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Germany Beer Trip 2025
Munich, Bavaria, Bamberg, Plzen and Prague!
July 18th - July 28th --- 10 Nights (or less, see below)
NOTE: This trip starts in Munich and ends in Prague. Flying out of Prague is usually less expensive than in and out of Munich. If you can not do all 10 nights, you can make this a 9 or 8 night trip by either skipping the last day in Prague (so 9 nights) or heading back to the Munich airport when we leave Bamberg (so 8 nights). Contact me for pricing and more details if desired.
NOTE: If you are only interested in a single day trip or custom day tour or special event in Germany or Belgium, including a Special Munich Oktoberfest Trip, contact me, and/or see Custom Day Trips!
NOTE: See day-by-day itinerary below. All photos shown below and in the video were actually shot on previous trips!
DAY 1: Friday - July 18th - This unbelievable Germany Beer Tour starts when you arrive in Munich (we will meet at the hotel - I will provide detailed step-by-step directions for how to get from the airport to the hotel - or if you prefer I can meet you at the airport if possible). After a short nap (for those arriving that morning and able to get into their room, which is not a certainty), we will meet up around noon and take a walk around the Marienplatz, the old part of Munich and some other interesting areas. I will get you acquainted with the city, how the trains work, where things are, etc. We will stop for a light lunch, maybe at the famous Hofbrauhaus, and perhaps your first beer (of many) in Germany, and we may visit a brewery, as well as a beer garden for dinner and another beer or two (transportation to the hotel, lunch, beer and snacks during the day on your own - dinner is included). After a fun afternoon and early evening of getting to know Munich, most of you that arrived in Germany this morning will be exhausted, so we may call it an early night and let everyone settle into their room and get a good night's sleep. We have a very fun and very busy day tomorrow!
DAY 2: Saturday - July 19th - After a hearty and delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will set out to explore more of the great city of Munich. The day begins with an organized bike tour, which is a fantastic way to see and learn about the city, and includes a stop for beer and sausages in the park at one of the city's famous beer gardens (lunch and beer on your own). This is an amazing tour of this historic city that is both fun and educational. After the bike tour, we may visit a small craft brewery and/or you are free to explore more on your own, which might include visiting some of the beautiful churches and great museums, or you can just take some time to relax. You will be provided with guides, notes and directions to some of the famous beer bars, area breweries, tourist attractions, museums, etc. We will meet back up later for an incredible German beer dinner (included), possibly followed by more beers and good times in one of the city's large beer gardens (beer and snacks at the beer garden on your own). This is sure to be a Saturday night you will always remember!
DAY 3: Sunday - July 20th - This is usually a very special Sunday in Munich! Once per year, on this Sunday morning at "Sunrise" around 5:00 am in Englischergarten park, there is a traditional festival where people gather in period or classic Bavarian attire and dance, drink and have fun until about 9:00 am. Some of you may be interested in this unique gathering (assuming they do not change the date, as they do sometimes). Either way, we will have another great breakfast at the hotel, then in the afternoon we will take a train out to the village of Aying and tour the famous Ayinger Brewery. Ayinger makes some of my favorite beers in the world, and you will never taste them fresher than right at the brewery. This is a magnificent brewery located in the beautiful German countryside. After the tour and a great beer tasting, we will have an incredible early dinner with more fresh Ayinger beer at a small restaurant near the brewery. We will then board the train to head back into Munich, where we should arrive in time for you to do some night time exploring on your own if you wish, or you may want to get a good night's rest for another big day tomorrow.
DAY 4: Monday - July 21st - Today, after breakfast, you will have some free time to continue exploring Munich and/or the surrounding area on your own. If you are feeling adventurous, you could even get up early and take the train out to the small town of Freising and visit the Weihenstephaner Biergarten. But be sure to find your way back to Munich by early afternoon when we will once again travel by train out into the beautiful Bavarian countryside. This time, to visit the famous German monastery brewery, Kloster Andechs. This is one of the few monastery breweries remaining in the world outside of Belgium. Kloster Andechs is known for its Doppelbock, which is considered by many to be the best example of the style in the world. You will always remember your trip to Kloster Andechs.
