References

I have travelled extensively across the world, but this was the best organised tour I had ever been on.  At every point it was organised for the convenience of the customer and not the tour company and they really went out of their way to ensure the trip was enjoyable and hassle free.  Plus it's true, there are no hidden extras.  I hardly spent anything on the trip which was really inclusive, and this makes it a good option in a credit crunch environment.  Highly Recommended. A+++++
     –  Dawn Osborne, England, June 2010

The Bavarian Castles Tour is a trip to the “Real” Magic Kingdom.  There is magic in learning the history of the “Fairytale King and his Fairytale castles”, as well as seeing them in person.  There is magic in the breathtaking beauty of Bavaria — its mountains, lakes, rolling landscapes and picturesque villages.  And the best magic of all is made by Astrid’s “magic wand” which she must use behind the scenes, as she concocts a seamlessly smooth, relaxing, well paced and extremely interesting adventure.  I very highly recommend this tour.
     –  Sandra, Toronto, Canada, June 2010

We had a wonderful week.  To wake up to the church bells, have a wonderful breakfast and relax with a stroll around the lake in the evening after seeing the beautiful castles made the trip perfect.  Our time was well planned and supervised.
     –  Duska Brickhouse, Alabama, May 2010

Thank you again for a wonderful tour of Ludwig's castles and the personal knowledge of the region you shared with us.  We had a really fun group and the size was just right.  I very much appreciated your arranging everything for us – that personal touch is what made it a wonderful trip for me.  We didn't have to worry about how to get to the castles, where to buy the tickets, what time to catch the ferry, etc.  And the restaurants you selected were just as wonderful of an experience as the castles.  Next time I will be prepared for the really large portions they serve – just like the beer!  I look forward to booking my next castle tour with you, and will highly recommend my friends to do the same.
     –  Lauriat Heilman, Atlanta, Georgia, June 2009

We’ve had a great trip.  This has been one of the best trips that we’ve had.  It’s been so easy for us to tour around this part of Bavaria.  Never been to Germany before, and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.  Astrid has made it so easy for us to see the sights, all the castles, and all the culture that we’ve seen in this area has been just amazing.  We’d certainly love to come back again.  She’s made us fall in love with the country.
     –  Russel and Debbie Hotson, Australia, June 2009

I highly recommend Astrid’s tour.  She’s excellent, very well organized and efficient.  The accommodations are perfect, the food was excellent, and we’ll be back.
     –  April Cook, West Virginia, June 2009

It’s a wonderful blend for all ages.  It has something for everybody.  It’s especially great for grandparents taking their grandchildren.  They’re not bored.  They have a wonderful time, as we have had.  Thank you so much.
     –  Nancy Willingham, Arizona, May 2009

Astrid has put together a truly amazing collection of tour activities.  She goes out of her way to ensure that every guest has a great time and is fully satisfied.  When the weather turned rainy she changed the schedule to ensure we toured indoors rather than enduring heavy rain outdoors.  Her attention to detail and comfort of the guests is unsurpassed.  It is a breathtaking experience to see the Bavarian Alps from the top of Mt. Zugspitze where you can actually look down at the other mountaintops, to see the amazing gold rooms of King Ludwig’s Linderhof castle, and to experience the breathtaking beauty and cleanliness of the Bavarian countryside.  The visual contrast of gazing at beautiful green grass while at the same time looking at towering high rugged mountains is not like anywhere else in the USA.  Astrid leaves plenty of time for shopping and other activities, including Octoberfest activities, and informs everyone of the best places to eat, shop, and take pictures.  I have recommended her to all my friends.
     –  Ken and Cathy Purfey, California, September 2008

What an unbelievably fantastic experience! From the fantasy and extravagance of King Ludwig’s storybook castles, the picturesque cities bulging with historical, cultural and religious significance, and the serenity of bovine-studded green pastures and church towers spotting the Bavarian countryside, to the welcoming hearts of our gracious hosts at Landhaus Koessel .... We can’t wait to book our next tour with Astrid, as we know her selection of living accommodations, meals, scenes and sites will, again, exceed our wildest expectations.
     –  Rosemarie & Jim Wess, Roseburg, Oregon, September 2008  –  Read more ...

