Travel-Learn Program
Holiday Markets on the Rhine River WAITLIST ONLY
When: November 26, 2010, 10:37 am - December 04, 2010, 10:37 am (iCal)
Description
Recapture the magic of the holidays and step into scenes that glitter with fairy-tale charm in Germany. Walk through the mazes of wooden booths displaying handcrafted decorations and gifts. The smell of warm glühwein, roasted chestnuts, and spicy gingerbread will fill the air and tickle our senses as we immerse ourselves in this beloved tradition. We will also get to know some of country’s most enchanting towns. Marvel at the cathedral in Cologne, the impressive castle in Heidelberg and the Schoener Brunnen ("Beautiful Fountain") in Nuremberg. Traverse the Romantic Road, one of the most famous routes in Germany, and admire delightful medieval villages surrounded by pristine winter wonderlands. Believe in holiday magic once again while discovering the Holiday Markets on the Rhine!
Cost
From approximately $2,445 per person, based on double occupancy.
Contact
For more information, contact Usha Nand Sellers Ed. D., Travel Learn Program Director, at usha.sellers@tufts.edu or 1-800-843-2586 or 617-627-5323.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart U.S. for Frankfurt, Germany
Day 2 - Cologne, Germany
Upon arrival, transfer by motorcoach to the ship. This afternoon, join a sightseeing tour of the enchanting city of Cologne. We will see its colorful Patrician Houses and narrow cobbled lanes, visit the Kolner Domne, Cologne’s world-famous cathedral and the symbol of the city. It is one of the largest Gothic structures in the world and one of the few structures in Cologne that survived the war. During our tour, stop at the six different holiday markets located throughout the city and indulge in some Christmas shopping or a fortifying warm drink. We will return to the ship late in the afternoon. Tonight, gather with fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and Dinner.
Day 3 - Koblenz / Rüdesheim
Nestled at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, Koblenz is one of Germany’s loveliest towns. Today’s tour showcases the many historic buildings of this charming town. See St. Florin’s Church, the early 18th-century Rathaus and the Church of Our Lady, as well as other historic buildings. Tonight, the ship docks in Rüdesheim. We may take advantage of time at leisure to explore the town on our own, or visit the Christmas market.
Day 4 - Heidelberg
Today’s tour of this delightful town showcases the university, stately Heidelberg Castle, the impressive Rathaus and the Marktplatz with its holiday market. Tonight, we will attend a concert of Christmas music performed by a children’s choir in Aschaffenburg.
Day 5 - Miltenberg / Wertheim
This morning, depart on a scenic motorcoach ride along one of the most storied routes in Germany, dotted with rolling fields and medieval towns. Upon arrival in Wetheim, join a city walking tour. The fortified town is a showcase of Franconian romance. Walk along quiet cobbled lanes to the yellow Gothic Stiftskirche and 16th-century Engelsbrunnen, or angel fountain, and see Kilianskapelle, the Chapel of St. Kilian.
Day 6 - Würzburg
Today, we will visit the Würzburg Residence, one of the finest Baroque palaces in Europe, then join a walking tour of the historic city center showcasing St. Kilian’s Cathedral, the Neumünslerkirche, the Old Town Hall, the university, the bustling marketplace and other sights. After our tour, we will have free time to visit the markets.
Day 7 - Bamberg
Embark on a walking tour of Bamberg. Wander under the grand rococo archway of the Obere Brücke and take in the view of the red-roofed fishermen’s houses and baroque mansions that highlight this fairy tale town. Tonight, we will partake of a traditional German holiday dinner at a restaurant in Bamberg where we will be joined by Santa Claus!
Day 8 - Nuremberg
We will begin our day with a visit to Nuremberg’s renowned hilltop castle. Afterwards, stroll to the center of town and the Hauptmarkt, an open square dominated by the Schoener Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain), Nuremberg's most famous attraction. View Our Lady’s Church and St. Lorenz Church, which dates from the 15th century, and see the outer limits of the city-pass, the Parade grounds and Colosseum, and the courthouse where the World War II trials were held.
Day 9 - Return to U.S.
After breakfast, transfer to the Munich airport for the return flight home. (Flight provided for Air Program participants only.)
Price and Itinerary remain tentative and subject to change