7-Day Bavaria Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Bavaria tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaBavaria travel expert at TourRadar

• 6 Day Germany Christmas Markets Itinerary, incl. Frankfurt and Nuremberg

  

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  • Day 1

    Frankfurt

    Get to Frankfurt before 3 PM to board your river ship and settle in. If you arrive early, visit the city's Christmas market at Römerberg square, which features over 200 stalls. If you have luggage, take a taxi from the airport to the dock instead of public transport - Frankfurt's stations can be tricky to navigate.

    
  • Day 2

    Main River Village

    Start your day with a guided walk through a traditional Main River village (usually Miltenberg). You'll see half-timbered houses decorated for the holidays. Wear shoes with good grip since the cobblestone streets can be slippery in winter. In the afternoon, find a good spot by the window in the lounge to watch festively decorated villages as you cruise by.

    
  • Day 3

    Würzburg

    Würzburg, the "Pearl of the Romantic Road," offers an excellent Christmas market experience. Visit the UNESCO-listed Residenz palace early in the morning to beat the crowds - you won't want to miss the stunning ceiling fresco in the staircase. The market runs from 10 AM to 8 PM. As one visitor shared: "Don't miss trying the local Franconian glühwein served in blue and white pottery mugs - it's spicier and more complex than regular mulled wine."

    
  • Day 4

    Bamberg

    Start with an onboard lecture about Christmas traditions before arriving in UNESCO-listed Bamberg. The town features a special nativity scene route with over 40 displays - get a map from the tourist office. While the Christmas market in Maxplatz square is smaller, it feels very authentic. Make sure to try the local smoked beer (Rauchbier). Note that market stalls begin closing around 7 PM, so plan your dinner timing carefully.

    
  • Day 5

    Nuremberg

    Nuremberg has Germany's most famous Christmas market. Spend your morning at the Nazi Rally Grounds or medieval castle, then head to the main market after 2 PM when crowds start thinning out. Look for traditional ornaments and toys in the authentic crafts section. For the famous Nuremberg bratwurst, check the stands on the market's edges to avoid long lines.

    
  • Day 6

    Nuremberg Departure

    The cruise ends after breakfast. If you have time before your flight, store your bags at the train station and enjoy a final morning at the market, which opens at 10 AM. Regular direct trains run to Frankfurt Airport (2.5 hours) or Munich Airport (2 hours).

    

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• 5 Day Bavaria Itinerary, incl. Munich and Neuschwanstein Castle

  Rich Bavarian culture fills 5 days starting at Munich's Hofbräuhaus and Marienplatz. Fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle beckons, followed by choices between Zugspitze ascent or Königssee cruising, with Hotel Jedermann as home base.

  

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  • Day 1

    Arriving in Munich

    Plan for about an hour to get through baggage claim and customs at Munich Airport. A private transfer to central Munich takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. As one traveler said: "The hotel arrangements were smooth, and when complications arose (like train strikes), they kept in contact, updating us and offering alternatives."

    
  • Day 2

    Munich Walking Tour

    Start with a 2.5-hour walking tour of Munich's historic center. Meet at Marienplatz 10 minutes before the tour starts. You'll visit the Viktualienmarkt food market, Frauenkirche cathedral and the iconic Hofbräuhaus beer hall. Bring €5-10 cash per person to tip your guide. A past visitor noted: "It was an organized way to get to know Germany, though keep coins handy for public restrooms - our first adventure with paying for a WC was a bit dramatic!"

    
  • Day 3

    Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip

    Take an early train from Munich's main station to Füssen. The ride takes 2 hours. From Füssen catch the local bus to Hohenschwangau village. Book your castle entry time ahead since afternoon slots usually have shorter lines. The walk up to the castle takes 30-40 minutes. Wear good walking shoes and bring water. If you need it there's a shuttle bus up for €3. The best photos are from Marienbrücke bridge but expect to wait in line during busy seasons.

    
  • Day 4

    Choose Your Alpine Adventure

    Option 1 - Zugspitze: Take an 80-minute train ride to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The cable car to Germany's highest peak costs about €60. Go early before afternoon clouds roll in. Option 2 - Königssee: Take a 2.5-hour train to Berchtesgaden then bus to the lake. The boat ride costs €25 and gives you amazing views of the Berchtesgaden Alps. Sit on the right side to get the best photos of St. Bartholomä Church. The boat guides do a traditional trumpet echo demonstration and the middle seats offer the best sound.

    
  • Day 5

    Departure

    Schedule your transfer pickup 3 hours before your flight. Add 30 minutes if you're traveling during rush hour (7-9 AM). Pack any heavy shopping in checked bags since carry-on rules are strict at Munich Airport.

    

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• 7 Days in Bavaria, incl. Treuchtlingen and Beilngries

  Historic towns dot this 7-day route from Treuchtlingen to Beilngries. Daily treks of 14-26km reveal Pappenheim Castle, Solnhofen's fossils, and Buchenhüller Mammoth Cave, with selected hotels providing comfortable stays.

  

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  • Day 1

    Treuchtlingen

    Your journey starts in Treuchtlingen, set in Germany's second-largest nature park. Visit the Altmühltherme thermal baths to prepare your muscles for the upcoming trek. If you want to avoid crowds, plan your thermal bath visit for late afternoon.

    
  • Day 2

    Treuchtlingen to Pappenheim (14 km)

    Your first hiking day includes a climb to the "Devil's Pulpit" viewpoint, with beautiful views of the Altmühl River below. Bring extra water for the exposed sections, which get hot between 11 AM and 3 PM. End your day in medieval Pappenheim, where you can explore its impressive castle.

    
  • Day 3

    Pappenheim to Mörnsheim (15 km)

    The "Twelve Apostles" limestone formations are the star attraction today. Get an early start to catch the best morning light for photos. You'll pass through Solnhofen, known for its ancient fossils dating back 140 million years. Good hiking boots are essential here as limestone can be slippery after rain.

    
  • Day 4

    Mörnsheim to Eichstätt (25 km)

    This is your longest day, taking you through forests and mountain paths to baroque Eichstätt. Pack plenty of snacks since you won't find many stops between towns. A recent hiker shared: "The climb to Willibalds Castle is steep but worth every step—the panoramic views of Eichstätt's red roofs and the surrounding valley are incredible."

    
  • Day 5

    Eichstätt to Kipfenberg (26 km)

    Prepare for some climbing today with 720m elevation gain. You'll see the Buchenhüller mammoth cave and Roman fort Vetoniana. Take a break in the shaded Gugoldinger Wacholderheide nature reserve. Plan to reach the Limes watchtower in late afternoon for the best photo opportunities.

    
  • Day 6

    Kipfenberg to Beilngries (24 km)

    Your final hiking day shows off the Altmühl Valley's best features. Stop for lunch in Kinding at a traditional inn to refuel. The trail down to Beilngries is steep, so consider using hiking poles if you have sensitive knees. Take time to see where the Main-Danube canal meets the Altmühl and Sulz rivers.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from Beilngries

    Before leaving, take a leisurely walk around Beilngries' historic center if your legs are up for it. The train station is 15 minutes from town center, so factor in extra time with your luggage.

    

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