DAY    1            DEPARTURE FROM NORTH AMERICA
Enjoy full meal service on your scheduled wide-bodied flight to Frankfurt.

DAY    2            ARRIVE FRANKFURT - RUDESHEIM (2 NIGHTS)
We will be met at the airport by our tour manager/guide and transfer into the beautiful German Rhineland as we travel to Rudesheim, a city with a picturesque location on the banks of the Rhine River. Upon our arrival, we will take a Walking Tour, where we will view the remains of three castles, historic mansions and half-timbered houses, before strolling along the famous Drosselgasse, which is lined with countless wine bars and shops. Our afternoon concludes with a Cable-Car Ascent to the Nierderwald Monument, a huge statue (34 ft) of Germania, built to commemorate victory in the Franco-Prussian War and the unification of Germany. From the base of the monument, we will be afforded magnificent views of Bingen and the Rhine Valley.

DAY    3            THE RHINE & COLOGNE
This morning we will take a Rhine River Bus Tour, one of the best ways to get a really intimate look at the Rhine Valley, a region that helped shape the history of Europe. Our tour will offer stops for magnificent views of the surrounding countryside, including vineyards and medieval castles, as well as a visit to Marksburg Castle, which towers over the river and the town of Braubach and is the only castle on the Rhine never to have been damaged. This afternoon we will explore Cologne, a former Roman town and today a center for art and culture. We will visit the Kolner Dom, the most famous Gothic structure in Germany. In addition to its grandiose size and spectacular Gothic exterior; the cathedral also features wonderful stained-glass windows, massive Gothic oak Stalls, and a stunning High Altar. Highlighting the cathedral are the Shrine of the Three Kings, a huge Romanesque reliquary said to hold relics of the Three Kings, and the Altar of the Magi, the work of Stephan Lochner. Those that choose can also ascend to the Viewing Platform for wonderful views of Cologne. After a bit of free time in Cologne, we will return to our hotel in Rudesheim.

DAY    4            RUDESHEIM - FRANKFURT - ROTHENBURG (3 NIGHTS)
This morning we travel to Frankfurt, one of the economic and cultural centers of Germany. Our day in Frankfurt begins in the Altstadt (old town), which has been sensitively restored after its destruction in the air raids of World War II. We will begin with a visit to the Dom St. Bartholomäus in whose chapels the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire were elected and crowned for nearly 300 years. Our visit will include the Dom Museum, exhibiting robes of the imperial electors which were worn at coronation ceremonies. Our day continues with a Walk through the Römerberg, the historic core of the old Altstadt, famous for its magnificent half-timbered houses, which have been reconstructed after the bombings according to their original plans. We will also visit the Römer, an interconnected trio of medieval patricians' houses, which functioned as the city hall of Frankfurt as early as 1405. Our afternoon will conclude at the northern edge of the Altstadt in the An der Hauptwache, named for the old guardhouse which stands upon it. This square is the heart of modern Frankfurt, and features a modern shopping promenade. We continue to Rothenberg, one of the oldest towns on the Romantic Road.

DAY    5            ROTHENBURG
We will begin with a Walking Tour around the old walled city, beginning at the entrance to the old walled city, followed by a walk along the cobbled streets to the Rathaus (town hall). We will visit the town hall filled with Renaissance works and we will Climb the Tower for a beautiful view over the city. We continue with a visit to the Museum of Medieval Justice, the former headquarters of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, which has been turned into a museum displaying medieval attitudes towards crime and dissidence. Our day continues with a stroll along Herrngasse, famous for its mansions and courtyards, and will conclude with a visit to St. Jakobskirche, a beautifully constructed 14th century Gothic church. We will have the opportunity to view one of Germany's most precious works of art, Tilman Riemenschneider's Holy Blood Altarpiece, painted in 1504. This evening we will embark on the Nightwatchman Tour, where we join the town's nightwatchman on his rounds of the medieval city.

DAY    6            WURZBURG
Today we travel to nearby Wurzburg, a city that saw 80% of the town's buildings destroyed during an Allied raid on March 16, 1945. Wurzburg, which lies on the banks of the River Main, has risen from the ashes and once again enchants visitors with its rich heritage and historical sights. Our day commences with a visit to Festung Marienberg, a fortress that served as a residence for the Prince Bishops until 1719. Today the fortress houses a Museum, which exhibits the 1,200-year history of Wurzburg. We continue to the city center, where we will have a free time to explore before visiting Dom St. Kilian, Germany's fourth largest Romanesque church, famous for its three-nave basilica, twin-tower façade, and its group of bishop's tombs by Tilman Riemenschneider. Our afternoon concludes with a visit to the Residenz in Wurzburg, a vast complex constructed in the mid 18th century. Our tour of the palace complex will be highlighted by the Treppenhaus, with the largest fresco in the world adorning the vault of the staircase; the Garden Chamber, a vast low hall with Rococo stucco work; the Venetian Room, named for the Venetian Carnival Tapestry; the Hofkirche, and the centerpiece of the palace; and the Kaiseraal, the sumptuous emperor's chamber. We return to Rothenburg for the evening.