It starts with either a nice hike through the forest and countryside, from the train station up the Holy Mount to the monastery, or a short, scenic bus ride. The hike takes about an hour and makes the beer taste even better, but for those not up to it, the bus is a nice alternative (or you can even take a taxi). After arriving at the monastery, and a beer for your efforts, you can walk the grounds, tour the incredibly ornate church, which is often described as a deeply religious experience, and even climb the bell tower. There is a variety of food options, a beer garden, a gift shop and more (food and beer during the day are on your own). You can make your way down the mountain and back to Munich any time you want.
Some people might stick around and explore the resort lake town of Herrsching before we leave this area, which also has a beach and beer gardens along the water (maybe bring your bathing suit). Upon arriving back in Munich, some of you may be tired and ready for a rest, so the rest of the evening is open for you to explore the city, and have dinner on your own. I can make several great recommendations. Or, if some of the group are up for it, we may visit another one of my favorite beer gardens (if so, dinner and beer are on your own).
DAY 5: Tuesday - July 22nd - Castle Day! Today, we take a slight break from the beer-focus of the trip and we board a luxury motor coach for a planned day of activities in the area of the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. We travel through scenic southern Bavaria to the border of Austria and into the foothills of the Alps. Here we will find the famous fairy tale castle constructed by legendary King Ludwig III. Once we arrive there, we will take a relaxing bike ride around this beautiful scenic area (or you can skip the ride and just walk around the town). During the bike ride, we will stop by am Alpine lake, where you can take a short, but amazing and refreshing swim if you wish (be sure to bring a swim suit). After the bike ride, we will have lunch and a beer (both on your own) at a small brewpub in the valley looking up at the castles and the Alps. After lunch, we will re-board the bus and move closer to the base of the castle mountain. From there, you will have two options for getting up to the castle. You can either take a shuttle bus most of the way up, or you can hike all the way up, which is a good workout. After visiting Mary's Bridge, enjoying some breathtaking views, and touring the castle, we will all walk down the mountain together and reboard the bus for our trip back to Munich. This is an unforgettable day in Bavaria!
The Neuschwanstein Castle is an architectural marvel of the world and this whole day is quite amazing! If you are not up to very much walking, or just do not want to tour the castle, you can spend that part of the day in the picturesque little town at the base of the castle mountain, where there are lots of shops, a nice beer garden, a mountain lake, and more. Also, while the tour of the Neuschwanstein Castle and visiting the Alps and that area of Germany is highly recommended, another option for this day, our last day in Munich, is to stay in the city and explore it on your own if you have not been able to see everything you wanted. There are some great museums in Munich, where you can see many of the old master works, including Da Vinci, Rubens, Rembrandt, and more, plus the shopping is great, especially for lederhosen and dirndls! Or, you can rent bikes or Segways, revisit some of the places we visited briefly on our bike tour, or just spend the day relaxing, etc. If doing the Castle Trip, we will arrive back in Munich by around 8:00 pm, in time to get some late dinner, do a little more exploring on your own, and then pack and prep to leave the city in the morning.
DAY 6: Wednesday - July 23rd - It will be hard to say goodbye to Munich, but knowing we will soon arrive in Bamberg certainly makes it a little easier. After another great breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and board a private motorcoach that will take us to one of the most beautiful towns in the entire world. Bamberg survived the wars virtually without a scratch, so its 1,000+ year history remains fully intact, making it look like a town that time forgot. And the beer style the city is most well known for, its sweet and smokey Rauchbier, is also a throwback to another time when all barley malt was dried over burning logs. If you don't like smoked beer, there are plenty of other types, but my bet is that you will leave Bamberg as a fan of this incredible and unique beer. BUT, before we get to Bamberg, we will try to make a nice little stop along the way to visit another famous monastery brewery, Weltenburger, on the Danube River near Kelheim. If possible, we may get to tour the brewery carved into the side of the mountain, but either way, we will enjoy a nice selection of their beers, as well as the beautiful mountain and river scenery, an incredible church, and a great little beer garden in the abbey courtyard (lunch, if desired, on your own).
