October 6-14 (Monday-Tuesday)

Discover Amazing Bavaria

with Collette Vacations

Explore the historic towns and cities of the charming Bavarian region.  Your tour is a leisurely 7-night single hotel stay in Wurzburg.  A Franconian wine town rich in historic sights, you’ll view the largest ceiling fresco in the world at the Residence Palace as well as the oldest bridge on the River Main.  You’ll travel to Rothenberg, where history seemingly comes alive as you walk the winding, cobblestone streets of the old town.  In the beautiful old town of Bamberg with its gorgeous cathedral perched high above the city, you might indulge in some Bavarian food and of course, with a stein of “smoked” beer. 

Day 1: Overnight Flight.  Come explore one of Europe’s most beautiful and culturally-rich countries: Germany.  You will travel off the beaten tourist track to the charming Bavaria region, where every city is just brimming with character and charm.  You’ll see incredible medieval architecture, indulge in delicious food and wine, and learn about the history and culture of the German people.   

Day 2: Wurzburg, Germany - Tour Begins.  Your tour begins in the ancient town of Wurzburg, known as “the jewel of the Main River,” and considered one of Germany’s loveliest towns.  This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner.  (D) 

Day 3: Wurzburg.  This morning, join a local guide on a leisurely-paced walking tour of Wurzburg.  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.  This afternoon enjoy a short cruise to Veitshoechheim, the summer palace of Wurzburg’s Prince Bishops, where we can experience the famous Rococo gardens.  The reminder 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.  (B)

Day 4: Wurzburg - Regensburg - Wurzburg.  Depart Wurzburg this morning for Regensburg, a lovely city situated at the confluence of the Danube and Regen rivers.  A guided walking tour of magnificent Regensburg, with its 1,400 historic buildings, showcases some of Germany’s best-preserved medieval architecture.  Highlights include the old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria, the gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD.  Be sure to have your camera ready for your visit to Regensburg’s 12th century stone bridge, where you can take in spectacular views of the Danube, the city, and the surrounding countryside.  (B, D)

Day 5: Wurzburg - Bamberg - Wurzburg.  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 handcrafts or perhaps stopping to try a glass of Bamberg’s renowned “smoked” beer.  (B)

Day 6: Wurzburg - Nuremberg - Wurzburg.  Your destination today is the city of Nuremberg, where 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.  (B, D)

Day 7: Wurzburg - Weikersheim - Rothenburg - Wurzburg.  Today you travel down 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 Versailes.  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 come alive as you walk past buildings and walls that have watched over this city for centuries.  (B)

Day 8: Wurzburg.  Today is yours to enjoy Wurzburg as you please.  Perhaps you will visit the Marienburg Fortress, the St. Kilian Cathedral, or Juliusspital, the third-largest wine estate in Germany.  Or, if you prefer, head to bustling Market Square to do some last-minute souvenir shopping and take in the sights and sounds of this quintessential Bavarian city.  Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a wonderful farewell dinner.  (B, D)

Day 9: Wurzburg - Tour ends.  Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.  (B)

Included:

•  Fully escorted by a Collette Vacations Escort

•  Round trip air from BWI

•  First class hotel accommodations, featuring:

  - 7 nights at Dorint Novotel, Wurzburg       

•  7 buffet breakfasts

•  4 dinners

•  Sightseeing by deluxe touring motor coach through out with a professional driver and tour guide

•  Attractions and admissions per itinerary

•  Portage - one (1) suitcase per person

•  Tips and taxes for included meals

•  Hotel Transfers, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $300.00/PP (subject to increase until paid in full)

* Excludes tip for driver and tour guide on tour

* Excludes transfers to/from BWI Airport

Price:

$2,499.00 Double/PP  $2,469.00 Triple/PP

$2,849.00 Single

Deposit:  $250.00/PP - Due 7 days after booking

Balance Due:  July 30, 2008

Notes: 

 This itinerary may include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times.  Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motor coaches, especially in historic areas.  For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.

 A Passport with a 6 month validity past tour date is required for this tour.  Deposits and cancellation fees, see flyer.

 Gunther Tours/Collette Vacations reserves the right to impose or pass through fuel surcharges, security surcharges or similar incidental surcharges.  No right of cancellation exists under either of these circumstances.

 Travel Protection Insurance is strongly recommended.  Please contact Access America at (800) 284-8300.