Extended vacation tours in 2011

Tour of the Romantische Strasse

July 2 through July 17, 2011

The Romantische Strasse gets its name from the Romans who used this route in their conquest of Gaul and Germany. The medieval towns we will be visiting will give you a sense of history dating back 1000 years or more. The distance we will cycle is about 400 miles along paved bicycles paths from Wurzburg all the way South to Fussen on the border of the Bavarian Alps. We will visit the fairy tale castles of Neuschwanstein built by the mad King Ludwig II (copied by Disneyland) and Hohenschwangau built for his mother. The dates of July 2 through July 17 have been picked for a specific reason. All during July the various towns compete with each other in putting on festivals from traditional children’s festivals with festival plays in Donauworth to Augusburg with their open air threater featuring opera, operatta and musicals against the historical backdrop at the Rotes Tor. All together there are 14 towns along the way that are featuring festivals. Five of the towns feature wine festivals and every other towns has beer included in their festivals.

Preliminary Itinerary

Saturday July 2nd Leave St Louis on Delta Flight # 1158 12:55pm, arrive in Atlanta 3:33pm. Depart on Delta Flt # 14 at 4:30pm. Plan on being at the airport about 11:00am. I will try to arrange a group check-in. With luck I will be able to bring the bicycles to the airport early and have them already checked in.

Sunday July 3rd Arrive Frankfort @ 7:45am. Clear customs and board Coach to Wurzburg, (pop 130,000) 118km. With everything going well we should arrive in Wurzburg around 1pm. This will give you time to check-in, get your bearings, get a map of the city from the desk and lay-out a walking tour of the town. Our hotel is in the center of town. For sightseeing the Princebishops Palace is close by, other sights are St Killans Cathedral, Kappele Pilgrims Church, the Old Main Bridge and the town hall in the old part of town. There is a Franconian & Main Valley Museum, and the Municipal Art Gallery. We will be assembling the bicycles during the afternoon so check to see our progress. Residence Hotel Julispromenade 1, Tel 011 49 931 53546 dinner at hotel. (1)

Monday July 4th – Cycle to Wertheim (pop21,700) 45 or 98.5km. From the hotel cross the Alte Mainbrucke bridge (an old pedestrian bridge built in 1473) turn right on the bicycle path and follow the Main River to Zellinger 13.5km. From Zellinger turn away from the river and take the road to Birkenfeld 10.5km. Then continue to Marktheidenfeld 8.5km. then on to Wertheim 22km for a total of 45km. The optional route is to continue along the bicycle path that follows the Main river in a horseshoe curve for the entire distance. This route will take you through many small towns that give you a feel for the German countryside. The terrain is flat along the river. Wertheim, is an old town with half-timbered houses among winding streets where the Main & Tauber Rivers meet. Above the town are the ruins of a 13C castle. From the castle ruins you can look down on the town and the confluence of the rivers and the wooded heights of the surrounding area. The market place has a 16C Zobe-Haus (bakery), how about a pastry. Also consider buying a bottle of Franconian wine, famous for this area. Stay Hotel Bronnbacker Hol. Mainpltz 10 tel: 011 49 93427797. Group Dinner at Hotel (2)

Tuesday July 5th – Cycle to Bad Mergentheim (pop. 23,000) distance 48km. Leave Wertheim on a bicycle path that parallel the Tauber River. At Werback 24km you will join the bicycle path that is part of the Romantische Strasse. Continue on 10km to Tauberbischofsheim, recommended for stopping for lunch in the town square. There is a Tauber-Franconian Rural Museum and a walk around the old town gives you an enduring impression of the town’s historical past, worth seeing. Continue 14km to Bad Mergentheim. Stay at Hotel L’Art de Vivre Victoria, Poststrasse 2-4 tel: 011 49 79315930. This is one of the nicest hotels on the tour, their dining room is highly rated. The word “bad” in German means bath. The town is noted for its hot springs for curing various ailments. The history of the town is tied to the Teutonic Order of Knights and the Order’s Castle was the residence of the Grand Master, there’s a Museum of the Order.Group Dinner at Hotel (3)

Wednesday July 6th – Cycle to Rothenburg (pop 12,000) Distance 45km on the Romantische Strasse bicycle path. Stay at Hotel Goldener Hirsch, Untere Schmiedgstrasse 16,. Rothenburg ob der Tauber (Rothenberg on the Tauber) is a completed walled town with a unique townscape, with important arty treasurer in the churches and museums, with excellent gastronomy restaurants. This is one of the oldest towns on the Romantische Strasse. During, our last tour, while in Rothenburg, we had dinner at the English Club, a club of Germans who meet every Wednesday night to discuss events and practice their English. This will be an opportunity to meet Germans who speak English and are willing to share their opinions and ideas with you. Plan on eating and drinking the night away. You will have to pay for your own dinner and drinks, the restaurant is excellent and the barmaid has a unique way of keeping tabs on your drinks during the night. I met two Americans who came over to Germany to teach and became so enamoured with the country that they are living there permanently. A person you will enjoy meeting is “Herman The German”, who is married to an American. He is a farmer, last time we had a lively discussion about GM modified crops. Optional dinner at English Club or on your own.