After arriving in Bamberg and settling in to our hotel, I will get you acquainted with the city and where things are. This is literally my favorite place in the world, and you will probably love it as well. The beauty and character of this town is truly like something right out of a fairy tale. The old part of the city is relatively small and very easy and safe to walk around. To end this wonderful day, we will have an awesome beer dinner (included) at the famous Schlenkerla restuarant and pub. After dinner, we may stay there for a while and enjoy the incredible Rauchbier and ambience, or you may want to continue exploring this picturesque city on your own, or get some rest for a busy day tomorrow.
DAY 7: Thursday - July 24th - Today, after a hearty breakfast, we will visit the famous Weyermann Malting company, located in Bamberg, and hopefully get to tour this legendary provider of beer's most precious ingredient, malted grains. This is sort of a technical factory tour, seeing huge drum roasters and bag fillers and such, so some people may wish to skip this and just explore Bamberg on their own this morning. Although, the Weyermann gift shop is large and has lots of great Weyermann branded products, so you might want to visit for that. Lunch today is on your own, though we all might meet up at one of Bamberg's other great breweries or beer cafes before our afternoon tour.
In the afternoon, we will visit and possibly tour Schlenkerla, the most famous rauchbier brewery in the world. Either way, we will surely enjoy more of this delicious and unique beer. For this evening, you will have some open time to explore Bamberg, and eat dinner on your own. Bamberg is one of the most beer-centric places on earth, and the beer is incredible. There are multiple other breweries to visit including Spezial, Mahrs and others. Walking around Bamberg and visiting / drinking at these historic old breweries is something you will never forget!
DAY 8: Friday - July 25th - Today, during the day, is some open time to explore Bamberg and the surrounding area. Bamberg is a true beer lovers city, with numerous small breweries and brewpubs within walking distance. In addition, there is a fantastic cathedral up on the hill and many, many shops, a brewing museum, a puppet museum, you can take a gondola ride, watch street performers, eat incredible ice cream and more, all set in a postcard perfect, fairytale-like environment. I can provide suggestions and advice. The shopping, especially for antiques, and I mean real antiques, is truly awesome. Today will be a great break from the busy days we have had so far, and in a setting that you will simply not want to leave.
Later this afternoon, we will board a motorcoach (or we may take the train) and go to the neighboring town of Forchheim for one of the most awesome beer festivals ever! This is a week-long beer festival set in the woods, on a hill, and 20 or 30 breweries are serving their Kellerbiers directly out of their lagering cellars. There are also carnival rides, great food and more. All food and beer today are on your own. This festival is very unique and well worth a visit! Later this evening, we will head back to Bamberg to pack and prep for leaving the city in the morning.
DAY 9: Saturday - July 26th - Today, after breakfast, and perhaps one (or more) last Rauchbiers, we will check out of the hotel and again board a private motorcoach to take us to the town of Plzen in the Czech Republic. In Plzen we will tour the world-renowned Pilsner Urquell brewery, including its famous lagering caverns, where we will hopefully get to taste the unpasteurized and unfiltered version of their beer. This beer can only be tasted down in these cellars and it is really good! After the tour, we will stay at the brewery and have an early, wonderful Czech dinner and more delicious Pilsner Urquell beer! After this, we will board our bus again, and be taken to our hotel in Prague. We should have a little time to start exploring Prague a little this evening, and maybe stop by a brewery (beers on your own), see the sunset on the famous Charles Bridge, and more.
DAY 10: Sunday - July 27th - Today, after a great breakfast at the hotel, we will set out to explore the beautiful city of Prague. This may just be an open day, or we may optionally stick together and I can show you some of the sights, breweries, bars and restaurants. In addition, we might be able to get a tour of the famous U Fleku brewery and sample its delicious dark lager. Prague is known for its incredible architecture, the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and of course, the beer! Here in Prague, in addition to many of the world's best Pilsner beers, you will find many exceptional Dark Lagers! I love these European Dark Lager styles and I think you will as well. Food and beer today are on your own. You may want to make it an early evening tonight to give yourself some time to relax a little and get packed for the trip back home tomorrow.
