ROMANTIC GERMANY
14 DAYS FROM $6,190 US
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Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676
Including The Passion Play! Explore a land of fascinating
history, varied landscapes and diverse cultural traditions on this
comprehensive Germany tour including a once-in-a-lifetime experience of
the 2010 Oberammergau Passion Play! Journey along the Yellow Roads –
such as the scenic Black Forest High Road – through fairy-tale forests
and past medieval castles. Immerse yourself in history in Heidelberg,
Munich, Weimar, Potsdam and Berlin. Enjoy Wiesbaden and Baden-Baden,
both famous around the world for their spas. Take a private cruise on
the Rhine; dine at an old Black Forest mill; visit Bavarian King
Ludwig's grand Linderhof Palace with its sumptuous gardens; and enjoy a
private tour of the New Green Vault in Dresden's Royal Palace. And, of
course, attend the 2010 Oberammergau Passion Play in premier
seating – in the best category available – during a two-night stay at a
five-star luxury boutique hotel, exclusive to you during your stay,
right in the heart of Oberammerau! From the Rhine River valley to the
mountains of Bavaria, there is something exciting every day of this
in-depth two-week Romantic Germany Including The Passion Play!Day 1 – Arrive Frankfurt / Wiesbaden
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Hotel Nassauer Hof Wiesbaden. A transfer is included from Frankfurt’s Rhein-Main Airport to Hotel Nassauer Hof Wiesbaden. Welcome to Germany! Meet the traveling companions with whom you will share Romantic Germany Including The Passion Play
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Hotel Nassauer Hof, Wiesbaden, Germany
Day 2 – Cruise along the River Rhine
Begin today's travels on your Germany tour along the fabled Rhine River with a riverboat cruise from St. Goarshausen to Rüdesheim, during which you'll discover the legend of the Lorelei and glide past green hillsides, tiny villages and romantic castles. Explore picturesque Rüdesheim on your own, and enjoy a tasting of the local wines before returning to your hotel in Wiesbaden.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hotel Nassauer Hof, Weisbaden, Germany
Day 3 – Old-fashioned Heidelberg to the Black Forest
Travel the fast-paced autobahns, then drive along the Yellow Roads through typical villages of the agricultural region known as the Bergstrasse. Continue your Germany tour through the mountains to Schriesheim and on to the fabled city of Heidelberg – boasting both Germany’s oldest university and splendid Heidelberger Schloss. Discover this medieval castle during a walking tour before heading off into the Black Forest for a two-night stay at one of Germany’s premier spa resorts.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe, Bühl, Germany
Day 4 – Take the cure at Baden-Baden
Sometimes referred to as the gateway to the Black Forest, the celebrated spa town of Baden-Baden is best known for its therapeutic waters. Enjoy a walking tour before exploring more of this premier spa resort town on your own. Dine in an old mill beside a romantic brook in the Black Forest this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe, Bühl, Germany
Day 5 – Lakeside magic en route to Oberammergau
Traverse much of the length of the Black Forest High Road, one of the most scenic routes you'll find during your Germany tour, into the foothills of the Alps. Enjoy lunch on the shores of Lake Constance, the largest lake in Germany, before continuing on through Friedrichshafen en route to the picturesque village of Oberammergau, in the Bavarian Alps. Your home for the next two nights – a five-star, chalet-styled, luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the village – is exclusive to the Tour Operator during your stay!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Maximilian, Oberammergau, Germany
Day 6 – Once in a lifetime – Oberammergau's Passionsspiele
You can start this remarkable day with a visit and demonstration at the shop of one of Oberammergau’s celebrated woodcarvers, or choose to explore the village on your own. After lunch at your hotel, it's time for a true highlight of your journey – premier seating, in the best category available, at a performance of the 2010 Oberammergau Passion Play (or Passionsspiele)! Performed only once every ten years (May through September), the tradition of the Passionsspiele began in 1634, when the villagers pledged to perform a play about the life of Jesus in gratitude for being spared from the plague. Involving the talents of more than 2,000 actors, technicians and musicians – each a village resident – today’s Passion Play includes dramatic scenes of the Passion (in High German; the Tour Operator provides an English libretto), musical performances and Old Testament tableaux vivants. The performance begins in the afternoon and, after a break for dinner at a local restaurant, continues into the evening – a once-in-a-lifetime event, experienced in true Style!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Maximilian, Oberammergau, Germany
Day 7 – King Ludwig's Linderhof, and on to Munich
Say goodbye to magical Oberammergau and head off to Linderhof Palace, King Ludwig II of Bavaria’s opulent 19th-century “royal villa” inspired by the Palace of Versailles; parts of this grandiose palace complex are exact, if smaller, copies of features found at Versailles. Tour the palace with its grand staircase and Hall of Mirrors, and stroll through its magnificent gardens, considered by many to be the among the finest in the world. Continue on to Munich for a two-night stay at Bayerischer Hof – a landmark in the heart of the Bavarian capital that's been hosting distinquished guests in grace and style for over 160 years.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Bayerischer Hof, Munich, Germany
