Romantic Road Self-Drive program
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1 Arrival in Frankfurt and Drive to Würzburg Day 2 Würzburg & Surroundings Day 3 Romantic Road Day 4 Rothenburg to Munich Day 5 Bavaria Day Trip Day 6 Munich Day 7 Departure
Why Exeter International?
At Exeter International we have been creating memories and crafting our trademark extraordinary journeys to Central Europe, Russia, Scandinavia, and Central Asia for 23 years. Our specialty is to distill the best of the best in iconic places that are on so many people’s travel must-do list.
We are not a call center of nameless, faceless people. We do not try to be everything to everyone. We are a small team of specialists. We are all committed to providing the best travel experiences to our destinations. Each member of our team has travelled extensively throughout our destinations, giving them insider knowledge lacking in many other tour operators.
Our Extraordinary Experiences are different, unusual, and often closed to the general public. We can offer special insider access that takes you beyond the typical tourist sites. We know how important it is to remain authentic and increasingly going beyond the well-known sites is what is important to our guests—discovering the little known museum or street market that adds to their experience. We do this through our local knowledge, cultivating our extensive contacts and regularly visiting each destination to enable us to share the most up-to-date insider information with you, our valued partner.
The most important part of your trip will be your guides. Guides come in many quality levels, especially in the region. We have worked with a core group of the best of the best for over 20 years. We know them like family and if they weren't the best, they wouldn't work for us. Simply stated, a guide can make or break your experience. You should have 100% confidence in who is introducing you to your guide and the level of guiding that you are going to get throughout the countries you will be visiting. The best does indeed cost more and we pay our guides at the very top of the market, with pride.
You'll also want to know what kind of vehicle your tour will include. We use luxury late-model vehicles, often Mercedes, Audi, BMW, or Volkswagen, depending on the size of the vehicle you need. You'll want to see things that may or may not be open to the public and go in early or after hours before the crowds whenever possible. We also make every effort to skip lines whenever possible. Avoiding long museum lines is one of our top priorities and we work hard to minimize the wait time to get into the most popular sights in each city, maximizing your time in each destination.
You'll want impeccable planning and someone to bounce ideas off of before your trip and speak English as well as you do while planning your trip so there are no cultural misunderstandings when you arrive. You'll also want someone to talk to if your trip is not perfect when you get home. These are all ways that we distinguish ourselves from all other companies.
A lot goes into our travel program design. We arrange the program so that it is flawless and effortless for our travelers from the time they set foot in the first city until they leave us. The expertise to set up an itinerary like this comes after years of investing in staff on both sides of the Atlantic, and this too is a value that is incorporated into our traveler's trips with us. DAY 1
Monday, October 9 Arrival in Frankfurt and Self-drive to Würzburg
Today you will arrive in Frankfurt. Upon your arrival, pick up your rental car and head towards Würzburg, located about 1,5 hours from Frankfurt. Check-in at your deluxe hotel. After some time to settle in, you may want to drive to the city center (about 20 minutes), and meet your local guide.
Würzburg is the center of the Franconian wine region, and the cultural hub of Lower Franconia. Like Dresden, the city was severely damaged during WWII but experienced an extensive renovation that brought all the historical sites back to life.
Your guide will take you first to see the Residenz – the prince bishops’ palace considered a master work of XVIII century German Baroque. This vast complex offers magnificent state rooms, as well as beautiful frescos throughout. Later, continue your stroll through the lively Old Town across the Alte Mainbrücke (Old Bridge) to the Marienberg Fortress, built on a hill overlooking the river Main and the city surrounded by vineyards. The Fortress was built on the site of an old Celtic stronghold, and there is also a museum illustrating the over thousand-year history of the city.
To finish the day, your guide will take you to visit one of the most unique places in Würzburg, the Hospitals. Originally created to provide charitable care for the old and the sick, these institutions are nowadays house of over one hundred elderly residents, and they operate as a self-financing foundation, being the main source of income their own vine-growing. Guests can sample some of the varieties and also enjoy some delicious local meal.
