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The General Tours World Traveler Advantage
HOTEL INFORMATION:  Grand Hotel Esplanade BerlinHotel Class: Deluxe Located in Berlin's downtown cultural district, the Grand Hotel Esplanade Berlin reflects the sophistication and style of urban culture. Located between the Tiergarten and the picturesque canal in central Berlin, the property is a short walk from shiping, restaurants, theatres and attractions. The 392 guest rooms with panoramic views include high-speed internet access, mini-bar, flat-screen television and in-room safe. The property features spa, pool and fitness center plus four unique restaurants and lounges on site.  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.  Grand Hotel BohemiaHotel Class: Deluxe Situated in the very heart of the old town, the hotel stands on a picturesque cobbled square within walking distance of Wenceslas Square and the old Town Hall. The large rooms are stylish, elegant, modern and finished to the hotel's high standard. It's restaurant is airy and offers a selection of international and local dishes in a smart surrounding. This is an elegant and stylish property in the very heart of the city.
Day 1 - Arrive Berlin, Germany
Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted by motorcoach to your deluxe hotel in the heart of Berlin, one of the friendliest and most exciting capital cities in Europe. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. Meals D Grand Hotel Esplanade Day 2 - Berlin It was hardly more than a generation ago when the words ‘East’ and ‘West’ carried great import here in Berlin. Since the Wall came down in 1989, the distinction has blurred and in most places, it’s now nearly impossible to tell when you cross from the former West into the old East. Your touring begins this morning in the western part of downtown along Kurfürstendamm, an elegant tree-shaded boulevard. You’ll see the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and the iconic, 100-year-old KaDeWe Department Store. Heading ‘East,’ you’ll marvel at other architectural landmarks including City Hall, the Brandenburg Gate, and the infamous Checkpoint Charlie, now a museum. You pass along remnants of the Berlin Wall and see the impressive Reichstag, home to the German Parliament. After lunch, cross to Museum Island and enter the famed Pergamon Museum, perhaps the world’s greatest collection of antiquities from nearly every corner of the ancient world. A highlight, certainly, is the famed 1st century BC Pergamon Altar, excavated by Carl Humann in 1878. Once part of a complex of palaces, temples, a library and a theater, this enormous colonnaded alter with a grand staircase has been stunningly reconstructed here in its own hall of the museum. Meals B, L, D Day 3 - Berlin / Potsdam / Embark Ship The historic town of Potsdam is renowned for two unique palaces, and our schedule this morning allows for a delightful and in-depth visit to one of them… The Cecilienhof Palace offers a grand first impression with its majestic half-timber façade. This impressive English Tudor-style residence (with 176 rooms!) was built in 1914 for Crown Prince Wilhelm of Prussia and his wife for whom the palace was named, Cecilie von Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Cecilienhof, of course, was thrust into the world limelight in the summer of 1945 when the victorious Allied leaders - Truman, Churchill, and Stalin - met here at the Potsdam Conference and shaped much of the post-war 20th century. Nearby, Sanssouci is the breathtaking summer palace built by Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, as a retreat from the pressures of the royal court. Explore behind its very ornate Rococo façade through a succession of rooms, gorgeously decorated with hand painted detail, precious art, and opulent furnishings. The palace’s expansive landscaped grounds are beautiful, with planted terraces, sculpted fountains, and picturesque garden follies. This afternoon, you board your luxury cruise ship with time to relax and settle-in before this evening’s dinner in the elegant dining room. Meals B,L,D MV Frederic Chopin Day 4 - Magdeburg Among the many European towns and cities damaged by World War II, Magdeburg is most unique: It’s a city of amazing contrast, where pristine and untouched medieval monuments still stand next to strikingly modern structures built since the destruction of the War. On your escorted afternoon sightseeing, you’ll see the Magdeburg Rider, the city’s iconic 13th century statue, and the gloriously baroque City Hall before a guided tour through the Magdeburg Cathedral, built in 1209 and the first Gothic church in Germany. Tonight, your captain hosts a reception and gala dinner in the ship’s elegant dining room. Meals B,L,D Day 5 - Wittenberg You step ashore this morning to ‘follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther,’ the Protestant reformer who began the Reformation here in the early 1500’s. Your tour includes the house were he lived, now a museum dedicated to his life and work, and the church, where in 1517, Luther is said to have posted his 95 theses. Although the original “Theses Door” no longer exists – it was destroyed by a fire in 1760 – the present door weighing over 2,000 pounds was cast in bronze in 1858 and is overlaid with the original Latin version of Luther’s 95 theses. You also explore the original market square with its historic City Hall. Meals B,L,D Day 6 - Meissen / Dresden Today you’ll discover two wonderful treasures: Meissen porcelain – long prized by kings and collectors – and Dresden, the “Florence on the Elbe”. Your visit to the Meissen porcelain workshop reveals the 300-year-old traditions behind the manufacturing of this noble china, and includes some of the finest pieces crafted by master artisans over the centuries. Then it’s off to Moritzburg Castle, surrounded by woodlands, lakes, gardens and a most impressive moat. This late-Gothic fortress, with four mighty guard towers, was built in the 15th century by the