Day 8 – Marvelous Munich, poignant Dachau
Take a sightseeing tour of the Bavarian capital today that includes the celebrated Maximilianstrasse, the 17th-century Residenz, and the old town hall. Visit Alte Pinakothek, one of Munich’s most captivating museums, housing some of Europe’s finest art treasures. Explore more of the city at leisure this afternoon, or join us for a poignant visit to Dachau; sample some of Munich's many fine restaurants for lunch and dinner on your own today.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Bayerischer Hof, Munich, Germany
Day 9 – Inspiration of the ages in Weimar
Depart Munich and travel to Weimar, the birthplace of modern architecture following the famous Bauhaus movement, and the seat of Germany's post-World War I government. A walking tour introduces you to the city, whose famous residents have included Wolfgang von Goethe, Franz Liszt and Johann Sebastian Bach.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Elephant, Weimar, Germany
Day 10 – Discover art and history in Dresden
Your Germany tour continues to the city of Dresden, home to exquisite architecture and many artistic treasures. Although the city’s Royal Palace was virtually destroyed during World War II, extensive restoration and reconstruction have regained the splendor of its historic Baroque interior. During a private tour of the palace's New Green Vault, you’ll be introduced to some of the 4,000 works of art – including many rare treasures from the Renaissance, Baroque and Classicist periods – that it showcases.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hilton Dresden, Germany
Day 11 – More memorable sights of Dresden
Further city sightseeing in Dresden includes a visit to Frauenkirche. One of the major churches of the German Protestant tradition, it was left in ruins by bombs during World War II; extensive reconstruction efforts were completed in 2005. At the old royal stables, see The Procession of the Princes before continuing on to the neo-Renaissance Semperoper (opera house) and the Baroque Zwinger, home to five museums. Your afternoon is free to explore even more of this lovely city on the Elbe River as you please.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hilton Dresden, Germany
Day 12 – A milestone of World War II and intriguing Berlin
Make your way to Potsdam today and visit the Cecilienhof Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Truman, Churchill, and Stalin signed the Potsdam Treaty in 1945. Continue your Germany tour through the Brandenburg lake district to historic Berlin, crossing Glienicke Bridge – famous as the place where spies were exchanged during the Cold War. Your home for the next two nights is The Westin Grand, Berlin, in the heart of the capital of a reunited Germany.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Westin Grand, Berlin, Germany
Day 13 – Berlin, where East once met West
The history of this once-divided city is intriguing on many levels, and a sightseeing tour includes a treasure trove of Berlin's most famous landmarks; although many historic buildings were destroyed during World War II, they have since been restored or reconstructed. The Cold War era reveals itself at the Brandenburg Gate and famous Checkpoint Charlie, while earlier periods are represented by the Deutscher Dom, the Französischer Dom, Unter den Linden Boulevard, the Reichstag and the Schauspielhaus. Following an afternoon spent as you please, bid Auf Wiedersehen to your new friends at a farewell reception and dinner as your memorable Germany tour comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Westin Grand, Berlin, Germany
Day 14 – Journey Home
Your Germany tour including the Passion Play ends: Berlin. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Westin Grand, Berlin to Berlin-Tegel Airport. Allow a minimum of 2-1/2 hours for flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast at a welcome reception and dinner this evening, at your home for the first two nights of your Germany tour, centrally located next to Wiesbaden's market square.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Night 1 & 2: Hotel Nassauer Hof Wiesbaden
Wiesbaden, Germany
The elegant, five-star Hotel Nassauer Hof richly deserves the designation of Grand Hotel. Superbly located in the center of sophisticated Wiesbaden, this is a luxury hotel in every sense of the term. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, this historic hotel has been welcoming kings, princes and dukes for almost two centuries. Combining tradition and modern design, spacious guest rooms feature soundproof windows that can be opened for fresh air, air conditioning, mini bar, remote-control TV with cable and satellite channels, wireless LAN, bathrooms with bathtubs, bathrobes and cosmetic mirrors. The natural hot spring that first attracted the Romans to the spot still fills the thermal baths in the fifth-floor spa that looks out over the rooftops of Wiesbaden, and the sun-filled fitness room offers cardio equipment. The hotel and its two restaurants have long been famous for fine cuisine served in opulent surroundings. The Nassauer Hof Bar is the perfect place to end the day with a nightcap beside the crackling fire as you listen to gentle strains of music floating in the air.
