Join award-winning chefs and cookbook authors Jeremy and Jessica Nolen for an unforgettable 8-day culinary adventure through Munich during Oktoberfest 2026. From September 19-26, immerse yourself in the best of Bavarian culture, food, and beer as you enjoy exclusive table reservations inside Munich's most famous Oktoberfest tents, and savor traditional meals at handpicked restaurants such as Augustiner Keller, Königlicher Hirschgarten, and Schneider Weisses Bräuhaus. With centrally located accommodations, curated dining experiences, and expertly guided excursions, this trip blends authentic local flavor with insider access for the ultimate Munich experience.

Beyond the festival grounds, we will be visiting the world famous monastery brewery Andechs for an exclusive brewery tour, beer tasting, and delicious Bavarian food. In addition to Andechs we will be visiting Wildbräu, the oldest private run brwery in the world, founded in 1060! Guests will also enjoy free time to wander Munich's historic streets, visit charming beer gardens, and explore the famed Viktualienmarkt, Munich's outdoor food market. Whether you're raising a stein at Oktoberfest, discovering royal palaces, or tasting your way through Bavarian cuisine, you'll share each moment with fellow travelers who love great food and culture. This small-group tour offers the perfect balance of structure and freedom, designed to give you a truly memorable Oktoberfest adventure led by two chefs who know—and love—Germany best.

We'll meet at the Airbräu in the Munich Airport, a fitting place to begin our Bavarian adventure with its own on-site brewery and lively atmosphere. From there, we'll take the train into the city and check in at our hotel. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore Munich at your own pace — stroll through nearby streets, visit a café, or simply unwind after your travels.

In the evening, we'll gather for a welcome dinner at Schneider Weisses Bräuhaus, one of Munich's most historic wheat beer breweries. There, you'll enjoy traditional Bavarian dishes crafted by our chef friend Josef Nagler and get your first true taste of Munich's warm hospitality and vibrant beer culture. It's the perfect way to kick off the week ahead.

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll head to the parade to experience one of Munich's most vibrant traditions. You'll see colorful floats, traditional bands, dancers, and local groups dressed in Tracht as they march toward the festival grounds in a lively display of Bavarian pride. The atmosphere is full of music, laughter, and celebration — the perfect way to kick off your first full day at Oktoberfest.

After the parade, we'll make our way to the Oktoberfest grounds for the first of our tent reservations. Enjoy a festive lunch with classic Bavarian dishes, freshly poured beer, and the cheerful company of fellow travelers. Once the reservation ends, the rest of the day is yours — explore Munich's shops and historic sites, relax back at the hotel, or stay at the festival to soak in the lively atmosphere and continue celebrating with music, dancing, and plenty of Gemütlichkeit.

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll take a scenic train ride out of Munich to the Benedictine monastery at Andechs, a historic pilgrimage site perched on a hill overlooking the Bavarian countryside. You'll have time to take in the views of Lake Ammersee and the Alps while savoring a hearty Bavarian lunch at the monastery's famous beer hall.

In the afternoon, we'll make our way back to Munich, and after a short pause we will reconvene for dinner at the world famous Augustiner Keller.

We'll start the morning with breakfast at Café Frischhut, a Munich institution famous for its Schmalznudeln — warm, golden pastries fried to perfection and dusted with sugar. Enjoy coffee and this beloved Bavarian treat as locals come and go, filling the café with the aroma of fresh dough and roasted espresso. After breakfast, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace — explore Munich's charming streets, browse shops, visit a museum, or relax in one of the city's leafy beer gardens.

In the late afternoon, we'll meet up again to head to our second Oktoberfest tent reservation, this time in one of the livelier party tents. Here, the atmosphere is electric — brass bands play a mix of German hits and English singalongs, steins are raised high, and the sense of celebration fills the air. It's the perfect night to experience the festive side of Oktoberfest, surrounded by laughter, music, and Bavarian cheer.

We'll start the morning with breakfast at the hotel, where you can enjoy a leisurely meal before setting out for a free day in Munich. The day is yours to explore at your own pace — stroll through Marienplatz to see the Glockenspiel, wander the Englischer Garten, or browse the shops and cafés near the Viktualienmarkt. Whether you choose to relax in a park, visit a museum, or discover another cozy beer garden, it's the perfect opportunity to experience Munich in your own way.

In the evening, we'll come together for a traditional Bavarian feast at the Königlicher Hirschgarten. We'll enjoy hearty Bavarian fare, freshly poured beer, and a lively atmosphere. It's the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration and toast to another memorable night in Munich.

After breakfast, we'll travel just outside Munich to Herrmannsdorfer Landwerkstätten, a renowned organic farm and butcher famous for its artisanal Bavarian products. Here, you'll take part in a hands-on Brezn class, learning how these quintessential Munich specialties are made — from mixing the dough to twisting and baking your own pretzels. Of course, you'll get to enjoy your creations fresh from the kitchen, paired with sweet mustard and a cold Weissbier.

After the workshop, we'll continue to Wildbräu, the world's oldest privately run brewery, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour. You'll learn about the brewery's centuries-old traditions, see how their beers are crafted, and taste some of their signature brews that reflect generations of Bavarian brewing heritage. Following the tour, we'll head to their brewpub, housed in a 16th century building. This building was the site of the brewery for over 400 years!

