The Nutcracker Tour in July
July 23 - August 3, 2012

Christmas in July? Yes, why not! We have set up a very special tour that includes all and more our December Nutcracker Tour  offers only you leave the heavy boots and coats at home.

ITINERARY

July 24 - Depart for the flight to Dresden in Germany.

July 25 - Arrive Dresden and transfer to the Hilton Hotel set between the river front promenade and the Neumarkt Square in the center of Dresden. after arrival and getting settled we take you on a stroll through the historic center of Dresden. Afterwards relax over a leisurely dinner in the underground vaults of the former Dresden Fortress. D

Jul6 26 - After breakfast our private coach will take us to Seiffen in the Erzgebirge or Ore Mountains in English, to the toy town of Seiffen, home to that venerable fellow the Nutcracker. In Seiffen it is Christmas throughout the year and stores are packed with Nutcrackers, Smokers, wooden angles and miners, Christmas Pyramids and more. After arrival you have the afternoon to explore the town and its many shops. In the evening enjoy a dinner of local Saxon fare. B D

July 27 - This morning you are a VIP guest at the local Wood Carves Guild to have a demonstration of wood carving and be given a lecture of the history of the Nutcracker which is followed by lunch in a local tavern. After returning to Seiffen the remainder of the day is on your own. B L

July 28 - Today we embark on an excursion to the neighboring Czech Republic just a hop and a skip from Seiffen, to visit the magnificent Basilica of Osek in Bohemia. Afterwards we pause for lunch (on your own) before returning to Seiffen. In the evening a short drive will take us to have dinner in an old Stage Coach Inn on the former Salt Road where salt was transported from Prague to Germany. Dinner is a special treat today, a typical Erzgebirge Christmas Dinner called a Neinerla. B D

July 29 - This morning bid Seiffen farewell as we drive south to Bavaria. Our destination is the tiny hamlet of Essing in the scenic Altmuehl Valley, set on a narrow strip of land between the historic Danube Canal and steep cliffs topped by castles. Our abode here for the next two nights is a congenial Brewery Inn known for its upscale Bavarian cuisine. For dinner we have of course, what else, but a traditional beer menu. D

July 30 - After breakfast we drive the short distance to Kehlheim on the Danube to board a river ship for a mini cruise through the Danube Narrows, the narrowest section of the river. The cruise will end at the 1000-year old Monastery of Weltenburg which was established by Irish Hermit Monks in the 10th century. Visit the lovely church built in the style of Italian Baroque and have lunch in the vaulted restaurant of the Monastery before returning to Essing, where the evening is on your own. B L

July 31 - Today we travel south to the twin resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the Bavarian Alps. After arrival and checking into the lovely Chalet Edelweiss meet for a stroll along the many shops of elegant pedestrian street in Garmisch. After returning to the Chalet there is time to relax alongside a bubbling glacier stream in the garden of the Chalet. In the evening a short walk will bring us to the oldest section of Garmisch for a dinner in a historic inn. B D

August 1 - After breakfast we take a train to the nearby village of Grainau at the foot of Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze, where we have a private visit to a Master Wood Carver. In the afternoon we scale one of the the mountain peaks, no not on foot, but aboard a cable car which will whisk us in fifteen minutes to the top. After returning to Garmisch the evening is on your own. B

August 2 - This morning we visit a local Wood Carvers School, the oldest school of its kind in Bavaria which teaches students the centuries old art of wood carving. Later, a short drive will take us to Oberammergau famous for its Passion Play and to the magnificent 14th century Monastery of Ettal. In the evening we take a little stroll to Partenkirchen, the other half of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Partenkirchen dates to Roman times when it was called Partanum, and was a toll station on the main trade route from Italy to the north of Germany. Dinner tonight is Bavarian fare accompanied by folk music and dance. B D

August 3 - You have the morning to relax or go shopping. Early in the afternoon we transfer by private coach to Erding, a small medieval town near Munich's Airport. For as long as anyone can remember Erding was known for it exceptional wheat beer, a tasty brew which once helped rebuilt the town after it was burned by Swedish invaders. Dinner this evening is at the Erdinger Weissbrau Inn, an elegant and congenial inn serving great food and great beer. B D

Augut 4 - After breakfast transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. 6 dinners, 

TOUR LAND COST:   $3550.00 
SINGLE COST: $3960.00

INCLUDED:  10 nights first class accommodations, daily breakfast, 7 dinner, 2 lunches, all transportation in a deluxe coach, entry fees to included sightseeing, airport transfers, tips to the bus driver, and the services of Posh Journeys as your host and guide.

NOT INCLUDED:  Alcoholic drinks with meals unless they are part of an included meal, bottled soft drinks and water and any item not included in this itinerary.

AIR FARE: Air fare is additional. You can can check with us for our lowest available air fare or you can do the airline tickets on your own, or use frequent flyer miles.