I have been trying to get through as much of this trip as possible
without taking "tours."

Whether this is valid or not, I tend to think that an experience is
more authentic if you arrange the transportation, buy the tickets,
make the plans, work the time table, and otherwise claim
responsibility for the experience as much as possible. Letting a tour
guide arrange it just commercializes the whole experience.

Although this is a long-held belief, about a month into traveling
solo I am being forced to concede there is some value to occasionally
touring with an organized group. For one, you get to see sights with a
new group of friends; for another, you don't have to worry about
transportation, getting lost, things being sold out, etc. Sometimes
(like today) you even get to see something you never would have found
on your own.

It is lazy . . . . but it's a really nice break, so sometimes I think
it's worth it.

Photos from - Neuschwanstein Castle today - I sold out and visited
today with a tour group. Broke my own rules.