After breakfast, we'll begin our final full day in Munich with a visit to the Oktoberfest and Beer Museum, housed in one of the city's oldest townhouses. During the guided tour and beer tasting, you'll learn about the fascinating history of Munich's brewing traditions and how Oktoberfest became the world's most famous beer festival. Sample a few classic styles along the way as you toast to Bavaria's proud beer heritage.

From there, we'll continue to the legendary Hofbräuhaus, Munich's most famous beer hall. With its lively brass music, vaulted ceilings, and centuries of tradition, it's the perfect place to soak in the city's festive spirit one last time.

In the evening, we'll gather for a farewell dinner at Haxengrill, a beloved Munich restaurant celebrated for its perfectly roasted pork knuckles, crisp skin, and hearty Bavarian sides. We'll raise our steins one final time to celebrate new friendships, incredible food, and an unforgettable journey through Bavaria.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before bidding farewell to the beautiful city of Munich. Take one last moment to savor a quiet morning, reflect on the memories made, and perhaps enjoy a final stroll through the neighborhood or a quick coffee before departure.

Depending on flight times, guests will depart for the airport directly from the hotel. We wish you safe travels and hope you carry home wonderful memories of Bavaria's culture, cuisine, and camaraderie. Thank you for joining us on this unforgettable journey — until next time, *Prost!*

Add a few unforgettable days to your itinerary with an escape into the Bavarian Alps, where every turn reveals a postcard-perfect scene. Ride panoramic cable cars to sweeping summit viewpoints,       wander pristine lakeside trails framed by emerald forests, and breathe in the crisp mountain air that has inspired travelers for centuries. Charming alpine villages greet you with cobblestone streets, rustic wood-clad chalets, and a slower rhythm that invites you to simply take it all in.

As evening settles, warm up with hearty regional dishes served in cozy mountain huts — think cheese dumplings, roasted pork, and steins of locally brewed beer enjoyed by candlelight. From tranquil mornings overlooking misty peaks to golden sunsets reflecting across deep alpine lakes, these add-on days aren't just extra time — they're the unforgettable finale your journey deserves. It's the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and authentic Bavarian culture.

After breakfast, we'll board a train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a charming alpine town nestled at the foot of Germany's tallest mountain, the Zugspitze. The scenic journey takes us south through rolling countryside and mountain valleys, offering a glimpse of the breathtaking landscapes that await us. Upon arrival, we'll check in to our hotel and take some time to settle in and freshen up.

Garmisch is a blend of traditional Bavarian charm and alpine beauty, with colorful frescoed buildings, cobblestone streets, and views of snow-capped peaks. The afternoon is yours to explore the town at your own pace. You might wander along the bustling Ludwigstraße, browse local shops, or stop at a café for a light lunch and coffee. Outdoor enthusiasts may enjoy a walk along the Partnach River or a short hike through one of the nearby trails.

In the evening, we'll gather for dinner at Gasthof Fraundorfer, a Garmisch institution known for its cozy alpine decor, hearty Bavarian cuisine, and nightly folk music and dancing. Enjoy a meal of traditional specialties like Schweinshaxe, käsespätzle, or schnitzel, and raise a glass to the start of our alpine adventure in true Bavarian fashion.

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll set out for an unforgettable alpine adventure — a train journey to the Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak. The scenic ride climbs through lush valleys and rugged mountain terrain before connecting to the cogwheel train and cable car that carry us to the summit. Along the way, the air grows cooler, the views grander, and the excitement builds as we approach the top of Bavaria.

At the summit, we'll have lunch at one of the Zugspitze's panoramic restaurants, where you can dine with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Alps stretching across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Enjoy traditional alpine fare or a simple beer and pretzel while surrounded by snow-capped peaks — an experience that captures the magic of Bavaria's mountain culture.

In the afternoon, we'll return to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where the rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at your own pace. Stroll through the town, visit a café, or simply unwind at the hotel after a day of fresh mountain air and stunning scenery. Dinner is on your own this evening, giving you the chance to discover one of Garmisch's many inviting local restaurants or a cozy Wirtshaus.

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll set out for one of Garmisch-Partenkirchen's most breathtaking natural wonders — the Partnachklamm Gorge. A short train or walk from town brings us to the entrance of this dramatic ravine, where wooden walkways and tunnels wind alongside rushing turquoise waters and towering rock walls. As sunlight filters through the narrow cliffs and mist rises from the stream below, you'll experience one of Bavaria's most unforgettable hikes.

After exploring the gorge, we'll continue our hike up the mountain to a rustic alpine restaurant, where a well-earned lunch awaits. Enjoy hearty Bavarian dishes and cold drinks with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys — the perfect setting to relax, recharge, and soak in the alpine atmosphere.

In the afternoon, we'll make our way back down to Garmisch, where you'll have the evening free for dinner on your own. Whether you choose a cozy local Gasthof, a modern bistro in town, or a quiet meal at the hotel, it's the ideal way to end a day filled with nature, fresh air, and stunning mountain scenery.

We'll begin our final morning in Bavaria with breakfast at the hotel, taking a moment to savor the mountain views and reflect on the memories made throughout our journey. After breakfast, we'll check out and board the train back to Munich Airport, enjoying one last scenic ride through the Bavarian countryside.

As we approach Munich, the snow-dusted peaks fade into rolling hills and charming villages — a fitting farewell to this beautiful region. Upon arrival at the airport, it's time to say auf Wiedersehen to Germany, carrying with us new friendships, unforgettable experiences, and a deeper appreciation for Bavarian culture, cuisine, and hospit