 mile from the village centre. It is on the lower southern slopes of Hohenpeissenberg hill. Hohenpeissenberg Unterbau to Rottenbuch 15 km/9.3 miles, 4 h Not a long walk, but traverses the wildest landscapes of the tour. From Hohenpeissenberg village you descend into the depths of the romantic Ammerschlucht (Ammer Gorge). The main trail through the Ammerschlucht is a delightful mix of forest and riverside walking in a steep sided valley. There is also a longer alternative climbing high above the valley. Rottenbuch s Augustinian Abbey, formerly a Stiftskirche (now a Pfarrkirche parish church), was originally a Romanesque basilica dating back to the 11th Century. It was extended in gothic style and between 1730 and 1750 it was decorated in the rococo style. The jovial nature of the style is seen in its decoration with cherubs. Overnight at Rottenbuch. Accommodation: At or near Rottenbuch - Our first choice is a small 1star hotel right by the historic gateway of Rottenbuch itself. Rooms have en-suite or private facilities. Downstairs is a cafe popular with day visitors for coffee and cake. Evening meal is available at two nearby restaurants in the historic square of the monastic village close to the celebrated church. Our second choice is a small country hotel in a farming hamlet 1.5 km/1 mile from Rottenbuch. All rooms are fully ensuite and some have a balcony. The hotel has its own large enclosed garden and heated outdoor swimming pool. There is also a Wintergarden (conservatory) for guests use. This hotel has its own restaurant for your evening meal. Rottenbuch to Trauchgau 20 km/12.5 miles, 5 h or Buching 25 km/15 miles, 6 h Carry on to Wies (also known as Wieskirche), which boasts Bavaria s most beautiful Pilgrimage church, built in under the supervision of Dominikus Zimmerman. The name means meadow or meadow church, and the incongruously surrounded by hay meadows. After lunch at the conveniently situated Gasthof you continue along the base of the densely forested Alpine escarpment to the prosperous village of Trauchgau. Accommodation: Our hotel is located near the village of Trauchgau. It offers an amazing panoramic view. The hotel has large comfortable rooms, TV, swimming pool, sauna and steam room. There is no official rating but it is equivalent to a 2 star rating. Trauchgau to Fuessen 25.5 km/16 miles, 7 h, or from Buching 22 km/13.6 miles, 6.5 h The final day s walk takes you via the Pollath gorge to the castles of Neuschwanstein. Descend to Hohenschwangau castle and the Alpsee, before walking on to the historic town of Fuessen where you overnight. Accommodation: For two nights stay in a very comfortable hotel with a 4* rating is situated in this historical old town. The hotel is conveniently close to the train station for your departure. Page 4

5 DAY 7 DAY 8 Explore Fuessen A day to explore the town of Fuessen and its beautiful surroundings. Easily accessible are a large number of walks and excursions, including the Tegelberg, a high level wonderland for walkers at 1800m, reached by cable car. Also close to Fuessen are the beautiful Alatsee and Alpsee (lakes), with delightful circular walks. You can also take a boat trip on the Forggensee or nip across the border into the Austrian Tirol (only just over a mile away, even closer from Alatsee or Alpsee). Arrangements end after breakfast After breakfast, make your way to the train station for your onward journey. additional supplements At the time of booking we aim to offer our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used (and on occasion a small supplement may apply). If these are of a different standard and / or a supplement applies you will be informed on confirmation of your booking. inclusions 7 breakfasts 7 nights accommodation in hotels & guesthouses on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities Luggage transfer Information pack including route notes & maps Emergency hotline items not included Dinner, lunch & beverages S Bahn tickets from Munich airport to Starnberg (around 15 Euros for two) Train tickets from Fuessen to Munich and/or its airport approx 23 Euros for two people travelling together after 9am or at weekends Boat tickets on the Starnbergersee (optional excursion from Starnberg to Leoni or Berg on Day 1) or on the Ammersee (Herrsching to Diessen on afternoon of Day 2) Entrance fees Travel insurance Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls Unscheduled transfers required during the trip trip grading - moderate Each day stage involves approximately 15 to 25kms (9 to 16 miles) walking, which can be shortened by using taxis or in some cases by the use of public transport. Much of the walk is on gravel tracks or quiet asphalt lanes, but there are also long stretches of footpath. The traverse of the Ammerschlucht (Day 4) can be difficult in wet weather but it can be bypassed by taking an alternative route. At least 50% of the route to be on tarmac road approx.. The rest is mingled between good forestry tracks, wide gravel paths and only occasionally on muddy single trail (the gorge section for example) way marking The trail is easy to follow and mostly well waymarked with a special distinctive King Ludwig k logo and signposts with distances in km. On some sections waymarks are scarce (it seems they make attractive souvenirs ) and it is necessary to pay close attention to the maps and route notes. Page 5

