HE DEFINITIVE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE


An example: Casterbridge in Germany.
It is difficult to do justice to any country in the course of a week or two week educational tour. This is particularly relevant when you consider the diversity in landscapes and the variety of major tourist attractions in a country like Germany. Here we have everything from the vista of the Rhine Gorge slopes to the heights of the Bavarian Alps and a history that stretches from medieval Rothenburg all the way to the turmoil of the Nazi era and World War II.

A Casterbridge Tour can be radically different from many people's concept of a 'normal tour,' which can entail large amounts of time sitting on a bus and watching the sights go by or idling away another 'Day at Leisure.' Quite to the contrary, Casterbridge provides a well planned balance of Educational, Cultural and Recreational activities and all admission and excursion costs are always included. We also make a careful selection of hotel and dining experiences, with an emphasis on authentic charm and character.

Our combination of excursions and accommodations are designed to produce a 'Definitive Cultural Experience' in every country that we visit and as an example, here are 10 features that Casterbridge would normally include on a tour to Germany, as we endeavour to provide you with the 'Definitive Experience.'

1.   Your tour would begin ideally in the Hotel Lindenwirt, which is situated on the famous Drosselgasse in historic Rudesheim and only 100 yards from the river Rhine. 400 yards in the other direction is the local cable car, which we take to the Niederwald Monument for a spectacular view over the Rhine Gorge on the arrival afternoon.

2.   A full day Rhine Cruise is included along the river where every rock has its legend and every castle a tale to be told. We disembark at St Goar and climb the hill to castle Rheinfels, the largest and most imposing of the castles on the Rhine, where we explore the ruins, tunnels and dungeons.

3.   Spend a night in one of our centrally located hotels in Medieval Rothenburg to immerse yourself truly in the 14th century when all the tourists have gone home! This is the real Rothenburg! Casterbridge even includes an evening walk on the walls or, in season, the famous (and spine chilling) Night Watchman tour.

4.   Explore the lesser known jewels on the Romantic Road and visit the Wieskierche, scene of miracles and one of the most glorious baroque chapels in Europe.

5.   A unique thematic day dedicated to the life of King Ludwig from his earlier days at Hohenschwangau to his ultimate fanciful creation Neuschwanstein. However, what other tours might miss is the visit to Ludwig's palatial residence, Linderhof Castle, with a chance to visit the underground grotto and lake where Ludwig used to listen to some of the Wagnerian Operas (music is piped in to this day!).

6.   In the Bavarian Alps we journey up to the hotel Forthaus Graseck just outside Garmisch-Partenkirchen, (half way up one of the mountains) which can only be reached by gondola/cable car! This unique setting is a marvelous base for walks and always exceptionally well evaluated by clients.

7.   Take a Luge ride with the locals on a concrete luge track on the German/austrian border. It is not as dangerous as it sounds and it is tough to resist going back for a second run!

8.   Take the cable car or railway up to the Zugspitze for a once in a lifetime alpine experience. With Casterbridge this visit is always included and not just an optional excursion, as with most other Tour Operators.

9.    The ascent of the Tower of the New Town Hall in Munich is also included for a breathtaking view over the modern city. We descend in time to see the performance by the famous Glokenspiel with the revolving dancers, jesters and jousting knights.

10.    End the tour with a visit to the memorial at Dachau for a moving and thought-provoking conclusion to our travels.

You have just travelled chronologically and thematically through history on a Casterbridge Tour of Germany and we can offer similar programs in a wide range of countries both Europe and Worldwide. This is an example of the mix of educational, cultural and recreational experiences that we aim to provide on every Casterbridge Tour that we operate.
Call us now on 01935 810810 or register on-line so we can prepare a 'Definitive Experience' itinerary for the country of your choice.