Night 3 & 4: Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe
Bühl, Germany
Perched atop a mountain overlooking the Rhine River and the Black Forest, this grand, Baroque castle-style hotel is reputed to be one of the finest spa hotels in Germany. Spacious, beautifully decorated guest rooms welcome you with such appreciated amenities as color TV, mini bar, private safe and wireless LAN. The Wellbeing & Spa area is noted as a “Leading Spa of the World.” Indulge yourself with a dip in the lovely indoor pool or a soak in the whirlpool surrounded by marble columns. The well-equipped fitness area is the place to keep up with your workout routine. Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe can satisfy every culinary craving, from the gourmet French cuisine served in the Gourmet-Restaurant Imperial to the selection of regional and international specialties served against a backdrop of beautiful Black Forest views in the Schlossrestaurant. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the homemade cakes served in the Espresso-Lounge or linger over a nightcap in the elegant Apropos Bar or the stylish Van Dyck drawing room.
You’ll see for yourself why this distinguished hotel has been a favorite of many celebrities seeking the tranquility of its remote and beautiful landscapes.
Night 5 & 6: Hotel Maximilian
Oberammergau, Germany
Located close to the theater built especially for the Passion Play in Oberammergau, the five-star boutique, chalet-style Hotel Maximilian will house only the Tour Operators guests during our stay in this charming village. In a deftly created atmosphere that combines simplicity and luxury using the finest materials and modern furnishing, guest rooms offer a contemporary ambiance. All rooms feature balconies, flat-screen TV, mini bar and in-room safe. The Spa Area, called “a kingdom for body and spirit” encourages relaxation with a sauna, steam bath, special showers and a tranquility room. St. Benoît, the Hotel Maximilian’s gourmet restaurant, offers cuisine prepared with the freshest ingredients and designed to suit contemporary tastes with a Mediterranean influence. The Beer Garden, with great views of the Ammergau Alps and sheltered by lovely old trees, is a wonderful place to take a break and enjoy a freshly drawn Maxbräu brew.
Night 7 & 8: Bayerischer Hof
Munich, Germany
One of The Leading Hotels of the World, the sumptuous Bayerischer Hof first opened its doors in the heart of Munich in 1841 at the request of King Ludwig I, who wanted a comfortable place for his guests to stay; the finest hospitality has been a tradition at the Bayerischer Hof for over 160 years. You’ll instantly feel at home in a large, comfortable guest room equipped with all the amenities that today’s sophisticated travelers expect. Set high above the roofs of Munich, the Blue Spa is the ideal place to work on your fitness level or just relax on the Pool & Sun Terrace while you enjoy beautiful views out over the city. Former Mr. Universe, Ralf Moeller, carefully chose the state-of-the-art fitness equipment in the Fitness Studio, where you’ll find everything you need to put together your own exercise program. If you’re yearning for Bavarian specialties, beer right from the keg or a really great pretzel, the Palais Keller is just the spot. Or, perhaps you’ll choose to dine at the Garden-Restaurant with its Mediterranean atmosphere and South-Sea-inspired cuisine. Enjoy an aperitif or a nightcap in Falk’s Bar in the famed Spiegelsaal (Mirror Hall), the only room in the Bayerischer Hof that survived World War II unscathed; or enjoy the view of the city from the Blue Spa Bar & Lounge. If neither of those alternatives appeals to you, the hotel has four other distinctive watering holes from which to choose.
