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Each year in early May Germany holds a spectacular festival on the Rhine to kick off the Summer season. On Saturday May 7, 2011 The TE has reserved a limited number of tickets for the “Rhine in Flames” boat parade. Over 2000 Bengal red lights will guide over 60 illuminated boats, downstream to see 5 spectacular fireworks displays on seven mountains. The 26km stretch is an experience not to be missed. The evening ends with a giant fireworks display in Bonn. On the boat we have included a dinner and you can purchase the local beer and wine at reasonable prices. There will be a band with music and dancing. This is one of the most popular events in Germany; over a half a million people camp out along the Rhine. Tickets for the boats are difficult to get, they sell out fast and must be reserved about a year in advance. Act fast to secure your place on this trip. We have reserved only a limited number of spaces.
Along with the “Rhine in Flames” the trip will include many other highlights.

This trip includes 4 star and superior class hotels, air transportation, all taxes, fees and surcharges at the time of printing; 11 breakfasts and 3 dinners, all admissions as indicated, reservations and tickets for the boat parade to experience the “Rhine in Flames” special event, a ride on the Glacier Express train, an excursion to the top of Mt. Schlithorn in Switzerland, visits to Neuschwanstein Castle and the Hofbrauhaus in Munich to see the show. Tips for driver and local guide.

Day 1 - April 27 – Fly through the night to Germany meal drinks and movies.

Day 2 - April 28 - Your adventure begins when we make a stop in Hidelberg Germany where you will have time to walk through the old town. One can grab a bite in a local beer hall and try a great local pint. After our visit, it is on to Strasbourg, on the French German border. The capital of Alsace, Strasbourg has covered bridges and towers from the former fortification. Major sights include the Cathedral Notre-Dame de Strasbourg and La Petite France, the most interesting quarter of Strasbourg. Its 16th Century houses are mirrored in waters of the Ill River. The city and architecture is more German than French and the food is spectacular. Why not try one of the specialties of the region. We will be staying in the center of the city with the important sights including the Cathedral and La Petite Fance in easy walking distance.

Day 3 - April 29 - After breakfast there will be an included excursion along the German/French wine road to the small town of Colmar, one of the most attractive villages in Alsace. Colmar is filled with many medieval and early Renaissance buildings with half-timbered structures. We will include a wine tasting. Along the route there will be a stop in the beautiful small town of Riquewihr. It’s well preserved walls and towers, great wine presses and old wells are sights to see and photograph.

Day 4 - April 30 – Strasbourg-Rhine Falls-Lucerne. Travel through the enchanting Black Forest. There will be a stop in a fairy tail village of Lake Titisee where you may come upon a little elf working on a cuckoo clock. This is one of the most beautiful parts of Germany. Don’t forget to try the famous black forest cake with a cappuccino or beer. Our other stop will be at Schalfhausen to see the spectacular Rhine Falls. Upon arrival in the afternoon there will be time to start your exploration of Lucerne. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 5 - May 1 - Today’s excursion will take us on a short rail and cable-car ride journey up 9,734 feet to the top of the Mt. Schilthorn to enjoy its 360 degree panorama. Some of you may remember the James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” The most spectacular scenes were filmed here. You will also visit the alpine town of Murren. There will be time to explore the beautiful town of Interlaken before we return to Lucerne.

Day 6 - May 2 - A spectacular portion of the Glacier Express route will be our included excursion today. The coach bus will take us to the small town of Andermatt to board the train to Churn. Spectacular scenery awaits you. The train will climb thousands of feet, punctuated by avalanche fences. Upon arrival in Churn there will be some time to explore one of the oldest towns in Switzerland. We return to Lucerne in the late afternoon.

Day 7 - May 3 - Travel today through Bavaria on route to Neuschwanstein Castle. This fairy-tale castle of Prince Ludwig took over 17 years to build. Cinderella’s Castle in Disneyworld is a copy of it. The outside is the most spectacular part of the Castle. We do plan to include a guided tour if time permits. This evening we head for Munich. Dinner included at a local restaurant.

Day 8 - May 4 – This morning a local guide will take us on a tour of Munich. There will be an included visit to Nymphenburg Palace. There will also be a visit to the picturesque Old Town. You will walk along the Marienplatz and see the famous “Glockenspiel Clock.” Free afternoon to explore, shop, and enjoy beer and a bratwurst. This evening we include a show and buffet dinner at the most famous beer garden the world, the Hofbrauhaus.

Day 9 - May 5 - We take the Romantic Road making a stop in Dinkelsbuhl or other towns along the “Romantic Road’ before reaching the famous medieval town of Rothenburg ODT. Rothenburg is the best preserved walled town in Germany. Here you will be brought back to the Middle Ages. There will be time to explore, walk the wall, and or visit the Criminal Museum or shop for beer mugs and other handcrafts. In the evening it should be possible take the Night Watchman tour and be brought back to the past. Rothenburg has many great restaurants and beer gardens. The TE will make recommendations and suggestions.

Day 10 - May 6 – There will be time in the morning to continue to explore Rothenburg before our departure for Cologne. When we arrive in Cologne there will be time to explore the city and waterfront. The Cologne Cathedral is one of the most spectacular in the world. Our hotel will be in the center of the city with easy walking distance to the sights and shops.

Day 11 - May 7 - Free morning in Cologne to sightsee and shop. In the early afternoon we depart for Bonn for some free time before our spectacular “Fire on the Rhine” cruise. This evening’s spectacular will provide memories that will last a lifetime. The “Fire on the Rhine” Cruise with dinner will depart in the early evening and return about 11:00pm. Five towns will have spectacular fireworks shows ending in the largest one in Bonn. The TE has done this trip several times before. People from all over Germany and other countries line the shores of the Rhine to view it.

Day 12 - May 8 - On our last full day in Germany our coach bus will take us to visit small towns along the Rhine. The final stop will be in Rudesheim, the town with the smallest main street in the world. We will be visiting Germany when Spargel, the famous white asparagus is in season. It is a special delicacy that is served with hollandaise sauce. Once you try it you will probably want more.

Day 13 - May 9 - Early departure back to the US, with great pictures, memories and possibly a slight hangover.