Itinerary

Day 1 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Depart U.S./Fly overnight to Munich

Depart the U.S. for Germany. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 2 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Arrive in Munich/Begin your Trip Extension

Upon arrival in Munich you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Our transfer company is Taxi Munich Online tel: +49 173 38 250 38 from outside of Germany or tel: +0173 38 250 38.

If you arrive early, your hotel room may not be available until 2:00 p.m. You may store your luggage with the reception desk.

After settling in, enjoy the remainder of the morning and early afternoon at leisure. Perhaps you'll walk to the nearby Nymphenburg Palace and Gardens. VBT provides you with City Information in your Final Travel Booklet that includes information and recommendations on what to see and do in Munich.

At 3:00 p.m., our local guide will meet you in the hotel and take you on a 3-hour walking tour. You will be shown how to buy tickets and take the tram into Munich's center. Then, enjoy a walk through the historic streets thronged with street musicians and artists and past magnificent buildings. The guide will point out places for you to have dinner and return to during your next two days.

Day 3 of PRE -TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Munich

At 11 a.m. and noon the Marienplatz fills with onlookers as the carillon in the Rathaus tower clangs into action. Close by, the Peterskirche, the oldest church in Munich, is notable for its grisly relics of St Munditia, patron saint of single women, and for the view from its tower (up several hundred steps but worth it on a clear day!). The Munchener Stadtmuseum is an excellent local history museum which includes a Photo and Film exhibit and a Puppet display. North of Marienplatz is the posh end of the city center. And from the fashionable Maximilianstrasse, the little Kosttor road leads straight to the Hofbrauhaus, Munich's largest and most famous drinking hall.

The English Garden is Munich's largest natural area. Located north of the city, the natural vistas draw thousands of visitors for walks and picnics. Swimming in the rivers that run through the area is also an option. The garden also houses several popular beer gardens that provide a lovely rest stop after a day of exploring.

Day 1 of AIR PACKAGE Depart the U.S. and fly overnight to Luxembourg

VBT Air Package guests: Depart from the U.S. for Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 4 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Munich

Today you may wish to continue visiting places within Munich as there are still plenty to offer. The interesting BMW Automotive Museum displays the history of the company in relation to the development of the modern automobile. Exhibits, videos, slide collections, and films are highlights of the museum. Nearby, visit the neighboring Olympic Park, the site of the 1972 Olympic Games. Walk through the lovely park, visit the modern and mesmerizing stadium and see great views from the Olympic Tower.

Or you may wish to venture out of Munich. The Dachau Concentration Camp and memorial site is on the northern edge of Munich and was the home of Germany's first concentration camp. Today, Dachau Memorial Site is a place of memory, pilgrimage and education and makes for an illuminating day trip.

For a longer excursion, join a full-day coach trip to Berchtesgaden, Hitler's mountain retreat and the southern headquarters of the Nazi party. The dictator's Eagle's Nest is a mountaintop lodge built by the Nazis. At 6,148 feet on top of Mt Kehlstein, the lodge has some of Germany's most amazing views of the Alps mountain range.

Or visit the enchanting old-world town of Fussen, in the foothills of the Alps and surrounded by one of the most breathtaking natural settings in the world. You'll see the ethereal Neuschwanstein Castle, the nearby lake, and a postcard-perfect aerial view of the equally beautiful Hohenschwangau Castle and the waterfall gorge.

You can reserve all these tours through your hotel in Munich.

Day 2 of AIR PACKAGE Arrive in Luxembourg City and transfer to hotel

VBT Air Package guests: Upon arrival at the Luxembourg City airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. If your luggage is lost, fill out a PIR form before leaving the customs area—VBT representatives are not allowed into the customs area. (Please note: Also make certain your VBT luggage tags are affixed to your bag so your VBT representative can identify you.)

After exiting customs, enter the arrival hall and look for your VBT representative, who will be holding a VBT sign. You will transfer via taxi or minibus (approximately 20 minutes) to your hotel in Luxembourg City. If you arrive early, your hotel room may not be available until 2:00 p.m. You may store your luggage with the Reception Desk. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this wonderful city.

Dinner is on your own tonight at a city restaurant.

