Rothenburg, Bavaria: fairytale castles and medieval villages have made the region very popular with specialist operators High standards of accommodation and a wide choice of scenic routes have prompted the medieval villages and fairytale castles of Bavaria, long featured by specialist operators, are now offered by Thomson Breakaway in its short breaks programme as a self-drive package.
“Our product is based around the region’s Romantic Road touring route, which runs from Wurzburg to the town of Fussen in the south,” said product manager Moray Shutt.
“Self-drive is an excellent way of discovering the countryside. The well-signposted tourist route takes you through vineyards and medieval towns, and to the South you have the snow-capped Alps in the distance.”
The product is based around three and four-star hotels, and prices start at around ú505 per person for four nights. The deal includes British Airways flights from Gatwick and four days car hire.
Self-catering is also an option that is becoming popular with UK visitors.
Germany specialist Taber Holidays has introduced self-catering, farm-based holidays in the region.
The company features three properties in the scenic Berchtesgaden area of Bavaria, with views of the surrounding Alps and situated in excellent hiking country.
“The standard of accommodation is very high. The properties have microwaves, fridges, coffee makers and barbecue facilities,” said programmes director Rachel Taber.
Self-drive packages start from £125 per person for seven nights accommodation, based on four people sharing. The price includes ferry crossings.
For those who want a more activity-based stay, the operator recommends holiday parks.
“The resort of Windorf in the Bavarian Forest has a children’s playground. And nearby there is a zoo, an open-air swimming pool, riding stables, hiking trails and you can hire bikes,” said Taber.
At Windorf, self-drive packages cost around £91 per person for seven nights, based on four people sharing a chalet. The deal includes a sea crossing between Dover and Calais.
Specialist Moswin Tours offers a range of self-catering accommodation, from farmhouses to luxury apartments.
“Unlike other areas of Germany, where there is a limited number of properties, Bavaria has a lot of apartments and the standard is very good,” said programme development manager Savita Seth.
Prices for a deluxe log cabin in north Bavaria start at around £145 per person per week, based on five people sharing.
DER Travel Service offers chalets in the resort of Inzell in the Bavarian Alps. Seven-night packages start at £102 per person based on five people sharing. The price includes ferry crossing.
For 1998, UK arrivals were up 8.6% to 288,000 compared with 1997. UK overnight stays were up 10.6% to 608,000, compared with an 8.1% growth for Germany as a whole.