Tour Leader: Kathy McNeil (1st tour) & Kathie Wylie (2nd tour)

Day 2
United States - Iceland - Munich. Tour participants travel to the nearest airport/gateway to Germany and check in for a flight by United Airlines or Lufthansa German Airlines to Munich Germany. These are direct overnight flights which arrive in Munich the following morning.

Morning Arrival in Munich. You will be met by your illustrious Bavarian tour guide Maximilian Bukszpan. Transfer to the traditional 4-star Hotel Platzl, located in the heart of the city. Hotel Platzl is located in the historic old town between famous Hofbrauhaus the Viktualienmarkt and Marienplatz, where the Christkindlmarkt takes place.

Spend time this afternoon with Max exploring the Christkindlmarkt. The traditional Christmas Market at Marienplatz dates back to the 14th century and is considered the most original and authentic in Munich, where about 40 such markets take place annually.

Rest and relax at your hotel before a “Welcome to Germany” dinner at Hofbrдuhaus, “The World‘s most famous Tavern” – built in 1589 and accommodates up to 5,000 revelers. Have fun! (D)

GERMAN TOUR GUIDE:  Maximilian Bukszpan is the Bavarian expert tour guide who will meet the group on arrival in Munich and stay with the group until you leave Munich for Iceland. “Max” is a native “Mьnchner” who has traveled the world. For the last 20 years he has offered his services as private tour guide throughout Bavaria, – including Munich, Rothenburg and Nuremberg.

ICELAND TOUR GUIDE:  Eythor Bjorgvinsson is born and raised in the Westman Islands.  Eythor operates a tour company by the name of Icepath ahd have successfully done so for the last 15 years. Eythor holds a adventure guide deiploma from Thompson Rivers University in Canada. Eythor will join the group on arrival at Keflavik Airport and stay with the group until you depart back to the United States.

Today visit the fairy tale castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, created by Germany’s 19th-century King Ludwig II. Admire Bavaria’s magnificent scenery as you journey to Linderhof, Ludwig’s rococo-style hunting lodge and last home. Take the interior tour of Linderhof before continuing to Neuschwanstein. Upon arrival at Neuschwanstein you will see a picture book castle of turrets and chambers that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Maximilian will be in his element during this tour where his local knowledge will be of great value. Lunch at Alpenstuben then return to Munich and the Hotel Platzl.

You are on your own for dinner. (B, L)