Day 5 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Transfer to Luxembourg

This morning, transfer from your Munich hotel to the airport for your flight to Luxembourg. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Hotel Le Royal Luxembourg in Luxembourg City, where you will have time to explore and have lunch on your own. VBT provides you with City Information in your Final Travel Booklet that includes information and recommendations on what to see and do in Luxembourg. Your hotel room may not be available until 2:00 p.m., but you may store your luggage with the Reception Desk. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this wonderful city.

Day 3 of AIR PACKAGE Explore Luxembourg City

After breakfast, continue your exploration of the city. Your local guide will meet you at 10:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby for a two-hour walking orientation tour, during which you can get some inside tips.

Luxembourg City overlooks the Petrusse and Alzette valleys and sits high on a rocky outcropping. It offers a combination of cobblestone-arched narrow streets and small elegant palaces such as the Palais Grand-Ducal and the Chambre des Deputes. The beautiful Chemin de la Corniche is said to be Europe's most beautiful terrace, with a pleasant promenade that passes restored ancient homes. The Casemates du Bock, a defensive labyrinth excavated in 1745 in the rocks beneath the city, is partly open to visitors. Other remarkable places include the Place de la Constitution and the cozy Place du Marche, still used for weekly flower and vegetable markets.

Tonight, dine on your own. The city boasts more Michelin stars per square mile than any other and has a lively atmosphere in its many cafés, pubs and pizzerias. The biggest ethnic community here is from Portugal, which adds a Latin flair.

Day 6 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Explore Luxembourg City/Join VBT Air Package guests

After breakfast, continue your exploration of the city. Your local guide will meet you at 10:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby for a two-hour walking orientation tour, during which you can get some inside tips.

Luxembourg City overlooks the Petrusse and Alzette valleys and sits high on a rocky outcropping. It offers a combination of cobblestone-arched narrow streets and small elegant palaces such as the Palais Grand-Ducal and the Chambre des Deputes. The beautiful Chemin de la Corniche is said to be Europe's most beautiful terrace, with a pleasant promenade that passes restored ancient homes. The Casemates du Bock, a defensive labyrinth excavated in 1745 in the rocks beneath the city, is partly open to visitors. Other remarkable places include the Place de la Constitution and the cozy Place du Marche, still used for weekly flower and vegetable markets.

Tonight, dine on your own. The city boasts more Michelin stars per square mile than any other and has a lively atmosphere in its many cafés, pubs and pizzerias. The biggest ethnic community here is from Portugal, which adds a Latin flair.

VBT Air Package guests arrive throughout the day.

Day 1 of BIKE TOUR Transfer to Metz/Embark barge/Warm-up ride

VBT No-Air Package guests: You are responsible for making your own way to Metz to meet our barge, the Sailing Home, so please arrive between 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Please note that you cannot arrive before this time. If you are late, you must contact the barge as soon as possible to make alternate arrangements because the barge will sail shortly after this time.

The barge will be moored in the canal between the Pont du Canal and the locks of Metz, near the rue de Paris and the rue George Aimé. Contact telephone number is ++31 650 12 18 11. Please refer to the information listed in the tour handbook.

VBT Air Package and Pre-Trip Extension guests: Please be ready and waiting in the hotel reception at 9am when you will be collected and transferred by coach (approximately 1 hour) to the city of Metz in France, then meet your local Metz city guide and take a pleasant walk into the city center via charming bridges and romantic corners. Pass the elegant 18th-century city theater and the Palais de la Prefecture in the Place de la Comedie. Soon you see the imposing Cathedral of St. Etienne, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals of France, built around 1250. Admire the fine stained-glass windows, including a modern one by Marc Chagall.

We'll stroll through the city and the Saturday morning local market, shopping or sightseeing on the lively Place St. Louis and Place Saint-Jacques. Lunch is on your own. Meet up with your local city guide again, and walk to our barge mooring point.

At 2:00 p.m., we board the Sailing Home. After meeting the crew and your VBT Trip Leaders, settle in before participating in a bike safety session and a short warm-up ride. Later, return to the Sailing Home and gather for a welcome dinner onboard. The barge moors in the quiet French village of Thionville.

Day 2 of BIKE TOUR Bike to Rodemack, France/Picnic lunch/Remich, Luxembourg

After breakfast on board, we cycle along the Moselle River on a quiet bike path. Then turn inland and cycle along a pleasant rolling route through small villages to Rodemack, known as Little Carcassonne Lorraine. This charming village offers marvels of construction, including fortifications erected over many centuries. Impressive ramparts and walls encircle the village, and there's a labyrinth of back streets and cobbled alleys to explore, as well as an impressive fortress.

