Traveling was my passion for many years. I spent my first 4 years in Europe traveling as a Busker. I then made playing music my profession. I owned a studio and produced music for Film and Television, was the band leader of a German Late Night TV talk show, and played countless live shows throughout Europe. I spent 6 months in Scandinavia, and 6 months in Greece, and then lived a year in Berchtesgaden (near Salzburg on the border to Austria) and eventually settled in Munich, where I met my wife. We have 2 lovely children.
A number of years ago, I began doing tours to help out a friend who was overbooked, and I found that I was still very passionate about the things that inspired me to travel all those years ago. Like history, culture, food and drink and, of course, meeting new people. I have always been interested in different cultures and the history behind them. When I did my first tour as a guide, I realized that I also have a sincere passion to show others the incredible sights of Bavaria, as well as the different places, cultures and background of this beautiful city that I now call home.
I offer tours that take you through the city of Munich, and experience the history, sights, sounds and tastes of Bavarian culture, but also travel by car/van to the castles and beautiful small townships and cities of Bavaria, among other places. We can plan the "must see and do" things, but I also know some more out of the way areas that you will not find in a standard tour book. On our journey, I will answer questions you may have, give information on areas we drive by, as well as history and facts about our destination. I also can entertain you with many stories of my past. From my experience in Late Night TV, and all the people I was able to personally meet, to road and studio stories, as well as my many travel adventures.
All of my tours are a framework of what I think is interesting to the average traveler, but I am happy to sculpt the tour to your personal taste and interests. I will also be happy to communicate with you, and help put a "custom" tour together. As a father of 2 children, and having founded an English speaking playgroup for toddlers for 3 years (I stopped when my daughter went to elementary school, but the group is still running in Munich), as well as having given guitar lessons to kids aged 6-18 for many years, I get along well with children, and am very family oriented. I would be happy to plan tours around your family, and their interests.
I love Bavaria, and I would be happy to inspire you and your fellow travelers to experience the same passion and excitement for Bavaria that I have.
***If I am unavailable for the day you want, please send me a message, as it can happen that I have a day blocked on the request of another guest, who is unsure which day they are travelling on, and the day may be available. This is not often the case, but I would be happy to try to accommodate your date request.
A Recent Review of this guide
Read ReviewsJay is an excellent informative guide. From the minute he met us for the entire duration of the tour he was 100 percent focused on us , our experience and making sure we understood the history associated with our tour. We felt extremely comfortable and relaxed ... making this tour a true highlight . We would absolutely recommend Jay ! Rich & Katie
Richard Katz
Credentials
I am commercially licensed to drive and transport tour groups.
I have traveled the world, Europe, and especially Bavaria, extensively over the last 40 years.
I have been doing tours since 2013.
I have worked professionally on stage as an entertainer and musician for almost 40 years. So, even if my jokes are not good, at least they are vintage...
Restrictions
I am not allowed to guide in certain museums due to local regulations.