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Franconian Favorites (by Rail):
Würzburg, Rothenburg, Nuremberg,
Bamberg & Bayreuth
Enjoy the best Franconia has to offer; a region in north Bavaria packed with cultural and historical attractions. Discover the charms of five appealing, yet diverse cities, encompassing walking tours, wine tastings, and traditional Franconian cuisine. You'll also sample several distinctive regional beers, all while traveling conveniently by 1st class German Rail. To continue your journey in style, we leave Franconia and head a little south to Regensburg in Eastern Bavaria, which is unbeatable for a certain Mediterranean flair on the Danube. Last but not least, Bavaria's buzzing and splendid capital Munich waits to be explored, before returning home.
ACCOMMODATIONS
• 1 Night Würzburg
• 1 Night Rothenburg
• 5 Nights Nuremberg
• 1 Night Munich
 
INCLUSIONS
• Private Würzburg Old Town
  Walking Tour (with optional
  Wine Tasting)
• Private Nightwatchman Tour
  in Rothenburg
• Walk Through Savory
  Nuremberg
• One Dinner at Bratwurst
  Roeslein
• Private Bamberg City Tour with
  Smoked Beer Tasting
• Private Bayreuth and Maisels
  Beer Experience World Tour
• Private Walking Tour of
  Regensburg's History and Beer,
  with Lunch
• 1st Class Rail between cities
• Daily Breakfast
 
Arrive Würzburg:

Arrive in Würzburg and after checking in to your hotel, the remainder of the day is at your leisure to rest or explore on your own. Würzburg is a vibrant university town with baroque, renaissance, as well as modern architecture lining its streets. While the the town was almost completely destroyed in World War II, many of the historical buildings have been painstakenly restored.

(Accommodations, Würzburg)

Würzburg to Rothenburg:

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel for a Private Old Town Walking Tour. You'll discover not only the main sights of Old Town, but also visit the impressive Würzburg Residence and end the tour with a small wine tasting.

This guided walking tour covers many of the sights that illustrate the city's history: the Alte Mainbrucke (Old Main River Bridge) with a beautiful view on the Fortress Marienberg and the Kappele pilgrimage church, the historic town hall, the Neumunster with the Lusamgartchen and the Market Square. In addition, you will be guided through the Residence Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. At the end of the tour, you'll have the option of tasting 2 typical Franconian wines at a winestube. Afterwards take the short train ride to the medieval town of Rothenburg. After checking into your hotel and having dinner, meet your guide for the Night Watchman Tour. You'll accompany him on his entertaining and informative rounds through the darkness. Follow him through dark alleyways and across dimly lit squares while enjoying the special mood of the town at night. Listen to his stories and find out how the people lived in the Middle Ages; a wonderful finale for your evening in Rothenburg.

(Breakfast, Würzburg; Accommodations, Rothenburg)

Rothenburg to Nuremberg:

Before departing for Nuremberg, you'll have time to explore this pedestrian-friendly town. In the center of Rothenburg's Old Town is Market Square, a large cobbled square lined with beautifully preserved medieval buildings. Nearby St. Jacob's Church contains the one must-see art treasure in Rothenburg: a glorious 500-year-old altarpiece by Tilman Riemenschneider, the Michelangelo of German woodcarvers. Just off Market Square is the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village. Here you'll find the largest selection of German Christmas decorations worldwide, and with your gift voucher, you can pick up a few souvenirs. Upstairs the German Christmas Museum traces the history of Christmas celebrations and includes displays of all kinds of Christmas paraphernalia.

Enjoy the scenic Franconian countryside for your 90 minute ride to Nuremberg. With almost 1000 years of history, this ancient city is known for its medieval architecture and timbered houses in the Altstadt (Old Town). After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

(Breakfast, Rothenburg; Accommodations, Nuremberg)

Nuremberg:

Today enjoy a culinary tour of the historic center with anecdotes about Nuremberg's rich history including samples of traditional Franconian cuisine.