The Bavarian Castle tour was a fabulous family vacation and all of the accommodations were first class.  Astrid Baur is an amazing hostess, is knowledgeable of the history of the region, and knows how to avoid the crowds.  We are looking forward to a return trip in the future.
     –  The Brown Family, Arlington, Texas, June 2008

I was so excited to book a European castle tour.  Little did I know just how much my husband and I would enjoy this trip.  Not only is Bavaria stunningly beautiful with its countryside and quaint homes, but it was Astrid, our tour guide, that made the trip extremely interesting.  She is on the top of my list as favorite tour guides.  Her knowledge made the bus trips interesting, her choice of restaurants was a treat to look forward to each evening, and she is so well organized that everything ran so smooth.  Besides all that she is such a warm genuine person.  I'll miss her, so I guess we will have to book one of her other tours.
     –  Charlene and John Kirkpatrick, Arizona, June 2008

In September of 2007, I had the privilege of going on the tour, King Ludwig II's Castles and the Bavarian Lakes.  I have a tour company and was interested in sending clients on Astrid's tour, but first I wanted to make sure it met my expectations.  It far surpassed my expectations!  I will send clients on any of Astrid's tours knowing they'll come home with wonderful memories and already making plans for another tour.
     –  Beverly Sorci, Nebraska, September 2007

The King Ludwig's Castles and Bavarian Lakes tour in September 2007 was a fantasy come true.  The scenery was spectacular and the castles were breathtaking.  However, the best part of the trip was the tour guide, Astrid Baur.  Not only does she speak flawless English, but she is unfailingly friendly, helpful, polite.  Every day she charmed us with stories and anecdotes about Bavarian culture and history.  She is extremely well organized and not one moment was wasted. Having said that, I never, ever had the feeling that I was being rushed.  The Landhaus was delightful.  I really felt as though I was a guest in a Bavarian home.  All dinners except one were prearranged.  Each was in a cozy local restaurant where the food was, without exception, delicious and filling.  All in all, Astrid took excellent care of her group.  I would not hesitate to go on one of her tours again.  One could not ask for a more pleasant and efficient tour guide.  Highly recommended!
     –  Leslie Ray, Canada, September 2007  –  Read more ...

Thank you for making our holiday in Bavaria so enjoyable. The itinerary was great, incorporating so many different elements - carriage rides, boat rides, ski lifts as well as the amazing castles.
     –  T & J & J  Hegley, England, July 2007 –  Read more ...

Nothing could have prepared me for this trip.  The timing, the weather, new friends, the beauty, the tours and our fearless leader.  A bit of Bavaria has taken up residence in my heart, and for that I thank you.  Everything worked together to make this the castle tour I plan to remember forever.
     –  Suzanne Handley, Texas, July 2007  –  Read more ...

King Ludwig's Castle tour was absolutely magical!  Every day was filled with beautiful landscapes and historical magnificence.  Everyone should  experience the best of Bavaria this way!  Tank you for the trip of a lifetime!
     –  Nanette Entriken, North Carolina, July 2007 – Read more ...

I am a traveller and hopefully always will be.  I love the social aspect of travelling with interesting people and seeing wonderful places is the bonus.  I definitely experienced just that on this tour.  The group was small in number, which was another great aspect of this tour....
One of the reasons that this tour felt like family, however, wasn't just due to a smaller group of people.  It mainly happened because of our tour guide.  Astrid Baur made us all feel comfortable, and because of this comfort, a closeness just happened to be a natural result.  My friend and I definitely will travel with Astrid again, not only because of her pleasant demeanour, but also because of her knowledge of what her tours entail. 
     –  Alexis Pelton, Rhode Island, July 2007  –  Read more ...

