Arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) around 17:30–18:00 for your 20:30 Lufthansa LH 413 flight to Munich Airport (MUC). For this international overnight flight, allow at least three hours for check-in, baggage drop, security, and passport control; confirm the terminal in the Lufthansa app before leaving, since airport assignments can change. Keep your passport, boarding pass, medications, and one change of clothes in your personal item, and download your hotel details and Munich transit information before boarding.
Once airborne, settle in for the overnight crossing—typically about eight hours—and try to sleep soon after the meal service. Munich is six hours ahead of Newark, so switch your watch to local time after boarding and avoid a long nap before departure. You are scheduled to land at Munich Airport at 10:15 on September 13; after immigration and baggage claim, expect roughly 45–75 minutes before you are ready to take the S-Bahn into the city.
After landing at Munich Airport at 10:15, allow roughly 60–75 minutes for immigration, baggage, and finding the S-Bahn platforms. Around 11:30, take either S1 or S8 toward München Hauptbahnhof; the ride takes about 45–60 minutes and costs approximately €13–16. From the main station, Hotel Mondial on Pettenkoferstraße is about a 10-minute walk, or a short local connection if you have heavy luggage. Leave your bags with the hotel if the room is not ready—official check-in is planned for around 15:00.
Once settled, walk about 10 minutes along Sendlingerstraße to Asam Church. Its small, intensely decorated late-Baroque interior is best appreciated without rushing; 30 minutes is plenty, and entry is generally free, though services may limit access. Continue northeast through the pedestrian streets toward Viktualienmarkt, allowing 10–15 minutes on foot. Browse the cheese, sausage, fruit, and bakery stalls, then choose a casual lunch in the market area—budget around €15–25 per person. It is a good first taste of Munich without committing to a long restaurant meal, and most stalls operate roughly from morning through late afternoon, with reduced hours on Sundays.
After lunch, wander about five minutes to Marienplatz. Spend around 45 minutes taking in the Neues Rathaus, the Frauenkirche, and the surrounding lanes; the square is lively, but the best photographs are usually from the edges rather than directly in the busiest center. If your energy holds, take a short detour through Rindermarkt and the nearby old-town streets before returning toward the station area.
Walk or take a short U-Bahn connection from the old town to Augustiner-Keller, near München Hauptbahnhof, for dinner. Allow about 1½ hours and budget €25–40 per person for a traditional meal and a beer. Order a classic such as roast pork, schnitzel, or sausages, but keep the first evening relaxed after the overnight flight. After dinner, Hotel Mondial is roughly a 15-minute walk away; otherwise, use the nearby U-Bahn or S-Bahn for the short return.
After breakfast, walk toward München Hauptbahnhof or Karlsplatz (Stachus) and board the Hop-On Hop-Off Munich sightseeing bus. The full circuit usually takes around 2–2½ hours without getting off, but allow roughly 4–5 hours with stops; buses generally run from late morning into the afternoon, with frequency varying by operator and September traffic. A 24-hour ticket is typically about €25–30. Sit on the open upper deck if the weather is good, but keep a light layer handy—Munich can feel cool when the bus is moving. Use this first loop as an orientation ride, then get off at Königsplatz, one of the best places to begin exploring Maxvorstadt.
Spend about 45 minutes around Königsplatz, where the grand neoclassical buildings and broad lawns create one of Munich’s most striking urban spaces. From there, it is a short walk to Lenbachhaus; allow about 1½ hours for the museum, especially for its celebrated Blue Rider collection featuring Wassily Kandinsky and Gabriele Münter. Check the museum’s current Tuesday hours and ticket availability before leaving—adult admission is commonly around €10–12, and the café is useful for a quick break if you do not want a full lunch. Afterward, either rejoin the sightseeing bus if service is convenient or walk toward Odeonsplatz through Maxvorstadt and the university quarter; the walk takes roughly 20–25 minutes and is more pleasant than waiting in traffic.
