A Romantic View of
Germany

September 1 - 12, 2011

$3,485 + tax

Itinerary:

Thursday September 1 LAX
Depart LAX towards Europe.

Friday September 2 Frankfurt - Wurzburg
Arrive at Frankfurt, Germany and transfer by bus to Wurzburg. and explore the charming city of Wurzburg. This 1300 year old city sits on the banks of the Main River. We have a guided tour of the Wurzburg Castle and also visit the Cathedral of St. Kilian. Construction of the Cathedral began in 788; it is a perfect example of German architecture. After lunch in a local restaurant we continue our tour of the city. Novotel Hotel (B, L)

Saturday September 3 Wurzburg - Weimar
We depart Wurzburg for a scenic drive through central Germany heading north to Eisenach the birthplace of Bach. Our English speaking guide will take us through Wartberg Castle where Martin Luther, while hiding from Rome, translated the New Testament from Greek to German under the name of Junker Jorg. An hour's drive east from Eisenach is Erfurt. This is the largest city in the area with the best preserved medieval town center in Germany. After touring Erfurt it's just a short drive to Weimar. We check into our hotel and have dinner in Weimar. Hotel Leonardo (B, D)

Sunday September 4 Weimar
Goethe lived in Weimar until his death in 1832. We visit Goethe's house and lovely gardens. Along with touring this city of antique and artistic perfection we also visit the home of Friedrich Schiller another great German poet from the era of German Romanticism. Hotel Leonardo (B, D)

Monday September 5 Weimar - Leipzig
After another delicious breakfast we board our bus for a 20 minute drive to Jena. The University in Jena has been an important intellectual center of Germany for centuries - Karl Marx received his doctorate from Jena in 1841. After touring Jena our bus takes us north to the city called the Little Paris of Germany, Leipzig. This was Goethe's favorite city. Hotel Westin (B, D)

Tuesday September 6 Leipzig
Leipzig was the birthplace of Wagner. We take a walking tour with an English speaking guide through this favorite city of Goethe, Bach, Sartre, Martin Luther and Schiller. Our visit takes us to the Bach Museum and Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall). We have the entire day to tour this gorgeous city of Saxony. Hotel Westin (B, D)

Wednesday September 7 Leipzig - Dresden
Our first stop today is the capital of Belgium, Brussels. We take a driving tour of the city. From beautiful Leipzig we continue further east to another enchanting city but first we stop at Meissen to tour the world famous Porcelain Museum and workshop. Now, our bus continues to Dresden the capitol city of Saxony. Readisson Blu Park Hotel (B, D)

Thursday September 8 Dresden - Berlin
Dresden's rich cultural heritage makes it a popular destination. Our English speaking tour guide gives us a morning tour that takes us to the Baroque 18th century church with its 314 foot high dome, and the Zwinger Palace. What a wonderful city! We Board our bus and head north to the outstanding Capitol of Germany, Berlin. Hotel Scandic (B, L)

Friday September 9 Berlin
What an amazing history Berlin has had! You will live that history as you tour this distinctive city with your English speaking guide. Included in our day of touring is a short journey out of Berlin to Potsdam to enjoy the Palaces and gardens. Berlin is a city full of life! Hotel Scandic (B, D)

Saturday September 10 Berlin - Frankfurt
After our wonderful visit to Berlin our early flight takes us across Germany to Cologne where we have a short visit before turning south to Bonn, the joint capitol of Germany. Deutsches Eck (German Corner) of Koblenz is where the Rhine River meets the Moselle River. We enjoy a brief tour of this lovely city. Just south on the Rhine is Boppard where we board a boat and cruise the Rhine to St Goar. We finally arrive in Frankfurt again for dinner. Hotel Intercontinental (B, D)

Sunday September 11 Frankfurt
Our last days in Germany bring us back to Frankfurt with, visiting Goethe’s birthplace and free for last minute shopping and sightseeing on your own. Hotel Intercontinental (B, D)

Monday September 12 Frankfurt - LAX
Our last German breakfast and then on to the airport for our flight back home. The romantic beauty of Germany is truly something to remember. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

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