This is a wonderful, peaceful, and restful VACATION with the exciting experiences of the daily itineraries:  even the short bus rides were welcomed experiences seeing the beautiful countryside and the evening dinners were wonderful with varied menus.
     – Joane & Victor Pepper, South Carolina, 2007

If majestic castles, an eccentric king, and a royal murder mystery spark your imagination, explore the life and times of Germany's favored king, Mad King Ludwig II, on your next European getaway.
     –  Susan McGee-Webb, October 2006  –  Read more ...

I've just returned from Astrid Baur's River Castles Tour in Germany and can't sing her praises enough!  Astrid is extremely personable, professional, likeable and organized.  The tour was well planned and extremely enjoyable.  Astrid knows well how to balance scheduled events with ample free time for a good overall balance.  Within days of arriving home from this wonderful tour, I booked another European Castles Tour with Astrid, knowing it would be just as successful, enjoyable and well planned as my last.  You can rest assured Astrid's European Castles tours will not disappoint!"
     –  Leslie Granger, California, September 2008

For castle buffs, a tour with Astrid is a must.  We took both the Bavarian tour and the Rhine River tour, and enjoyed them both.   Her selection of castles, hotels, restaurants, and city tours was superb.   She created a wonderfully enjoyable time for all of us with her warmth, her flexibility, and her graciousness.
     –  Pat and Lee Flocke, Florida,  July 2007  –  Read more ...

To anyone who is considering taking the Rhine Area River Castle tour, this trip surpassed other tours we have taken around the world.   Each day was a highlight when one enjoys living a bit of History, visiting and touching Roman walls, Medieval Castles, and quaint European villages.  And while Ms. Baur offers excellent and interesting commentary, one also has time to explore the sights at their leisure.    We could not be more pleased with our visit.
     –  Bob and Jeanne Lawler, Illinois, July 2007

Astrid Baur in my opinion is without a doubt the best Tour Director to be found anywhere.  She demonstrates professionalism in conducting the tour, while maintaining a very personal relationship with her clients.  She responds to the needs and concerns of her group in a prompt and efficient manner. I plan on joining Astrid on another tour in the future.
     –  Richard Smith, Illinois, July 2007

When I first saw the Rhine River tour on the “Castles of the World” website, I thought the tour sounded too good to be true.  But it was everything we hoped for and more.  As soon as we arrived at the airport and were greeted by Astrid Baur, we felt immediately comfortable.  We enjoyed the people in our group and the week went by quickly.  Astrid provided lots of help and suggestions prior to the trip and we received prepared packets before we arrived.  On tour, she handed out history sheets and maps of the towns we would visit.  I feel that this tour gave us the “best” of the Rhine area – castles and ancient fortresses, quaint little towns, cathedrals, a river boat cruise and lots of gorgeous scenery.  The hotels we stayed at were all wonderful and the food was outstanding.  There was plenty of time to do our own thing, relax, and just enjoy being in Germany.  I would recommend Astrid Bauer’s tour to anyone.
       – Jane Kelledy, Illinois, July 2007

I have participated in two Astrid Baur tours.  Both tours exceeded my expectations. These were exceptionally well-designed and flawlessly executed adventures that constantly interested, surprised, and delighted me.  Astrid passed on her encyclopedic knowledge of the history and background of the featured sites and areas in a professional but relaxed manner best described as genuine “sharing”.  She is knowledgeable, well-organized, sensitive to people's interests and wishes, and fun.
     –  Bruce McKay, Ontario, July 2007  –   Read more ... 

We are back on US soil having had the most fabulous holiday we could ever have imagined.  We cannot thank you enough for making our Germany adventure so interesting, exciting, and fun.  You are an outstanding tour guide, and you seem to do it with such ease.  Eli had a wonderful time, he has told his parents every little detail....  We shall keep you in mind for future travel.
     –  Karen and Rex Athan, California, July 2009

I want to thank you for the tour.  It was truly wonderful!  I had a great time!  Can't believe how much we all saw in 10 days.  My pictures came out excellent! .... I am very much interested in doing your Bavarian Castles Tour.  It looks incredible.... Thanks so much for being a great tour leader!  I told all my friends about your tours.
     –  Kathy Spady Basto, Connecticut, June 2009

