Explore the Wonders of Germany Tour

Day 1: Friday, May 29, 2026 – Depart the U.S.

• We begin our journey with an overnight flight from Des Moines to Cologne, Germany. Excitement builds as we prepare to explore the culture, landscapes, and flavors of western and southern Germany together.

Day 2: Saturday, May 30, 2026 – Cologne

• After landing at Cologne-Bonn Airport, we head into the city and meet our local guide for a walking tour of Cologne’s historic center, including a visit to the stunning Cologne Cathedral—one of Europe’s most iconic Gothic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We then enjoy a light lunch at a local café or tavern before exploring more of the Old Town, with its cobbled streets, Roman ruins, and scenic Rhine riverfront. After checking into our hotel and freshening up, we gather tonight for a special welcome dinner at Früh am Dom, a classic Cologne beer hall, where we toast with Kölsch beer and savor hearty regional dishes. Lunch and dinner included.

Day 3: Sunday, May 31, 2026 – Mainz

• After breakfast, we follow the scenic Rhine River, flanked by vineyard-covered hills and castles above storybook villages. We pass through charming towns like Boppard, St. Goar, and Bacharach, stopping to explore as time allows. In Braubach, we visit the well-preserved Marksburg Castle for a taste of medieval history, and stop at a vineyard to sample crisp Rieslings and other cool-climate whites. As the sun sets, we arrive in Mainz for dinner and a glass of local wine or beer. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 4: Monday, June 1, 2026 – Stuttgart

• After breakfast, we step back in time with a guided tour of Mainz’s historic Old Town and the impressive Mainz Cathedral. A highlight is the Gutenberg Museum, where we learn about the invention of the printing press and its impact on faith and the spread of the Gospel. After free time for lunch, we travel south through the scenic countryside to Stuttgart and enjoy dinner featuring traditional Schwäbisch cuisine. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 5: Tuesday, June 2, 2026 – Stuttgart

• This morning, we step into the future with a visit to the Mercedes-Benz Factory. Witness German engineering at its finest as we get a behind-the-scenes look at how world-class automobiles are made—an experience that blends precision, creativity, and innovation. After the morning’s exploration, enjoy the afternoon at your own pace: stroll Stuttgart’s vibrant shopping streets, sip coffee at a sidewalk café, or unwind in one of the city’s beautifully landscaped parks. Dinner is on your own tonight, giving you the chance to discover Stuttgart’s diverse culinary scene—from cozy traditional taverns to modern European cuisine. Breakfast included.

Day 6: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 – Ulm

• As we depart Stuttgart for Ulm, we enjoy views of rolling countryside and the Danube Valley. In Ulm, a local guide leads us through the charming old town with its narrow lanes, half-timbered houses, and the impressive Ulm Minster. We then visit Barfüßer Hausbrauerei to sample beer and learn how Germany’s brewing traditions are evolving. After free time for lunch or further exploration, we head to Autenried Brewery for a behind-the-scenes tour and insights from master brewers. We end the day with check-in at our Ulm hotel and dinner. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 7: Thursday, June 4, 2026 – Munich

• Today we travel southeast to Munich, where Bavarian culture and history come alive in its cobbled streets. Upon arrival, a local guide leads us on a walking tour featuring Odeonsplatz, the Residenz, the Opera House, and Marienplatz—arriving just in time to hear the Glockenspiel chime. After free time for lunch at the Viktualienmarkt, known for its mouthwatering local fare, you can either explore more of Munich on your own or take a reflective visit to the Dachau Memorial Site. We gather this evening for dinner at Weisses Bräuhaus im Tal, where traditional dishes and local beer complete our day. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 8: Friday, June 5, 2026 – Munich

