Prague, Oktoberfest in Munich, & Bamberg

September 18 - 28, 2008
(note: this year's trip ends in Bamberg)

$2995 per person, double occupancy -- Land Only
$635 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 festive Munich, to medieval Bamberg, 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. Next we find ourselves in the heart of Bavaria with visits to Brauerei Eck and Ayinger Brewery with an overnight in a traditional brewery guesthouse. Then we head to Munich for the world's biggest festival: Oktoberfest! Two nights in Munich provide time enjoy the festival and explore the capital of Bavaria. Medieval Bamberg, home to ten traditional breweries and infamous smoke-beer, welcomes us for our final 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, and a fine culmination of our trip.

Thursday, September 18
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, September 19
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, September 20
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 brewmaster 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. (B, L)

Sunday, September 21
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, September 22
To Eck, via Plzen, Tour Pilsner Urquell

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 Eck, Germany - tucked away in the hills near the Czech border, and home to a fine brewery guesthouse where we will spend the night enjoying bavarian, food, beer and hospitality. (B, L, D)

Tuesday, September 23
To Munich, via Aying, City Tour, Oktoberfest

This morning we travel to Aying and Ayinger Brewery, home of Bavaria's best-known country beers. After touring their beautiful brewery, tasting some beers, and enjoying a beer lunch paired with their beers, we'll continue to Munich. Upon arrival we'll take a locally guided walking tour of the old town to get oriented and absorb a bit of regional history. Overnight in Munich. (B, L)

Wednesday, September 24
Explore Munich, Oktoberfest

Today is dedicated to Oktoberfest. Pacing is everything... There is also time explore Munich by bike, or visit a few notable beer gardens, before a late afternoon or evening visit to the biggest beer festival anywhere. (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 Eck, followed by an overnight at the brewery guesthouse.

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

The world's biggest festival: Oktoberfest!

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!

Thursday, September 25
Free morning in Munich, Train to Bamberg, Dinner at Schlenkerla Tap Room

This morning is free until our early afternoon rail trip to Bamberg. Upon arrival we'll transfer to our hotel, check-in and then re-gather for a short walk to the Schlenkerla Brewery Tap for a dinner of Franconian fare and smoky beer. Overnight in Bamberg. (B, D)

Friday, September 26
Bamberg Walking tour

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 ten 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. (B)

Saturday, September 27
Bamberg Breweries, Free Time, Farewell Dinner

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. This evening we will celebrate the end of our trip with a farewell beer dinner. (B, D)

Sunday, September 28
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)