My several communications with Mario started 2 months before the tour. All correspondence was answered within 24 hours by virtue of the 6 hour time difference. As my booking was for 2 persons, Mario put us on stand-by as he organizes tours for 4 to 8 persons. About 3 weeks prior to the tour date, Mario informed that we can be accommodated as there were other participants on the selected date.

Pick-up from our hotel was on time in Mario’s clean and comfortable Ford minivan and the tour started with visits to 2 beautiful churches in Rottenbuch and Wieskirch. On arrival in Neuschwanstein, Mario bought castle tickets for us and stood in-line in the light drizzle to purchase bus tickets and saw us off. He even had time to give his piece of mind to queue jumpers rushing for the bus. Mario did not accompany us up to the castle as the castle tour was conducted by castle officials.

Although I’ve read poor reviews regarding the castle tour as being rushed and not much to see, I found it to be quite interesting probably this being the first time for me. But the highlight of the tour is being at the Marienbrucke taking photos of ourselves with the castle in the background. Even the short walk from the bus drop-off point to the bridge through the woods was picturesque.

On the way back after the tour, Mario stopped at the foothill for us to take more photos. A late lunch at about 3, was at an organic cheese farm on the way back to Munich. We did not join the rest as be brought our packed lunch with us. We safely returned to our hotel at about 6 in the evening.

Book through Pure Bavaria Tours if you want small group hassle free and personal service of Neuschwanstein castle tour.