Oktoberfest & German Beer History

Pick up your rental car and drive to the city of Bamberg, located in the heart of the Franconia region. Franconia is a large area of low mountains, rivers, forests, vineyards, towns and cities, and the largest concentration of breweries in the world. Bamberg’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by archbishops on seven hills and is waiting for you to explore the narrow alleys, half-timbered houses and the Cathedral high on the hill. Among beer lovers, it is known for its “Rauchbier” (smoked beer), perhaps not for everyone, but definitely worth a try.

Overnight in Bamberg
Tenon recommends: City Hotel Bamberg

Explore Bamberg’s well-preserved Old Town, the Cathedral and Rose Gardens, or its spectacular surroundings with castles, palaces, and ruins. It’s also a wonderful nature area for walking or biking. Today you’ll Taste Bramberg with a private tour of the town, walk in the footsteps of the centuries-old art of brewing and get to know the secret capital of beer. Later, explore the city on foot, or rent a bike. You can also visit the Weißenohe Brewery in Forchheim (approx. 26km), or Maisel’s Beer Experience World in Bayreuth (approx. 64 km) 

Highlights (included): Private Taste of Bramberg tour, with tastings.

Highlights (optional): Weißenohe Brewery tour, Visit Maisel’s Beer Experience World in Bayreuth, rent a bike for independent sightseeing.

Overnight in Bamberg
Tenon recommends: City Hotel Bamberg
(Breakfast included)

On your way to Weltenburg, you should definitely stop in Nuremberg famous for its medieval old town, 3 im Weggla (3 sausages in a bun) and its Nazi past. Of course, you can enjoy locally brewed beer here as well! 

You will be staying at Weltenburg Abbey, the world’s oldest Monastery brewery, which features a beautiful beer garden (Klosterschenke) where you can enjoy a typical Bavarian Brotzeit (cold platter) and Weltenburg beer.

Highlights (optional): Private Nuremberg walking tour

Overnight in Weltenburg
Tenon recommends: St. George Guesthouse at Weltenburg Abbey.
(Breakfast included)

Weltenburg Abbey is located on the Danube River, which has cut a gorge through the limestone making this the deepest and narrowest part of the Bavarian Danube river. You can admire this wonderful landscape during a boat trip, embarking at the Monastery. Cruise to the town of Kelheim, where you have some time to explore the town before returning to the Monastery by boat. 

Take a slight detour to the town of Ingolstadt, where the Beer Purity Law was enacted in 1516 (which is still valid today). Ingolstadt is also one of the settings in the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Continue to Scheyern Abbey, where Benedictine monks have been actively brewing beer since its foundation almost 950 years ago.

Highlights (included): Danube river cruise

Highlights (optional): Private walking tour of Ingolstadt

Overnight in Scheyer
Tenon recommends: Hotel Schyrenhof abbey hotel
(Breakfast included)

Today you are going to visit Augsburg – the oldest city in Bavaria. Founded by the Romans in 15 BC, this ancient and famous imperial city amazes you with its beautiful old town and active cultural life. Take a walk through 20 centuries: follow in the footsteps of the Romans, visit the middle age craftsmen quarters and Renaissance buildings and explore the renowned walled quarter, Fuggerei, and the patrician palaces along Maximilian Street (one of Germany’s loveliest boulevards). Definitely check out some of Augsburg’s traditional beer gardens!

Highlights (optional): Private walking tour of Augsburg.

Overnight in Augsburg
Tenon recommends: Augsburger Hof Hotel
(Breakfast included)

You will be traveling on the Romantic Road which runs from Augsburg to Füssen and includes the most beautiful nature and landscape of southern Germany. You should stop along the route to enjoy nature, as well as smaller and bigger towns. A highlight today is the 19th-century Neuschwanstein Castle, towering far above the town of Füssen. You’ll be amazed by the view from Marienbrücke, the tour inside the castle, and its breathtaking location in the Bavarian Alps. 

Continue to the Benedictine Abbey of Ettal, whose monks have been brewing beer and liqueurs for over 400 years. It is one of the few authentic monastery breweries that are still in the hands of monks. 

Your accommodations are at the abbey hotel, which has been an inn since the 17th century.

Highlight (included): Entrance to Neuschwanstein Castle 

Overnight in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Tenon recommends: Ludwig der Bayer Abbey Hotel
(Breakfast included)

Garmisch-Partenkirchen was historically two separate towns, Garmisch and Partenkirchen, which merged in 1935 in preparation for the Winter Olympics held in the region. Today, this popular ski resort town is also a wonderful place to visit during the other seasons! 

It has a charming and traditional Bavarian atmosphere, featuring well-preserved historic buildings, colorful frescoes, and beautiful churches. The main street, Ludwigstrasse, is lined with traditional houses, shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering a taste of local culture and cuisine.

The town is surrounded by majestic mountains, including Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze, at 9,718 feet. It can be visited using cable cars and a cogwheel train, and at the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. 

Highlight (included): Zugspitze Cable Car ticket

Overnight in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Tenon recommends: Ludwig der Bayer Abbey Hotel
(Breakfast included)

On your way to Munich, stop at the enchanting Linderhof Palace. The architecture was inspired by the Palace of Versailles, and the gardens are meticulously landscaped which feature ornamental flower beds, sculptures, fountains, and picturesque pathways. You can also stop at Oberammergau, the site of the famous Passion Play. 

Drop off your car in Munich and enjoy a few days in the Bavarian state capital. This evening on a guided Beer & Food Tour, you’ll experience the Bavarian beer culture in Munich and learn why it is world-famous not only because of the Oktoberfest. Plus, enjoy a private tour through the Oktoberfest Museum and visit the famous Hofbräuhaus. 

Highlight (included): Admission to Linderhof Palace, Guided Beer and Food Tour (shared)

Overnight in Munich
Tenon recommends: Kings First Class Hotel
(Breakfast included)

Get to know Munich on a walking tour this morning. Explore the most significant places in the beautiful old town with Marienplatz & the City Hall with Glockenspiel, see Frauenkirche Cathedral, the old town market, Viktualienmarkt, the Royal Residence & National Opera House, and Odeonsplatz. There is no shortage of beer gardens and breweries to discover! Prost! 

Experience Oktoberfest between September 16-October 3! 

Highlight (included): Guided Munich walking tour (shared)

Overnight in Munich
Tenon recommends: Kings First Class Hotel
(Breakfast included)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in Europe! 

(Breakfast included)