Prague, Bamberg &
Fruehlingsfest in Munich

April 10 - 20, 2008

$2795 per person, double occupancy -- Land Only
$615 single room supplement

Travel across the heart of central Europe and through the heart of one of the world's great beer regions. From impressive Prague, through medieval Bamberg, to festive Munich, we will explore breweries, pubs, beer gardens and cellars, and restaurants that serve a seemingly endless variety of beer. In the Czech Republic, spend three days in Prague with its centuries-old brewpubs and cafes, well-preserved architecture, cool neighborhoods, and bustling public squares. A daytrip to the traditional Herold Brewery will be made, as well as a stop in Plzen and the famous brewing facilities of Pilsner Urquell. Medieval Bamberg, home to no less than nine traditional breweries and infamous smoke-beer, welcomes us for three nights. The whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage site; and with a variety of great brewery taps serving fresh local beer from the wood, it is a very pleasant place to spend a couple of days. Next we find ourselves in the heart of Bavaria with a visit to Ayinger Brewery and an overnight in a traditional Bavarian lodge. Friday Morning we head to Munich for one of the world's biggest beer festivals: not Oktoberfest - Fruelingsfest! Two nights in Munich provide time enjoy the festival and explore the capital of Bavaria.

Thursday, April 10
Depart from the US, meals aloft

Your trip begins as you fly to Prague, Czech Republic. Airfare is not included in the trip price.

Friday, April 11
Arrival, City Tour, Dinner at U Flecku

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel located just a short walk from Prague's historic Old Town. Check-in and relax before a walking city tour. Tonight we will enjoy the distinctively Czech atmosphere and food at one of the Prague's brewpubs. After dinner, a host of night spots and beer cafes offer a taste of Czech beer and culture. (Dinner)

Saturday, April 12
Herold, Breznice Daytrip

Today we will make a daytrip to southern Bohemia to visit the Herold brewery. The brewery tours offer a look at a medium sized traditional brewery. If we are lucky the President himself will show us around. We'll also enjoy a local lunch in a traditional Bohemian restaurant. This evening we return to Prague for overnight. Tonight would be a good night for a pub crawl or to enjoy some of Prague's great performances. (B, L)

Sunday, April 13
Free Day in Prague

Today is free to spend as you wish in fascinating Prague. There are plenty of authentic Czech beer cafes to visit; and Prague offers a host of interesting neighborhoods, cathedrals, bridges and castles to explore. Small groups will likely form as people pursue their own interests. Prague's most famous sites: Hradcany Castle, Old Town Square and the Charles Bridge will no doubt merit visits. You might also consider a cruise along the Vlatava River. (B)

Monday, April 14
To Bamberg, via Plzen, Tour Pilsner Urquell, Schlenkerla Dinner

This morning we board our private bus to travel to Plzen, home to the world's original Pilsner. Tour the brewery, drink unfiltered, unpasturized pilsner from the wood and eat lunch at Na Spilce - the brewery restaurant.  After our time here we will continue to Bamberg where we will spend three nights in the heart of this medieval city. This evening we will eat at the historic Schlenkerla brewery tap - home of one of the world's original smoke beers.(B, L, D)

Tuesday, April 15
Bamberg Tour, PM free, evening brewery-taps

This morning we will take a guided, walking city tour to get oriented in beautiful Bamberg. The afternoon is free to explore the town or to begin visiting the nine brewery taps in this city of 70,000. The per capita beer consumption averages 330 liters per year. This is a beer city if ever there was one; and also a UNESCO World Heritage site for architecture. After dinner this evening, there is plenty of beer tasting near our hotel. (B)

Wednesday, April 16
Bamberg Breweries, Free Time, Optional Beer hunt

Today is essentially a free day. Bamberg offers many beer options and plenty of worthwhile sites, churches and museums. Renting a bike is a great way to explore at leisure. Or take the train to historic Nurnburg or Wurtzburg - each with their own beer attractions. No doubt visits will be made to local Bamberg breweries as well. (B)

Thursday, April 17
Coach to Andechs lunch & Ayinger

We depart Bamberg this morning by bus for the drive to Kloster Andechs - where we'll have lunch and drink their infamously powerful beers. After lunch, we will continue to Aying and Ayinger Brewery, home of Bavaria's best-known country beers. After touring their beautiful brewery and tasting some beers, we will enjoy a multi-course beer meal - each course paired with one of Ayinger's beers. Overnight in Aying. (B, L, D)

Friday, April 18
To Munich, City Tour, Fruhlingsfest

This morning we travel to busy Munich where activity surrounding Fruhlingsfest will be happening all over the city. We'll take a walking tour of the city's main areas to get oriented. This afternoon is free to begin checking out festival. (B)

Highlights:

Prague! One of Europe's finest cities with great sights, famous music, fresh beer, and nightlife

Czech Breweries and Beers - Herold, Pilsner Urquell, Budvar U Flecku, and more.

The medieval charm, rich history, 10 breweries, and rauchbier in Bamberg

A special beer dinner and brewery visit in Aying, followed by an overnight at the brewery guesthouse.

Many great meals, fine hotels, time to explore and relax

The close cousin of Oktoberfest and one of Munich's favorite beer fests: Fruehlingsfest!

Land Cost includes:

9 nights accommodation in fine, centrally located hotels, travel by private coach, rail and public transportation, transit passes in Prague, brewery visits, beer tasting, entrance fees and tours as outlined in the itinerary, breakfast daily, 4 dinners with beer, 3 beer lunches, and trip leadership.

Travel Details and Air Options:

Air Travel to Prague and from Munich: This trip has been priced without airfare to enable travelers to use mileage awards, travel outside group dates, or visit other European cities while abroad. Please contact us to inquire about low fares from your city.

From the Airport to the hotel: There are several inexpensive and slightly more expensive options for travel from and to the Prague and Munich Airports. Official taxis, bus and rail are available. If desired we can arrange to have you met and transferred from the airport.

How we get around: For all included excursions and visits, transportation will be included as well. Within the cities, we will rely on walking and public transportation. Travel between Prague and Munich will be done in our private motor coach and/or by German Rail. 

Register Online (click for registration details).

Please Note:

The overall style of the trip is best suited for somewhat adventurous, beer-loving travelers who want the camaraderie and structure of a tour, as well as the opportunity to explore independently. Planned events and excursions will, for the most part, be informal. Guided touring is generally the exception, though travelers can always rely on the support and assistance of the trip leader.

Please note also, that this itinerary is subject to change based on brewery availability, force majeur, acts of dieties, common sense or bad weather, etc. Smaller breweries, are often unable to commit to hosting groups until a couple of weeks before we arrive. Any substitutions will be as good or better than what we replaced. And don't worry, the beer will be great!

Saturday, April 19
Explore Munich, Fruhlingsfest, Farewell Dinner

Today is basically a free day, a good one to return to the festival, explore Munich, or visit a few notable beer gardens. Tonight we celebrate our trip with a Farewell Beer Dinner in Munich. (B, D)

Sunday, April 20
Return home

Alas we must leave beer heaven. A variety of transfer options are available to Munich's Airport for flights to the US. (B)