After a picnic lunch, we'll have free time to wander through the village.

You may bike or cruise this afternoon. Dinner tonight is on the barge. Afterward, the captain speaks about navigation and our planned route. The barge moors in Remich, Luxembourg.

Day 3 of BIKE TOUR Cycle Remich/Nennig/Wasserbillig/Saarburg

We cycle from Remich to Nennig and its local museum, where you can admire Europe's largest Roman mosaic (remarkably, 90% of it is original and perfectly restored). Continue riding along the Moselle on an easy bike path. The river forms a natural border between Germany and Luxembourg. Our route, on the German side, has the best views of vineyards sloping down hillsides. This is the Route du Vin, or wine road, famous here for its outstanding Riesling and Cremant wines.

Stop for lunch on your own in Oberbillig, a pretty village. You may cruise or continue cycling from this point. If you cycle, then we pass by Konz, a small city at the confluence of the Moselle and Saar rivers, then continue into the Saarland along the more intimate Saar River. Wooded mountains, wide meadows, and farmsteads and villages alternate in harmony along the two rivers. Later this afternoon, we reach Saarburg, a medieval jewel at the foot of a castle that towers above the river. The town center boasts a roaring 65-foot-high waterfall. We spend the rest of the day exploring this lovely town, then dine tonight on your own in a romantic restaurant on the Leuk River. Savor the hearty food and viez, or apple wine, typical of this region. The barge moors in Saarburg.

Day 4 of BIKE TOUR Bike and cruise Saarburg to Trier

This morning, we walk to the nearby former bell foundry and museum, Mabilon, which produced bells until 2002. From there, pedal along the Saar River back to our barge, where lunch awaits. In the afternoon, continue to bike along the Saar to Konz, where we rejoin the Moselle bike path and ride to Trier. (If you prefer, you may cruise from Saarburg to Trier.)

A slogan for Trier, a lively tourist and university town, claims that it is possible to see “2,000 years of history in 2,000 paces.” The Romans established their local capital here. In the Middle Ages, Frankish kings and the archbishops of Trier reigned. A local guide conducts a walking tour of the city center, where we learn about the Porta Nigra (“Black Gate”), a city landmark and largest city gate of the ancient world. Then, visit the Amphitheater, the medieval Main Market and Church of Our Lady (where you can see the throne of Constantine the Great), the rococo Electoral Palace, the Imperial Baths and extensive subterranean service passages. Trier's monuments are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tonight, the barge moors in Trier. We enjoy dinner together in a centrally located restaurant.

Day 5 of BIKE TOUR Piesport/Trittenheim/Bernkastel-Kues

After breakfast this morning, we leave Trier and cycle toward Bernkastel-Kues, passing Piesport and Trittenheim along the way. Both of these wine-making villages lie in scenic hairpin turns on the Moselle. See a reconstructed Roman winepress in Piesport. We stop for lunch in Neumagen, where there are more signs of the ancient Romans. From there, shuttle to Bernkastel-Kues, or continue biking among vineyards and orchards, watching for swans and other birds.

On arrival in Bernkastel-Kues, we meet the barge, then rest or explore before dinner on board. Bernkastel and Kues, united in 1905, were once two small cities divided by the Moselle. The pride of this small city is the market square, with its picturesque timber-framed houses and decorated fountains, some dating to the 17th century.

After dinner, we stroll to the fascinating cellar of Josef Zimmermann via an elegant district of fine Jugendstill villas, many of which display winegut, or winery signs. The simple, fourth-generation Zimmermann operation contains a century-old cellar, wine barrels and an inviting tasting hall, where we taste four different wines.

Day 6 of BIKE TOUR Daun/The “maars”/Bernkastel-Kues

This morning, we shuttle (approximately 45 minutes) through the Eifel Valley to the city of Daun. From there, take an exhilarating bike ride that starts out slightly uphill, then zooms downhill along a former railway track that is now a cycling path. The ride includes stretches through tunnels, over bridges and by small lakes formed from volcano craters, known as maars. We'll pedal past castles, vineyards and green forests before cycling through quiet villages.

