/April2011

European Escapes April 2011 Package April 17 - 27

Vacation Planning Center Monday-Friday CET 8:00 - 18:00 hours (011-49) 8821-9440 from USA

Willkommen

Willkommen!

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Edelweiss Lodge and Resort oers military retirees and their spouses the vacation of a lifetime in one of the most spectacular settings in Europe. Our full-service European Escapes package includes a personal meet and greet at Munich International Airport, private bus transportation to all destinations, a ten night stay at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort and professional guided tours. Our goal is to provide our guests with a safe, exciting and memorable experience in and around the charming town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. The combination of superb facilities, eager-to-please sta and spectacular location allows retirees to focus on having a great time while we take care of the rest.

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Itinerary

Sunday April 17

Activity: Time:

Welcome to Germany!

12:00 Bus departs Munich International Airport for Garmisch* 15:00 Welcome Reception at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort

You will arrive at the Munich International Airport and be greeted by an Edelweiss Lodge and Resort representative. Enjoy some time to mingle with your fellow retirees and stretch your legs after the long flight before boarding a private coach bus en route to Garmisch. During the drive, watch as the majestic mountains begin to form around you before arriving in the stunning Garmisch-Partenkirchen valley with the highest mountain in all of Germany right at your feet - the Zugspitze. The rest of the afternoon is yours to get checked-in, unpack and relax before attending the Welcome Reception and dinner at the resort. *Please see page 10 for additional information on travel arrangements Monday, 18 April

Activity: Time:

Explore Garmisch-Partenkirchen 6:30 - 9:00 Breakfast at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort 9:00 - 13:00 Garmisch-Partenkirchen City Tour 17:00 - 22:00 Dinner at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort (not included)

Spend the day getting acquainted with your new home for the next ten days. Your guide will point out historic buildings, murals, churches and more throughout this charming town. Learn the history of Garmisch, peruse the Marienplatz pedestrian zone and enjoy free time to explore and grab a bite to eat in one of the quaint restaurants along the way.

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Itinerary

Tuesday 19 April

Activity: Time:

King Ludwig’s Linderhof Castle / Ettal Monastery 6:30 - 8:30 Breakfast at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort 9:00 - 17:00 Linderhof Castle & Ettal Monastery Tour 17:00 - 22:00 Dinner at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort (not included)

The summer home of crazy King Ludwig rests in a secluded forest surrounded by majestic mountains. Tour the inside of this opulent palace along with the gardens and learn of Ludwig’s strange antics. Afterward you will visit the Ettal Monastery to view the exquisite basilica. You will have an opportunity to purchase some of the monk’s famous home-made beers and liqueurs.

Wednesday 20 April

Activity: Time:

Riedel Glass Blowing Tour 6:30 - 8:30 Breakfast at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort 7:30 - 20:00 Glass Blowing Tour 20:00 - 22:00 Dinner at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort (not included)

Visit the famous Austrian Riedel Glass Factory and learn about the age old tradition of wine glass blowing which started in Bohemia over 250 years ago. Seeing, hearing, smelling, feeling and tasting. See how glassmakers create a “Sinnfonie” from versatile materials and learn how to choose the right glass for the right wine.

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Itinerary

Thursday 21 April

Activity: Time:

Salzburg City Tour 6:30 - 7:30 Breakfast at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort 7:30 - 20:00 Salzburg City Tour 20:00 - 22:00 Dinner at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort (not included)

You will be traveling to the beautiful city of Salzburg, Austria. You’ll pass by the main attractions such as the St. Peter’s Monastery and Catacombs, Cathedral Square, Mozart’s house and the famous Getreidgasse. You’ll learn about the town’s history and the folklore that makes Salzburg so unique.

Friday 22 April

Activity: Time:

Overnight Trip to Lake Constance 9:00 - 12:00 Depart from Edelweiss Lodge and Resort on an overnight tour of Lake Constance and beautiful Bregenz

Bregenz is located on the northern edge of the Alps and rests on Lake Constance, the third largest fresh water lake in Europe. Check out the beautiful sunset from the water’s edge.