Dear Astrid:  Thank you for your wonderful tour.  It may well have been the finest trip I've ever made to Germany, and I've made a lot of trips there starting as a boy in 1931.  The Landhaus Kössel was very comfortable, the breakfasts memorable.  Oh! that we could buy such Semmel in America!  The pace of the tour was perfect – even for us octogenarians.  The content of the tour was beautiful and varied, always fascinating.  The programs presented at the Swarovski Exhibition in Innsbruck were, for us, among the highlights of the tour ….  In short, it was a wonderful time, and thank you for everything.
    – George & Pattie Betz, Maryland, December 2009

Truly a winter wonderland and a fairy tale come true. I could never have imagined being at Neuschwanstein and getting a picture worthy of a postcard.  The snow made it perfect! Seeing each of the castles throughout Bavaria was an "Architect's Dream".

Astrid Baur made the tour perfect with her friendly personal nature and her caring manner. The itinerary was diverse, the tour size was ideal, and the price was just right.

There are certainly many tour companies throughout Europe, but Astrid made it a personal experience.   And, how often do you hear your tour director telling you that we are headed "home" for the day, instead of calling it a hotel!"  I am seriously considering the tour of France in July.
    – Greg Luczyk, Virginia USA, December 2008

We thoroughly enjoyed the Castles Tour. We found the pace relaxing with plenty of free time to do our own sightseeing as well. We will never forget viewing some of the castles in the snow. The view from the trail to Mary’s Bridge was breathtaking. I have enclosed a few photographs for you.
    – Frank and Karen Rafalko, North Carolina, December 2008

Southern Bavaria is a beautiful region of Germany, and Ms. Baur provided an outstanding itinerary that captured a fulfilling coverage of the local history, lore, and charm of her native area....  Our tour became more like a "loose knit" group of friends than a herd of sheep being led about.  I attribute much of that to how proud Astrid is of her Bavarian heritage and traditions, and how she will welcome you to her corner of the world.  Treat yourself, enjoy Bavaria and the Castles.
     –  Will Entriken, North Carolina, December 2007   –   Read more ...

Dear Astrid .... Your tour and the efforts that you made on our behalf met all of our expectations and exceeded them.  Visiting Hopfen, Fussen, Hohenschwangau etc. and especially Neuschwanstein, was just like stepping into the land of Fairy Tales and Wagner.   Thank you for a most wonderful experience and, to those out there who are interested in a tour of the Castles of Bavaria,  I would say to you – “TAKE THIS TOUR.”
     –  Archie and Rosie Smith, North Carolina, December 2007  –   Read more ... 

Castles, breathtaking scenery, quaint towns, vintage wines, gourmet food, Paris, history, culture, 653 photos.  All this and more, in an awesome location with an amazing tour guide. The French Castles tour was an exceptional deposit in our memory bank and we cannot wait to follow Astrid again!
     –  Rick and Suzanne Handley, Texas, October 2009

We have experienced two European excursions with the greatest tour guide in Europe, creating the most pristine package. Astrid's tours are not only fun-filled, but collectively will provide you the most educational tour possible. Her perfection in attention to detail is non-failing. She protects and truly cares for each individual's needs, unconditionally at every level. She provides, subsequently, only the best, equally caring narrators for portions of the world that require additional attention in touring. She manages to juggle a beautiful balance between tours, personal time, shopping, and group activity. Lastly, but not least of all, is her ability to create the most perfect well-rounded dynamic choices of highlights within each destination without any wasted traveling time.
     –  Diana and Gary Leis, Oregon, May 2010

The Italian Highlights Tour is a wonderful way to experience Italy for the first time visitor and the repeating visitor.  The agenda provides marvellous adventures through western civilization from the ancient ruins of Rome, the Christian pilgrimages, the hilltop towns, the architecture, the art, and topped with the magical city of Venice.  The itinerary is action packed with guided tours, excellent guides, time for personal exploration, and shopping.  The hotel villas were very accommodating and the meals were fantastic. Thanks again for the awesome adventures!  We are looking forward to our 4th tour with you in 2012!
     –  Joan and Vic Pepper, North Carolina, May 2010