On the way, we stop in Strohn for a visit to a small volcano museum. The region is scattered with “young” volcanoes about 12,000 years old. The typical maars here are actually volcano cones collapsed inside the earth. In Strohn, stop to share a simple home-cooked lunch with a local family.

Later, continue cycling to Bernkastel and relax before dinner on board.

Day 7 of BIKE TOUR Zell/Bullay/Cochem

Today, cruise out of Bernkastel to follow the Moselle downstream. After breakfast, we arrive in Traben-Trarbach, an architectural jewel of Jugendstil surrounded by woods and extensive vineyards. Traben-Trarbach was at one time the world's second-largest wine-trading center. At the turn of the century, the city's wine merchants built a number of fine Art Nouveau buildings, many of which are carefully preserved and continue to operate as wineries. An entire range of Belle Époque splendor was attracted to Traben-Trarbach, making the city a favorite destination for lovers of the Baroque and Classical styles.

After exploring Traben-Trarbach, cycle along the river bike path to Zell. Zell is beautifully situated on the Moselle, where the river meanders through the hills in many bends. Zell is one of the largest wine-producing communities on the river. One of the best wines made here, Zeller Schwartze Katz (Black Cat), is produced with grapes from 16 different locations. A sculpture on the market-square fountain shows a snarling cat on top of a wine barrel. Continue to Bullay, another big wine name. You can pause from our scenic ride at your leisure to enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by our barge chef. You'll find many picnic areas along the path. Arrive and moor in Cochem later this afternoon, then freshen up for a festive farewell dinner on board the barge.

Day 8 of BIKE TOUR Cochem/Koblenz / VBT No-Air Package ends

VBT No-Air Package guests: After breakfast your tour ends. It is important that you leave the barge no later than 9:00 a.m. Please refer to the information listed in the tour handbook.

VBT Air Package guests: After breakfast, say farewell to the crew and one VBT Trip Leader, then walk into Cochem with the other. This characteristic Moselle town has steep vineyards, wooded hills, medieval buildings and a picturesque center with beautiful timber-framed houses. Hike or shuttle to the Reichsburg castle with a local guide, where you'll enjoy a tour and spectacular views of the Moselle valley and its vineyards. The fairy-tale castle includes seven rooms of fine furniture and objects from different periods and styles.

After your visit, you may shop and eat lunch on your own before saying goodbye to your VBT Trip Leader. We'll shuttle to Koblenz and settle in to our centrally located hotel. At 4:00 p.m. our local guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for a 1.5-hour walking tour around the historic Old Town of Koblenz. It will be about a 15-minute walk before we begin the tour, so we recommend you leave the hotel with everything you'll need to have dinner on your own in the Old Town once our tour has ended.

Day 9 of AIR PACKAGE Depart for U.S. or begin your optional extension in Berlin

VBT Air Package guests: After breakfast, meet in the hotel lobby to transfer to the Frankfurt airport for your flight back to the U.S. Please be sure that you are waiting at the designated transfer time and location. Please confirm your transfer time with your Trip Leaders during the week.

Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

Note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

Day 1 of POST TRIP EXTENSION Begin your Optional Extension

If you have chosen the optional Post-Trip Extension, transfer to the Frankfurt airport according to your flight schedule to board your flight to Berlin. Please confirm your transfer time with your Trip Leaders during the week.

When you reach Berlin's Brandenburg Airport, a VBT representative meets you and helps you transfer (approximately 1 hour) to your centrally located hotel. Our transfer company is Bero Berlin – Eurolimousine, tel. +49 30 456 11 11 from outside of Germany or tel. 030 456 11 11 from within the Country.

VBT provides you with City Information in your Final Travel Booklet that includes information and recommendations on what to see and do Berlin. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city independently. Meals are on your own.

Later in the day, VBT's local Representative is available at the hotel to answer your questions and recommend some activities for the rest of your stay. Your Trip Leaders will have already provided you with a Transfer Reminder. Keep this handy so you'll know when your airport taxi will pick you up on the last day of your extension.

Day 2 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Berlin

Discover this amazing capital of culture and art. An optional walking city tour will be available. This 2 -½ hour program may be booked with your VBT representative upon arrival in Berlin (it may not be booked in advance of travel). The approximate price is 20 euros ($28 USD) per person (with a minimum of 2 people required), and includes the services of our local English-speaking guide. We will pass through Berlin's historical heart, walk towards the famous Museum Island (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), see Germany's Parliament House and the Reichstag, then pass through the Holocaust Memorial Area. Past the New Potsdam Square, we'll stopping at the Topography of Terror to see an original piece of the Berlin Wall. The tour ends at the legendary Checkpoint Charlie. You may then wish to continue on your own to the nearby Jewish Museum, or return to the hotel and take a riverboat tour departing twice daily from a spot near the hotel.

