10-Night Signature Vacation

This one-of-a-kind exclusive trip will include all ground transportation in Germany, 5-Star luxury accommodations in Andernach, Baden-Baden and Munich, local tours and excursions to see historic sites such as the Eagle’s Nest and the Cathedral in Cologne, golf at Platz am Jakobsberg, private beer and wine tastings, VIP Oktoberfest tent experiences, breakfast every morning and, last but not least, a fabulous memorable experience.

LODGING AND ITINERARY

Andernach
September 20 – 22
PURS Luxury Boutique Hotel & Restaurant (5-Star Resort and Spa)

Welcome to the world of PURS Fine Hotels & Restaurants, where quiet luxury meets extraordinary architecture and an unforgettable experience is created. The unique design of the boutique hotel will transport you to a world of aesthetics and unique hospitality. Every detail is carefully selected to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that touches your senses. Breakfast is included each morning to start our busy day.

Andernach is one of Germany’s oldest towns, dating back to Roman times. It was a substantial Roman settlement and later a significant medieval town. The town has several well-preserved medieval structures, including the Old Crane (Alter Krahnen), the Round Tower (Runder Turm), and remnants of ancient Roman fortifications. The ruins of Andernach Castle, built in the 12th century, provide a glimpse into the town’s medieval past. 

Start the trip with a six-course gourmet dinner and wine pairing at PURS fine dining restaurant. We’ll enjoy private tours along the Rhine River, including lunch and wine tastings. We will stroll through the heart of town Rudesheim, ride on the cable cars to Niederwalddenkmal, and enjoy a wine tasting and estate tour of Schloss Vollrads. On our final day in this beautiful area, you can choose to either play a round of golf at Platz am Jakobsberg (von Haribo) or take a guided tour in Cologne to visit the Cathedral, local hot spots and brewery tours with tastings included.

Baden-Baden
September 23 & 24
Brenners Park – Hotel & Spa (5-Star Resort)

Brenners Park – Hotel & Spa, located in the heart of the picturesque, cosmopolitan town of Baden-Baden, presents itself as an oasis of beauty surrounded by enchanting parkland. Tradition and modern elegance connect with unparalleled spa experiences in the legendary grand hotel. Breakfast is included each morning.

On our way to Baden-Baden, we will stop at Heidelberg for a tour of this beautiful little town, which will include a castle tour and wine tasting from the largest wine barrel. We will spend the following day in Baden-Baden, enjoying private tours of the town and relaxing at the Caracalla Thermal Bath, ending the day at a casino. 

Munich
September 25 – 30
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski (5-Star Hotel)

At our last stop, we will enjoy a centrally located 5-star luxury hotel. For more than 125 years, Kempinski has been welcoming guests to spectacular destinations in the most stunning style. The very epitome of luxury, the brand is passionate about creating and crafting rich, meaningful and memorable experiences for every guest. Breakfast is included each day.

On our way to Munich, we will enjoy a private transfer through the Black Forest, stopping to shop at a local Cuckoo Clock workshop. We will stop for a private tour of the Lichtenstein Castle, where we will enjoy lunch at Forellenhof Rossle, enjoying breathtaking views of the castle. 

September 26: We will visit the World War II and Educational Center Dokumentation Obersalzberg. The bunkers at the Obersalzberg Documentation Center are a significant part of the visit. These underground complexes were constructed to provide shelter and secure facilities for the Nazi leadership during World War II. The bunkers were intended to be a last line of defense in case of an attack and were equipped with various amenities to sustain the occupants for an extended period. We will then head to the Eagles Nest, which has breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps, and on clear days, you can see as far as Salzburg. The historical aspect: while the building itself is now a restaurant, the site offers a glimpse into World War II history. You can see the rooms where Hitler and his associates once gathered. 

September 27: We will enjoy a morning at leisure to explore Munich. In the afternoon, we will head to the Schottenhamel beer tent. The Schottenhamel tent is one of Oktoberfest’s oldest and most famous beer tents in Munich, Germany. It has a long history, dating back to 1867, and is known for being the tent where the official opening ceremony of Oktoberfest takes place. The Schottenhamel tent holds a special place in Oktoberfest tradition. It is where the Mayor of Munich taps the first keg, signaling the official start of the festival. Once the keg is successfully tapped, the phrase “O’zapft is!” (“It’s tapped!”) is shouted.  We will then head to a private pretzel workshop at Bäckerei Neulinger in Munich. It will be a wonderful and authentic experience for those looking to dive into traditional Bavarian culture. Bäckerei Neulinger is known for its dedication to craftsmanship and quality, making it an ideal location for a hands-on culinary workshop.

September 28: You can enjoy a morning at leisure or take a walking tour to discover Munich’s history. Meet vendors at the food market, discover unknown traditions in the beer halls, and experience Munich up close. You also have the option to visit the Memorial Site of Dachau with a private driver and guide. The Memorial Site, on the grounds of the former concentration camp, was established in 1965 on the initiative of and in accordance with the plans of the surviving prisoners. Since then, the Memorial Sites have served as an international place of learning and remembrance for future generations. Meet your private guide for a tour through the Memorial Site, including the permanent exhibition, and get a deeper insight of a cruel instrument to suppress opponents of the Nazi regime. 

The final stop of the day with be at the Schützenfestzelt, or “Rifleman’s Tent,” a prominent beer tent at the Oktoberfest in Munich. It’s known for its traditional Bavarian atmosphere and ample, open space. The tent is named after the Schützenfest, a traditional German marksmen’s festival. Inside the Schützenfestzelt, visitors can enjoy hearty Bavarian food, live music and, of course, plenty of beer served in traditional steins. It’s a favorite among both locals and visitors to the Oktoberfest. 

September 29: Choose between:
Visit Garmisch

Visiting the Zugspitze — Germany’s highest peak — during the fall is an extraordinary experience that combines stunning alpine landscapes, outdoor activities and the chance to enjoy breathtaking views without the cold of winter. Once at the top, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of the Alps, spanning four countries — Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland — on a clear day. The summit viewing platform offers a breathtaking vantage point, with a sea of mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. You will then head to the Partnach Gorge, which was declared a natural monument in 1912. It will cast its spell on you with its wild waterfalls, water rapids and tranquil water basins. Once upon a time, visitors trying to walk through the gorge risked their lives, but nowadays, two safe paths are available. If you are not afraid of heights, the iron bridge, 

with its height of nearly 70 meters, offers fascinating perspectives. The more comfortable track through the gorge runs right next to the water. This path was used by lumberjacks, hunters and rangers in the past. From here, the roaring waters are within reach.

Visit Famous Castles

First, we will head towards Hohenschwangau, where the famous fairytale castle, Neuschwanstein Castle, of King Ludwig II is located. It is one of the most visited and photographed sights throughout Germany. The idyllic castle was constructed in 1869 on behalf of the shy and eccentric King Ludwig II, who had this castle built to escape public life. With its medieval design, furnishing, decoration and artwork, it served the king to escape real life and to be part of a poetic dream world. After his passing in 1886, the castle was opened to the public. Walt Disney visited this place and used it to inspire the castles of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty in Disneyland. Then we will head to the Linderhof Palace, a French Rococo-style palace inspired by Versailles itself and surrounded by immaculately manicured gardens. The surrounding park was completed between 1870 and 1880, and designed by Carl von Effner. Surrounding the palace are imitation baroque gardens, terraces and cascades in the Italian Renaissance style.

Please contact Brianna Botine for more information.

Brianna Botine is the Director of Membership & Lodging at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. She can be reached at bbotine@cordilleraranch.com and 830.336.9162.