Thursday July 7th – Remain in Rothenburg with optional bicycle tour to the Nordenberger Forest. We will leave at 9am in the morning and cycle into the countryside to the Nordenberger Forest. The forest is beautiful with many small towns and villages. For those staying in town, there is a Imperial City Museum, and the Town Hall has a bell tower with a great view of the town. For shoppers there is a Christmas store that is supposedly the largest in Germany and well worth visiting, with fixed displays year around. The tourist office next to the town hall has an excellent map for a walking tour of the town. The town has many ancient houses, streets with narrowed cobbled lanes, ramparts and gates that will give you the feeling you are back in the 16C. Group dinner at the hotel. (4)

Friday July 8th – Cycle to Dinkelsbuhl (pop 11,000) distance of 43km on the Romantische Strasse path. Along the way stop at Schillingsfurst which has a Baroque palace museum with splendid interiors. The old well house contains a unique ox-treadmill from the royal waterworks dating from the 18C. the next town along the way is Feuchtwanger, a former free imperial town with a historical town center and numerous sights, e.g., market square with patrician houses and half-timbered buildings, collegiate church with Wolgemut alter, Franconian Museum and artisan shops.

Dinkelsbuhl is an old fortified town with gateways, towers walls and moats in good condition surrounding the town. There is a walking tour of the old town that includes the church, Minster of St George on of Southern Germany’s most impressive late Gothic churches. From the top of the tower there is an excellent view of the towns and it’s ramparts. Stay at the Hotel Goldene Kanne, (Golden Can) Segringer Strasse 8, Tel. 49.9851.57290,Dinkelsbuhl, The hotel is located in the center of this historical town Dinner on your Own.

Saturday July 9th – Cycle to Donauworth (pop. 18,000) distance of 68km. Along the way stop at the town of Wallerstein, a romantic residence in the heart of the Reies Region, there is a palace park, a porcelain museum, and a riding school with coach museum. The next town is Nordlinger an ancient former free imperial town. An original medieval town with walled gates and towers completed enclosed. From Nordlinger 20km further is Harburg a small medieval town on the River Wornitz, above the town is the massive fortress began in 1150, the castle is still in the hands of the Oettingen family. It is one of the best-preserved castles in Germany.

From Harburg, 10km further is Donauworth which stands at the confluence of the Wornitz and the Danube. The backbone of the historical old town center is the Reeichsstrasse, running from the town hall to the Fuggerhaus. It is an imposing street, the buildings along it forming a complete entity, and one of the most beautiful in the whole of southern Germany. The town hall has stood without interruption since 1236. A Glockenspiel sounds out at 11am and 4pm with the melody “ Die Sonne muss scheinen” ( The sun must shine). There is a regional museum, Werner Egk Center, Archeology Museum, City History Museum,, Kathe-Kruse Doll Museum and House of the teutonic Order with Enderle Hall. Posthotel Traube, Kopellstrabe 14 Tele: 011 49 906706440 Group Dinner At Hotel. (5)

Sunday July 10th – Cycle to Augsburg (pop. 265,000) distance 59jn, Augsburg is the largest city we will cycle into. The city was founded in 15BC by a kinsman of the Emperor Augustus and is one of the oldest cities in Germany. It became a trading center on the highway to Italy, and at the fall of the Roman Empire, an Episcopal See. At the end of the 13C it became a Free Imperial City. The city’s arms have a pine cone in the coat of arms the cone is an ancient symbol of fertility. The town flowered with artists and humanists during its rise to prominence. The Fuggerci quarter of town founded in 1519 by Fuygger the Rich who built houses for the poor. The eight streets are lined by 66 gabled houses Every evening the four gateways to the quarter are closed as they have always been. This social settlement, the first of its kind in the world still receives citizens. The cost is small the only requirement is that you pray for Fugger the Rich (where ever he is).

