Our tour group meet up on the first day was at 4 pm. So after a lovely breakfast at the hotel, we headed out on foot for some sightseeing.
We walked from our hotel to the astoundingly beautiful Hofgarten. Our intention was to eventually wind our way to the English Garden. The walk was serene , with winding paths, places to relax, and lush green lawns everywhere.
There are some picturesque canals that criss-cross the English Gardens.
We found some swans frolicking and entertaining folks as they in the bobbed along in the mild current.
Wendy and I went and lounged in on the grass by the water under the shade of a large tree. We did pass a few folks in the distance that were enjoying the sunlight without the hinderance of ANY clothing. (This is featured on Rick's video segment about the English Gardens. People nude sunbathe, in public here!
On to the main event! We went back to the hotel after our peaceful day in the park to meet up with the rest of our tour group. The Hotel Excelsior is a cute, (not funky) hotel. The lobby and restaurant where we met were elegant!
On to the main event! We went back to the hotel after our peaceful day in the park to meet up with the rest of our tour group. The Hotel Excelsior is a cute, (not funky) hotel. The lobby and restaurant where we met were elegant!
Our daily itinerary posted in the lobby
We had a lovely introduction to our tour guide, Jana, and our assistant tour guide, Katja. They lead us in a get to know you name game, (not my favorite.) But once everyone was introduced, Jana let us know what to expect on the tour. Then we all picked our "tour buddy' so that we were responsible for another person, not just our companion.
One of the first bits of insight Jana gave us, was a better way to get from our hotel to the center of town. Turns out, there is a very convenient underground passage!
You emerge on the other side. Conveniently at the entrance to the shopping district.
The Karlstor entrance is one of the original gates to the walled city. It's a good orientating landmark to find our way back to the hotel
Once inside the Marienplatz area we walked to our restaurant for a group dinner at Augusteiner Stammhaus
After Dinner we went back to the hotel, using the very handy underground mall as a shortcut. We got settled in at the hotel to rest up for the next day's walking tour.
