| The Rhine, Black Forest and the Passion Play 2010
A 12-Day tour starting from $6,799
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| About This Tour | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Journey from Amsterdam along the Rhine and to the Black Forest… Step aboard the luxurious 56-cabin MV Heidelberg to explore the landscapes and historic towns of the Rhine. Then join us in Lucerne and through the Black Forest as we show you the charming lakes and towns of Central Europe. Finish your trip on a special note in the scenic Alpine region of Oberammergau for the 41st presentation of the Passion Play. |
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The General Tours World Traveler Advantage
HOTEL INFORMATION:  Columbi HotelHotel Class: Luxury This family-run, luxury hotel is located on the edge of the city's historic quarter, opposite the Colombi Park with its picturesque Colombi Castle. The property provides guests with a sauna & fitness center, library, Turkish/steam bath and swimming pool. Each individually -furnished guest room includes in-room safe and high-speed internet access  Hotel Ludwig der BayerHotel Class: First Class In the Alpine village of Ettal, just steps away from a historic Baroque monastery against a spectacular mountain backdrop, the enchanting Hotel Ludwig der Bayer has been greeting travelers for generations. Spacious guest rooms, some furnished with period pieces, offer first class comfort and private bathrooms en suite. The hotel kitchen, renowned in the region, offers a spectacular breakfast buffet including hearty Bavarian specialties and fresh-baked breads. Guests can relax in the Media Room, swim in the indoor pool, or explore the nearby Basilica. This charming hotel is just 3 miles from the Passion Play Theater in Oberammergau.  Hotel SchillingshofHotel Class: First Class Nestled at the foot of Mt. Hornle, the charming and modern Hotel Schillingshof offers traditional Alpine ambience and a warm Bavarian welcome. Comfortable guestrooms promise first-class comfort with private bathroom en suite, picturesque views from a balcony or terrace, TV, telephone and wireless Internet. A hearty breakfast buffet is served in the bright and airy dining room. Guests can also enjoy an indoor pool, fitness room, plus a terrace and garden with magnificent Alpine views. Set in the mountain village of Bad Kohlgrub, this inviting hotel is just 8 miles from the Passion Play Theater in Oberammergau.
Day 1 - Arrive Amsterdam, Netherlands / Embarkation
Welcome to Amsterdam! Upon arrival, you’ll be met for your deluxe motorcoach transfer to board your ship, berthed in the heart of this lovely city. Settle-in to your spacious outside stateroom and then gather with your fellow travelers for dinner in the elegant dining room. Meals D MV Heidleberg Day 2 - Amsterdam Your morning tour of Amsterdam features the Royal Palace and the beautiful Magere Bridge. View a host of acclaimed works by the old Dutch masters at the Rijksmuseum before embarking on a boat tour along the city’s canals – a delightful way to appreciate the charming architecture of the Dutch buildings. Return to the MV Heidelberg for lunch. This afternoon, your ship sets sail charting a southward course toward Germany. Meals B,L,D Day 3 - Xanten, Germany Today you dock in the heart of the ancient town of Xanten, founded as a Roman garrison. Your escorted walking tour includes the Town Hall, where you’ll be welcomed with a glass of Kanonikus, a liqueur made by a local religious order. You’ll also enjoy free time to explore at your own pace in the charming medieval marketplace. This afternoon, relax on the Sun Deck or in the comfortable lounge as your ship charts a course through the scenic Rhine River Valley. Meals B,L,D Day 4 - Cologne Your visit to this picturesque city features the spectacular twin-spired Cologne Cathedral, one of the largest in Europe and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Six centuries in the making, it was constructed in seven stages between 1280 and 1880! Inside you can see the Three Kings Shrine, a finely wrought gold altar piece. Your walking tour through the Old Town shows you the “Praetorium”, the ancient Roman-era foundations of this historic city. Before returning to the ship, you’ll have leisure time to explore more of the city at your own pace. Meals B,L,D Day 5 - Mainz Mainz is both a university town and an ecclesiastical center on the Rhine. Your escorted walking tour will explore both facets, beginning with St. Martin’s Cathedral. Built in the 10th century with outstanding Romanesque elements, its six graceful spires still dominate the Old Town. At the Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to the history of printing, you will see some of the original Bibles printed by Johannes Gutenberg more than 500 years ago. Meals B,L,D Day 6 - Strasbourg, France Here in Strasbourg, in the heart of Alsace, your sightseeing takes you past the Orangerie, the European Parliament building and the beautiful National Theater en route to the historic Grande Ile. Enjoy a walking