Page 15 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – November/December 2015

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A Glimpse at the Best of Germany
Germany colors its country with a kaleidoscopic of scenes. There are legendary landscapes capped with storybook castles, mountain valleys and broad plains dotted with villages and farms, historic cities rebuilt as cosmopolitan cultural centers, and high-tech hubs around which the country’s new economy spins.
Despite the apparent incongruence between Germany’s various regions and scenes, they are all alike when it comes to having a good time – typically involving good food, good music, and folks dancing in local taverns and beer gardens.
The time of year you visit Germany has an impact on travel planning – there are colorful carnivals in
the spring, spectacular fireworks displays during summertime, and wine and beer festivals in autumn (à la Octoberfest). And if you arrive near the holiday season, prepare to be swept under a magical spell: traditional Christmas Markets are widespread, each bearing hot roasted chestnuts, delicious mulled wine, and a bevy of quality Christmas merchandise and craftwork.
From dining on a cornucopia of regional dishes to visiting sites of fascinating history and culture, you can find so many alluring attractions available on a vacation in Germany. Here are just a few of the many must-visit destinations to include in your Germanic travels:
Berlin: A vibrant metropolis with a laidback atmosphere, Berlin is Germany’s free-spirited offspring; constantly reinventing itself, the city seems to draw inspiration from potential and new ideas. Cafes are constantly packed, it is always happy hour, and its celebrated cultural emphasis continues to attract each new generation of artists, writers and musicians. Delve beneath this vivacious energy, however, and you’ll find somber remembrances of a different time. Berlin was once under Hitler’s thumb, bombed beyond recognition, and engaged in bitter division. Stand witness at the Brandenburg Gate, now a powerful symbol of the reunification of the once-divided country.
Dresden: Home of architectural masterpieces, including the colossal mosaic “The Procession of
the Dukes” on the Royal Palace façade, and the reconstructed Frauenkirche, Semper Opera House and Baroque Zwinger Palace, this city also is a hub in the country’s renowned Autobahn highway network.
Rothenburg-ob-der Tauber: As the most well- preserved town on the Romantic Road, Rothenburg is a medieval snapshot that can plunge visitors back to the 16th century. Narrow cobblestone streets, lined with high-gabled houses, lead the way to the market square dominated by the Renaissance-era town hall. Its old-world ambiance is reason to visit all on its own. While here, seek out a master artisan to learn the history of the traditional pastry Schneebälle (snowball) and ask to taste a sample.
by Craig Haberle, CTC
Munich: Germany’s second city is enticing to influential business folks and European travelers
alike; it is a contemporary collaboration of high-tech industry and bustling beer halls. World-class galleries and museums are major attractions, but Octoberfest is undoubtedly the largest draw – the Olympic Stadium, University, and Victory Arch are must-sees as well.
Neuschwanstein: Visit King Ludwig II’s archetypal fairy-tale castle perched on an alpine hillside. Exuberantly designed and decorated, it is reputed to have inspired Walt Disney’s creation of the castle in his Magic Kingdom.
Oberammergau: Best known as the home of the Passion Play produced every 10 years since 1634, this Bavarian alpine town always features colorfully painted and calligraphically decorated chalets.
River Cruises: Take a day for a river voyage
in Germany to appreciate the importance and romance of waterways in this country. While on a scenic river passage, watch sleepy villages, terraced vineyards, and modern towns seem to slip by.
With expert planning by AAA, your travels need never end!
Lindau: Nicknamed Germany’s “Garden of Eden,” Lindau is a beautiful island in Lake Constance connected to the mainland by a causeway and with shores lined with orchards and vineyards. Stroll through the narrow streets, past old inns and half- timbered houses, to admire the fantastic backdrop of the Swiss
and Austrian Alps.
Heidelberg: As Germany’s oldest and most famed university town, Heidelberg is renowned for its lively atmosphere, half-ruined
and perhaps haunted
castle, giant wine vats, and panoramic views of the Neckar River and Valley. One of the few German cities to emerge from WWII largely unaffected, Heidelberg is
a truly romantic city, with pleasant surprises around every turn.
BEST OF GERMANY
September 8-18, 2016 • From $3,139 per person, double occupancy
Welcome to the journey of cosmopolitan cities, historic old towns and natural scenery. Be captivated by the old world charm of Rothenberg and Nuremberg, the mountain scenery of Bavaria and the amazing rebirth of Dresden to its former Baroque splendor.
INCLUDED FEATURES:
• Free parking with round-trip transfers to Newark International Airport
• Round-trip transfers – airport/hotel • 9 nights hotel accommodations
• Sightseeing as stated in itinerary by
luxury coach
• Service of professional Insight Tour Director • Meals: 9 buffet breakfasts, 4 dinners
• Welcome reception
• All local taxes, hotel service charges &
porterage for one suitcase per person • AAA Group Leader
Join AAA Central Penn for a Special Presentation on February 3 at 2:00 & 6:00 p.m. RSVP: 888-746-4566
For more information or reservations, contact your local AAA Central Penn office.
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