HEART OF GERMANY · 2020. 11. 13. · HEART OF GERMANY 13 Days •22 Meals •2 Escorted Departures Featuring the Oberammergau 2022 Passion Play Sep 3 - 15 | Sep 17 - 29 Above: Credit

HEART OF GERMANY

13 Days • 22 Meals • 2 Escorted Departures

Featuring the Oberammergau 2022 Passion Play

Sep 3 - 15 | Sep 17 - 29 Above: Credit Passion Play 2020 Oberammergau, Below: Bamberg, Germany - Credit Robert Craig

Return economy group airfare from Canada to Europe

11 nights at comfortable first class hotels as indicated or similar

Travel by modern climate controlled motorcoach

22 meals included as noted in the itinerary (B - 11 breakfasts, L - 1 lunch, D - 10 dinners) - European buffet breakfast daily and dinner daily

All entrance fees where visits are indicated

Services of our Canadian group escort plus our national guide as well as local guides in Berlin, Wittenberg, Leipzig, Dresden, Prague, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Rothenburg, Regensburg and Munich

Baggage handling of one suitcase per person

All gratuities, surcharges, taxes and fees for included services

Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value with purchase of group airfare

Leisurely itinerary with 2 or 3 nights each in Wittenberg, Prague, Nuremberg and Oberammergau. Enjoy free time in each centre for personal exploration

Visit Germany’s capital city, Berlin

Visit the historic centres of Wittenberg, Leipzig, and Dresden to learn of their importance during the Reformation and the war

Stroll through Prague’s Old Town and Jewish Quarter

Visit Prague Castle

Visit the unique Bavarian cities of Bamberg, Rothenburg, Regensburg, and Nuremberg

Premium theatre tickets for the Passion Play in Oberammergau

Regensburg, Germany dates back to the Stone Age.

Germany has experienced a long and storied history. From antiquity when the Roman armies overwhelmed the “barbarians”, through the development of Christianity and the reformation, to the legacy of two World Wars. This journey will introduce us to this long past while we enjoy the wonderful scenery of the countryside and the cities. Beginning with Berlin, we will see the physical evidence of the political and social changes that have happened this past century. Heading south through delightful centres and across historic borders we will learn of the reformation and the unification of the modern German nation. Following our time in beautiful Prague we will continue into Bavaria, which is considered the Heart of Germany.

The highlight of this special journey will be the performance of the Passion Play in Oberammergau. With a history of almost 400 years. It was first performed in 1634 and the tradition has survived numerous wars, religious upheavals and changing cultures. Still the people of this small village remain true to the vow that they made back in 1633. It takes the villagers over three years to prepare for the event, and only local residents can take part in the performance. A year prior, the characters are chosen and they begin to take on their roles. Men will stop cutting their hair and shaving adding an extra bit of historical authenticity. This is a once in a lifetime experience that should not be missed.

Do read on but don’t delay, this tour will be limited to 38 members. Call today to reserve your places.

DAY 1 Depart Canada Group members gather in Toronto for our overnight flights to Berlin.

DAY 2 Berlin, Germany / Wittenberg Upon arrival in Berlin, we will meet our tour manager and transfer to Lutherstadt Wittenberg, the historic city where Martin Luther began the Protestant Reformation. This evening, gather for a welcome reception and briefing followed by dinner and overnight. Best Western Soibelmanns (2 nights) D

DAY 3 Discover Berlin Our first day of travel brings us to Berlin. Dating from the 13th century, Germany’s capital retains many reminders of its turbulent 20th-century history, including the Holocaust memorial and the Berlin Wall's graffitied remains. Divided during the Cold War, its 18th-century Brandenburg Gate has become the symbol of reunification. With a local guide, our private tour of Berlin will feature a visit to the 1905 neo-baroque Berlin Cathedral, the Hohenzollern court church on the Spree River, the bomb-damaged tower of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the Reichstag, and “Unter den Linden," the government district. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in this fascinating city before returning to Wittenberg for dinner and overnight. BD

DAY 4 Wittenberg / Leipzig This morning, a local guide will show us the town where Martin Luther lived and taught for 36 years, including the brilliant interior of the Castle Church, Town Church, Wittenberg’s historic Market Square, Town Hall, and the Luther House museum. Wittenberg is not only the cradle of the Reformation, but also a perfect example of how some of the delightful little towns in East Germany restored their heritage from the ashes resulting from 40 years of communist rule. Visit beautiful courtyards and medieval workshops that function as they did centuries ago. After some free time for lunch, continue to Leipzig. In May 1989, the people of Leipzig first organized the demonstrations that brought hundreds of thousands into the streets for the “Peaceful Revolution.” We will visit their rendezvous point at the Gothic St. Nicholas Church, built in 1165 as well as St. Thomas Church. This evening, dinner will be in the historic Auerbachs Keller, where, in a scene made famous from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Faust, Faust and Mephistopheles drank with the local students before flying away on a barrel. The Westin (1 night) BD

DAY 5 Dresden / Prague, Czech Republic Badly damaged by Allied bombing in 1945 and ignored during the Communist period, Dresden has been restored to its Baroque splendour, since the reunification of Germany in 1990. Today we shall see the magnificent architecture of the Semper Opera House, the Church of Our Lady and the Zwinger Palace. Following some free time to have lunch and to explore further on our own, we will continue south into the Czech Republic and Prague, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. NH Prague City (2 nights) BD

DAY 6 Prague This historic city of golden stone and architectural grace offers a mix of Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque and

Credit Passion Play 2020 Oberammergau

Credit Passion Play 2020 Oberammergau

Oberammergau, Germany

SEP 3 - 15, 2022 | Escort Deborah Hart

SEP 17 - 29, 2022 | Escort Joyce Poth

Refer to our website for Escort Bios

Munich, Germany

While this is a relatively leisurely tour, members should be aware that there will be a number of extended walking tours (up to three kilometres), some of which will be over cobblestone surfaces. Good walking shoes are highly recommended and members should have no mobility issues to fully enjoy this itinerary.