Explore Odeonsplatz for around 45 minutes, taking in the Feldherrnhalle, the yellow façade of Theatinerkirche, and the approach to the Hofgarten. The church is generally open during daytime outside services, and a small donation is appreciated. Then continue on foot through the old center to Dallmayr Delicatessen, usually about 10 minutes away. This is a good place to slow down rather than rush into another attraction: choose coffee and pastry, or a light meal from the gourmet counters, budgeting approximately €10–25 per person. The historic shop can be busy in the afternoon, so browsing the food hall first is often easier than waiting for a formal table. Afterward, leave the rest of the day open for an unplanned stroll through the surrounding old streets before returning to the hotel.
Take the U-Bahn U3 from Odeonsplatz toward Moosach and get off at Olympiazentrum; the ride takes about 20–25 minutes, followed by a short walk to Olympiapark. If your sightseeing-bus ticket includes this stop, you can use the bus instead, but the U-Bahn is usually faster and more predictable. Start with an easy walk through the park’s rolling lawns and distinctive tent-like roofs, built for the 1972 Olympic Games. Allow about 90 minutes, and bring a light layer—the open grounds can feel breezy even in September.
Continue to Olympiaturm, where the observation deck offers wide views across Munich toward the Alps on a clear day. Entry is roughly €13–15, and opening hours are commonly around 10:00–23:00, though check the official site before leaving because lift or weather conditions can change access. Afterward, walk across the plaza to BMW Welt, whose large, futuristic building is free to enter and works well as a relaxed break from the park; the interactive vehicle displays take about 90 minutes.
Cross to the neighboring BMW Museum for a deeper look at the company’s historic cars, motorcycles, and design. It generally opens Tuesday through Sunday, approximately 10:00–18:00, with admission around €10–12; allow 1–1½ hours. Since this is a Tuesday, the museum should fit comfortably into the day, but verify the current schedule and any special exhibitions before setting out.
For a late lunch or early dinner, take a short U-Bahn connection or taxi toward Park Café, near Hirschgarten and a convenient change of scene after the Olympic grounds. Settle in for a leisurely meal of Bavarian and seasonal dishes—budget about €20–35 per person. Leave the evening unstructured after eating; from here, returning to Altstadt-Lehel by U-Bahn or tram usually takes about 20–30 minutes, while a taxi is worthwhile if you are tired after the long day on foot.
Meet your guide for the booked Munich–Salzburg guided rail excursion around 09:00. From Hotel Mondial Munich, walk to München Hauptbahnhof or use the nearby U-Bahn, allowing extra time to find the correct platform and group meeting point. The journey to Salzburg takes roughly 1½–2 hours each way; bring your passport or other accepted identification, as you will be crossing into Austria. Keep the day relaxed—Salzburg’s compact center is best explored on foot once you arrive.
Begin at Mirabell Palace and Gardens, where the formal flower beds, Pegasus Fountain, and marble steps frame one of the city’s classic views toward Hohensalzburg Fortress. Allow about an hour, and check whether palace interiors are open during your visit; the gardens are generally accessible during daylight, weather permitting. From here, cross the river toward Getreidegasse, a picturesque lane of wrought-iron shop signs and historic façades. Take time to browse rather than shop hurriedly, and pause outside Mozart’s Birthplace at Getreidegasse 9—the exterior is easy to see even if the museum is not part of your tour.
Continue through Salzburg’s Old Town to Salzburg Cathedral, whose vast Baroque interior is usually open during visiting hours except around services; a small donation or modest admission may apply for special areas. Afterward, settle in for lunch at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, one of Europe’s oldest restaurant settings, tucked beside St. Peter’s Abbey. Reserve if possible, and budget approximately €30–50 per person for a proper Austrian meal. After lunch, leave a little unplanned time for the surrounding lanes and squares before regrouping with the tour.
Rejoin the group for the evening rail journey from Salzburg back to Munich, again allowing roughly 1½–2 hours. On arrival at München Hauptbahnhof, walk back to Hotel Mondial Munich—about 10–15 minutes—or take a short U-Bahn ride if you are tired. Keep dinner simple near the hotel or pick up something at the station; tomorrow’s Neuschwanstein Castle outing requires an early start.