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Itinerary

Saturday 23 April

Activity: Time:

Boat ride and tour of Meersberg Castle 8:00 - 17:00 Boat ride to Meersburg Castle 17:00 depart for Edelweiss Lodge and Resort 20:00 arrive Edelweiss Lodge and Resort

Meersburg is famous for its charming medieval city. The Meersburg Castle was originally built in the 7th century and is located on a rocky outcropping with a dominating view of the Lake Constance. One of Germany’s most celebrated poets spent the last eight years of her life in the castle. One of the most charming cities on the lake, with many lake side restaurants and a wonderful pedestrian shopping district and endless views of the lake.

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Itinerary

Sunday 24 April

Activity: Time:

Easter Sunday 6:30 - 8:30 Breakfast at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort Free Day in Garmisch 17:00 - 22:00 Dinner at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort (not included)

Monday 25 April

Activity: Time:

Italian Wine Tour 6:30 - 7:30 Breakfast at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort 7:30 - 20:00 Italian Wine Tour 20:00 - 22:00 Dinner at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort (not included)

The Brenner Pass into Southern Tirol is a beautiful drive through the Italian Dolomites. Your guide will share the unique history of this multi-cultural region of Austrian and Italian influences. Your first stop will be in the artistic city of Brixen, Italy for sightseeing, exploration and shopping. Afterward, head to the Kalterersee for a quiet lakeside lunch before touring a local winery and tasting a selection of authentic Italian wines.

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Itinerary

Tuesday 26 April

Activity: Time:

Free Day 6:30 - 8:30 Breakfast at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort 17:00 - 22:00 Farewell Dinner at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort

The day is yours. Get in those last few sights of Garmisch, get your souvenirs or just lounge around and enjoy the picturesque mountain setting. That evening join your fellow retirees in a Farewell Dinner at the resort to celebrate the fun and relive the memories during your visit.

You will also be presented with a special “Auf Wiedersehen� gift.

Wednesday 27 April

Activity: Time:

Auf Wiedersehen!

5:15 - 6:00 Check-out and load bus 6:00 Bus departs Garmisch for Munich International Airport*

We sincerely hope you enjoyed your time here in Garmisch and wish you safe travels. *Please see page 10 for additional information on travel arrangements

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What is Included 9

The European Escapes October Retiree Package includes the following: • Transportation from Munich International Airport to Garmisch via private bus • Welcome Reception on the day of your arrival • 10 nights in a standard room at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort • Breakfast each morning • Special European Escapes tours given by professional guides • Overnight stay in the Mercure hotel in Bregenz Austria http://www.accorhotels.com/de/hotel-0799-mercure-bregenz-city/index.shtml • “Auf Wiedersehen” gift upon departure • Transportation from Garmisch to Munich International Airport via luxury bus

Transportation 10

Getting around during your visit Transportation via private coach from Munich International Airport to Garmisch on 17 April and from Garmisch to Munich International Airport on 27 April is included within the package.

The bus option is available on 17 April if you arrive by 1130 hours. Only available for arrivals and departures out of Munich International Airport.

If you choose to arrive before 17 April or depart after 27 April there is a complimentary train option available. These alternate arrangements can be made by contacting European Escapes prior to your arrival. During your stay, all transportation to and from tours is provided via private coach.

Reservation Information

$2,200 for singles (one person in a room) $2,950 for couples (two people in a room) To reserve your spot on this special European Escapes package, please contact our Vacation Planning Specialists: Monday-Friday CET 8:00 - 18:00 (011-49) 8821-9440 from USA If you would like to receive additional information prior to booking, please contact: escapes@edelweisslodgeandresort.com or call (011-49) 8821-944-4105 from USA

• The European Escapes package does not include dinner or airfare in the total price.

• The itinerary is subject to small changes (including inclement weather). A finalized schedule will be provided to you upon arrival.

• All retirees and their guests are eligible to participate in the European Escapes packages.

• Packages are based upon two adults. Retiree ID Card holders may sponsor a maximum of three rooms.

• A $500 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of reservation. Once we sell 10 packages, you will receive an email to purchase your plane tickets. In the event we don’t have enough participation, 60 days out we will cancel the trip and refund your deposit. These trips rarely ever cancel due to their popularity.

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