Night 9: Hotel Elephant
Weimar, Germany
The sophisticated Hotel Elephant has been a landmark rendezvous site for statesmen, intellectuals, artists and poets for over 300 years. Located on the historic marketplace in the heart of Weimar, all the most famous sights of this “city of the classics” are within walking distance. The first thing that you’ll notice when you enter the lobby is a remarkably carved spiral staircase that is truly impressive. Each spacious, individually styled guest room features a mini bar, cable TV channels, DVD/CD player, in-room safe, bathrobes and slippers, hair dryer and deluxe bath amenities. The Anna Amalia restaurant has earned a coveted Michelin star and was voted one of the ten best restaurants in Germany by the leading German gourmet magazine, Der Feinschumecker. The Elephant Bar is a pleasant place to linger as you enjoy views of the city. The hotel’s art collection, which includes works by Fretting, Baselitz and Elvira Bach, is a highlight.
Night 10 & 11: Hilton Dresden
Dresden, Germany
The Hilton Dresden is ideally located in the heart of this historic city, next to the famed Frauenkirche on Bruehl’s Terrace; the diverse museums of the world-renowned Zwinger and the Semper Opera House are nearby. Its lively, contemporary atmosphere ensures an enjoyable stay. Generously sized guest rooms have large windows, air conditioning, wireless Internet access, cable TV and in-room movie channel, coffee maker, bathroom amenities and bathrobes, hairdryer, mini bar and safe. Both the Fitness Room and the swimming pool are available during leisure time. The Bierhaus Dampfschiff, decked out like a steamship to include an upper and lower deck, is the place for hearty German home cooking and local Radeberger beer. For a light snack, head for Bistro Ecke Frauenkirche or indulge your sweet tooth with local cakes at the outdoor Café Vis-à-vis. A nice selection of local wines and beers can be found in the underground Wettiner Keller, which once served as a crypt.
Night 12 & 13: The Westin Grand, Berlin
Berlin, Germany
The Westin Grand, Berlin is well-situated amidst the city’s historical center and close to such famous landmarks as the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz, and the Pergamon Museum. In a city where location is key, the excellent location of The Westin Grand, Berlin is the perfect complement to its old-world charm and modern elegance. Comfortable guest rooms feature the signature Westin Heavenly Bed®, air conditioning, TV with remote control and cable channels, iron and ironing board, coffee maker, in-room safe, mini bar, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer and telephone with international direct dialing. During leisure time, relax at the fitness center with its whirlpool, sauna, swimming pool and solarium or keep up with your exercise program in the Westin WORKOUT® Gym. The Relish Restaurant & Bar features contemporary cuisine and the Lobby Lounge and Bar is the perfect place for a quick nibble during the day or cocktails in the evening.
INCLUSIONS
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling, the services of local guides, drivers, and the Tour Director are included. A representative will meet you at Frankfurt International Airport (Rhein-Main-Flughafen) on Ground L , Level E of Terminal 1, Arrival Hall B on the fist day of the tour. One group transfer will be provided to Hotel Nassauer Hof Wiesbaden at 11:30 AM. Please allow sufficient time to claim your luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. If you miss the group transfer, you would need to arrange and pay for your own transportation to the hotel. On the last day of the tour, the Tour Operator will provide one group transfer from The Westin Grand Berlin that will arrive at Berlin Tegel Airport at 8:30 AM. We suggest you allow 2½ hours for flight check-in.
Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms with a rollaway cot or a sofa bed, when available, and are not recommended for comfort. Adjacent, adjoining and connecting rooms are available by request only and cannot be guaranteed.
The hotels on this itinerary do not provide king-size beds as they are known to travelers in the U.S. The queen-size beds consist of two single beds pushed together. In addition, beds are outfitted with feather pillows, bed covers and comforters. If you require hypo-allergenic, pillows and comforters, please notify us prior to departure.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
Tour Director – Romantic Germany is conducted by a Tour Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tour Director is a professional, fully trained employee of the Tour Operator.