This is the longest travel day of the trip, so leave Salzburg around 06:00–06:30 if possible. Plan on roughly four to four and a half hours by train via München Hauptbahnhof, followed by local bus 78 from Füssen to Hohenschwangau. Check the connection in DB Navigator or ÖBB Scotty the evening before; a Bayern-Ticket may be economical for the Munich–Füssen portion, but it is not valid for the Salzburg–Munich leg before the applicable morning hours. Once in Hohenschwangau, go directly to the Neuschwanstein Castle ticket center area and allow time for the uphill transfer—your reserved tour time is important, and late arrivals are generally not accommodated.
Take the reserved shuttle bus, horse-drawn carriage, or walk uphill to Neuschwanstein Castle, depending on availability and your energy. The interior tour is relatively short, but allow about two hours overall for the transfer, security, and viewpoints; bring water and wear shoes with good grip. Afterward, walk toward Marienbrücke, the famous gorge bridge overlooking the castle. It is only a short photo stop, but access can close temporarily for weather, maintenance, or crowd control, so treat it as a bonus rather than the centerpiece. The bridge can be crowded, particularly around midday—move aside after taking photographs so others can enjoy the view.
Descend to Hohenschwangau and continue to Alpsee for an easy lakeside walk of about an hour. This is the best place to slow down after the castle crowds; the shoreline paths are peaceful, with mountain views and benches for a rest. Leave enough time to catch bus 78 back to Füssen and wander briefly through the old town before dinner. At 17:00, settle in at Gasthaus Zum Schwanen on Brotmarkt for traditional Bavarian food; budget approximately €25–40 per person, and confirm the kitchen schedule if your castle visit runs late.
After dinner, take the train from Füssen toward München Hauptbahnhof, allowing about two and a half hours and checking the final connection before leaving the restaurant. From the main station, walk or take a short local connection back to Hotel Mondial Munich. Keep the evening quiet—tomorrow’s visit to Dachau Memorial Site requires an early start, and the Füssen day is tiring even when every connection works smoothly.
After the long return from Füssen the previous evening, leave Hotel Mondial Munich around 06:45–07:00 if possible. Take the S-Bahn toward München Hauptbahnhof, change to the S2 toward Petershausen, and get off at Dachau. From outside the station, bus 726 goes directly toward the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site; allow about an hour in total and check DB Navigator or MVV that morning for any service changes. The memorial site is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00, with admission free; arrive close to opening and plan at least three hours for the former camp grounds, reconstructed barracks, exhibitions, crematorium area, and memorial spaces. This is a quiet, emotionally demanding visit, so avoid rushing and bring water; comfortable shoes are essential.
After leaving the memorial, take bus 726 back toward Dachau and continue into the town center for a slower lunch at Café Gramsci, allowing roughly an hour and €15–25 per person for coffee, a light meal, or cake. It is a useful pause before sightseeing again. Then wander through Dachau Old Town, following the steep lanes around the historic center toward Schloss Dachau. The palace interior may have limited or seasonal access, but the exterior and hilltop setting are worthwhile, with broad views across the surrounding countryside; keep this portion unhurried rather than trying to fill every minute.
From Dachau station, take the S2 back toward central Munich, continue to Ostbahnhof, and walk about 10 minutes along Orleansstraße to Motel One Munich–East Side. The return takes roughly an hour, depending on the connection. Aim to arrive in the late afternoon for check-in and a proper rest—the following day’s Oktoberfest plans are much easier with an unhurried evening. Save any additional exploring for the neighborhood around Haidhausen rather than returning to the center; it is close to the hotel and has plenty of relaxed dining options.
Leave Motel One Munich–East Side around 13:30 for your 14:30 arrival. Walk to Ostbahnhof and take an S-Bahn toward München Hauptbahnhof; from there, follow the crowds on foot toward Theresienwiese or take the U4/U5 one stop to Theresienwiese. Allow 30–45 minutes, as Oktoberfest security and packed platforms can slow things down. Keep your reservation details and identification accessible, and bring only a small bag—large backpacks are often restricted. Admission to the grounds is free, while rides, food, and drinks add roughly €15–35 per person or more.
