BAVARIA CYCLE— Germany

2006 Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Depart from your home city and fly to Munich, Germany.

• Day 2

  Arrive in Munich and transfer by private van to the charming medieval town of Kufstein, Austria, on the Bavarian border (one group transfer from the Munich airport to Kufstein will be arranged for this morning). We’ll make a short stop in the town of Prien am Chiemsee for a bike fitting before continuing on to Kufstein and checking in to our hotel. Nestled among the surrounding Tyrolean peaks, Kufstein is known for its picturesque lakes and imposing 13th-century castle, Festung Kufstein. Our historic hotel, built in 1410, is within walking distance of the castle where performances on Europe’s largest open-air pipe organ are featured twice daily. Those of us anxious to get in the saddle will have an opportunity to take a warm-up ride along a bike path that parallels the bank of the beautiful river that runs through the Inn Valley. Later this afternoon, we’ll enjoy a social hour and short orientation before heading to dinner at a popular local restaurant. Driving time from Munich to Kufstein is approx. two hours. Dinner included.

• Day 3

   After breakfast, we begin our first day’s ride over mostly level terrain through Bavaria’s pastoral countryside. Our destination today is historic Neubeuern, recently voted Germany’s most beautiful small village. We ride through the old gates that once protected this lovely hamlet and have time this afternoon to explore on foot, swim in a nearby lake or take an optional but very scenic ride towards Prien am Chiemsee. We spend the night in a castle that has been converted to a small hotel located within the village walls. Cycling: 20 miles with additional mileage optional. Breakfast and dinner included.

• Day 4

  We continue along a rolling bike-only path towards Lake Schliersee, in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps. Along the way, we'll pass traditional villages, farmhouses and fruit orchards and notice that our route becomes distinctively hillier as we draw closer to the mountains. Schliersee has maintained a distinctively Bavarian atmosphere and a number of well-preserved churches and other historic buildings await our exploration. Additional options this afternoon include an extended spin around the lake, a scenic hike to a nearby waterfall or a gondola ride up to Schliersbergalm peak (3,480') offering fine views of the surrounding countryside and lake far below. A peaceful guesthouse on the outskirts of the village of Neuhaus am Schliersee will be our lodging tonight. Cycling: 25 miles with additional mileage optional. Breakfast and dinner included.

• Day 5

  Today's ride begins along the beautifully-colored Isar River and becomes steadily more dramatic as we approach the high limestone mountains of the Karwendal and Wetterstein ranges. Our destination is the vibrant resort village of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, located in the shadow of the Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak (9,724'). Originally inhabited around 2000 B.C., this region's rich history includes occupation by the Illyrians, Celts and Romans before its current inhabitants arrived in the beginning of the 6th century A.D. Now, Garmisch-Partenkirchen has cultivated a reputation for its traditional culture combined with a sophisticated international flair and, due to its fantastic alpine location, is considered Germany's winter sports capital. This afternoon, our guides will provide a shuttle transfer (one hour each way) to Schloss Linderhof, the second and smallest of Ludwig's castles along our route and considered to be his favorite. Linderhof was built as a retreat for the king and he resided here on a regular basis. The Rococo-style interior and fantastic formal gardens complete with whimsical fountains and pools are a testament to Ludwig's creativity and contribute to this palace's aura of intimacy. After a tour of the castle, we return to Garmisch-Partenkirchen where we'll spend the next two nights sampling the excellent local cuisine and perhaps tasting the local beer that brewers around the world strive to emulate. Cycling: 25 miles. Breakfast and dinner included.

• Day 6

  After a short van shuttle over a busier stretch of road that crosses into Austria, we jump back on our bikes and pedal along a gravel road into the heart of the spectacular Karwendal Range. Today's lunch stop includes a short tour of an isolated, traditional butter and cheese-producing cottage set amongst the towering mountain peaks of the Austrian Tyrol. Our magnificent alpine setting is the perfect backdrop for our afternoon ride back to Garmisch-Partenkirchen where, if time permits, we can embark on an optional cable car ride up to the summit of the massive Zugspitze or hike through a beautiful slot canyon before dinner and fun in the old quarter of town. Cycling: 20 miles. Breakfast and dinner included.

• Day 7

  As we depart Garmisch-Partenkirchen and continue into the Tyrol, we'll marvel at the dramatic alpine scenery along the entire length of our route. Gorgeous valleys and quaint villages filled with friendly locals dot the border regions of Germany and Austria. We cycle directly to our four-star hotel located on the shores of Austria's sparkling Lake Plansee and, depending on our arrival time, can participate in an optional boat ride or just relax and enjoy the views. Cycling: 28 miles. Breakfast and dinner included.

• Day 8

  Back into Germany today, our route follows the “Via Claudia Augusta”, a road through the Alps built by the Romans almost 2,000 years ago.  Extending from Bavaria to the Adriatic, the portion of the road we cycle along passes through some of the most spectacular Tyrolean landscapes in the range.  Our final ride brings us directly to the gates of Hohenschwangau Castle, King Ludwig’s boyhood home, offering our first dramatic bird’s eye view of neighboring Neuschwanstein. Our lodging for the next two nights will be in the 700-year-old, red-roofed town of Fussen.  Fussen, situated at the southern end of Germany’s Romantic Road, is the highest town in Bavaria (2,650’) and it’s charming architecture and narrow, winding lanes make for delightful strolling and people-watching. Cycling: 25 miles. Breakfast and dinner included.

• Day 9

  The culmination of our Bavarian adventure begins this morning as we board a cable car up Tegelberg Mountain (5,633’) for dazzling views of the Alps before a two hour walk downhill to magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle.  Twenty three years in the making but never fully completed, Ludwig’s first fantasy castle was constructed in a spectacular hilltop setting and evokes the romance and beauty of a childhood fable. We’ll have a guided tour of the castle and learn more about its history and the life of the man who designed it. Those content with seeing the castle from afar can opt to spend the day cycling around Lake Forggensee or strolling through Fussen’s historic center for some final souvenir shopping. A special celebration dinner is planned tonight giving us an opportunity to recap the week’s adventures and enjoy each other’s company one last time. Breakfast and dinner included.

• Day 10

  After breakfast, we board our van for the group transfer back to the Munich airport and say goodbye to Bavaria and our newfound friends. Please do not schedule a flight out of Munich prior to 2:00 p.m. this afternoon. Breakfast included.

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures.

Hotel accommodations with private baths; breakfasts and dinners from dinner on Day 2 through breakfast on Day 10; bilingual guides; transfer from/to Munich airport; bicycles; support vehicle and entrance to Ludwig's castles.

Air transportation; lunches; alcoholic beverages and soft drinks; gratuities; laundry and items of a personal nature.

This trip is rated as Moderate [3] and we'll cycle 20-30 miles (3-5 hours) daily with options for additional cycling on some days. The terrain we cross ranges from level to gradually rolling with a few long uphill stretches. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we recommend beginning a conditioning regimen at least 2-3 months prior to departure. In addition to cycling weekly, walking, running and swimming will all increase your stamina and cardiovascular fitness leading to greater enjoyment of the adventure.

Although our departures take place during mid-summer when sunshine can be abundant in Bavaria, there is always a chance of rain showers making adequate raingear a necessity for this adventure. As much of our trip takes place in an alpine climate, weather patterns can be unpredictable and change rapidly. Daytime temperatures typically range between 60º - 75º F dropping 10-15 degrees at night.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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