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Day 2 • Berlin
Day 4 • Prague
Day 8 • Passion Play
Day 11 • Louvre
Day 1 • Departure from the USA
Today, we start our journey to Europe as we fly over the Atlantic to Berlin, Germany.
Day 2 • Berlin
We arrive in Berlin, which for so long was a symbol of the world’s division into two opposing camps. Today it is a modern metropolis with a lively economic and cultural life. En route to our hotel, we enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour with our Signature Tours International Manager. We view such sites as the Brandenburg Gate, the State Opera House, and the Berliner Dom. After checking into our hotel, we have dinner and spend the night in Berlin.
Day 3 • Reichstag
Day 3 • Berlin
Today we take a half-day sightseeing tour that includes Reichstag, a massive neo- Renaissance style palace, which houses the new Parliament of the reunified Germany. Our morning tour includes a 45-minute Spree River Cruise before we have lunch on our own. The afternoon is at leisure to explore more of Berlin with the guidance of our Tour Manager. Dinner and the night are in Berlin.
Day 4 • Berlin/Dresden/Prague
Departing Berlin, we travel via Dresden to Prague. Upon arrival in Dresden, we take a city tour that includes either Semper Opera or Zwinger. There is free time for lunch on our own. Boarding our motor coach, we continue our travels to Prague. Dinner and overnight in Prague.
Day 5 • Basilica of St. George
Day 5 • Prague
This morning, we visit Prague Castle with St. Vitus Cathedral, which is one of the universally recognized symbols of this magnificent city, a spiritual center of art and an architectural monument of Gothic splendor. Prague Castle represents thousands of years of the history of the Czech nation, with the Old Royal Palace, the Basilica of St. George, various chapels, statues and many other historical monuments. It is said to be one of the largest castles in the world. Prague is especially beautiful due to its dramatic setting on the River Vitava. We then walk across the famous Charles Bridge, lined with beautiful statues, to historic old town square, a place where people love to gather to view impressive sights, such as Týn Church, the astronomical clock and St. Nicholas Church. The afternoon is at leisure, and dinner and the night are in Prague.
Day 6 • Prague/Munich
Boarding our motor coach, we transfer to Munich, Germany. On our way, we stop for lunch on our own. After our arrival in Munich, we check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 7 • Nymphenburg Castle
Day 7 • Munich/Fussen/Oberammergau
Today we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Munich, a cultural center and the capital of Bavaria. Munich is also the largest center for industry and commerce in southern Germany. It was host to the XX Olympic games in 1972. We tour Nymphenburg Castle, which was the one-time summer residence of Bavarian rulers and has been finished in the style of an Italian palace. There is time for lunch on our own before we transfer to Oberammergau for the highlight of our trip. We drive through the lovely Bavarian forest near Fussen, where we stop to visit the Cinderella-style Neuschwanstein Castle of King Ludwig. Dinner and overnight in Oberammergau.
Day 8 • Oberammergau/PASSION PLAY
Today is the day we have all been waiting for! This small town of peasants and craftsmen, encircled by the wooded foothills of the Ammergau, owes its fame to the internationally renowned Passion Play. Performed only once every ten years, and involving 1,100 amateur actors from the local population, this play, re-enacting the final days of Christ, lasts an entire summer’s day. This is sure to be a day we will never forget. We have dinner and spend the night in Oberammergau.
Day 9 • Lucerne
Day 9 • Oberammergau/Lucerne
After an unforgettable day in Oberammergau, we begin today by travelling to Lucerne, Switzerland. There is a stop en route for lunch on our own. Lucerne, considered by many to be among the most charming places in Europe, is surrounded by snowcapped Alps and is situated on a beautiful glacial lake. We have a brief afternoon walking tour upon arrival. Dinner and overnight are in Lucerne.
Day 10 • Lucerne/Paris
Departing Lucerne, we travel to Paris, France. Paris is the largest city on the continent of Europe and is over 2,000 years old. We stop for lunch on our own before arriving in Paris and then have dinner and spend the night there.
Day 11 • Paris
Today we take a sightseeing tour of Paris, which includes Notre-Dame Cathedral. For 2,000 years prayers have been offered from this spot. A Gallo-Roman temple, a Christian basilica, and a Romanesque church preceded the present sanctuary founded by Bishop Maurice of Sully. We have time for lunch on our own before an afternoon at leisure. Your Tour Manager will be available to guide you. Tonight we have a Farewell Dinner and our final night in Paris.
Day 12 • Paris/Hometown, U.S.A.
We transfer to Paris Airport for our return flight to the U.S., taking with us many wonderful memories to share with friends and family at home!!