Wagner in Bavaria

Arrive at the airport! Your Encore Tour Manager will meet you at the airport. Board your private motor coach and transfer into the city. Today, entrance is included to the Albrecht Dürer House. Enjoy a dinner and welcome orientation with your tour manager this evening.

In the morning, enjoy a walking tour to view the Zeppelintribune at the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, followed by a look at the Palace of Justice, where the infamous Nuremburg war trials were held from 1945 to 1949. Then visit the Nuremburg Documentation Center, a museum that provides socio-political context for the Nazi reign of terror, with commentary given via audioguide. Freen afternoon to explore Old Town. Tonight, enjoy the city’s famous Rostbratwurst, small grilled bratwurst sausages with sauerkraut!

In the morning transfer to Bayreuth, home to the famous Bayreuth Opera Festival and Wagner’s final resting place. Upon arrival, learn about Richard Wagner as your local guide takes you on a walking tour through the pedestrian area of Bayreuth where you will see and hear stories of Wagner’s life, music, and important role in this town and in Germany’s music history. Entrance is included to the Wagner Museum.

Today’s sightseeing tour is packed with musical activities. First, visit the Steingraeber & Söhne for a tour of their piano factory. Learn how pianos are built and one lucky participant may have the opportunity to play on a piano formerly played by Franz Liszt! Continue on to the Liszt Museum to explore. Next stop is the Festspielhaus, an opera house which design was adapted and overseen by Wagner himself. After free time for lunch and leisure, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the town. A group dinner will follow.

Depart this morning for Munich, stopping en route to visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial. This former prison camp actually was not one of the “death camps” but is still a vivid reminder of Nazi atrocities during World War II. Participate in a discussion about the rise of the Nazi Party and learn why every Munich school child must also visit this poignant site. In Munich, refuel with a pretzel tasting followed by an evening visit to the Olympic Park.

The word Gemutlichkleit means coziness, hospitality, warmth, and welcome. Dive right into this Bavarian way of thinking on a guided city sightseeing tour of Munich. Discover the Rococo style Nymphenburg Palace, the famous Glockenspiel in Marienplatz, and stroll through the Viktualienmarkt. In the afternoon, enjoy free time at your leisure to explore the city and pick up last-minute souvenirs. Reconvene for a final dinner together!

Return to the U.S.