DAY 11: Monday - July 28th - Today, unfortunately, we will say goodbye and take a shuttle or taxi (on your own) from the hotel to the Prague (not Munich) airport, or you will venture on to wherever your travels may take you next, while dreaming about the next time you will see Germany and the Czech Republic again!
FAQs REGARDING THIS GERMANY BEER TOUR
ADULT COST: The Price for the Summer 2024 Germany Beer Trip is $3,650 USD per person traveling as a couple / pair (i.e. Double Occupancy), or $4,190 USD (hopefully a bit less) for someone traveling alone (i.e. Single Occupancy). These prices should not change, unless the exchange rate or trip plans change dramatically. That is not expected, but this trip is a long ways off and anything could happen, so the final, exact costs will be determined as people commit to going, and as the time gets a little closer, etc.
SPECIAL NOTE ON COST: My pricing, and the value created, is unlike many tours in several important ways. Most travel industry tours expect the trip attendees to pay numerous tips, often multiple tips per day, including for guides, helpers, restaurant staff, bus drivers, etc. This is common in the tourism industry, but it can add up to hundreds of additional, and often unexpected, dollars over the course of a 10 day trip. I simply disagree with the industry on this approach, so I don't ask my trip attendees to tip anyone during any included activities. Also, with some tours, the amount of beverages, beer, etc. included with the dinners may be limited, but I like to see my guests drink what they want, within reason of course, without worrying about extra costs. I also try to provide some extra beers and surprises along the way, when I can, and when the budget, exchange rate, etc. allows it. In summary, I do some things a bit different than the industry norm. This does not mean the industry norm is bad. It just means I have a different approach, which tries to create more value for my guests, and is something that needs to be considered in my prices.
WHAT IS INCLUDED: Basically, everything except the meals and beers specified above, your personal purchases, your airfare, and transportation from and to the airports. It includes all hotels, breakfasts each day, several meals, some with unlimited beers, train and bus travel, taxis, admission fees, all tips, etc.
COULD I SAVE MONEY DOING THIS ON MY OWN: Possibly, but it can require literally hundreds of hours of research and planning to make it happen as smoothly as what you will get on my trips. Also, you may have to drive yourself, or navigate foreign transit systems, to experience some of what we do, which puts a damper on being able to drink and enjoy yourself. Lastly, several things are just not options for people traveling alone. Either the group and / or my connections make some of the tours and things we do feasible. So yes, it is possible to save a little money, but I'm not making that much and the added value I offer is well worth it to most people. Lastly, when calculating costs on your own, many things are often overlooked, which add up to extra dollars spent, plus without the proper planning, mistakes can happen and they can add costs quickly.
I DON'T KNOW IF I WOULD LIKE TRAVELING WITH A GROUP: This isn't a cruise ship or a high school field trip where every second of every day is planned. There are opportunities to do things on your own, there is no curfew, and few very early mornings. Also, the type of people that do a trip like this, are probably a bit of a beer geek just like you, and are usually pretty good people. Lastly, these are relatively small group trips comparatively. So just relax and have fun with some like-minded people in a flexible and friendly environment.
PAYMENT TERMS AND CONFIRMATION: I need to confirm the trip as soon as I can to get hotels, buses, tours, etc. scheduled. Thus, if you are interested or certain that you want to go, contact me and/or pay your down payment / initial payment as soon as you can. See the instructions below for how to get registered. A trip can be confirmed as soon as I have enough people signed up. Airline tickets should NOT be purchased until the trip is confirmed.
To reserve your space, or communicate with me, send an email to BeerMBA@MarketWiseSolutions.com.
To officially register and pay your 25% down payment, also send me an email, and then either use the form below or go to www.Paypal.com and send any amount of money you want to this email address... "RonSmith -AT- MarketWiseSolutions -DOT- com". If doing this, please be sure to send me a follow up email to let me know how much you paid and what it is for.