Gratuities Included – All gratuities for restaurant and hotel staff and local guides are included.
No Options Sold – Your Tour Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
Not Included
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from us for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through the Tour Operator. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Tour Operators Protection Plan for more information.
Personal Expenses - Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, mineral waters and soft drinks, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, individual airport transfers, and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Tour Director and Driver Gratuities - The customary gratuities to the Tour Director and driver are not included. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Hotel Nassauer Hof Wiesbaden. A transfer is included from Frankfurt’s Rhein-Main Airport to Hotel Nassauer Hof Wiesbaden. Welcome to Germany! Meet the traveling companions with whom you will share Romantic Germany Including The Passion Play
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Hotel Nassauer Hof, Wiesbaden, Germany
Day 2 – Cruise along the River Rhine
Begin today's travels on your Germany tour along the fabled Rhine River with a riverboat cruise from St. Goarshausen to Rüdesheim, during which you'll discover the legend of the Lorelei and glide past green hillsides, tiny villages and romantic castles. Explore picturesque Rüdesheim on your own, and enjoy a tasting of the local wines before returning to your hotel in Wiesbaden.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hotel Nassauer Hof, Weisbaden, Germany
Day 3 – Old-fashioned Heidelberg to the Black Forest
Travel the fast-paced autobahns, then drive along the Yellow Roads through typical villages of the agricultural region known as the Bergstrasse. Continue your Germany tour through the mountains to Schriesheim and on to the fabled city of Heidelberg – boasting both Germany’s oldest university and splendid Heidelberger Schloss. Discover this medieval castle during a walking tour before heading off into the Black Forest for a two-night stay at one of Germany’s premier spa resorts.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe, Bühl, Germany
Day 4 – Take the cure at Baden-Baden
Sometimes referred to as the gateway to the Black Forest, the celebrated spa town of Baden-Baden is best known for its therapeutic waters. Enjoy a walking tour before exploring more of this premier spa resort town on your own. Dine in an old mill beside a romantic brook in the Black Forest this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe, Bühl, Germany
Day 5 – Lakeside magic en route to Oberammergau
Traverse much of the length of the Black Forest High Road, one of the most scenic routes you'll find during your Germany tour, into the foothills of the Alps. Enjoy lunch on the shores of Lake Constance, the largest lake in Germany, before continuing on through Friedrichshafen en route to the picturesque village of Oberammergau, in the Bavarian Alps. Your home for the next two nights – a five-star, chalet-styled, luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the village – is exclusive to the Tour Operator during your stay!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Maximilian, Oberammergau, Germany
Day 6 – Once in a lifetime – Oberammergau's Passionsspiele
You can start this remarkable day with a visit and demonstration at the shop of one of Oberammergau’s celebrated woodcarvers, or choose to explore the village on your own. After lunch at your hotel, it's time for a true highlight of your journey – premier seating, in the best category available, at a performance of the 2010 Oberammergau Passion Play (or Passionsspiele)! Performed only once every ten years (May through September), the tradition of the Passionsspiele began in 1634, when the villagers pledged to perform a play about the life of Jesus in gratitude for being spared from the plague. Involving the talents of more than 2,000 actors, technicians and musicians – each a village resident – today’s Passion Play includes dramatic scenes of the Passion (in High German; the Tour Operator provides an English libretto), musical performances and Old Testament tableaux vivants. The performance begins in the afternoon and, after a break for dinner at a local restaurant, continues into the evening – a once-in-a-lifetime event, experienced in true Style!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Maximilian, Oberammergau, Germany
Day 7 – King Ludwig's Linderhof, and on to Munich
Say goodbye to magical Oberammergau and head off to Linderhof Palace, King Ludwig II of Bavaria’s opulent 19th-century “royal villa” inspired by the Palace of Versailles; parts of this grandiose palace complex are exact, if smaller, copies of features found at Versailles. Tour the palace with its grand staircase and Hall of Mirrors, and stroll through its magnificent gardens, considered by many to be the among the finest in the world. Continue on to Munich for a two-night stay at Bayerischer Hof – a landmark in the heart of the Bavarian capital that's been hosting distinquished guests in grace and style for over 160 years.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Bayerischer Hof, Munich, Germany
