/June2011

European Escapes June 2011 Package June 7-17

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

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

Tuesday, 7 June

Activity: Time:

Welcome to Germany!

12:00 Bus departs Munich International Airport for Garmisch* 15:15 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 ight 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 Wednesday, 8 June

Activity: Time:

Explore Garmisch-Partenkirchen 6:30 - 8:30 Breakfast at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort 9:30 - 13:30 Garmisch-Partenkirchen City Tour & Alpspitze Lunch 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. Later you will head up the Gondola to the Alpspitze - the second highest peak in the Garmisch Valley to enjoy lunch. You can also experience a stunning panoramic view of the Alps from the Alpspi-X, a viewing platform stretching out over a 3,280 foot drop!

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Itinerary

Thursday, 9 June

Activity: Time:

Italian Wine and Shopping 6:30 - 8:30 Breakfast at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort 7:30 - 20:00 Italian Wine Tasting Tour 17:00 - 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 inuences. Your ďŹ rst 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

Friday, 10 June

Activity: Time:

King Ludwig’s Palace 6:30 - 8:30 Breakfast at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort 9:00 - 14:30 Linderhof Palace Tour 17:00 - 22:00 Dinner at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort (not included)

Visit the beautiful summer home of crazy King Ludwig. Resting in a secluded forest surrounded by mountains, tour the inside of this opulent palace along with the gardens and learn even more of Ludwig’s strange antics. Afterward you will visit Oberammergau, home of the world-renown Passion Play Theatre. Peruse the beautifully handcrafted wood decor and detailed frescos of this fairy tale town before returning to Garmisch.

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Itinerary

Saturday, 11 June

Activity: Time:

Sensational Salzburg 6:30 - 8:30 Breakfast at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort 7:30 - 20:00 Salzburg City Tour 17:00 - 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.

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Itinerary

Sunday, 12 June

Activity: Time:

King Ludwig’s Castle 6:30 - 8:30 Breakfast at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort 8:30 - 17:00 Neuschwanstein Castle Tour 17:30 - 22:00 Dinner at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort (not included)

Tour the most recognized and visited castle in all of Germany - Neuschwanstein. After a scenic drive through Austria you will travel up to the infamous structure and learn of the Mad King’s life while discovering his opulent taste. On the way back to Garmisch you will visit the Wießkirche, a pilgrimage church of the Baroque/Rococo style, and the Ammertal wood carving shop for an opportunity to purchase beautifully handcrafted ornaments and decor.

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Itinerary

Monday, 13 June

Activity: Time:

Free Day 6:30 - 10:00 Breakfast at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort 17:00 - 22:00 Dinner at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort (not included)

The day is yours! Stroll through the Marienplatz, have a gelato and enjoy the beautiful weather. Perhaps a trip up to Germany’s highest peak - the Zugspitze - is in order?

Tuesday, 14 June

Activity: Time:

Ludwig’s Secluded Getaway 6:30 - 8:30 Breakfast at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort 7:30 - 20:00 Herrenchiemsee Palace Tour 17:00 - 22:00 Dinner at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort (not included)

Your second taste of King Ludwig’s opulent living style is in his Herrenchiemsee Palace. After a drive to Chiemsee, you will take a short boat ride to the island housing this magnificent creation. Modelled after Versailles, this palace was built as a "Temple of Fame" for King Louis XIV of France, whom the Bavarian monarch fervently admired.

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Itinerary

Wednesday, 15 June

Activity: Time:

Berchtesgaden 6:30 - 8:30 Breakfast at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort 7:30 - 20:00 Eagle’s Nest Tour 17:00 - 22:00 Dinner at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort (not included)

A birthday present for Adolf Hitler’s 50th birthday, the Kehlsteinhaus (or Eagle’s Nest) is now a restaurant with breathtaking views of the Obersalzberg valley. After visiting this historic site you’ll have time for lunch and shopping in the nearby town of Berchtesgaden.

Thursday, 16 June

Activity: Time:

Free Day 6:30 - 10:00 Breakfast at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort 17:30 - 22:00 Farewell Dinner at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort

The day is yours! Purchase those last minute gifts, take those last photographs or just relax after a week of eventful sightseeing and exploration. Then join us that evening for a wonderful farewell dinner to relive memories of a picturesque 10-day tour.

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Itinerary

Friday, 17 June

Activity: Time:

Auf Wiedersehen!

5:15 - 6:00 Check-out 5:30 - 6:00 Breakfast at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort 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 11

The European Escapes March 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 • “Auf Wiedersehen” gift upon departure • Transportation from Garmisch to Munich International Airport via private bus

Transportation

Getting around during your visit Transportation via private coach from Munich International Airport to Garmisch on 7 June and from Garmisch to Munich International Airport on 17 June is included within the package. The bus option is available on 7 June if you arrive by 1130 hours. Only available for arrivals and departures out of Munich International Airport.

If you choose to arrive before 7 June or depart after 17 June 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.

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Reservation Information

$2,100 for singles (one person in a room) $2,700 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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