Round-up of Oktoberfest package tours

If you’re UK-based and looking for an Oktoberfest package tour deal this year, you’ll have noticed that Auntie Google isn’t as helpful as she usually is: most of the sites she recommends are US or Australian. So we thought we’d do you a favour a present a short round up of tour operators offering Oktoberfest trips from the UK to Munich this September.

Not for the faint hearted

On the budget end of the market, Pillow.co.uk is offering camping package tours to Munich. Now, camping in Germany is just as risky (some might say “foolhardy”) as camping in the UK, but aside from a few notable exceptions (2009, 2004 – the “mulled-wine Oktoberfest”), temperatures in most years are around the 20°C mark in mid-to-late September, so it’s maybe worth a gamble. The campsite they use really is a central as they claim., and above all, Pillow’s combination of coach travel and camping makes for an unbeatable basic price of £215 for a six-day tour. They also offer accommodation-only options, although the tours seem to be a little light on actual activities, leaving you to your own devices to actually get to the “Wiesn” and into a tent. If you’re not going for the first time, though, and just need a good-value way of getting there and somewhere to stay, this could be just right.

In high spirits

In this respect, the Travelholics offer is quite the opposite. Their friendly reps will be on hand to show you the ropes, welcoming you in a Munich beer garden and distributing maps, information, and t-shirts so that you too can pose for a photo on their website. Their package includes hostel accommodation at a hostel right next to the main railway station (and not even a mile away from the Oktoberfest) and breakfast, but doesn’t include transport. Nevertheless, at £199 for three days or £279, it’s a fair price and probably a good tour for first timers who need a few tips but are confident about being to find their feet fast.

Something for everyone

Specialising in festivals, FirstFestivalTravel is just the ticket for those looking for a real full-service package. The itineraries are detailed day-by-day and include organised visits to the beer tents as well as a range of other guided Munich activities. There’s also a broad selection of packages, from deluxe hotel stays to coach-and-camping. Prices range accordingly from £400 through to more than £1000, but you’re promised a lot more care and attention that with the other two operators.