France & Bavaria
Presented by Mission Oaks Community Center

Day 1: Friday, June 18, 2010
Overnight Flight

Bask in the rich heritage and romance of charming France and Bavaria. On this special tour, you will enjoy being immersed in the culture of the region. Your trip includes a ride on the TGV high-speed train through the French countryside from Paris to Strasbourg. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Paris.

Day 2: Saturday, June 19, 2010
Paris, France - Tour Begins

Your tour begins in the magnificent capital city of Paris. Tonight, sample delicious French cuisine and breathtaking views during dinner at the Eiffel Tower. Following dinner, enjoy a romantic Seine River cruise past famous landmarks, against a backdrop of Paris’s glittering skyline.
Today Dinner is included.

Day 3: Sunday, June 20, 2010
Paris

Your day begins with a panoramic tour of Paris. See the breathtaking architecture of the Arc de Triomphe; the Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame with its lovely rose windows dating to the 13th century; the historic Place de la Concorde and its commanding obelisk from the tomb of Ramses II in Egypt; Place Vendome; and the Champs-Elysées, the famed promenade that is known around the world for its people-watching. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Do as the Parisians do and sit at a sidewalk café or visit one of the city’s many renowned museums, such as the Louvre.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 4: Monday, June 21, 2010
Paris - TGV Train - Strasbourg

All aboard the high speed TGV Train as it departs this morning for picturesque Strasbourg in eastern France. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the city featuring the Old Quarter, known as “Petite France,” and the stunning Cathedral of Notre Dame.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 5: Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Strasbourg - Alsace Wine Route

Spend the day visiting two charming villages of the Alsace wine route. First is the well-preserved medieval town of Riquewihr, filled with vintners’ houses dating back to the 15th century. Your next stop is Kaysersberg, a village offering historic houses and castles, as well as a 16th century fortified bridge. Tonight, dine at one of Strasbourg’s finest restaurants, complete with typical regional cuisine.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 6: Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Strasbourg - Würzburg, Germany

Depart France for Germany this morning and travel to the lovely town of Würzburg. Upon arrival join a local guide on a leisurely-paced walking tour. This ancient Franconian wine town is rich in historic sights, including the magnificent 18th century residence of the prince-bishops, the Residence Palace, which boasts the largest ceiling fresco in the world. You'll also see the ornate Alte Mainbrucke, the oldest bridge on the River Main. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps you'll choose to join the locals at one of the wine taverns sprinkled throughout the city and enjoy a glass of delicious Franconian wine.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 7: Thursday, June 24, 2010
Würzburg - Weikersheim - Rothenburg - Würzburg

Today you travel along the Romantic Road to the charming city of Rothenburg. En route, a stop is made in the Renaissance city of Weikersheim. Here you will tour the magnificent Weikersheim Castle, including the Knight's Hall and the formal gardens, which were modeled after the spectacular gardens at Versailles. Then continue on to Rothenburg where, upon arrival, you will take a short walking tour through the winding cobblestone streets of the old town. You'll feel as though history has come alive as you walk past buildings and walls that have watched over this city for centuries.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 8: Friday, June 25, 2010
Würzburg - Bamberg - Würzburg

Travel into the heart of Franconia for a visit to a local winery. Learn about the rich wine-making heritage of this region and sample some of the wonderful local varieties. Next, depart for the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg. Bamberg is known for its beautiful old town which is veined with waterways reminiscent of Venice and capped by a gorgeous cathedral perched high above the city. Enjoy plenty of time at leisure to explore the attractions of this wonderful city. Visit the ancient Town Hall which is situated in the middle of the river and accessible only by bridge. Then stroll the charming streets that line the river, shopping for unique handicrafts or perhaps stopping to try a glass of Bamberg's renowned "smoked" beer.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 9: Saturday, June 26, 2010
Würzburg - Nuremberg - Oberammergau

En route to Oberammergau, you will first stop in Nuremberg. In Nuremberg, medieval structures sit alongside streamlined, modern architecture. This interesting cityscape is due to the fact that most of the older buildings and infrastructure were completely destroyed during World War II. Take in the significant historical sights on a guided tour of the city. Your local expert will provide fascinating commentary as you tour the Rally Grounds where the Nazi Party held their political rallies and the Justice Palace, where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. You'll also take in the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, and beautiful St. Sebald Church. Later, arrive in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 10: Sunday, June 27, 2010
Oberammergau - Passion Play

The morning is yours to enjoy at leisure. This afternoon, witness the performance of the Passion Play. The original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, the village of Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the villagers vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the life of Christ. The performers are native Oberammergauers. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast start to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers. During the break of the performance, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Day 11: Monday, June 28, 2010
Oberammergau - Tour Ends


Today Breakfast is included.

Collette Logo

June 18 - June 28, 2010

Highlights...
Paris • Eiffel Tower Dinner • Seine River Cruise • TGV Train • Strasbourg • Alsace Wine Route • Würzburg • Winery Visit • Nuremberg • Oberammergau • Passion Play •

11 Days • 14 Meals:
9 Breakfasts • 1 Lunches • 4 Dinners

Per Person Rates*:
Double $5699
Single $6399

*Included in Price: Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $390 (subject to increase until paid in full), Round Trip Air from Sacramento Airport, Hotel Transfers.
Click Here for Details
*Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $350 per person.


YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1
  Overnight Flight
DAY 2 - 3
  Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris
DAY 4 - 5
  Alsace Region, Strasbourg
DAY 6 - 8
  Novotel Wurzburg, Würzburg
DAY 9 - 10
  Oberammergau or Garmisch - Partenkirchen, Oberammergau

On some dates alternate hotels may be used.


Experience It!
Alsace Wine Route


The Alsace Wine Route winds its way through the region from north to south for 105 miles and is a land blessed with perfect conditions for wine production: sunshine, dry weather and fertile soil. This delightful route runs across rolling hillsides, occasionally quite steep ones, through pretty villages with narrow streets of half-timbered houses and flower-decked balconies. You’ll visit the medieval town of Riquewihr, filled with vintners’ houses, and Kaysersberg, a village of historic homes and castles. A few steps from the Wine Route, sign-posted vineyard paths invite visitors to admire a panoramic view of the wine-growing area and discover the work of the winegrower and the diversity of the grape varieties. The seven varieties of wine produced in the region are Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Tokay Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Muscat d’Alsace, Sylvaner and Gewurztraminer.

Click here for: Important Reservation Information.

For more information call
Nancy Pritchard
Mission Oaks Community Center
(916) 972-0336


Please Note:
• Collette air passengers will depart from the Munich, Germany airport. All Collette transfers will depart from Oberammergau/Garmisch-Partenkirchen for this airport. All tours will be subject to the finalization of play tickets. In the event that Collette cancels the tour, you will be refunded 100%. Due to flight restrictions, you may require an early morning departure from your hotel. Please note that single accommodations are extremely limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. If you wish to secure single accommodations it is highly recommended that you book early. Also, triple and child rates are not available.
• Days of features are interchangeable.
• To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
• At Collette, we pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
• Passport is required.