• We start the day with a hearty Bavarian breakfast at Augustiner Klosterwirt, surrounded by warm wood, brass taps, and the scent of fresh pretzels, Weisswurst, and sweet mustard. Then we leave Munich for the lakeside town of Herrsching. Once there, we have two options —some of us opt for a serene boat ride across Lake Ammersee, letting the wind and water carry us toward tranquility. Others lace up hiking boots for the forest trail to Kloster Andechs, winding through shade and birdsong on our way to a spiritual and culinary landmark. Later we reunite at the Kloster Andechs, perched above the countryside, we reunite over a traditional dinner in the monastery’s beer garden including the monks’ own Andechser beer before returning to Munich for the night. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 9: Saturday, June 6, 2026 – Würzburg

• Today we drive north to Freising and visit Weihenstephan, Brewery, the oldest continuously operating brewery in the world, where we explore the roots of monastic brewing with a guided tour through its historic halls and modern facilities. After a casual lunch on our own in Freising’s charming town center, we continue onward to Bamberg, a jewel of medieval architecture. Here, we gather at Schlenkerla, the famed brewery that has mastered the art of Rauchbier, a unique smoked beer that’s unlike anything we’ve tasted before. It’s bold, complex, and unmistakably Bamberg. We end the day in Würzburg, where the evening is free to enjoy dinner on our own, perhaps with a glass of local Franconian wine. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 10: Sunday, June 7, 2026 – Eisenach

• We begin with a walking tour of Würzburg, taking in baroque landmarks like the Residenz Palace and the stone bridge over the Main River, with hillside vineyards reminding us we’re in wine country. By midday, we head into Thuringia, arriving in Eisenach to visit the Lutherhaus, where Martin Luther once lived, and the Bachhaus, birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach. The day is filled with music, reformation, and deep cultural roots. In the evening, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sharing stories of faith, music, and heritage over regional dishes. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 11: Monday, June 8, 2026 – Frankfurt

• Our final full day begins with a visit to Wartburg Castle above Eisenach, where Martin Luther translated the New Testament and history was made. After enjoying the breathtaking views and free time for lunch—perhaps sampling local Thuringian Bratwurst—we drive to Frankfurt. Tonight, we gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate friendships and the rich cultural journey before overnighting at a Frankfurt Airport Hotel. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 12: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 – Return

• The time has come to say goodbye as we transfer to Frankfurt Airport, our hearts full and suitcases heavier with mementos and local treasures. Boarding our flights, we carry lasting memories of cathedrals, castles, forest hikes, lakeside breezes, cozy taverns, and countless shared toasts. This journey has been more than a tour—it’s a story we wrote together. Breakfast included.

TOUR COST: $5,869* per person
Includes Air from DSM
*Price is based on a minimum of 25 paying participants, double occupancy

Single supplement = $1,250

Your Tour Includes:

• Estimated Roundtrip airfare of $1550 from Des Moines to Cologne and return from Frankfurt, related taxes and fees
• Land Transportation via private deluxe air-conditioned motor coach
• Accommodations (double occupancy) in superior three and moderate four star hotels
• Meals per the itinerary, including one soda, beer or glass of wine with lunch and dinner
• Services of a professional tour manager
• Local step-on guides for city tours and major attractions
• Admission to all activities indicated in the itinerary except those listed as optional
• Luggage handling of one piece per person at hotels where available
• All taxes and tips for provided services including tour manager and coach driver
  
  Your Tour Does Not Include:
• Meals not indicated on itinerary
• Beverages, except with breakfast
• Items of a personal nature such as passport fees. (Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond return date.)
• Optional insurance for health, baggage and cancellation. (This insurance is available and offered by Ed-Ventures.)

Payment Schedule
Deposit with registration: $500 per person
Second deposit, due Dec. 31, 2025: $500 per person
Final payment due Feb. 28, 2026: Balance per person

Invoices will be sent out prior to final payment. Passengers may add after this date subject to air and land availability. Generally airlines do not increase the price of a ticket after it has been contracted. However, prior to the issuance of a ticket, airlines may (and regularly do) impose fuel, tax, or security surcharges. In the event a surcharge is imposed after Ed-Ventures has received a final payment, Ed-Ventures will send an additional invoice for the surcharge amount. Early registration is encouraged.

