TOUR #: AAC0622

Tues, May 29:  Newark/Munich - Depart Newark Airport on your overnight flight to Munich.

Wed, May 30:  Munich/Oberammergau- Upon arrival in Munich we are transferred to Oberammergau - En route we stop at Ettal Abbey.  The monastery is a masterpiece of rococo architecture. It was originally founded in 1330 by the King of Bavaria Ludwig IV. The abbey is unique in Germany due to its polygonal shape. The architect Enrico Zucalli created the facade and choir at the beginning of the 18th century. Ettal remains a working Benedictine Monastery to this day. The monastery has its own hotel and distillery shop. Upon arrival in Oberammergau we check into our hotel.

Thur, May 31: Oberammergau - Today we tour the town of Oberammergau, which is best known for the most famous Passion Play in the world.  The play, which is enacted every ten years, is an all day performance put on by the people of Oberammergau in thanksgiving for being spared during the great plague. There was a performance in 2000. The next performance will be in 2010.  After our tour we are free to explore Oberammergau on our own. Visit the local craft shops and just enjoy a relaxing day in a beautiful Bavarian town.

Fri, June 1: Oberammergau/ Prague - Upon arrival at Prague we are met by our local guide for the Old Town. On foot, we have a short sightseeing tour through the Old Town to see the unique Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Hall and other, historical, places. In the late afternoon transfer to a stylish pub for your Welcome to Prague Dinner with music and a folklore program.

Sat, June 2:  Prague - After breakfast we are transferred to Prague Castle. A walking tour of the Loreta, the Saint Vitus´ Cathedral, the castle, Golden Lane and the adjacent terraces. Visit of the Church of Our Lady of Victory and its’ Prague Bambino – The Infant of Prague. Continue to Charles´Bridge and St. Nicholas Church. In the evening transfer to the wharf for a cruise on the Vltava River with Dinner.

Sun, June 3: Prague/Dresden -Morning departure to Dresden. Upon arrival we visit the Cathedral of Dresden. In the crypt of the Cathedral we find the sarcophagus of the Wettins and a case containing the heart of Augustus the Strong. This evening we have a typical Saxon dinner.

Mon, June 4: Dresden/Aachen Upon arrival we check into our hotel.

Tues, June 5:  Achen – 2007 EXIBITION OF THE RELICS AT AACHEN CATHEDRAL-

The reason for our journey comes to light today. This morning we visit the Cathedral of Aachen. The most important historical epoch of Aachen started with the takeover of the government by Charlemagne. Aachen Cathedral, also referred to as the "Imperial Cathedral" is the oldest cathedral in northern Europe.  Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne began the construction of the palace chapel (Palatine Chapel), which forms the central part of Aachen Cathedral, in 786 AD. The Palatine Chapel has been described as a "masterpiece of Carolingian architecture" and it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The Palatine Chapel is also known as the Palace Chapel, Collegiate Church, or Octagon. Charlemagne was buried in the Cathedral of Aachen in 824. Two hundred years later he was canonized, which resulted in a flow of pilgrims wishing to visit and see Charlemagne's tomb and the relics he gathered during his life. The relics are exhibited to the public every seven years.  The four most important relics are: the cloak of the Blessed Virgin, the swaddling-clothes of the Infant Jesus, the loin-cloth worn by Christ on the Cross and  the cloth on which lay the head of St. John the Baptist after his beheading.  After our visit, we are free to enjoy Aachen on our own.

Wed, June 6: Aachen/Cologne/Heidelberg - Charlemagne founded the archdiocese of Cologne, and from the 12th to the 18th centuries the powerful city was the fourth Christian metropolis after Jerusalem, Byzantine, and Rome to have the "Sancta" designation in its name. The cathedral was first conceived when small boxes carrying the relics of the three kings were brought to Cologne in 1164. The most celebrated work of art in the cathedral is the Sarcophagus of the Magi, a large gilded sarcophagus dating from the 13th century, and the largest reliquary in the Western world. It holds the remains of the Three Wise Men, whose bones and 2000 years old clothes were discovered at the opening of the shrine in 1864. After our visit, we continue to Heidelberg. Breathe in history as you stroll through the Altstadt, discover the world famous Heidelberg Castle, the foundations of which go way back to mediaeval times. Experience the university, which has influenced day-to-day life in the city since it was founded in 1386 right up to the present day. After our tour you are free to enjoy this beautiful town.

Thur, June 7: Heidelberg/Frankfurt – Morning departure to Frankfurt airport for the return flight to the USA.

*Terms & Conditions: Cancellation made by passengers. Of the $500.00 deposit, $200.00 is non-refundable in case of cancellation. 70 days to 46 days a $500.00 penalty is imposed. 45 days to 16 days a $500.00 penalty PLUS any penalty imposed by the airlines and hotels. 15 days or less may result in loss of entire cost, depending on what we can recover. Once travel has commenced, no refunds for unused portions can be made. 

TRAVEL INSURANCE IS AVAILABLE AND ADVISABLE