Exeter Services Guide (3 Hours)
Hotel Schloss Steinburg DAY 2
Nuremberg Day Trip
For today we recommend you to visit the nearby city of Nuremberg, located about 1,5 hours away, where you will meet a local guide for an overview tour.
The city's history reaches back to the year 1050, its name "nourenberc" translating into "rocky hill". Nuremberg's famous landmark, the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle,), towers above the Old town, which is protected by the 3 mile long city wall with its many towers. Another site you may enjoy in the Old Town is Albrecht Dürer House, where you can see the workshop of the greatest artist of the German Renaissance.
If you wish, your guide will also show you The Nuremberg Courthouse. An exhibition provides details on the trials which took place in Courtroom 600 after World War II. (Because this will be on a weekday, there is a possibility that a Trial is taking place in the Court Room so it will not be possible to see it.)
Later on your own, and on your way back to Würzburg, you can head to the former Nazi parade grounds, just outside the city center, where you will see Nuremberg’s former WWI memorial along with the largest Third Reich ruins in the world. You can also visit the Documentation Center, located in the Congress Hall, one of the foremost examples of Nazi architecture that is still intact.
Return to Würzburg for an evening at leisure.
Exeter Services Guide in Nuremberg (4 Hours)
Hotel Schloss Steinburg DAY 3
Romantic Road
Begin your Romantic Road journey today. We recommend for you to stop at some of the charming towns along the route, like Wertheim or Weikersheim, where you can see the magnificent Renaissance castle and its Versailles-style garden.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is your destination today. After checking-in and drop of your luggage, you might want to explore this medieval town.
A free Imperial town, Rothenburg is located in the Tauber Valley, at the intersection of the Romantic Road and the Castle Road. Considered an architectural jewel in the region, it features a completely preserved XIV century medieval town wall, a historical Market Place with a Gothic and Renaissance Town Hall and several churches.
Exeter Services No Services
Hotel Eisenhut DAY 4
Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Munich
This morning, continue the journey towards Munich. We suggest to first stop at the Market Place of Feuchtwangen, where you can buy the famous and delicious pralines!
Continue to the charming town of Dinkelsbühl - lying in the idyllic Wörnitz Valley, this is one of the best preserved medieval towns in the country. Enjoy a stroll along the walls and through the cobblestoned streets, filled with colored houses full of history.
Head south towards Munich. Upon arrival you will check into your luxury hotel, and have the rest of the day at leisure.
Originally founded as a fortified trade settlement on the bank of the Isar River in the 12th Century, Munich was later granted a monopoly in the salt trade, which was so important in the Middle Ages, thus gradually growing in wealth and importance. In the early 16th century, it became the capital of Bavaria and reached its greatest growth in the 19th Century. Famous for hosting the annual Oktoberfest beer festival, Munich also has a multitude of architectural monuments, excellent historic sights, museums, and shopping.
Exeter Services No Services
Hotel Rocco Forte The Charles DAY 5
Bavaria Day Trip
This morning head towards the south and drive deep into Bavaria and into the Alps. Today you may visit Neuschwanstein, one of the most recognized symbols of Bavaria. The castle is located about 2 hours from Munich.
It took 17 years and over 6 million Gold Marks to turn “Mad” King Ludwig II’s fantasy into reality. Set in one of the world’s most beautiful locations, the castle overlooks the idyllic 700-year-old medieval village of Füssen. The views from the castle and from the nearby town are priceless.
Although the castle is still, to this day, unfinished, the interior is stunning. Neuschwanstein is designed in the authentic style of old German knights’ castles and is decorated in themes from Wagner’s operas.
If you wish, you can also visit the village of Oberammergau, which is most known for its Passion Play – first performed in 1634 and still performed once every 10 years. It’s a very picturesque village, as residents have a tradition of painting frescoes on their houses with scenes from fairy tales, folk life and bible scenes. If you want to pick up a souvenir here, Oberammergau is famous for its wood carving.