Currency
Currency exchange rates fluctuate constantly. In the event of a significant drop in the value of the dollar, we reserve the right to add a currency surcharge to the price of the tour.

Refund/Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be in writing. The date of the postmark will determine the amount of refund due. Refunds are based on the number of days prior to departure date. From the time of deposit to 120 days before departure a $100/person administrative fee plus any airfare & land penalties will be assessed. From 119-46 days, a $300/person cancellation penalty plus lost airfare deposits and any unrecoverable deposits to ground suppliers will be assessed. Airline tickets once purchased are non-refundable. Anyone canceling less than 45 days prior to departure will receive no refund.

Purchase of health, baggage, and trip cancellation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended.

We reserve the right to cancel this trip due to lack of subscription. In the event of cancellation of the trip in its entirety, a full refund of all deposits will be made to passengers enrolled at the time of cancellation. Tour price is based on the value of the dollar and the cost of airfare and is subject to change without notice. Extensions are usually available, but must be requested when booking the tour. Any changes in airfare booking may result in a processing fee. It may be possible, that due to unforeseen events, conditions, or changes in airline schedules, the land portion of the trip may be extended or shortened. Any savings realized by such occurrences will be refunded, however any extra expenses incurred must be borne by the client. Trip cancellation insurance is available. This low-cost protection can save you money if you are forced to cancel or alter your trip for a medical reason only. You will be mailed trip cancellation insurance information with the brochure or upon receipt of your deposit.

Responsibility: Ed-Ventures, Inc., their officers and employees, tour hosts, or any other persons or vendors connected with the tour shall not under any circumstances accept liability, provide refunds or pay compensation where the performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected, or you otherwise suffer any loss, injury, death, inconvenience or damage as a result of circumstances amounting to “force majeure”. This means any event or circumstances which we or our suppliers of the services in question could not foresee or avoid. Such events and circumstances may include, acts of God, actual or threatened, war, insurrection, riots, strikes, civil action, decisions by governments or governing authority, technical or maintenance problems with transport, changes of schedules or operational decisions of air/transport carriers, terrorist activity or the threat thereof, industrial action, natural or nuclear activity, epidemic, pandemic, illness, physical injury, quarantine, medical or customs or immigration regulation, delay, or cancellation, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events outside our control.

Due to COVID-19, we reserve the right to adjust the tour in order to follow the guidelines and policies set by the CDC and the local governments.

The airline(s) concerned are not held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on their planes or conveyances. The passenger’s contract in use by the airlines concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and the purchaser of this tour and/or passenger. Any and/or all transportation companies herein mentioned shall not have nor incur any responsibility to any traveler aside from their liability as common carriers. Air and land costs are subject to change without notice. Air transportation is via special, non refundable airfare. Any additional airfare assessments made by the airlines for any changes whatsoever shall be the responsibility of the client. Other rules may also apply. Services of any A.R.C. or I.A.T.A. carrier may be used in conjunction with this tour. If there is a change in air prices and/or currency exchange rates, we reserve the right to adjust prices.

I grant Ed-Ventures, Inc and its agents the right to take photographs and videos of me during the tour and any meetings related to the tour before or after the tour. I authorize Ed-Ventures Inc, its assigns and transferees to copyright, use, and publish in print and/or electronically.

I agree that Ed-Ventures may use such photographs or videos of me with or without my name for any lawful purpose, including publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web content.

This shell was published by Ed-Ventures, Inc. Photographs do not necessarily represent sites visited on the tour. 7.14.25 Land & est.

Ed-Ventures, Inc.
Air 308A Elton Hills Dr NW
Rochester, MN 55901
(507) 289-3332 • (800) 658-7128
FAX: (507) 281-9747
www.ed-ventures.com