DAY 1: Frankfurt & Wiesbaden, GERMANY
You are met on arrival in Frankfurt and escorted to charming
Weisbaden. This afternoon see the highlights of this historic town
along the Rhine River. See the Palace Square with its ducal palace,
the neoclassical Kurhaus (or spa house), the Luisenplatz with its
beautiful neo-classical buildings and the Waterloo Obelisk, a
memorial for those who died in the Napoleonic wars.
►Suggested hotel:
Nassauer Hof
DAY 2: Rhine Cruise, GERMANY
This morning enjoy a Rhine Cruise, traveling a spectacular route
that passes historic towns, castles, and ruined fortresses erected
by medieval Kings and Princes. Disembark to have lunch at the famous
Monastery Eberbach, tucked away in a picturesque valley and
completely surrounded by forests and vineyards. Explore the
cathedral-like wine cellars and the historical Jugendstil building
where the wines are pressed, and sample local Riesling wines. ►Suggested hotel:
Nassauer Hof
DAY 3: Heidelberg to Bühl, GERMANY
This morning drive to Heidelberg, a charming city steeped in
tradition. Your full day tour starts with a walk through the
historical city center and picturesque Old Town. Visit Bismarck
Square, the Picturesque Heildelberg New University Campus and the
Old University, the historical Marstallhof, and of course the famous
Heidelberg Castle, including the old ruins, the castle garden, and
the castle courtyard. Late afternoon drive on to your hotel in Bühl. ►Suggested hotel: Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe
DAY 4: Excursion to Baden-Baden & Strasburg, GERMANY
This morning explore Baden-Baden. Since Roman times emperors and
nobility have come here seeking cures from the famous hot springs.
The town still exudes its aura of 19th century privilege. See the
main highlights, including the ruins of the Old Castle, the New
Castle on top of the Florentiner Mountain, the Russian Church with
its shining golden cupola, the Kurhaus with its unique Belle Epoch
styled elegance and the beautiful Baden Baden Casino. In the
afternoon it is a short drive to the French town of Strasbourg, a
truly amazing city with cultural charm. Tour along the banks of the
river through the “Imperial German” and European quarters. See the
Palais d’Europe, the Human Rights building, and the European
Parliament. Visit the Cathedral of Notre Dame, an example of
European gothic art with its single tall spire that dominates the
Alsace landscape.
►Suggested hotel: Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe Also Suggested: Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa (in Baden-Baden, Germany) (V)
DAY 5: Bühl to Hohenschwangau, GERMANY
This morning take a drive through the beautiful scenery of the Black
Forest to Hohenschwangau, in the heart of the Bavarian Allgau. After
lunch at your hotel, board a horse carriage for a ride up to one of
Germany‘s most photographed palaces, Neuschwanstein Castle. Built in
the 19th century by Ludwig II of Bavaria in homage to Richard
Wagner, the Kings inspiring muse, many of the rooms were still
undecorated before Ludwig‘s death in 1886. Explore the throne room,
the master suite and the Singer‘s Hall. ►Suggested hotel:
Hotel Müller
DAY 6: Munich, GERMANY
This morning drive to Munich, the capital of Bavaria, renowned for
its architecture, culture and charm – a cosmopolitan city with a
friendly small-town feel. After lunch, your city tour will include
some of the more than 40 theaters, 50 museums and collections, opera
houses and historical Buildings. Visit the 500-years-old
Frauenkirche (Church Of Our Lady), Marienplatz Square with the new
Neo-Gothic Town Hall, the English Garden and the Olympic Park. ►Some suggested Munich hotels (in alphabetical order): Hotel Bayrischer Ho Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich (V) Mandarin Oriental Munich (V) Rocco Forte The Charles Hotel (V) ►Together, we will find the best choice for you!
DAY 7: Munich & Weimar, GERMANY
This morning is at leisure to explore wonderful Munich on your own.
This afternoon travel Germany’s famous “Romantic Road,” displaying
quintessential German scenery and culture. Stop in the serene town
of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a well-preserved medieval old town,
dating back to 1250. Stroll the pedestrian-only streets to see the
Gothic Town Hall Hall and Square. Continue to the village of Weimar,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site. ►Suggested hotel: Hotel Elephant
DAY 8: Weimar & Dresden, GERMANY
This morning take a walking tour through Weimar’s impressive
historic city center. Start at Market Square, dating back to the
13th century, to see the magnificent Town Hall, the Lucas Cranach
House and St. Peter & Paul’s Church. Other tour highlights include
the Palace and the historical cemetery – home to the gravesite of
Duchess Maria Pawlowna and German poets Friedrich Schiller and
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, author of ‘Faust.’ Visit Goethe’s home
from the 1700s, which since 1885, is the Goethe National Museum.
This afternoon enjoy a scenic drive to Dresden, the ‘Florence of the
North.’
Some suggested Dresden hotels (in alphabetical order): Hotel Suitess Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski (V) ►Together, we will find the best choice for you!
DAY 9: Dresden, GERMANY
Today explore this capital of Saxony, with its almost 800 years of
history. Your morning walking tour takes you through the historic
center of Dresden. Discover the fortified festival palace, the
Dresden Zwinger, built in 1710 and a perfect example of The
Fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle late Baroque architecture housing
wonderful art treasures. See the beautiful Baroque Dresden
Cathedral, the Brühl Terrace, and the historic Green Vault’s
collection from the Saxon rulers’ treasure chamber. ►For Dresden hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 10: Meissen, GERMANY and Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC
This morning drive to Meissen, at more than a thousand years old,
one of Saxony’s oldest cities and center of Dresden’s China since
the 1700s. Tour the production halls and the exhibition of the
internationally known Meissen porcelain factory. Explore the town
itself, seeing the old quarters of the city including the Cathedral,
the Frauenkirche and the Town Hall. Tour the Albrechtsburg, a 13th
century gothic masterpiece, offering amazing views over the Elbe
River valley. After lunch in a local restaurant, depart for an
afternoon drive into the and the capital city of Prague. ►Some suggested Prague hotels (in alphabetical order): Four Seasons Hotel Prague (V) Hotel Aria Mandarin Oriental, Prague (V) Rocco Forte Augustine Hotel, Prague (V) ►Together, we will find the best choice for you!
DAY 11: Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC
This morning’s tour of Prague, includes the historic Old Town, which
is on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage list. Visit the
Old Town Square, view the Old Town Hall with the astronomical clock,
the Charles Bridge, the Municipal House and the Powder Tower. In the
afternoon, continue to Prague’s Castle District, the largest ancient
castle in the world. Dating back to the 9th century, then rebuilt in
the 14th century, today it is the seat of the President of the Czech
Republic. This vast complex includes a palace, three churches, royal
stables, a monastery and manicured gardens. ►For Prague hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 12: Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC
This morning enjoy a special visit to Prague’s Jewish Quarter,
completely surrounded by the Old Town and linked to Old Town Square
by Paris Street the most beautiful street in Prague. Though almost
totally demolished by 1913 to redesign the city, six synagogues, a
cemetery, and the Old Jewish Town Hall were preserved. The area was
saved during the Nazi German occupation to provide a site for a
their planned “exotic museum of an extinct race,” and sent Jewish
artifacts from all over central Europe. Your tour includes Franz
Kafka’s birthplace, Europe’s oldest surviving Jewish cemetery, the
13th century Gothic style Old New Synagogue, as well as an extended
visit of the Jewish Museum. The afternoon is at leisure to explore
the city on your own. ►For Prague hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 13: Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC
Today you are taken to the airport for your flight home or on to
your next destination.