Day 8 – Marvelous Munich, poignant Dachau
Take a sightseeing tour of the Bavarian capital today that includes the celebrated Maximilianstrasse, the 17th-century Residenz, and the old town hall. Visit Alte Pinakothek, one of Munich’s most captivating museums, housing some of Europe’s finest art treasures. Explore more of the city at leisure this afternoon, or join us for a poignant visit to Dachau; sample some of Munich's many fine restaurants for lunch and dinner on your own today.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Bayerischer Hof, Munich, Germany
Day 9 – Inspiration of the ages in Weimar
Depart Munich and travel to Weimar, the birthplace of modern architecture following the famous Bauhaus movement, and the seat of Germany's post-World War I government. A walking tour introduces you to the city, whose famous residents have included Wolfgang von Goethe, Franz Liszt and Johann Sebastian Bach.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Elephant, Weimar, Germany
Day 10 – Discover art and history in Dresden
Your Germany tour continues to the city of Dresden, home to exquisite architecture and many artistic treasures. Although the city’s Royal Palace was virtually destroyed during World War II, extensive restoration and reconstruction have regained the splendor of its historic Baroque interior. During a private tour of the palace's New Green Vault, you’ll be introduced to some of the 4,000 works of art – including many rare treasures from the Renaissance, Baroque and Classicist periods – that it showcases.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hilton Dresden, Germany
Day 11 – More memorable sights of Dresden
Further city sightseeing in Dresden includes a visit to Frauenkirche. One of the major churches of the German Protestant tradition, it was left in ruins by bombs during World War II; extensive reconstruction efforts were completed in 2005. At the old royal stables, see The Procession of the Princes before continuing on to the neo-Renaissance Semperoper (opera house) and the Baroque Zwinger, home to five museums. Your afternoon is free to explore even more of this lovely city on the Elbe River as you please.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hilton Dresden, Germany
Day 12 – A milestone of World War II and intriguing Berlin
Make your way to Potsdam today and visit the Cecilienhof Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Truman, Churchill, and Stalin signed the Potsdam Treaty in 1945. Continue your Germany tour through the Brandenburg lake district to historic Berlin, crossing Glienicke Bridge – famous as the place where spies were exchanged during the Cold War. Your home for the next two nights is The Westin Grand, Berlin, in the heart of the capital of a reunited Germany.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Westin Grand, Berlin, Germany
Day 13 – Berlin, where East once met West
The history of this once-divided city is intriguing on many levels, and a sightseeing tour includes a treasure trove of Berlin's most famous landmarks; although many historic buildings were destroyed during World War II, they have since been restored or reconstructed. The Cold War era reveals itself at the Brandenburg Gate and famous Checkpoint Charlie, while earlier periods are represented by the Deutscher Dom, the Französischer Dom, Unter den Linden Boulevard, the Reichstag and the Schauspielhaus. Following an afternoon spent as you please, bid Auf Wiedersehen to your new friends at a farewell reception and dinner as your memorable Germany tour comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Westin Grand, Berlin, Germany
Day 14 – Journey Home
Your Germany tour including the Passion Play ends: Berlin. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Westin Grand, Berlin to Berlin-Tegel Airport. Allow a minimum of 2-1/2 hours for flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast at a welcome reception and dinner this evening, at your home for the first two nights of your Germany tour, centrally located next to Wiesbaden's market square.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Night 1 & 2: Hotel Nassauer Hof Wiesbaden
Wiesbaden, Germany
The elegant, five-star Hotel Nassauer Hof richly deserves the designation of Grand Hotel. Superbly located in the center of sophisticated Wiesbaden, this is a luxury hotel in every sense of the term. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, this historic hotel has been welcoming kings, princes and dukes for almost two centuries. Combining tradition and modern design, spacious guest rooms feature soundproof windows that can be opened for fresh air, air conditioning, mini bar, remote-control TV with cable and satellite channels, wireless LAN, bathrooms with bathtubs, bathrobes and cosmetic mirrors. The natural hot spring that first attracted the Romans to the spot still fills the thermal baths in the fifth-floor spa that looks out over the rooftops of Wiesbaden, and the sun-filled fitness room offers cardio equipment. The hotel and its two restaurants have long been famous for fine cuisine served in opulent surroundings. The Nassauer Hof Bar is the perfect place to end the day with a nightcap beside the crackling fire as you listen to gentle strains of music floating in the air.
