/September2011

European Escapes September 2011 Package September 16-26

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.

2

Itinerary

Friday, 16 September

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 Saturday, 17 September

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!

3

Itinerary

Sunday, 18 September

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.

4

Itinerary

Monday, 19 September

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.

5

Itinerary

Tuesday, 20 September

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?

Wednesday, 21 September

Activity: Time:

Discover Munich 6:30 - 8:30 Breakfast at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort 8:30 - 17:00 Munich City Tour & BMW World Museum 17:00 - 22:00 Dinner at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort (not included)

Explore the capitol of Bavaria - Munich. You’ll pass by the grounds of the world-famous Oktoberfest held every year, tour the Rathaus town hall and experience the time-honored tradition of the Glockenspiel play clock chiming with dancers, jousters and knights in the Marienplatz. Then see the Hofbräuhaus, one of the cities oldest and most famous breweries before touring the Residenz to view the crown jewels of Munich’s past royalty. You’ll also tour the BMW World - a fascinating look into the making & styling of these German-famous autos.

6

Itinerary

Thursday, 22 September

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)

Discover 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.

7

Itinerary

Friday, 23 September

Activity: Time:

Italian Wine Experience 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.

8

Itinerary

Saturday, 24 September

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.

9

Itinerary

Sunday, 25 September

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.

10

Itinerary

Monday, 26 September

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

11

What is Included 12

The European Escapes September 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 16 September and from Garmisch to Munich International Airport on 26 September is included within the package. The bus option is available on 16 September if you arrive by 1130 hours, the bus leaves promptly at noon. Only available for arrivals and departures out of Munich International Airport.

If you choose to arrive before 16 September or depart after 26 September 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.

13

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

14

• 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.

• You will receive an e-mail confirmation from our Vacation Planning Center once you make your reservation. Once we sell 15 packages you will be charged a $500 non-refundable deposit and you will receive a confirmation letter for the package tour. At that time we suggest purchasing your plane tickets. If we do not sell the 15 packages you will receive a notification 60 days out that the tour package has been cancelled.

We have a 30-day cancellation policy if you still choose to vacation with us.