Ludwig’s Versailles and Mozart’s Salzburg

Day 1:

Arrival at Munich airport. Transfer by minibus or taxi to our base hotel in Wasserburg.

Day 2:

Wasserburg. After breakfast we will personally equip you with your bicycle ensuring a perfect fit for everyone. You are then left free to explore Wasserburg and the surrounding countryside. Situated on a promontory, encircled by a loop in the River Inn, Wasserburg dates back to the Middle Ages. The narrow cobbled streets and high facades conjure vivid images of fairy tales. The town is very atmospheric with a wealth of historic buildings, museums, pavement cafés and Keller bars. Set in rolling farmland, dotted with pretty rural villages, the area provides an excellent introduction to cycling in Bavaria. On the outskirts of the town is a large swimming pool complex with water slides and every other facility imaginable.

Day 3:

Wasserburg to Prien. Peaceful lanes and immaculately maintained tracks weave their way through sun-drenched meadows and shady green forests, with the snow-capped blue of the Alps rising out of the horizon as you head south-east to Prien. 20 miles (32.18 kilometers).

Day 4:

Prien. Lying on the shores of Bavaria’s largest lake, the Chiemsee, Prien is in the heart of Germany’s Riviera. The views across the lake are spectacular: colourful yachts follow their leisurely course between the two famous islands, framed by a majestic mountainous backdrop. An old paddle steamer operates as a ferry to the islands. The Herreninsel is home to Schloss Herrenchiemsee, built by ‘Mad King Ludwig’ between 1878 and 1885. The palace is set in magnificent gardens, and is a remarkable copy of Versailles. The Fraueninsel, a much smaller island, has a charming fishing village and a Benedictine monastery dating from the 13th century.

Day 5:

Prien to Inzell. Closer to the Alps now, the scenery becomes more dramatic. The route skirts the Chiemsee and then heads across a flat plain to Siegsdorf, a charming village nestling in a cradle of high peaks. The final few miles to Inzell follow a pretty path along the Rote Traun Valley, formerly a salt traders route. 26 miles (41.84 kilometers).

Day 6:

Inzell. A popular ski resort in winter, Inzell becomes a mountain walking centre in summer. The surrounding area is breathtakingly beautiful, with lofty peaks all around. A vast network of tracks and paths lead into the mountains, many accessible by bike. We have discovered two excellent round-trip cycle rides through the mountains as detailed in your information pack.

Day 7:

Inzell to Berchtesgaden. The route follows narrow, steeply-sided valleys passing through picture postcard villages and the famous resort of Bad Reichenhall. Unforgettable view after view will keep your cameras clicking. 22 miles (35.40 kilometers).

Day 8:

Berchtesgaden. This bustling tourist town has a huge variety of attractions to offer. A guided tour of the local salt mines includes dressing up in miner’s clothing and crossing an illuminated subterranean lake on a raft. Other sights to see are the Konigsee - a scenic mountain lake; the Eagle’s Nest - Hitler’s alpine retreat; Berchtesgaden Castle, situated in the centre of the town; and the Church at Ramsau, probably the most photographed church in Germany.

Day 9:

Berchtesgaden to Salzburg. A pleasant morning’s ride as you watch the mountains slowly recede and the valleys gradually widen. The farmers are once again able to impose their will on the land, painting the countryside with golden wheatfields and lush green pastures. In the afternoon, the route follows the River Saalach downstream to Salzburg. 26 miles (41.84 kilometers).

Day 10:

Salzburg. A Your hotel is located right at the heart  of Salzburg old town on a quiet semi-pedestrianised street.  There are countless things to see and do in Mozart’s birthplace:  castles, museums, cafés and gardens will all compete for your  attention. For those wishing to explore beyond the city, we  suggest following the traffic free cycle routes along the banks of  the River Salzach.

Day 11:

Today we say "Auf Wiedersehen". We will transfer you direct from Salzburg to Munich airport by train or by minibus, and look forward to having you back again next year.