DAY    7            ROTHENBURG - BAMBERG - REGENSBURG (1 NIGHT)
This morning we continue our journey along the Romantic Road as we travel to Bamberg, situated on seven hills like Ancient Rome. We will take a Walking Tour through the Old Quarter, where we will view Klein-Venedig or "Little Venice," a district of fishermen's cottages with facades adorned with pots of geraniums, the Gothic Altes Rathaus, Wasserschloss Concordia, a spectacular Baroque palace, and Karmelitenkloster, before entering the beautiful Domplatz. As one of Germany's loveliest squares, it is surrounded by the Bishop's Palace, the Neue Residenz, the Alte Hofhaltung and Bamberg Cathedral, which we will visit. The cathedral dominates the skyline of Bamberg and is highlighted by the Hochaltar des Peterschores, the Marian Altar by Veit Stoss and the Tomb of Heinrich II and Kunigunde. We continue to Regensburg, a city dating back to Roman times. Upon our arrival we will take a Walking Tour, where we will view the Steinere Brucke, a bridge across the Danube, the Wurstkuche, the Altes Rathaus, the Alte Kapelle, Schloss Thurn und Taxis, and St. Jakob Kirche. Our afternoon concludes with a visit to Dom St. Peter, which towers above the city and is a fine example of the Rayonnant style.

DAY    8            REGENSBERG - ULM - BIBERWIER - GARMISCH -
                          PARTENKIRCHEN (2 NIGHTS)
This morning we begin our journey into Bavaria. Our first stop today will be in Ulm, birthplace of Albert Einstein, where we will visit Ulm Munster, a magnificent Gothic cathedral with the tallest spire in the world. Those that choose can ascend the Spire, and enjoy one of Germany's finest panoramic views. We continue into the Bavarian Alps, where we will stop just past Biberwier, in the shadow of the gray and powerful Zugspitze, Germany's tallest mountain. We will enjoy an afternoon Luge Ride, one of the great alpine experiences, where we ride an oversized skateboard on a concrete bobsled course, which banks on the corners. (Luge rides subject to season, weather and availability) We continue to the twin villages of Garmisch and Partenkirchen, which make up Germany's top alpine resort. In spite of their urban flair, the towns maintain the charm of an ancient village, often with country folk in traditional dress. The town and its environs offer some of the most panoramic views and colorful buildings in Bavaria.

DAY    9            DAY TRIP TO NEUSCHWANSTEIN, WIESKIRCHE
                          & LINDERHOF (THE LEGACY OF KING LUDWIG II)
This morning we will take a day trip into the heart of Bavaria to explore the former treasures of "Mad" King Ludwig II. We begin with a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, situated on an outcrop of rock towering over a gorge in the River Pollat. This is one of Germany's most famous castles, though the king himself only lived there for 172 days. The Throne Room, designed in Byzantine style, with gilded mural paintings, mosaics and a huge chandelier, will highlight our tour. Our day continues to Wieskirche, where we will visit the unique Church of Zum Gegeisselten Heiland. The church is the most resplendent example of South German Rococo and one of the finest Rococo churches in the world, designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. Our day in Bavaria concludes with a visit to Linderhof Palace, another of Ludwig II's residences, which clearly shows his fondness for France and Louis XIV. After touring the extravagantly decorated rooms of the palace, we will explore the extensive Park, featuring French-style Formal Gardens, Italianate terraced gardens, a Moorish kiosk, with a lavish Peacock Throne, and the Grotto with a lake, a stage, a throne and colorful lighting.

DAY    10          GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN - NYMPHENBURG PALACE -
                          THERESIENWISE - MUNICH (2 NIGHTS)
This morning we will visit Nymphenburg Palace, once the residence of the Bavarian kings. We will explore the splendid palace including, the Rococo Banqueting Hall with its vivid frescoes based on mythological themes, and the Gallery of Beauties, which displays portraits of the loveliest women of the time of Ludwig I. Our visit will also include the Carriage Museum, which houses coaches, carriages and sleighs once belonging to the Bavarian rulers, and a stroll in the formal Gardens. We continue to Theresienwise, the former fairgrounds on which the Oktoberfest festival began after the marriage of Ludwig I and Theresa. We will visit the Neo-Classical Ruhmeshalle (Hall of Fame) built by Leo von Klenze, an open hall, fronted by 48 Ionian columns, contains the busts of 77 prominent Bavarians. In front stands a gigantic statue of a Bavarian Goddess, and those that choose can Ascend to the Head for a wonderful view over Munich. We continue to Munich, Bavaria's magnificent capital city, where we will stroll down Maximilianstrasse, Munich's "Golden Mile," which is the equivalent of New York's Fifth Avenue. Here we will find the city's most elegant and expensive boutiques and restaurants.

DAY    11          MUNICH (THE HEART OF BAVARIA)
This morning we will explore the Aldstadt (Old Quarter) of Munich, beginning at the Karlstor, once a gate to the walled city. We continue with a stroll down Neuhauser Street, Munich's largest shopping street, with typical 19th century buildings, outdoor cafes and shops. Next we visit the Frauenkirche, the largest Gothic assembly building in southern Germany and the seat of the Archbishopric of Munich. With its twin towers, topped with onion domes, the church has become a symbol of the city. Next we will explore the area of Munich around the Marienplatz, dedicated to the patron of the city, the heart of the Altstadt. We will begin at the Neues Rathaus, where we will observe the Glockenspiel on the façade, the fourth largest chiming clock in Europe, which stages an elaborate performance twice a day. Those that choose will have the opportunity to climb the 55 steps to the top of its tower for a good overall view of the city center. After viewing Peterskirche and the Altes Rathaus, we will visit Asamkirche, a church designed by the Asam brothers, which offers the full effect of Gothic artistic expression and a mysterious theatrical illusion of another world. This afternoon we will visit the Alte Pinakothek, one of the world's great art museums. The museum houses a large and important collection that represents the greatest European artists from the 14th through the 18th centuries, including Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Durer, Holbein, Rembrandt, Rubens, Bruegel, Hals and El Greco. After dinner, we will attend a traditional Bavarian music and dance show at the world famous Hofbrauhaus.

DAY    12          DEPARTURE FROM MUNICH
Our enjoyable and rewarding trip will come to an end as our guide accompanies us to the airport for the return flight home.