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Rail Escape

German Castle Tour on the Fairytale Road

Nine-day rail loop through Munich, Stuttgart, and Heidelberg.

Illustration of German Castle Tour on the Fairytale Road

Rail Escape's German Castle Tour is a 9-day rail journey through three of Germany's most culturally significant cities. Starting in Munich, the tour spends three nights exploring Bavarian palaces, museums, and beer halls, then travels by first-class train to Stuttgart for three nights of automotive heritage and parks. The final two nights are spent in Heidelberg, a medieval riverside town with a castle overlooking the old town. Daily breakfast, 4-star hotel stays, and airport transfers are included; most attractions and meals are self-guided and at additional cost. The itinerary balances city exploration with leisurely multi-night stays, suited to history enthusiasts, couples, and those seeking first-class rail comfort without a packed daily agenda.

What to know before you look closer

  • Excursions, entrance fees, and activities are not included; costs for museums and Dachau entry are additional.
  • Only breakfast is provided daily; lunch, dinner, and in-city transport are the traveller's responsibility.
  • Some regional trains on the itinerary may offer only second-class seating despite the 'first-class rail travel' banner.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Munich

    Arrive in Munich

    Welcome to the Bavarian capital! After checking into your hotel for a three-night stay, spend your afternoon getting acquainted with Munich's old town area. Visit the iconic Marienplatz square with its striking New Town Hall and glockenspiel clock. Don't miss the chance to raise a stein at one of Munich's classic beer halls like Hofbräuhaus. [Night in Munich]

  2. Day 2overnight: Munich

    Munich's Palaces and Museums

    On your second day, explore some of Munich's most famous attractions like the enormous Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavarian royalty. You could also visit the Alte Pinakothek Museum housing one of the world's finest collections of European art. End your day with a stroll through the English Garden, one of the largest city parks. [Night in Munich]

  3. Day 3overnight: Munich

    Dachau and BMW

    This morning, you should take a sobering half-day trip to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site. In the afternoon, return to Munich and visit the BMW Museum and factory to learn about this quintessential German automotive brand. Spend your evening savoring traditional Bavarian food and beer. [Night in Munich]

  4. Day 4railovernight: Stuttgart

    Travel to Stuttgart

    After breakfast, depart Munich and take the train to Stuttgart in southwestern Germany. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a three-night stay. Get oriented by visiting the Old Palace and New Palace in the city center. You could also stroll through the Schlossgarten, Stuttgart's beautiful palace gardens. [Night in Stuttgart]

  5. Day 5overnight: Stuttgart

    Stuttgart's Car Museums

    As the birthplace of icons like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, Stuttgart is a paradise for car enthusiasts. Visit the stunning Mercedes-Benz Museum and Porsche Museum to see incredible automotive collections and learn about the history of these renowned brands. [Night in Stuttgart]

  6. Day 6overnight: Stuttgart

    Stuttgart's Green Spaces

    Take a break from the city by exploring Stuttgart's many parks and beer gardens. Highlights include the Killesbergpark with its tower offering panoramic views, or the romantic Leibfriedscher Garten with its vine-covered pavilions. Stop for a locally-brewed Stuttgarter beer along the way. [Night in Stuttgart]

  7. Day 7railovernight: Heidelberg

    Journey to Heidelberg

    Leave Stuttgart after breakfast and take the train to the picturesque riverside city of Heidelberg. After checking into your hotel, spend your afternoon strolling along the Philosophers' Walk for iconic views of Heidelberg's Old Town and famous Heidelberg Castle ruins perched above. [Night in Heidelberg]

  8. Day 8overnight: Heidelberg

    Explore Heidelberg

    On your last complete day of the tour, fully experience the charms of Heidelberg. Visit the imposing Heidelberg Castle and its enormous wine barrel, then wander through Heidelberg's old town center and across the Old Bridge gates. Don't miss the historic student prison at Germany's oldest university. [Night in Heidelberg]

  9. Day 9

    Depart Heidelberg

    On your final morning, you may want to take one last stroll along the Neckar River or visit any attractions you missed before departing Heidelberg. Enjoy some final moments in this quintessential German university town.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1: Marienplatz square with its New Town Hall and glockenspiel clock, followed by a beer at Hofbräuhaus.
  • Day 3Day 3: Visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site in the morning, then tour the BMW Museum and factory in the afternoon.
  • Day 4Day 4: First-class train journey to Stuttgart, arriving at the city centre to visit the Old and New Palaces.
  • Day 7Day 7: First-class train to Heidelberg, followed by a walk along the Philosophers' Walk with views of the Old Town and castle ruins.
  • Day 8Day 8: Explore Heidelberg Castle and its enormous wine barrel, wander the old town, and visit the historic student prison.

Included

  • Welcome Package: Receive a personalized welcome package upon arrival, including travel essentials and detailed itinerary information to ensure a seamless start to your journey.
  • First-Class Rail Travel: Experience the ultimate in comfort and style with first-class rail travel throughout your itinerary. Please note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating.
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy luxurious 4-star-plus accommodations in all cities, conveniently located near train stations for easy access and maximum convenience.
  • Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious full breakfast, provided at all hotel accommodations, offering a variety of local and international options.
  • Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Not included

  • International Airfare: Flights to and from Europe are not included in the package price. Rail Escape can offer an additional reservation of flights.
  • Excursions Activities and Entrance Fees: Any tours, excursions, or activities are not included and may incur additional costs.
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast: While a full breakfast is provided daily, lunch, dinner, and any additional meals or snacks are not included and are the guest’s responsibility.
  • Local taxes or fees: The packages do not include additional local taxes or fees, such as hotel tourism taxes.
  • Personal Expenses: Personal shopping, souvenirs, and additional hotel services (e.g., minibar, laundry, room service) are not covered.
  • Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are not included and are at the guest’s discretion.
  • Local Transportation: Transportation within cities, such as taxis, buses, and subways, is not included.

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included?
Yes, first-class rail travel between Munich, Stuttgart, and Heidelberg is included. Some regional trains may offer second-class seating only.
What accommodation is provided?
25 hours The Royal Bavarian in Munich (3 nights), Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin in Stuttgart (3 nights), and Heidelberg Marriott Hotel (2 nights), all 4-star rated.
What meals are included?
Daily full breakfast at hotels. Lunch, dinner, and other meals are not included.
Does the price include airport transfers?
Yes, airport transfers upon arrival and departure are included.
Are museum and site entrance fees included?
No. Museum visits and entrance fees for attractions like Dachau, the BMW Museum, Porsche Museum, and Heidelberg Castle cost extra.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
The itinerary lists suggested attractions. The evidence does not specify whether Rail Escape provides guides or local escort services.

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