tour through colorful La Petite France, a charming area of canals, narrow cobblestone streets, and centuries-old half-timbered houses. You’ll also see the imposing Gothic Cathedral, a beautiful edifice constructed from the local rose-hued stone. Meals B,L,D Day 7 - Basel, Switzerland Strategically set on the banks of the Rhine – at the crossroads of France, Germany, and Switzerland – Basel has long been an important center of wealth and commerce, and is today graced with many fine historic buildings. Your escorted tour includes the Gothic styled Town Hall, the Market Place, the Cathedral and the splendid guild and manor houses of Basel. Meals B,L,D Day 8 - Basel – Disembarkation / Lucerne / Black Forest - Freiburg, Germany Following breakfast, you disembark ship and travel by deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach through magnificent mountain scenery to Lucerne. Set along the shores of a deep blue lake and surrounded by forested slopes and mountains, this enchanting lake side town is every bit as beautiful as you imagine Switzerland to be! The historic Chapel Bridge dates back to the 14th century and is named after the nearby St. Peter’s Chapel. You also explore with your guide through the Old Town, where inviting city squares are graced by historic buildings clad in colorful frescos. Enjoy lunch here in one of our favorite restaurants and continue on toward Germany. Along the way, you’ll visit Augusta Raurica, the oldest city in Switzerland… 2,000 years ago, this was an important Roman town, with 20,000 residents. See the impressive Roman amphitheater and gain insight into the Roman Empire here along the Rhine River. Cross into southern Germany and drive through the scenic Black Forest to Freiburg where you check-in to the deluxe Colombi Hotel. Settle-in to your comfortable room and then gather together again for dinner. Meals B,L,D Day 9 - Discover the Black Forest An exciting full day of sightseeing reveals the charming villages and stunning landscapes of southern Germany. You’ll begin in the historic university town of Freiburg, founded in the 12th century and graced with marvelously restored architecture and a captivating medieval ambience. You’ll continue on to Lake Titisee, carved by Ice Age glaciers and one of the most scenic lakes in Germany. Then discover the charming town of Triberg, where the cuckoo clock was invented. You’ll see marvelous examples of these amusing clocks, including one nearly as large as a house. Learn more about the traditional crafts of the region at the Black Forest Museum and enjoy free time to browse and shop for your own cuckoo clock. After dinner, the rest of your evening is at leisure in Freiburg. Meals B,L,D Day 10 - Black Forest / Lake Constance / Neuschwanstein / Oberammergau Journey eastward this morning to Lake Constance along the German, Swiss and Austrian borders. We’ll stop along the lake shore to stroll across a bridge to the idyllic island city of Lindau. Our guided walking tour explores the charming maze of small streets and cobbled lanes flanked by medieval and Renaissance homes – set against a dramatic backdrop of lake, mountain, and sky. Then you’ll journey into the magnificent Bavarian Alps to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, the iconic mountainside castle of King Ludwig II. No matter how many times you may have seen the photos and posters, it’s a breathtaking thrill to gaze upward to the towers and turrets that inspired Walt Disney himself! Your scenic journey continues on toward Oberammergau where you check-in to your comfortable hotel for dinner and overnight in this peaceful Alpine region. Meals B,L,D Day 11 - Oberammergau & Passion Play  You’ll enjoy a guided stroll through this enchanting village, set in a picturesque Alpine valley in the shadow of towering peaks. Learn more about the fascinating history and traditions of this centuries-old town at the Oberammergau Museum, and delight in its colorfully painted homes. Along the way, charming shops reveal the woodcarving skills of many town residents, whose families have perfected this craft over the past 800 years.
Following lunch, you’ll be escorted to the historic Passion Play Theater, extensively renovated for the Millennium. This impressive venue now offers theater-style seating and a heated floor, ensuring your comfort as 2,000 actors take to the open-air stage, framed by a natural backdrop of spectacular Alpine scenery. The once-in-a-lifetime Passion Play is presented in two parts, including dinner in-town during intermission. Following the performance, you return to your hotel. Meals B,L,DDay 12 - Oberammergau / Munich Airport After breakfast, an escorted transfer brings you to Munich Airport for your homeward flight. Or, extend your stay here in Europe. Our travel planning experts can assist you and your travel agent with all arrangements including hotels, meals, sightseeing, and transportation. Meals B
The General Tours World Traveler Advantage
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| Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
