WINDING DOWN THE RHINE Food & Wine Tour

22

nd

September – 8th October 2017 17 days $8,600

Journey through beautiful towns along the Rhine River in Germany, stopping at towns like Bonn, the birthplace of Beethoven and quaint but classy Koblenz as well as wine tasting in the Ahr Valley to savour Germany’s Pinot Noir mecca. Busby’s Tours will show you Germany’s historic sites and culinary discoveries accompanied by some of the best wines in Dusseldorf, Bonn, Koblenz, Bacharach, Triberg, Stuttgart & Munich Discover beer halls and shop at markets in beautiful cobblestone towns, meet the winemakers in some of the most breathtaking vineyards as well as a relaxing cruise along the Rhine to enjoy the exquisite countryside All this awaits you and more so don’t hesitate to contact us as our tour groups are small and fill quickly

Busby’s Tours Laiana 0431 990 618 Carol 0405 643 161 Email [email protected] www.busbystours.com Postal PO Box 7015 Toowoon Bay NSW 2261

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Dusseldorf Day 1 : Friday 22nd September On arrival into beautiful Dusseldorf make your way to our historical hotel where you will be met and checked into your room to relax before this evenings meet and greet for drinks and snacks Overnight: Dusseldorf Meals: Snacks (including wine and or beverages) Day 2 : Saturday 23rd September We start the day walking along the beautiful Rhine River on the embankment promenade with its many cafes, restaurants and art galleries. We shall make our way into Old Town (Altstadt) visiting the Castle Tower and Marktplatz. We will then settle into the 'longest bar in the world'. An area with over 260 bars, restaurants and cafes where we can drink the famous Altbier which is brewed from a traditional recipe. This evening dinner will be in the old town where you will enjoy some of the best local dishes. Overnight: Dusseldorf Meals: Breakfast and Dinner (including wine and or beverages) Day 3 : Sunday 24th September Our day will start in one of the oldest and poshest neighbourhoods in Dusseldorf, Kaiserswerth. This area has beautiful buildings and an incredible 13th century Church St Suitbertus. Situated along the Rhine is the picturesque ruins of Kaiserpfalz built in the 10th century and now surrounded by trendy cafes and bars. We will make our way back to Dusseldorf's most elegant shopping street, Konigsallee, bulit in 1802 where you have the opportunity to have some free time to do some shopping. Our lunch today will be amongst historic art galleries and stunning boutiques. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. Perhaps a walk around the 68 acre Hofgarten Park built in 1770 with beautiful meadows and woodlands. Overnight: Dusseldorf Meals: Breakfast and Lunch (including wine and or beverages) Bonn Day 4 : Monday 25th September Our journey south along the Rhine takes us to Bonn, the birthplace of Beethoven. After we have settled into our beautiful hotel we will visit the birthplace of Beethoven. Born in 1770 his house is now a museum with rare and incredible artifacts. We will then make our way to Bonn's market square which is filled with Baroque architecture and Rathaus (old town hall). We will stop for lunch in the market place and marvel at the beauty that surrounds us. The rest of the evening is free for your leisure. We can suggest restaurants for you to enjoy this evening. Overnight: Bonn Meals: Breakfast and Lunch (including wine and or beverages) Day 5 : Tuesday 26th September Today we have a full day of wine tasting in the Ahr Valley. Germany's Pinot Noir (Spatburgunder) mecca. Germany produces breathtaking Pinot Noir but it is very hard to obtain outside of Germany. This will be a fantastic experience where we will be taken through century old cellars and talking with wine makers. We will visit 3 wineries today enjoying lunch in historic vineyards. Once back at the hotel to unload our day's purchases we will dine at one of Bonn's most respected restaurants. Overnight: Bonn Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (including wine and or beverages)

Koblenz Day 6 : Wednesday 27th September Our next stop, Koblenz where the Mosel River flows into the Rhine. A beautiful sight not just for its power but the history of the vineyards that surround it. Our historic hotel will be our home for the next few nights. We will head out to Deutsches Eck "German corner" and marvel at these 2 rivers flow into each other. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You could visit the Basilika St Castor built in 817-836 or wander around the Florinsmarkt a town square dating from the 12 century. Tonight we will have dinner at one of Koblenz most renowned restaurants. Overnight: Koblenz Meals: Breakfast and Dinner (including wine and or beverages) Day 7 : Thursday 28th September Another full day of wine tasting today. We will learn about the 'terroir' of the region which makes its Rieslings the best in the world. Learn from the winemakers why Riesling is such a noble grape and enjoy local cuisine for lunch, surrounded again by breathtaking vineyards. We will visit 4 wineries today allowing us time with the winemakers and to absorb the history around us. The evening is for you to enjoy. Perhaps you may wish to just open one of the bottles you may have purchased or if you want to venture out, our food and wine guide can suggest great places to dine. Overnight: Koblenz Meals: Breakfast and Lunch (including wine and or beverages) Bacharach Day 8 : Friday 29th September We now move onto the 'Middle of the Rhine'. Bacharach is an ancient fortified town sitting right on the Rhine amongst complex historical buildings. You will feel like you are in an old fairy tale in Bacharach. Today we will be 'bar hopping' as we work our way through vinoteque's and old ale houses allowing us to try the wines and beers that have been in this area for centuries. After a rest back at our hotel, tonight we will dine on local, regional cuisine. Overnight: Bacharach Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (including wine and or beverages) Day 9 : Saturday 30th September A private river cruise awaits us today. We will meander along the Rhine astounded by the amazing history and mind blowing landscape. Sipping wine and eating local food as we float through history. Tonight is yours to enjoy the beautiful township of Bacharach. Overnight: Bacharach Meals: Breakfast and Lunch (including wine and or beverages) Triberg Day 10 : Sunday 1st October We head further south today with a stop in Heidelberg famous for its 14th century university and sandstone castle. We will enjoy lunch at a local tavern before we continue our journey to Triberg. On arrival in Triberg situated in the middle of the black forest you can settle into our romantic hotel and relax. Or for those who like to hike, head up to the Triberg waterfalls. Tonight dinner is at one of the Triberg local’s favourites. Overnight: Triberg Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (including wine and or beverages)