Night 3 & 4: Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe
Bühl, Germany
Perched atop a mountain overlooking the Rhine River and the Black Forest, this grand, Baroque castle-style hotel is reputed to be one of the finest spa hotels in Germany. Spacious, beautifully decorated guest rooms welcome you with such appreciated amenities as color TV, mini bar, private safe and wireless LAN. The Wellbeing & Spa area is noted as a “Leading Spa of the World.” Indulge yourself with a dip in the lovely indoor pool or a soak in the whirlpool surrounded by marble columns. The well-equipped fitness area is the place to keep up with your workout routine. Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe can satisfy every culinary craving, from the gourmet French cuisine served in the Gourmet-Restaurant Imperial to the selection of regional and international specialties served against a backdrop of beautiful Black Forest views in the Schlossrestaurant. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the homemade cakes served in the Espresso-Lounge or linger over a nightcap in the elegant Apropos Bar or the stylish Van Dyck drawing room.
You’ll see for yourself why this distinguished hotel has been a favorite of many celebrities seeking the tranquility of its remote and beautiful landscapes.
Night 5 & 6: Hotel Maximilian
Oberammergau, Germany
Located close to the theater built especially for the Passion Play in Oberammergau, the five-star boutique, chalet-style Hotel Maximilian will house only the Tour Operators guests during our stay in this charming village. In a deftly created atmosphere that combines simplicity and luxury using the finest materials and modern furnishing, guest rooms offer a contemporary ambiance. All rooms feature balconies, flat-screen TV, mini bar and in-room safe. The Spa Area, called “a kingdom for body and spirit” encourages relaxation with a sauna, steam bath, special showers and a tranquility room. St. Benoît, the Hotel Maximilian’s gourmet restaurant, offers cuisine prepared with the freshest ingredients and designed to suit contemporary tastes with a Mediterranean influence. The Beer Garden, with great views of the Ammergau Alps and sheltered by lovely old trees, is a wonderful place to take a break and enjoy a freshly drawn Maxbräu brew.
Night 7 & 8: Bayerischer Hof
Munich, Germany
One of The Leading Hotels of the World, the sumptuous Bayerischer Hof first opened its doors in the heart of Munich in 1841 at the request of King Ludwig I, who wanted a comfortable place for his guests to stay; the finest hospitality has been a tradition at the Bayerischer Hof for over 160 years. You’ll instantly feel at home in a large, comfortable guest room equipped with all the amenities that today’s sophisticated travelers expect. Set high above the roofs of Munich, the Blue Spa is the ideal place to work on your fitness level or just relax on the Pool & Sun Terrace while you enjoy beautiful views out over the city. Former Mr. Universe, Ralf Moeller, carefully chose the state-of-the-art fitness equipment in the Fitness Studio, where you’ll find everything you need to put together your own exercise program. If you’re yearning for Bavarian specialties, beer right from the keg or a really great pretzel, the Palais Keller is just the spot. Or, perhaps you’ll choose to dine at the Garden-Restaurant with its Mediterranean atmosphere and South-Sea-inspired cuisine. Enjoy an aperitif or a nightcap in Falk’s Bar in the famed Spiegelsaal (Mirror Hall), the only room in the Bayerischer Hof that survived World War II unscathed; or enjoy the view of the city from the Blue Spa Bar & Lounge. If neither of those alternatives appeals to you, the hotel has four other distinctive watering holes from which to choose.