NOTE: If the trip does not happen, this down payment amount will be refunded to you (minus any Paypal fees, usually around $25). Otherwise, as soon as I have enough people signed up to confirm the trip, I will notify you with that confirmation, and at that point the 25% down payment is no longer refundable. You will then be asked to pay the remaining 75%. This remaining 75% is due in full at least 3 months before the departure date (but sooner is better). After that 3 months prior to departure point, when all money must be received, no money can be refunded. All plans have been made at that point, things have been paid in advance, this is Belgium's peak travel period, etc. In the event that I can’t make the trip, either another guide will be assigned to lead the trip, or all money not paid out will be refunded to you along with instructions and notes to allow you to still do as much of the trip as possible on your own (the same applies in the event of a complete cancellation of the trip for any reason). You can also consider travel insurance, but be sure to read the fine print and make sure it covers money paid to tour guides and expenses beyond payments directly to hotels and airlines. These terms are subject to change at any time, but they represent the general policies.
INSTALLMENT PAYMENT PLAN OPTIONS: As a college educator, I know that money can be tight for some people, especially students, but I would like them to be able to do my trips if they really want to have these incredible life experiences. So to help with that, people can basically add money to their Trip Account whenever they want and I will just keep it in their account until it is either needed or refunded. You can just go to www.Paypal.com and send any amount of money you wish to this email address... "RonSmith -AT- MarketWiseSolutions -DOT- com". If doing this, please be sure to send a follow up email directly to me, to let me know how much you paid and what it is for. These funds are subject to the same cancellation and refund deadlines and arrangements as any other funds (see above), so as long as deadlines are not passed, if you start adding to a fund, but cannot go on the trip, your money will be refunded (except any fees incurred). This unique payment option provides a way for people to pay a little at a time, on whatever schedule they want (i.e. even daily or weekly additions can be made). If you have any questions about this, contact me via email at BeerMBA@MarketWiseSolutions.com.
Additional Information
The hotels are all very nice, safe, approx 3+ star type accomodations, with private baths and all the usual European amenities (i.e. possibly not air conditioning). More details can be provided upon request.
The itinerary and plans may change. With travel plans like this, things out of my control can always occur. If / when that occurs, I will try to plan something else. It will always be a fun and enjoyable trip and I will always give you your money's worth.
As the trip gets confirmed, I will provide various documents, including one for Trip Planning and Preparation, which covers lots of important issues for European travel, such as currency, mobile phones, internet access, power adapters, what to pack, and much, much more. I will also provide documents for How to Get to the Hotel, and for the Final Trip Itinerary, etc.
If you need a roommate, I can try to pair you up with someone, but it is up to you to make it work.
As with most European travel, these trips require A LOT of walking, standing and movement. You should be in reasonably good shape in order to participate in everything planned. However, there are certainly ways to make it easier and do less walking, etc. if you wish and don't mind not trying to keep up with the group.
Also, as with most European travel in the summer, expect it to be VERY HOT at times and do not expect to find air conditioning everywhere. Hopefully, our hotels will have air conditioning, but this can't always be guaranteed, because most hotels simply do not have it, and even if they do, it may not work very well. Most restaurants and other public places do not have air conditioning either. In most cases, the heat is not too bad, but there are times in late July when it could get extremely hot. If this occurs, we can not control the weather and we will survive, though it may not be comfortable for a little while. In these situations, you will truly get to experience what it is like to live in that part of the world where most people do not have air conditioning.
Lastly, as with most European travel, expect things like hotel rooms and restaurants to be small and the quarters to be tight. Unlike the US or other parts of the world, space is often limited in Europe and many buildings are very, very old. This is part of the charm and the experience.
I am only the coordinator of the trip. I charge a fee to assist you and guide you in your travels. I am not responsible for, or liable for, your health, safety, lost or stolen property, etc.
Click here to sign up, get on my email list and/or contact me!
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