Arrive in time to get oriented before your booked Oktoberfest Wiesn Reception Hall reception begins around 15:30. This is a good time to settle in, enjoy the classic festival atmosphere, and take your time with Bavarian specialties such as roast chicken, pretzels, or sausages. Beer prices are high during Oktoberfest, so expect roughly €14–16 for a Maß in 2026 and carry some cash in case service is quicker than card payment. Stay hydrated and agree on a meeting point in case your group gets separated; mobile service can be unreliable among the tents.
After the reception, spend about two hours exploring the Oktoberfest rides and market lanes, including the traditional tent exteriors, game stalls, and brightly lit attractions. For a calmer wander, move toward the older-style rides and quieter edges of the grounds rather than staying in the busiest central lanes. Finish with a one-hour Theresienwiese evening stroll as the lights come on—the illuminated Ferris wheel and carnival rides are especially atmospheric after dark. Around the 23:00 finish, walk back to München Hauptbahnhof or Hackerbrücke, then take an S-Bahn toward Ostbahnhof and walk to Motel One Munich–East Side. Allow 30–45 minutes and check MVV or DB Navigator before leaving, since Oktoberfest crowd-control measures can temporarily alter station access.
After leaving Theresienwiese, take the U-Bahn U4 or U5 to Karlsplatz (Stachus), then continue by tram or walk toward Museumsinsel; allow about 20–30 minutes, with Oktoberfest crowds making the stations busier than usual. Start at the Deutsches Museum, where the major science, technology, and aviation galleries are an excellent way to spend roughly 2½ hours. The museum is generally open daily from 9:00 to 17:00; admission is commonly around €16–18 for adults, though check the official site for the 2026 price and any timed-entry requirements. Wear comfortable shoes—the exhibits are spread through a large complex.
From Museumsinsel, walk north along the Isar to Maximiliansbrücke, a pleasant 10-minute stroll with views toward the river channels and Maximilianeum. Spend about 45 minutes on the riverbank before continuing west toward Hofgarten, roughly 15–20 minutes away. This formal Renaissance garden is free and makes a good pause beneath the arcades of the Hofgartenkaserne. Then enter the nearby Residenz München for the former Wittelsbach palace, especially the Antiquarium and Treasury; allow about 1½ hours. The palace is typically open daily, with hours varying by season, and the combined palace, treasury, and Cuvilliés Theatre ticket is usually around €10–15. Check the closing time before entering, since last admission is often well before closing.
Walk through the Altstadt toward Wirtshaus Zur Brez’n for a relaxed Bavarian dinner. Order a fresh pretzel with obatzda, roast pork, sausages, or another regional specialty; budget approximately €20–35 per person, and expect a lively atmosphere after the Oktoberfest crowds begin dispersing. After dinner, walk toward Marienplatz or Isartor and take an S-Bahn to Ostbahnhof, then walk back to Motel One Munich–East Side. Leave the restaurant around 17:45–18:00 to arrive at the hotel by 19:00; check the MVV app for the best platform and expect packed trains around Theresienwiese and the central stations.
Check out of Motel One Munich–East Side early and be ready to leave around 08:30–08:45. Walk to Ostbahnhof and take the S8 directly to München Flughafen Terminal; the ride usually takes 45–55 minutes and costs approximately €13–16. Buy your ticket in the MVV or DB Navigator app, and allow a few extra minutes at Ostbahnhof for elevators and luggage. A taxi is a more comfortable backup with bags, but expect roughly €80–110 and possible morning traffic.
For your 12:10 Lufthansa LH 410 departure, plan to be at Terminal 2 by about 09:45–10:00. Check your bags, confirm the gate, and allow generous time for security and passport control; international gates can involve a long walk or an additional shuttle-style transfer within the terminal. Once airside, grab coffee or a light breakfast, refill your water bottle after security, and keep your passport and boarding pass easily accessible. Lufthansa’s app is useful for gate changes and boarding updates.
Board Lufthansa LH 410 for the direct flight from Munich to New York–JFK, scheduled to depart at 12:10 and arrive around 15:00 local time. The flight crosses several time zones, so set your watch to New York time after boarding and try to rest early in the flight. After landing at JFK, allow time for U.S. immigration, baggage claim, and customs before continuing to your onward plans; the airport can be busy even in mid-afternoon.