France, Bavaria & The Passion Play
05/20/2009
Stroll the boulevards of romantic Paris and enjoy dinner from the Eiffel Tower. Zoom via TGV to Strasbourg and the Alsace Wine Route. Sample wines, take the Romantic Road, and explore legendary medieval villages in Germany. Tour the beautiful towns of Rothenburg and Bamberg. See the famous Passion Play – performed only once each decade in the charming village of Oberammergau.
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- Sample delicious French cuisine
- Breathtaking architecture
- Picturesque Strasbourg
- Wine Tour
Tour Dates:
Number of Days: 10
Day 1: Arrive Paris, France
Sample delicious French cuisine and take in breathtaking views during dinner at the Eiffel Tower. Afterwards, cruise the Seine River past famous landmarks against a glittering skyline backdrop. (D)
Day 2: Paris
Enjoy a panoramic tour including the of the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, historic Place de la Concorde, Place Vendome, and the Champs-Elysees. The afternoon is at leisure. Sit at a sidewalk cafe or visit a renowned museum – perhaps the Louvre? (B)
Day 3: Paris - TGV Train - Strasbourg
All aboard the high-speed TGV, as you depart for picturesque Strasbourg. Take a leisurely walking tour of the city. See the Old Quarter, known as “Petite France” and the stunning Cathedral. (B)
Day 4: Strasbourg - Alsace Wine Route
Visit two charming villages of the Alsace wine route. First, the well-preserved medieval town of Riquewihr, with vintners’ houses dating back to the 15th century. Then to Kaysersberg, a village with historic houses, castles, and a 16th-century fortified bridge. Tonight, dine at a fine Strasbourg restaurant. (B,D)
Day 5: Strasbourg - Wurzburg, Germany
Travel into Germany. On arrival in Wurzburg, join your local guide for a leisurely walking tour of this ancient Franconian wine town — rich in historic sights, including the magnificent Residence Palace, which boasts the world’s largest ceiling fresco; and the ornate bridge, Alte Mainbrucke. The remainder of the day is at leisure to perhaps join the locals at a wine tavern. (B)
Day 6: Weikersheim – Rothenburg - Wurzburg
Travel along the Romantic Road to charming Rothenburg. En route, you’ll stop in the Renaissance city of Weikersheim to tour magnificent Weikersheim Castle, including the Knight's Hall and formal gardens modeled after the spectacular gardens at Versailles. In Rothenburg, you’ll take a short walking tour through the winding cobblestone streets of the old town. (B)
Day 7: Wurzburg - Bamberg - Wurzburg
Learn about the rich winemaking heritage of Franconia, visit a winery, and sample some wonderful local varieties. Depart for the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg — known for its beautiful old town, veined with waterways and capped by a gorgeous cathedral. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the city. Stroll the charming streets along the river, shop for unique handicrafts, or try a glass of renowned "smoked" beer. (B)
Day 8: Wurzburg - Nuremberg - Oberammergau
En route to Oberammergau, you’ll visit Nuremberg, where medieval structures sit alongside streamlined, modern architecture (most older buildings were destroyed during World War II). Take the city with a local expert providing fascinating commentary. Tour the Rally Grounds, site of Nazi Party rallies; and the Justice Palace, where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Take in the 900-year-old ramparts surrounding the city, the Imperial Castle, and beautiful St. Sebald Church. Later, arrive in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau. Explore Oberammergau and nearby villages today and tomorrow via shuttle (included). Dinner is at your hotel. (B, D)
Day 9: Oberammergau - Passion Play*
Morning is free to stroll the village and visit local sights, such as the museum (admission included). Lunch is served, and then your ticket (included) admits you to today’s performance of the 2010 Passion Play. Enjoy your Passion Play Program book and hot dinner during play intermission. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Oberammergau - Munich
After breakfast, transfer to Munich Airport. (B)