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Rococo treasures. Today we will have an opportunity to see the city and its treasures, as we explore and discuss Prague’s history with our local guide. We will begin in the castle of Prague, which dates back to the 8th century, when Slavonic tribes built the first fortifications here. Then we stroll through the Old Town to view the Jewish Quarter as well as the churches and palaces, many of them used today for cultural events, ministerial offices, embassies and art galleries. BD

DAY 7 Nuremberg, Germany Re-entering Germany this morning, we will visit Nuremberg, where a local guide is waiting to show us the charming medieval centre during a walk that will include the fortress and the Old Town. This is a walk through time from the Middle Ages to the present, highlighted by a visit to the St. Lawrence Church and opportunities to shop for Lebkuchen and pewter. NH Collection Nurnberg City (3 nights) BD

DAY 8 Bamberg Bamberg’s medieval historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, laid out over seven hills where the Regnitz and Main rivers meet. Its old town preserves structures from the 11th to 19th centuries including the muralled Altes Rathaus, the town hall, which occupies an island in the Regnitz reached by arched bridges. The Romanesque Bamberg Cathedral, begun in the 11th century, features 4 towers and numerous stone carvings. We meet our local guide for a guided walk through the heart of the city. We return to Nuremberg for a free evening. B

DAY 9 Rothenburg ob der Tauber We focus on Germany’s Romantic Road today, which passes the most attractive countryside between the River Rhine and the Alps. The highlight, beyond any doubt, is the medieval town of Rothenburg, with its magnificent setting above the Tauber River and its timbered houses, ramparts and narrow cobbled streets. Back in Nuremberg, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. BD

DAY 10 Regensburg / Oberammergau Follow the Main River south to Regensburg, a city with a history that dates back to the Stone Age. Enjoy a guided walk through the old city. Regensburg is known for its well-preserved medieval core and the 12th century Stone Bridge, 310 metres long with 16 arches. The 13th century Regensburg Cathedral, a twin-spired Gothic landmark, is home to the Regensburger Domspatzen choir. This afternoon, continue south to the Alps and the Passion Play village of Oberammergau. Hotel Alte Post (2 nights) BD

DAY 11 Oberammergau / The Passion Play We will have the morning free to enjoy the colourful paintings on the wooden houses in the village and to do a little shopping. Following lunch, the highlight of the trip, the Passion Play in Oberammergau, begins! The Play was instituted in fulfilment of a vow made in 1633, when the town was stricken by the plague. It was performed for the first time in 1634 and since then has been played every ten years. It’s just a short walk from the hotel to the theatre, which was built in 1930 and has seating for 4,800 spectators. While the seats are covered, the stage is open to the elements, using the natural grandeur of the region as a backdrop. BLD

DAY 12 Munich This morning enjoy some final alpine vistas as we head north to Munich. On arrival a local guide will introduce us to the sights of Bavaria's capital, the Nymphenburg Palace

Land Only* (Join first hotel / Leave last hotel) ................ $4,645 Toronto .................................................................... $6,195 Ottawa / Montreal ..................................................... $6,295 Halifax / St. John’s / Winnipeg / Thunder Bay ........... $6,455 Saskatoon / Regina .................................................. $6,595 Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver .............................. $6,555 Victoria .................................................................... $6,595 Single Supplement ...................................................... $875

*Land only price is based on joining at the hotel in Wittenberg and leaving at the hotel in Munich. Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room with a minimum 20 members travelling. Prices are based on exchange rates as of September 2020. Prices and itinerary are subject to change due to factors beyond our control. Air inclusive prices are estimated (subject to confirmation). Final pricing will be advised once flights are confirmed. Group to be escorted with a minimum of 20 group members.

Insurance is NOT included but is available and highly recommended. Premiums vary by journey and range from $280-$383 pp plus tax for passengers up to and including 74yrs on departure date. Supplements for travellers 75-85yrs range from $186-$375 pp plus tax. Clients 86yrs and older and/or clients residing outside Ontario - please contact our staff for procedures. Insurance is effective from date of purchase and carries limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Refer to enrollment form for general information and conditions. Check our website for the most current information.

Deposit due at time of booking is $500pp

2nd deposit due OCT 21, 2021 is $800pp

If booking after OCT 21, 2021 deposit is $1,300pp

Final payment will be due 92 days prior to departure

Reserve your spot by sending your completed enrollment form and deposit to:

gardens, Marienplatz, Frauenkirche and the Olympic Stadium. This evening, we celebrate the past two weeks, sharing our stories and memories at our Farewell Dinner. Holiday Inn Leuchtenbergring (1 night) BD

DAY 13 Munich / Canada All too soon our adventure draws to a close as we transfer to Munich airport and catch our flight to Toronto and our homes across Canada. B

Book and deposit by OCT 21, 2021 and save $200 per person