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Great Cathedrals of France and Germany
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 Explore some of the most beautiful church architecture in the world, Gothic, Baroque, Alsacian, all filled with exquisite works of religious art and located in picturesque and scenic settings. The magnificence of these buildings sustains a vibrant Catholic culture in two great countries. INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS
Air
Roundtrip flights from New York area airport with transfers to and from Paris and Frankfurt. Accommodations
8 nights in superior tourist class hotel Meals
Breakfasts daily plus 8 dinners Also included
Daily Mass, professional tour escort, porterage Tour Highlights
Visit Paris, Strasbourg, Worms, Colmar, and Mainz Optional excursions to Chartres or Lisieux Learn about Alsacian architecture and monastic orders |
| Details | | Regina Tours | | Offer valid through 11/2/2009 | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | New York | New York : We depart on our international flight to Paris. | | Day 2 | Paris | Paris : Arrive in Paris, "City of Lights" and transfer to our hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure for time on our own to relax or explore. This evening we gather at a lovely restaurant in France's capital city for a festive welcome dinner. (D) | | Day 3 | Paris | Paris : Following breakfast we visit the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, one of the world's most famous Gothic cathedrals built in the 13th century, Sainte Chapelle, a jewel of radiant beauty built by King Louis IX to house the "Crown of Thorns" and a fragment of the True Cross (no longer housed here). This afternoon, enjoy a panoramic bus tour of Paris, viewing highlights of this city, the Champs Elysees, Arc de'Triomphe, Eiffel Tower as well as the Louvre Museum. (B, D) | | Day 4 | Paris | Paris : Enjoy the day at leisure in Paris. Optional excursions are available at additional cost. Lisieux - While visiting the sites associated with St. Therese, discover the magnificent Basilica dedicated in her honor. Though a more recent structure than the many grand cathedrals in Paris, it is a wonderful representation of the devotion and spirituality that inspires such architectural art. Return to Paris for overnight. Or Chartres - Venture outside of Paris to the city of Chartres and its cathedral, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture and a Marian Shrine. Its towering spires, delicate carvings and colorful stained-glass windows have inspired many in prayer and reflection. We explore the medieval district of Chartres with some free time, followed by a visit to the International Stained Glass Center, with wonderful examples of this art form. Here learn about the process of creating stained-glass windows. Return to Paris for dinner and overnight. (B, D) | | Day 5 | Strasbourg | Strasbourg : Today we leave Paris and head east to Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, near the French-German border. Upon arrival in Strasbourg, check into our hotel and savor a typical Alsatian dinner at a charming local restaurant. (B, D) | | Day 6 | Strasbourg | Strasbourg : Strasbourg is a cosmopolitan city that serves as the capital of the European Union. Its cathedral of red Vosges sandstone was begun in 1176 and took four centuries to complete. Learn about Alsatian architecture, monastic orders, and French coronation rituals. We explore the Strasbourg Cathedral, towering over Strasbourg's old town, as well as the quaint "Petite France" quarter with its half-timbered houses, wooden footbridges and cobble-stoned alleys. Drive to Colmar to view the treasured Issenheim Altar, one of the greatest masterpieces of German painting, the work of famed artisit Matthias Grunewald. (B, D) | | Day 7 | Worms | Worms : This morning we cross from Alsace into Germany. Our first stop is Speyer, where we explore the town and visit the Imperial Cathedral, with its foundation forming a Latin cross. The cathedral was built by the emperors, designated their last resting place and is therefore nicknamed "Kaisderdom." Eight German emperors and kings, including King Rudolf of Habsburg, are buried in the Cathedral's crypt. Enjoy some free time before heading to Worms for dinner and overnight. (B, D) | | Day 8 | Worms | Worms : Situated on the Rhine, Worms is one of Germany's oldest towns and the setting for Martin Luther's defense of his religious doctrines before the Diet (Assembly) of Worms in 1521. The cathedral, dedicated to St. Peter, is the oldest Romanesque structure in Germany. (B, D) | | Day 9 | Mainz | Mainz : We leave Worms heading north along the Rhine River Valley to the city of Mainz. Stop to view the lovely Baroque interior of the Mainz cathedral. In 1450, Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in the city of Mainz, which became an intellectual center for several centuries. In Bingen learn about Blessed Hildegard von Bingen, a monastic leader, mystic, author and respected healer. Our touring ends in Koblenz, with a city tour and visit to the Liebfrauenkirche, Church of Our Lady. Enjoy a festive farewell dinner and overnight in Koblenz. (B, D) | | Day 10 | New York | New York : Transfer to the airport for return flight arriving the same day. (B, L) |
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