Day 11 : Monday 2nd October After a leisurely breakfast this morning we have a private tour in the Black Forest Museum, highlighting the century’s old history of this region. We then visit the World's largest cuckoo clock and the House of 1000 clocks. The rest of the day is for you to enjoy this gorgeous town. We will meet for dinner at another one of Triberg's local eateries. Overnight: Triberg Meals: Breakfast and Dinner (including wine and or beverages) Stuttgart Day 12 : Tuesday 3rd October Today we are off to Stuttgart founded in the 10th century from a stud farm and situated by picturesque hills. We will have a private tour of the Markthalle showcasing local and regional produce. This is the 'supermarket' for most people in Stuttgart. After a few tastings and possible purchases we will visit a few wine bars and enjoy the local vino and beautiful streets of Stuttgart. Tonight we will enjoy the lights of Stuttgart with an amazing dinner in one of the city's best restaurants Overnight: Stuttgart Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (including wine and or beverages) Day 13 : Wednesday 4th October Today is a free day. There is so much to see in Stuttgart depending on what may interest you. There is the Porsche Museum, Mercedes Benz Museum many castles and churches or perhaps a stroll through Schlossgarten established in the 19th century. This evening we will have dinner at one of Stuttgart's most acclaimed restaurants. Overnight: Stuttgart Meals: Breakfast and Dinner (including wine and or beverages) Munich Day 14 : Thursday 5th October After a leisurely drive from Stuttgart we head to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. After we check into our beautiful hotel we will do what Bavarian's do best and hit the beer hall. We will spend the afternoon enjoying Steins and German beer hall food. Meeting locals and feeling like one as well. Overnight: Munich Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (including wine and or beverages) Day 15 : Friday 6th October After breakfast today our private tour takes us around the old town of Munich. We will learn about the history of Munich and its famous landmarks and also areas associated with the Nazi's past. After our tour ends take the time to meander the streets before we meet for dinner at one of Munich's most popular restaurants where celebrities frequent while in Munich. Overnight: Munich Meals: Breakfast and Dinner (including wine and or beverages) Day 16 : Saturday 7th October Today is completely at your leisure. Visit one of the many museums, churches or happily sit in a beer hall and enjoy. At our farewell dinner tonight we can laugh and remember the amazing experiences we have had on this tour Overnight: Munich Meals: Breakfast and Dinner (including wine and or beverages) Day 17 : Sunday 8th October After breakfast your transfer will be waiting to take you to the airport for your flight home or you may be continuing your journey further while in Europe. We say farewell to our travelling companions and wish you all a safe journey home and thank you for sharing Busby’s Tours Germany adventure and hope we see you again in the world of travel. Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions  Visit Castle Tower & Marktplatz in Old Town Altstadt  Visit Longest bar in the world tasting of traditional brew  Walking tour in Kaiserswerth in Dusseldorf to view Church St Suitbertus  Visit birthplace of Beethoven in Bonn  Visit Bonn’s markets  Wine tasting in Ahr Valley visiting century old cellars & meet the wine makers - 3 wineries visited  Visit German corner  Wine tasting of the worlds best Rieslings - 4 wineries visited  Visit fortified town on Bacharach for bar hopping experience  Private river cruise on The Rhine  View Heidelberg’s 14th century university and sandstone castle  Visit Black Forest Museum  Visit the largest cuckoo club and the house of 1000 clocks  Private tour of Stuttgart Markthalle incl food & wine tastings  Visit beer hall in Munich  Tour of old town of Munich  Transfer from hotel in Munich to airport on final day of tour  16 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 11 Dinners  Wine and / or beverages with every meal  Snacks on evening of arrival  Private guide and driver throughout Germany in air conditioned bus or mini van  4 & 5 star accommodation (2 per room share basis or single supplement if required). Unique hotels with more nights accommodation in several hotels allowing a more relaxed feel to your vacation  No early morning rises you are on holidays and we want you to make the most of every destination (you are given a day by day itinerary showing times we leave of a morning when on a day tour or if a flight or other transfer is to be met)  Our tours are designed as a private group we do not have you join large groups of other tourists (this can vary slightly depending on the location and the conditions of the site we visit)  Food & wine guide with us during the tour not only to assist with Busby Tour moments but also when you feel the need to experience something different on your own, our guide is there to assist you  Taxes, surcharges (where part of Busby’s Tours itinerary)  Tips to guides / drivers (where part of Busby’s itinerary)  Tips to waiters (where Busby’s Tours include a meal)  Busby’s Tour Co-ordinators services  Small group tours which is more personal  Max 10 on this tour (early booking is recommended)  Surprise experiences Tips are a gratitude and Busby’s Tours pay for those mentioned above, however if you wish to tip direct to driver / tour guide etc, this would be very welcomed Not Included International flights; items of a personal nature; any items used from hotel mini bars or phone calls from room (you may be required by hotel to leave a credit card for security on your room); passport; laundry; personal transport; excess baggage; travel insurance; meals not specified (all meals are shown on pre departure list that is included on tour); beverages unless specifically described. Optional excursions or activities that may be offered but not included in the tour price.