Archbishop of Magdeburg. You’ll return to ship for lunch and then join your escort for sightseeing in Dresden. A walking tour through the Old Town includes the city’s renowned architectural treasures, the opulent Semper Opera House and the iconic Frauenkirche. Reduced to rubble in WWII, the dome and turrets of this masterfully-reconstructed Church grace the Dresden skyline once again. Meals B,L,D Day 7 - Pillnitz Park & Konigstein From their royal residence in Dresden, the Saxon court would sail up the Elbe in magnificent gondolas to their splendid riverfront retreat of Pillnitz Park. In the 1700’s, all-things Chinese were in vogue, and the ornate pavilions and palaces of Pillnitz reflect this European fascination with Chinoiserie. In addition to these eastern influences, you’ll find dramatic flying buttresses and towering chimneys ornamented with crowns. The Pillnitz complex includes the Water Palace with its splendid Chinoiserie and a grand staircase leading up from the river, the New Palace, and the Mountain Palace – all set on beautifully-landscaped garden grounds ornamented with English and Chinese pavilions. The park also boasts numerous botanical highlights, including the Camellia House, where hundreds of delicate plants have been cultivated for over 250 years. From Pillnitz, you journey into the Sandstone Mountains of ‘Saxon Switzerland’ to the mighty Königstein Fortress, set high atop a 1,200-foot plateau. From the ancient parapet walls, you’ll have sweeping views across the magnificent scenery of the Elbe Valley. Meals B,L,D Day 8 - Litomerice, Czech Republic This morning, the ship docks in the heart of Litomerice, a town filled with Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture. You can step off ship here to explore along the charming cobbled streets of town at your own pace. Relax on the Sun Deck or in the comfortable Lounge to enjoy the lovely views as you cruise through a tranquil landscape of rolling hills and small riverside towns. Meals B,L,D Day 9 - Prague We cruise through the tranquil rolling hills of Bohemia and into the very heart of the ‘City of 100 Spires’. Once docked under the shadow of Prague Castle, you’ll enjoy an escorted tour of the city’s architectural treasures. Explore through the Old Town, surrounded by grand and colorful facades of the Baroque and Renaissance eras, all marvelously preserved. Then admire the famous 15th century Astronomical Clock with its lively animated figures. Tonight, you’ll be berthed here in the heart of Prague. So after an elegant dinner onboard, it’s easy to step off ship for a delightful evening stroll along the cobbled streets of this enchanting city. Meals B,L,D Day 10 - Prague After breakfast, you’ll disembark ship for a guided exploration through more of Prague, including a breathtaking stroll across the Charles Bridge, lined with carvings of Baroque saints, set against the backdrop of soaring spires and the dramatic silhouette of St. Vitus Cathedral. Then you’ll check in and enjoy lunch at your hotel, the deluxe Grand Bohemia. This landmark hotel was once an Art Nouveau town palace, ideally situated just a few minutes stroll from the Old Town Square on the historic Royal Road, where the Kings of Bohemia would begin their processional walk to the Prague Castle. Its lovely period façade and architectural details have been lovingly restored, but spacious guestrooms have been designed with clean, contemporary furnishings. Gather tonight for a festive dinner of regional Bohemian specialties in our favorite Town Hall restaurant. Meals B,L,D Grand Hotel Bohemia Day 11 - Prague / Excursion to Konopiste Following breakfast at your hotel, your touring begins with a scenic 25-mile drive to Konopiste, a medieval town dominated by an imposing 14th century castle. You’ll see the neo-Gothic tower where King Wenceslas (not the ‘Good King’ of the Christmas carol!) was held prisoner after being captured in the late 1300’s by Catholic nobles. The Archduke Franz Ferdinand resided for a time here in the late 19th century, and several of the rooms reflect his extravagant tastes and lifestyle, including mementos and trophies that bear testament to his legendary obsession with hunting. Then enjoy a wonderful lunch at the Stara Myslivna Restaurant, where delicious Czech specialties include excellent soups and pork tenderloin in cream sauce. Perhaps in homage to the Archduke, there’s a bit of a hunting-lodge feel to the restaurant, and the views from the terrace are lovely. Back in Prague, you’ll enjoy a free afternoon to pursue your own interests. The boutiques, shops, and cafés of Old Town are just steps away from your hotel, making it so easy to explore. Rejoin your fellow travelers back at hotel this evening for dinner. Meals B,L,D Day 12 - Prague / Oberammergau, Germany A lovely day unfolds as you journey through the countryside of southern Bohemia. After lunch en route, continue on into the heart of the Bavarian Alps toward the picturesque town of Oberammergau. Enjoy dinner and a peaceful overnight at your comfortable hotel in this scenic Alpine region. Meals B,L,D Day 13 - Oberammergau & Passion Play  This morning, you’ll enjoy a guided stroll through this enchanting village, set in a picturesque Alpine valley in the shadow of a towering sentinel-like granite peak. Delight in the colorfully painted homes, centuries old and wonderfully preserved. Along the way, charming shops reveal the woodcarving skills of many town residents, whose families have perfected this craft over the past 800 years. Then visit the Oberammergau Museum and learn more about the inspiring history and traditions of this centuries-old town.
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 14 - Oberammergau / Munich Airport After breakfast, you’ll have an escorted transfer 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. If you want to travel farther – perhaps to Jerusalem and the Holy Land – just let us know. 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.
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