Night 9: Hotel Elephant
Weimar, Germany
The sophisticated Hotel Elephant has been a landmark rendezvous site for statesmen, intellectuals, artists and poets for over 300 years. Located on the historic marketplace in the heart of Weimar, all the most famous sights of this “city of the classics” are within walking distance. The first thing that you’ll notice when you enter the lobby is a remarkably carved spiral staircase that is truly impressive. Each spacious, individually styled guest room features a mini bar, cable TV channels, DVD/CD player, in-room safe, bathrobes and slippers, hair dryer and deluxe bath amenities. The Anna Amalia restaurant has earned a coveted Michelin star and was voted one of the ten best restaurants in Germany by the leading German gourmet magazine, Der Feinschumecker. The Elephant Bar is a pleasant place to linger as you enjoy views of the city. The hotel’s art collection, which includes works by Fretting, Baselitz and Elvira Bach, is a highlight.
Night 10 & 11: Hilton Dresden
Dresden, Germany
The Hilton Dresden is ideally located in the heart of this historic city, next to the famed Frauenkirche on Bruehl’s Terrace; the diverse museums of the world-renowned Zwinger and the Semper Opera House are nearby. Its lively, contemporary atmosphere ensures an enjoyable stay. Generously sized guest rooms have large windows, air conditioning, wireless Internet access, cable TV and in-room movie channel, coffee maker, bathroom amenities and bathrobes, hairdryer, mini bar and safe. Both the Fitness Room and the swimming pool are available during leisure time. The Bierhaus Dampfschiff, decked out like a steamship to include an upper and lower deck, is the place for hearty German home cooking and local Radeberger beer. For a light snack, head for Bistro Ecke Frauenkirche or indulge your sweet tooth with local cakes at the outdoor Café Vis-à-vis. A nice selection of local wines and beers can be found in the underground Wettiner Keller, which once served as a crypt.
Night 12 & 13: The Westin Grand, Berlin
Berlin, Germany
The Westin Grand, Berlin is well-situated amidst the city’s historical center and close to such famous landmarks as the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz, and the Pergamon Museum. In a city where location is key, the excellent location of The Westin Grand, Berlin is the perfect complement to its old-world charm and modern elegance. Comfortable guest rooms feature the signature Westin Heavenly Bed®, air conditioning, TV with remote control and cable channels, iron and ironing board, coffee maker, in-room safe, mini bar, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer and telephone with international direct dialing. During leisure time, relax at the fitness center with its whirlpool, sauna, swimming pool and solarium or keep up with your exercise program in the Westin WORKOUT® Gym. The Relish Restaurant & Bar features contemporary cuisine and the Lobby Lounge and Bar is the perfect place for a quick nibble during the day or cocktails in the evening.
INCLUSIONS
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling, the services of local guides, drivers, and the Tour Director are included. A representative will meet you at Frankfurt International Airport (Rhein-Main-Flughafen) on Ground L , Level E of Terminal 1, Arrival Hall B on the fist day of the tour. One group transfer will be provided to Hotel Nassauer Hof Wiesbaden at 11:30 AM. Please allow sufficient time to claim your luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. If you miss the group transfer, you would need to arrange and pay for your own transportation to the hotel. On the last day of the tour, the Tour Operator will provide one group transfer from The Westin Grand Berlin that will arrive at Berlin Tegel Airport at 8:30 AM. We suggest you allow 2½ hours for flight check-in.
Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms with a rollaway cot or a sofa bed, when available, and are not recommended for comfort. Adjacent, adjoining and connecting rooms are available by request only and cannot be guaranteed.
The hotels on this itinerary do not provide king-size beds as they are known to travelers in the U.S. The queen-size beds consist of two single beds pushed together. In addition, beds are outfitted with feather pillows, bed covers and comforters. If you require hypo-allergenic, pillows and comforters, please notify us prior to departure.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
Tour Director – Romantic Germany is conducted by a Tour Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tour Director is a professional, fully trained employee of the Tour Operator.
Gratuities Included – All gratuities for restaurant and hotel staff and local guides are included.
No Options Sold – Your Tour Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
Not Included
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from us for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through the Tour Operator. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Tour Operators Protection Plan for more information.
Personal Expenses - Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, mineral waters and soft drinks, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, individual airport transfers, and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Tour Director and Driver Gratuities - The customary gratuities to the Tour Director and driver are not included. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
May - September
Prices
From approx $6,190 US
per person based on double occupancy
To book or for more information please complete the
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