France and Bavaria with Oberammergau

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Ask your agent for details today!Click here for terms and conditions.Paris, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, is a wonderful start to this 11-day tour that includes dinner at the Eiffel Tower and a romantic Seine River cruise past famous landmarks. A high speed train journey whisks you to eastern France and the picturesque city of Strasbourg, followed by a day discovering the charming villages along the Alsace wine route with their historic houses and castles. In Germany, explore Würzburg on a leisurely paced walking tour, a town blessed with historic sights. Your journey along the famed Romantic Road stops in the Renaissance city of Weikersheim with its magnificent castle and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg with waterways that will remind you of Venice. Two nights in the Oberammergau region of Germany’s lovely Bavarian Alps concludes this tour. As guests of Collette, you’ll enjoy a memorable full day performance of Oberammergau’s Passion Play in the impressive 5,000-seat theater with its open air stage.

Day 1: Overnight Flight
Bask in the rich heritage and romance of charming France and Bavaria. On this special tour, you will enjoy being immersed in the culture of the region. Your trip includes a ride on the TGV high-speed train through the French countryside from Paris to Strasbourg. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Paris.

Day 2: Paris, France - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the magnificent capital city of Paris. Tonight, sample delicious French cuisine and breathtaking views during dinner at the Eiffel Tower. Following dinner, enjoy a romantic Seine River cruise past famous landmarks, against a backdrop of Paris’s glittering skyline.

Day 3: Paris
Your day begins with a panoramic tour of Paris. See the breathtaking architecture of the Arc de Triomphe; the Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame with its lovely rose windows dating to the 13th century; the historic Place de la Concorde and its commanding obelisk from the tomb of Ramses II in Egypt; Place Vendome; and the Champs-Elysées, the famed promenade that is known around the world for its people-watching. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Do as the Parisians do and sit at a sidewalk café or visit one of the city’s many renowned museums, such as the Louvre.

Day 4: Paris - TGV Train - Strasbourg (Alsace Region)
All aboard the high speed TGV Train as it departs this morning for picturesque Strasbourg in eastern France. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the city featuring the Old Quarter, known as “Petite France,” and the stunning Cathedral of Notre Dame.

Day 5: Alsace Region - Alsace Wine Route
Spend the day visiting two charming villages of the Alsace wine route. First is the well-preserved medieval town of Riquewihr, filled with vintners’ houses dating back to the 15th century. Your next stop is Kaysersberg, a village offering historic houses and castles, as well as a 16th century fortified bridge. Tonight, dine at one of Strasbourg’s finest restaurants, complete with typical regional cuisine.

Day 6: Alsace Region - Würzburg, Germany
Depart France for Germany this morning and travel to the lovely town of Würzburg. Upon arrival join a local guide on a leisurely-paced walking tour. This ancient Franconian wine town is rich in historic sights, including the magnificent 18th century residence of the prince-bishops, the Residence Palace, which boasts the largest ceiling fresco in the world. You'll also see the ornate Alte Mainbrucke, the oldest bridge on the River Main. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps you'll choose to join the locals at one of the wine taverns sprinkled throughout the city and enjoy a glass of delicious Franconian wine.

Day 7: Würzburg - Weikersheim - Rothenburg - Würzburg
Today you travel along the Romantic Road to the charming city of Rothenburg. En route, a stop is made in the Renaissance city of Weikersheim. Here you will tour the magnificent Weikersheim Castle, including the Knight's Hall and the formal gardens, which were modeled after the spectacular gardens at Versailles. Then continue on to Rothenburg where, upon arrival, you will take a short walking tour through the winding cobblestone streets of the old town. You'll feel as though history has come alive as you walk past buildings and walls that have watched over this city for centuries.

Day 8: Würzburg - Bamberg - Würzburg
Travel into the heart of Franconia for a visit to a local winery. Learn about the rich wine-making heritage of this region and sample some of the wonderful local varieties. Next, depart for the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg. Bamberg is known for its beautiful old town which is veined with waterways reminiscent of Venice and capped by a gorgeous cathedral perched high above the city. Enjoy plenty of time at leisure to explore the attractions of this wonderful city. Visit the ancient Town Hall which is situated in the middle of the river and accessible only by bridge. Then stroll the charming streets that line the river, shopping for unique handicrafts or perhaps stopping to try a glass of Bamberg's renowned "smoked" beer.