Other sites include the Town Hall, a Renaissance building with two towers that frame the pediment adorned with a pinecone. The Perlach Tower was originally a Romanesque watch tower. When the Alps can be seen from its summit a yellow flag is flown. Maximilianstrasse is a street lined by private houses and mansions built by the rich burgers during the Renaissance, the strasse provides one of the most majestic scenes of old Germany. Museums include: The Roman Museum, Maximilian Museum, City Gallery, Schaezler Palace, National Gallery of Modern Art, Mozarft Museum, Fuggerci Museum, Botanical Gardens, Jewish Cultural Museum & Synagogue, and the Historical Arts and Crafts Museum. . Stay at Romantik Hotel Augsburger Hof, Ph 011 49 0821 34 30 50 fax 011 49 0821 34 30 555. The hotel is located in the center of town opposite the Mozart House, Auf Dem Kreuz 2, Augsburg. Group Dinner at Hotel.(6)

Monday July 11th – Stay in Augsburg with an optional train ride to Munich for a day tour. Trains leave every 30 minutes with 30 minutes to arrive in Munich. Munich is the cultural center, the capital of Bavaria, and is the largest center for industry and commerce in Southern Germany. There is altogether too much to see in one day, but it’s worth a try. I suggest you start at the Marienplatz. This is the heart of the city. Here, next to luxury shops are large cafes and restaurants where local specialities can be eaten. Munich is noted for its beer halls who own most of the restaurants. North of the platz is the façade of the New Town Hall built in 1867 in Gothic style. Its carillon (Glockenspiel) is rung at 11am and 5pm, and has figures which depict a tournament and a dance. In the heart of the town is a very busy food market. Lunch should be reserved for a beer hall and there you can enjoy such specialities as Weisswurst (white sausages), Schweinshaxen and Leberkase (meat or offal pate), all eaten while enjoying the various brews. For culture, if you can spare four hours, is the Old Pinakothek, a vast building that houses the collections of paintings gathered by the Wittelshacks from the beginnings of the 16C. This gallery is one of the finest in Europe, paintings by Rubens, Raphael, Titian and others. Return to Augsburg and stay at our hotel, Romantik Hotel Augsburger Hof. Dinner on Your Own.

Tuesday July 12th – Cycle to Landsberg Am Lech (pop 23,000) 50km. If you follow the Romantische Strasse bicycle path you will go to Friedberg, however, if you continue along the river you will eventually run into the bicycle path again which comes back to the river from Friedberg, this will save you 10km of cycling. Is Friedberg worth the detour? It depends if you want to see the town, its town hall and castle. What I remember is there is a very steep hill going into town. As you follow the bicycle path it strays from the river and you will have a good opportunity to see the countryside and all types of crops and small villages. None of the towns are on the bicycle path so its an opportunity to enjoy the countryside without interruptions from the towns along the way, except for stopping for lunch. This day’s ride is really the heart of the Bavarian countryside. Landsberg Am Lech, is a historical old town with gates, towers and city walls, Hauptplatz, the Old Twon Hall, Bavarian Gate, Johannes Church, Parish Church are worth seeing. What is not mentioned in the guide books is that Hitler was imprisoned there and this is where he wrote the book, Mein Kampf (My story) Unfortunately, for 51 million people the world leaders didn’t take him seriously. Museums: town Museum, Herkomer Museum in the Mutterturn (Mothers Tower) and Historical Shoe Museum. Stay at Hotel Goggi, Herkomnestrasse 19-20 tele: 0111 49 81913240 The hotel is located on the main square, Hauptplatz. Group Dinner Hotel (7)

Wednesday July 13th – Cycle to Fussen (pop. 13,800) 61km. In Fussen we will spend three nights so this offers an opportunity to spend this day stopping at towns along the way and not rushing to Fussen. The town of Hohenfurch, 25Km along the road is noted for its churches. The Church of the assumption of the Virgin and the late Gothic Chapel of St Ursual is worth a visit. The town of Schongau, 5 km further, is a 700 year old mountain town on the River Lech, the gateway to Pfaffenwickel, with almost completely intact town walls, located on the former Roman road “Via Claudia Augusta” that went from Italy to Augusburg. Further along is the town of Peiting, that is linked with the Welf Dynasty whose castle is mentioned as long ago as AD1101. the town has a good reputation as a “hospitable Market” its location between the Ammer and the Lech Rivers makes it a ideal stopping place. The town of Rottenbuch, is a health resort on the slopes of the wild-romantic Anner Valley. The town of Schwangau is a health resort with a salubrious climate, villages of the royal castles Neuschwanstein, built by King Ludwig II and Hohnschwaugau, built for his mother and St Colmon’s pilgrimate church (as a pilgrim you must see this church, with you camera ready). Save the visit to the two royal castles for the next day so as to go as early as possible and avoid the crowds. Our van will carry the group to the castle, otherwise a long uphill walk. When you arrive in Fussen the town lies at the foot of the Schlossberg and is known as Bavaria’s “Royal Corner” because of the castles. Set against the backdrop of the might Alps and the forest of the foothills, the town has one of the most beautiful settings in all of Europe. Stay at the Treff Hotel Luitpoldpark, Luitpoldstrasse 1, Tel: 4983629040 Fussen.