Another option is the Wies Church (Wieskirche), a UNESCO-protected baroque landmark. Completely unassuming from the outside, the interior of this church is magnificently decorated and is a highlight of Bavarian rococo architecture.
Upon your evening return to Munich, drop off the rental car and transfer independently to your hotel.
Exeter Services No Services
Hotel Rocco Forte The Charles DAY 6
Munich
This morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel to take you on a walking tour of Munich’s Old Town.
You will see the Karlstor (Carl’s Gate) which was once part of the city’s medieval fortifications. Further east, you will pass the Burersaal (Citizens' Hall) which dates from the early 18th century and was initially a house of worship for the local Jesuits before becoming a church in 1778. Heavily damaged by the Allied air raids in the Second World War, it was rebuilt to its original form in 1945 and 1946. The façade with its double pilasters is the original, as is the statue of the Virgin with the Child on a crescent moon over the entrance.
Just a block away, the Renaissance-style St. Michael’s church was erected in the late 16th century as the spiritual center of the Counter Reformation. The church’s impressive façade is decorated with columns and rows of niches containing the statues of Bavarian rulers. The ground floor is dominated by a bronze figure of St. Michael slaying the dragon.
Next, you may wish to see the historic Frauenkirche church. This site was originally occupied by a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, before this new church with the distinctive copper onion domes was erected in the 15th Century. It is one of Germany’s largest Gothic buildings, able to accommodate a congregation of up to 20,000. You can take the elevator to the top of one of the over-300-feet-tall onion-domed towers for a good view of central Munich. Just right of the entrance, the sarcophagus of the Emperor Ludwig IV is carved from black marble and surrounded by figures of kneeling knights.
You will see the Marienplatz (Mary’s Square), which has been Munich’s focal point since it was first laid in the 1300s. Originally a marketplace, the square was later used for public events like fairs, proclamations, and executions. It is now dominated by a golden statue of the Virgin Mary atop a column erected in 1638 to celebrate the end of the Swedish occupation of the city. Don’t miss the Viktualienmarkt, the open-air food market frequented by locals and tourists alike. It’s a great place to pick up a fresh pretzel for a snack.
Continuing your walk north of Marienplatz, you will soon reach the historic street Maximilianstrasse which was built to connect the Old Town and the Imperial residence with the river Isar further east. Today, this exclusive avenue is lined by neo-gothic palaces which house, among others, the Schauspielhaus - one of the most important German language theaters in the world; the building of the Bavarian Parliament; and the Museum of Ethnology. The western portion of Maximilianstrasse is known for its designer shops, luxury boutiques, and jewelry stores.
Crossing Maximillianstrasse, you will reach the Residenz – the former residence of the Bavarian kings and the largest downtown palace in Germany. A fortress was first built on this spot in the 14th Century, which was gradually replaced by a palace complex, which itself was later modified and expanded in stages and styles through the centuries. Restored to its original form after the bombings of the Second World War, the huge palace complex now contains seven courtyards, lavish living quarters which have housed foreign dignitaries, and several museums including the Residenz Museum, the Treasury (Schatzkammer), the richly gilded Rococo Cuvilliés Theater, and the Antiquarium – a large Renaissance ceremonial hall which is also the oldest surviving part of the palace complex.
Exeter Services Guide (4 Hours)
Hotel Rocco Forte The Charles
DAY 7
Departure
Today your driver will meet you for your transfer to the airport to meet your onward flight. (Cost of the flight is not included).
Exeter Services Departure Transfer
What Is Included
Cost of the program:
From $2,825 per person based on two guests travelling together.
The cost of the car rental is not included and will be quoted separately based on the clients’ preferences.
Accommodations
Würzburg One Refugium Double Room for Two (2) nights at Schloss Steinburg; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber One Deluxe Room for One (1) night at Hotel Eisenhut; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily.
Munich One Deluxe Room for Three (3) nights at Rocco Forte The Charles; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily.