This fun tour begins at Nuremberg`s main square in the heart of the historic city center. Explore the city's narrow alleyways dating back to the Middle Ages, cross bridges, and pass picturesque half-timbered houses until you reach breathtaking St. Sebaldus Church. From the Ox on the Butcher's bridge to the secrets of the bratwurst, the history of Nuremberg is closely entwined with its cuisine. You'll sample some Franconian specialties like gingerbread, pop into medieval sausage eateries, and savor the rich taste of regional beers. Returning to the main square, the remainder of the day is at your leisure. This evening enjoy dinner at the historic Bratwurst Roslein. Dating from 1431, Roslein is located in the medieval district, and combines tradition with a cozy atmosphere. Your meal will include soup, a choice of Franconian specialties, and dessert.

(Breakfast, Dinner & Accommodations, Nuremberg)

Bamberg:

In the morning, take the 45 minute train ride to Bamberg. The city mesmerizes visitors with the largest intact old town in all of Europe and has been a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 1993. Meet your guide at the appointed location for your private tour to discover the beauty of Bamberg. You'll view the Imperial Dome with its four towers, the New Residence and romantic rose garden as you pass through narrow alleys, half-timbered buildings, and baroque façades. Along the way, your guide will explain the quirky history of the Altes Rathaus. To maintain peace between the town's secular and church powers, Bamberg's authorities decided to center the town hall between them on an island in the Regnitz River. Today, it provides you a marvelous view of the river bank area known as "Little Venice". You'll also hear about the remarkable history of beer and breweries in this region, especially the famous Smoked Beer (Rauchbier). The smoky flavor is created by using malted barley dried over an open flame; you'll have the opportunity to sample the Spezial and Schlenkerla beers. After the tour you can explore on your own or take a return train to Nuremberg.


(Breakfast & Accommodations, Nuremberg)

Regensburg:

After breakfast, take the easy one hour train ride to Regensburg. The city heralds itself as one of Germany's oldest towns, established by the Romans in 179 A.D. Stretched out along the Danube river, the Old Town is home to some wonderful gothic and medieval buildings, which make this city so charming. You'll meet your guide at the Tourist Information Office at 11:00 am for your tour. You will learn about the history of this picturesque city, walking through winding streets, making the Middle Ages come to life. The tour will end at the restaurant Wurstkuchl, where you will get to enjoy a typical German dish as well as a regional beer. Return to Nuremberg at your leisure as there are over 30 trains per day.

(Breakfast & Accommodations, Nuremberg; Lunch, Regensburg)

Bayreuth:

Your driver will pick you up in the lobby of your hotel at 10am for your drive to Bayreuth. This town is famous for the annual Wagner Festival and the Margravial Opera House, but also for its beer.

You will visit the impressive Maisel's Bier Erlebnis Welt, translated into "World of Beer". This huge complex sits on the site of Maisel's historic brewery, which has been operational since 1887. Today, the brewery still produces beer under its Maisel & Friend's brand, and has converted a lot of the space into the most comprehensive beer museum in the world. You'll witness the fine art of brewing during this informative tour, and afterwards sample a few of their beers. When finished, meet your driver for your return to Nuremberg.

(Breakfast & Accommodations, Nuremberg)

Nuremberg to Munich:

The short 90 minute train ride to Munich allows a leisurely breakfast, plus ample time to explore this Bavarian capital. Marienplatz is the central square in the heart of Munich and holds the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) The tower of the New Town Hall houses the Glockenspiel, a beautiful chiming clock that is over 100 years old. Nearby is the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady (Frauenkirche); the most identifiable landmark of Munich and the city's largest church. Just a few blocks northeast of the Munich city center is the English Garden, Munich's largest park. Bigger than Central Park in New York, this green oasis is a wonderful place to explore and relax. Dinner is on your own this evening.

(Breakfast, Nuremberg; Accommodations, Munich)

Departure:

After breakfast, make your way to the airport or rail station, and onward to your next Avanti destination!



(Breakfast, Munich)

 
** Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
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