6 route notes Please note that one set of route notes per room booked is included in the cost of the holiday. If you require more sets of notes then there is an extra charge. For bookings received four weeks or less prior to the tour departure, courier fees may be applicable to ensure you receive your final documentation in time. As rates are variable, please contact your consultant for details. Sherpa Expeditions will try to avoid courier charges where possible. meal inclusions In countries such as Germany and Austria breakfast is usually buffet style, please don t offend your hosts by making up a picnic lunch from the breakfast buffet unless you have asked and paid or it has been specifically organised for you. Special Dietary Requirements: It is important for you to tell us if you have any dietary requirements when you book your holiday so that we can inform everyone that you are staying with. Accommodation is booked on a bed and breakfasts basis. Evening meals & lunches are available locally. dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance to determine whether we can cater on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self administering these medications. accommodation DURING TOUR Hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used (a small supplement may apply). If these are of a different standard and / or a supplement applies you will be informed on confirmation of your booking. Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space. Some hotels/guesthouses may however have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests. In comfortable guesthouses and hotels of various standards. All rooms have private facilities. German hotels do not have to be classified but those that are use the following definitions: 1* tourist, 2* standard, 3* comfort and 4* first class. check in/out It is generally normal practice when staying in hotels that you check in on or after 2pm and checkout by 10am the following morning. Guesthouses/bed & breakfast establishments are normally check in on or after 4pm and checkout by 10am. luggage We do not offer porter service on our holidays. You must be able to move your own luggage to and from your rooms. This more than likely involve stairs as many of the properties we stay in do not have lifts. Sometimes your luggage will have been taken to your room awaiting your arrival however do not be surprised if it is waiting for you to take up to your room and you are asked to bring it down again the next morning. language When travelling in less frequented areas you will not necessarily come across people speaking English. Remember you are experiencing a different culture, buy a phrase book and try to learn a little of the local language! Page 6

7 getting there BY AIR The nearest International Airport is Munich: 1.5 hour train journey by S Bahn from the airport to Starnberg, changing once en route. End of Tour: Fussen, return by train to Munich (2 hours) where you can change onto the S Bahn to the airport (another 45 minutes). suggested extensions A second night in Fuessen is already included in the tour but there is plenty of scope for longer stays. Extra nights can be arranged at the time of booking at any point along the route. Starnberg (night 1) is a very attractive place for an extra night, especially if you will be recovering from a long flight, and provides easy access by S Bahn to central Munich for sightseeing or even a visit to the opera (trains every 20 minutes until late evening, journey time 40 minutes). For an extra night in a quiet village with possibilities of extra walks we suggest Rottenbuch (night 4). Please enquire for prices of extra nights, which vary according to the actual cost of the rooms. insurance All clients must have appropriate cover for the activities included for the duration of our trip. fast facts COUNTRIES VISITED VISAS MIN GROUP SIZE 1 MAX GROUP SIZE 20 Germany Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www. schengenvisainfo.com/schengen visa countries list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements. how to book To book this trip go to our website to make a booking online or download our booking form. A booking form can also be found at the back of our Active Europe brochure. If you complete a paper booking form, , fax or post the form to our office contact details can be found on our website. e-newsletter To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www. sherpa walking holidays.co.uk or contact our office. social networks You can make sure you are up to date with all our latest information by liking, following or pinning us on the following social networks: facebook.com/sherpa Expeditions < Expeditions> < Page 7

8 < IMPORTANT NOTE THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS ITINERARY,AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE. Page 8