This morning we enjoy a guided walking tour of Lindau and experience the town's rich history, which dates back to the 13th century. The afternoon is free to explore; as a former Free Imperial City, Lindau still boasts the romantic alleys and dreamy courtyards of its medieval past. You may wish to stroll along the lakeside promenade to the harbour. Widely regarded as the prettiest on Lake Constance, the harbour is home to a famous lighthouse which is well worth a visit. Lindau also boasts the Maximilianstrasse, the town's main shopping street, so you may like to spend the afternoon browsing the shops it has to offer. Alternatively you could visit Lindau's historic Town Hall, or its lighthouse. The southernmost lighthouse in Germany the Lindau Lighthouse is 108ft high and sports a clock in its facade which is quite unusual for lighthouses of this type. It was built from 1853 at the entrance to the harbour, throughout the years it has undergone a number of upgrades to its light and today uses a system that is activated on the request of ships via radio signal.
Our excursion today is one of the highlights of the tour, as we travel by coach to the small town of Meersburg. Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the lake, Meersburg's beautiful centre has a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with half-timbered houses. The town is famous for its castle perched on the hillside above the lake, which dates from 628 AD.
After a tour, we have time to explore this charming town and its tangle of cobbled streets before crossing Lake Constance by ferry to Mainau, known as the Garden, or Flower Island. Here you are free to stroll through the beautiful palm trees and flower filled gardens, and take in the hot-houses and fountains which surround the Baroque church and castle at the heart of the island.
The wonderful gardens of this island are excellent to get lost in, since every path takes you to a new and often more impressive fl oral display. The Italian water steps represent flower arranging at its finest, with steps of flowers flanking a small water feature. The arboretum here actually has over 500 species of trees from all over the world, both deciduous and coniferous.
Today you are free to relax, explore at your leisure, or enjoy the hotel's facilities. You could perhaps visit nearby Überlingen, which boasts one of the region's best promenades. If you are feeling adventurous, perhaps take the train to the historic city of Ulm, famous for being the birthplace of Albert Einstein and for its rich architectural heritage, including the magnificent cathedral. Sat on the majestic Danube river, there is much to discover here, in particular, the aforementioned cathedral, which is thought to have the world's tallest spire, rising an impressive 530ft above the ground.
Alternatively, you could take a leisurely boat trip along the lake to Friedrichshafen, once home to Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin, builder and pioneer of the famous airships, and now home to the Zeppelin Museum. The museum offers a guided tour, which includes a reconstruction of a section of the doomed Hindenburg airship that made its maiden voyage across the Atlantic in 1936.
This morning are free to explore at your own pace or relax in the hotel. Perhaps take a last stroll around Lindau, or, for the more energetic, hire a bike to explore the nearby countryside.
This afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