Meals No meals included, other than breakfast as described above. Your final documents will include our top recommendations. Your guides will recommend restaurants that fit your exact needs daily.
Services Private vehicle, driver and guide at your service as described. The timing for each day is noted in your program.
Exeter International’s local offices are available for your assistance 24 hours per day while you are traveling. Our local staff may also assist you with restaurant reservations and purchasing of additional theater and museum tickets at your request.
Transportation Transportation is included as noted. Unless otherwise noted, all transfer service is with a driver only, not a guide. In general, drivers have limited English-speaking skills. Timing for each day is noted in your program.
Guides Hand chosen for their knowledge on local history, art & architecture. Guides are at your disposal as noted in your itinerary.
Tickets All entrance tickets as described in the program.
Car Rental Not included.
Parking / Tolls / Fuel Not included. Please be prepared to pay locally.
Air Not included
Exeter International Travel Information BAGGAGE The vehicles reserved for your itinerary can accommodate up to two medium-sized suitcases per person. If you intend to travel with additional luggage, please advise your travel consultant so appropriate arrangements may be made. In general, we schedule a sedan for parties of two, a minivan for parties of three to four and a minibus for parties of five or more.
SIGHTSEEING Sightseeing arrangements have been made with your special interests in mind. Your drivers and guides are at your disposal as indicated in the itinerary. Within those time and mileage guidelines, you are free to modify your program as you please. Should you require additional time or mileage, the costs will be quoted on request and may be paid for locally in the local currency or U.S. Dollars.
Every effort has been made to confirm that scheduled sightseeing venues will be open at the time you plan to visit them. However, individual estates, museums, gardens and other points of interest can change their hours of operation at short notice. In the event that a particular attraction is closed on the day or time of your visit, your guide will offer alternative arrangements or rearrange your sightseeing to accommodate these unexpected events.
OPTIONAL EXPENSES Charges for extra meals, transport, sightseeing services or other optional additions to your established itinerary are your responsibility and must be paid locally in the local currency.
GRATUITIES Gratuities are not included in your tour price. Gratuities are at your own discretion. We recommend $15- $20 per person, per day for your guide and $5 - $10 per person, per day for your driver. For your airport or station transfer, a gratuity of $5 - $10 is customary, based on service. Dollars, Euros and any local currency are all accepted.
DINING WITH YOUR GUIDE On days when dinner and lunch costs have not been included in your itinerary (or in your tour cost), you may, at your discretion, choose to invite your guide to dine with your party. You are under no obligation to do so but, if you do extend such an invitation, the guide is your guest and you will be responsible for the cost of his/her meal.
Booking Conditions PAYMENTS Exeter International must receive a deposit of 25% of the total program cost before reservations for your independent travel program can be initiated. The balance of payment is due 60 days prior to departure. No reservations are made on your behalf until this deposit has been received. Availability and pricing is subject to change until this deposit is received. All deposits are nonrefundable.
CANCELLATION Written cancellations received less than 60 days prior to departure are subject to the following forfeit of tour cost 59-14 days prior to departure, 50% of total tour cost 14 or less days prior to departure, 100% of tour cost
REFUNDS We regret that refunds cannot be issued for arrangements confirmed on your itinerary but unused once your tour has begun.
INSURANCE Exeter International strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance to protect your investment. You will find insurance costs noted on your invoice and insurance coverage information in your original booking packet.
PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS Once an itinerary is finalized and final payment has been made, a $100 revision fee will be charged if the itinerary is changed.
The tour price includes planning, handling and operational charges. Rates are quoted in US Dollars on the current rate of exchange and tariff as of 2018. Exeter International reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. Devaluation of a foreign currency will be weighed against any tariff increases imposed. Exeter International does not breakdown costs involved in any Small Group or Individual Travel Program.
All arrangements are subject to availability and modification if necessary. Prices are subject to change if necessary until paid in full.
Exeter International www.Exeterinternational.com 111 South Dakota Avenue │ Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone: (813) 251-5355 │ (800) 633-1008 │ Fax: (813) 251-6685