Thursday July 14th Remain in Fussen – This is the day to visit the royal castles Neuschwanstein (Disney copied this at Disnewyland) and Hohenschangau. The castles are located about 5km from Fussen. Its best to get there early to avoid the crowds. We will arrange for the van to make a run or some may want to try riding.
Neuschwanstein Castle – The fortress, a formidable mass of cold grey granite bristling with towers and pinnacles rises from a spur cut at it eastern end by the Pollag Gorge. Building began in 1869. The tour of the interior where marble, gilded panelling and heavy tapestries are in abundance confirms this impression of unreality. King Ludwig II stayed at the castle for 102 days and it was here on 10 June 1886 that he was deposed. He died three days later. On the third floor one enteres an outside gallery from which there is an unforgettable view of the wooded mountains of the Fussen district and its lakes. The Singers Hall on the fourth floor contains many fine candelabra and chandeliers. Wagner’s in his opera Tannhauser was influenced by this hall. Wagner stayed at Hohenschwangau. The claim is that Ludwig II was mad, if so he still built the most beautiful castle in the world. At the end of the visit you can walk up the Pollat Gorge to the Marlenbrucke which spans the ravine. At night Ludwig II sometimes came to the bridge to contemplate the castle.

Hohenschwangau Castle—Between 1832 and 1836 Maximilian II of Bavaria had this castle constructed from the ruins of what had been a large fortress. The Neo-Gothic style strongly influenced by the English manor house plan. Compared to Neuschwanstein and in spite of its many extravagances it still has the warth of a palace that was once lived in, which it was for many years by Queen Marie, mother of Ludwig II. On the second floor the old music room contains moving examples of the king’s admiration for Richard Wagner. When you buy your ticket at Neuschwanstein Castle you can buy a ticket for Hohenschwangau Castle also. You can walk between the two castles. The scenery between the two castles is almost overwhelming.

Once back to Fussen there is the former Abbey of St Magnus, part of which is the parish church built in 1701. the main quadrangle of the Abbey is a good example of Baroque architecture. The castle in Fuseen, Hoheschless was built in the late 15C as the summer residence of the Bishops of Augsburg. Being a major tourist destinations there are plenty of shops catering to tourist. Dinner that night is on your own. Continue staying at Treff Hotel Luitpoldpark, Luitpoldstrasse 1, 87629 Fussen tel: 08362.2804-0. Dinner on your own.

Friday July 15th – Remain in Fussen – Optional Tour of the Bavarian Alps. The tour begins in Fussen cycling East to Meilingen then South to Schatlwald along the river Ulls. From there head East to Zoblem Tannhelm, then Nesselwange, and Reutle then back to Vils and Fussen. Most of the cycling will be along river valleys, however, there will be a chance to test your low gears. The route will be about 60km. When you get back to St Louis you will have bragging rights to have cycled in the Alps. Around ever bend in the road there is a postcard view with mountain chalets and wildflowers everywhere. Photos cannot begin to capture the magnificent scenery of the Alps.

An optional tour and equally scenic is a tour of the Forggensee (lake) This is not very hilly, and is on a bicycle path and country roads with scenes of farms, meadows, and chalets. The round trip is about 40km. Take a lunch as there are no restaurants or towns along the route. This is the last day of cycling and once you have finished cycling we will pack your bicycle for the return trip home. Have your gear ready to go into the bicycle box. Continue staying at the Treff Hotel Luitpoldpark, Fussen. Group Dinner at Hotel (8)

Saturday July 16th – We will leave after breakfast via coach for Alzenau in the Aschaffenburg area a distance of 350km from Fussen. Alzenau is 40 KM from Frankfort airport. We should arrive in mid-afternoon. The village of Alzenau–Horstein lies in between vineyards and the Spessart Woods. The Hotel Kafernberg, Moembriser Strasse 7-9 Alzenau 63755. The hotel is in a quiet location with a view over the Main valley. We will have our Farewell Dinner at the restaurant which features local cruisine. (9)

Sunday July 17th – Transfer via coach to Airport at 6:00am. Leave Frankfort on Delta Flt # 27 9:45am Arr. Atlanta 1:52pm. Leave Atlanta 4:07pm on Flt. #1744 arrive St Louis 4:45pm

The price of the tour has not been determined, as our agent in Germany is still confirming the hotels, meals, etc. Also a big factor is the cost of the Euro vs. the American Dollar. The dollar last year gained against the Euro but recently has fallen back so it is difficult to say what the price will be. Also, getting all the details worked out with Delta regarding the bicycles is still being negotiated. If I had to give a ball park figure I would say the land package, covering hotels meals land transportation, etc. everything listed above will be between $2500 and $2800 USD. Air fare will be in the range of $1600 to $1800.

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