Day 9: Würzburg - Nuremberg - Oberammergau
En route to Oberammergau, you will first stop in Nuremberg. In Nuremberg, medieval structures sit alongside streamlined, modern architecture. This interesting cityscape is due to the fact that most of the older buildings and infrastructure were completely destroyed during World War II. Take in the significant historical sights on a guided tour of the city. Your local expert will provide fascinating commentary as you tour the Rally Grounds where the Nazi Party held their political rallies and the Justice Palace, where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. You'll also take in the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, and beautiful St. Sebald Church. Later, arrive in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau.

Day 10: Oberammergau - Passion Play
The morning is yours to enjoy at leisure. This afternoon, witness the performance of the Passion Play. The original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, the village of Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the villagers vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the life of Christ. The performers are native Oberammergauers. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast start to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers. During the break of the performance, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip.

Day 11: Oberammergau - Tour Ends

Don't miss our current specials: Free or Reduced Companion Air to Europe Check out these last minute SAVINGS provided by our airline partners who have offered special pricing for specific tours and dates only. As a result, we're delighted to offer you FREE or reduced companion air on select tours. See list of tours for details on our last minute offer applied to that specific tour when you make your air-inclusive booking. Some restrictions may apply, please call 800-942-3301 for details. Italian Vistas This 13 day trip has everything you've always wanted in a trip to Italy. Enjoy multiple night stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi coast and Stresa in the Lakes District. Discover the treasures of Classical and Christian Rome. Walk in the footsteps on the ancients in Pompeii. See the gems of the Renaissance in Florence's Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo's David. Visit Lugano, Switzerland, and cruise to Isola Bella, one of the scenic Borromean Islands. Reflections of Italy Revel in the magic of Italy on this 10-day tour that explores the cities of Rome, Florence, Venice, Assisi and Perugia. Travel the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, exploring medieval hill towns and visiting the birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi. Discover the masterpieces of the Renaissance in Florence and see hot glass transformed into exquisite art on Murano Island. Linger in Venice for two nights before ending your journey in the lovely Italian Lake region. Cross the border and explore the Swiss resort town of Lugano. Spain's Classics Spain is a colorful pageant of art, history and culture, set against a backdrop that spans sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountain ranges, dotted with groves of oranges and olives. Explore the priceless treasures in Madrid’s Prado Museum. Visit the exotic and expansive Alhambra palace, resplendent with Moorish regal flair. See Columbus’ tomb. Feel the passion of the Flamenco with reserved seating at a performance in Seville. Explore Valencia, Barcelona, Granada, Cordoba and Toledo. Travel the Sierra Nevada Canada's Winter Wonderland Immerse yourself in the ultimate winter wonderland — the Canadian Rockies. Hop aboard VIA Rail Canada's Snow Train Express and head for Jasper with spectacular views. Travel across the Icefields Parkway with breathtaking scenery. Relax at three Fairmont properties: Jasper Park Lodge, Château Lake Louise, and the Banff Springs Resort, each magically decorated for the holiday. Enjoy a cooking demonstration, kitchen tour and learn how to make your own holiday pastries FREE Door to Door Service Now Vacations Start at HOME! Don't worry about getting to the airport... because a vacation should be worry-free. With Collette Vacations, enjoy free round trip sedan service that takes you from your home to the airport when you purchase an air-inclusive Collette tour.* This personalized service - including gratuities - is available on new air-inclusive bookings to the South Pacific, Canada, and Europe; and on ALL Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures and Explorations by Collette tours. On departures May 2010 and beyond, Door to Door transfers are included with air-inclusive bookings to all destinations Great Savings • Added Comfort • More Convenience
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
9/10/2010 - 9/20/2010	$3,449
9/17/2010 - 9/27/2010	$3,749
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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