Day 3 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Berlin

Continue your independent exploration of Berlin. You may wish to take one of the hop-on-hop-off bus tours. There are several companies offering these tours, and your VBT representative will give you more information upon arrival.

Day 4 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Berlin Extension concludes/Depart for home

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Please be sure that you are waiting at the designated transfer time and location. VBT recommends that you check your transfer time in your “Transfer Reminder.” The transfer is prearranged by VBT and is prepaid.

Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests.

Note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

Heart of Europe: Bike & Barge Metz to Cochem 2012

Pre and Post Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension

Munich 2012 - 3 nights for only $395

Founded in 1158, Munich has been the capital of Bavaria since 1503. Next to Berlin, it’s Germany’s most popular city, yet it’s small enough to be digested in one visit. It enjoys the added advantage of a great setting, with the mountains and the alpine lakes just an hour’s drive away. The best time to visit is from June through October, when the beer gardens, street cafes and bars are in full swing. The famous Oktoberfest is held on the Theresienwiese fairground starting on the second-to-last Saturday in September and lasting for the next 16 days (September 22 – October 7, 2012).


Available only with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $185.

Post-Trip Extension

Berlin 2012 - 3 nights for only $395

Explore one of Europe’s most influential centers of politics, culture, science and art. Visit the Brandenburg Gate, which served as the gate to East Berlin until 1989. See Rathaus Schoneberg, where John F. Kennedy made his famous speech, “Ich bin ein Berliner.” Journey to The Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 150 museums. Or simply spend time in the city, peeking into trendy boutiques, art studios, cafés and gourmet restaurants in this UNESCO City of Design.

Available only with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $185.

Accommodations

Hotel Laimer Hof

Hotel Laimer Hof, a New Renaissance Villa from the end of the 19th century, is located in a quiet residential area just a few minutes walk from the Nymphenburg Palace and gardens. It is owned and managed by Alexandra and Sebastian Rosch, who also live in the property, and has a very homey feel.

Hotel Le Royal

This luxury property, centrally located in Luxembourg City, has a beautiful garden and is only a few steps from the Old Town and shops. All rooms are spacious, elegant, fully air-conditioned and Internet-ready.

Barge Sailing Home

The Sailing Home is a comfortable, two-deck motor passenger ship featuring 12 twin-bedded cabins, each with private shower and toilet. In service since April 2001, the barge is fully air-conditioned and heated throughout. Inside, the salon and bar are decorated in a modern Victorian style and have a relaxed atmosphere. There is a sundeck available for guests at the bow. Smoking is only permitted outside on the sundeck. The barge moors each night.

Drinks of all types are available for purchase at the bar on board the Sailing Home. It is not customary for guests to bring their own drinks and use the facilities of the barge (including ice, glasses and crew services); your understanding is appreciated. Onboard meal menus are set, though the chef is happy to accommodate vegetarians and those on restricted diets for health reasons.

Hotel Brenner

Located in the Koblenz city center, this family-run property welcomes you with warm hospitality. Rooms are comfortably sized, and most overlook a small, well-maintained garden where you may eat breakfast. Hotel Brenner is stylishly decorated with hand-painted flowers on the ceilings and walls, and antique furnishings.

Art 'Otel Berlin Mitte

Art’Otel Berlin Mitte is a boutique hotel, combining traditional building décor and modern design and architecture. You just might think this fine hotel -- in the heart of Berlin’s Fischerinsel district on the Spree River -- is an Art Gallery, with artworks from Georg Baselitz, one of Germany’s most famous contemporary artists. The outstanding hall is covered with a glass roof and joins the modern wing of the hotel with its 17th century wing. Behind the hotel, the Spree River flows quietly, far from traffic and hustle. Riverside, you’ll find cafés and restaurants. Art’Otel’s boat, moored nearby, transforms into a restaurant for hotel guests in summertime.

Rating Level

Easy

This tour offers easy terrain through the trip. Our VBT support shuttle is available every day at designated waypoints for those who need assistance.