Today you will disembark in . You will meet your driver for your transfer to your hotel.

The cultural capital of is located on the river where , and Switzerland meet. Basel has also created for itself a contemporary edge as the host of Art Basel held annually in June.

Basel has some of the best museums in the country, such as Kunstmuseum, the Fondation Beyeler, the Museum Tingely and the Vitra Design Museum. It has stunning narrow and hilly cobblestoned streets, small boutiques and art galleries. One of the highlights of Basel’s old town is Mittlere Brücke (Middle Bridge), the oldest crossing on the Rhine.

Upon checking in at your hotel, Les Trois Rois, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Arrival Transfer

Les Trois Rois

Option One: Today you will meet your guide to explore the beautiful and ancient city of Basel. Lying near the borders of France and Germany, Basel has become the cultural capital of Switzerland and is located right on the river Rhine where all three countries meet. Basel has also created a contemporary edge as the host of Art Basel, featuring over 4,000 artists and being held annually in June.

On your tour today, your guide will first lead you across the bridge to Little Basel. After a short walk you will take one of the Basler ferries that cross the Rhine with only a steel cable and the currents to assist it. Please note that the steps up and down to the dock are very steep. You will also see one of the highlights, the Mittlere Brücke (Middle Bridge), the oldest standing crossing of the Rhine.

From there, you will continue to explore the Old Town. Your guide will show you the Basel Münster, one of the most famous landmarks in Basel. Walk through the narrow and hilly cobblestoned streets and make sure to stop at one of the fountains and taste the fresh water!

Next, you will visit Fondation Beyeler via public transportation, one of the most important museums in the country. Situated in a beautiful park, this elegantly built museum offers wonderful views of the surroundings through the large, panoramic windows. Fondation Beyeler features the Beyeler’s vast, private classic modern and contemporary art collection, including works by Matisse, Picasso, and Dumas, in rotating exhibits. Temporary exhibitions change regularly. Afterwards, you have the rest of your day at your leisure.

Guide (6 Hours)

Les Trois Rois

Option Two: Today you will board the train for a day trip to Zürich, the largest city in Switzerland. Upon arrival, you will meet your guide for an overview tour of Zürich’s Old Town. Train tickets are not included and will be quoted separately.

Walk through the winding, narrow cobblestone streets of Zurich’s historic Altstadt, or “Old Town”. Along the way, your guide will point out historic homes and guild halls, some of which have existed since the 1400s. Then, take to Neiderdorfstrasse, a pedestrian-only neighborhood that runs parallel to the river for nearly a mile and a half through the heart of Old Town to the iconic twin-spired Grossmünster Church.

Cross the river back to Fraumünster Church, built on the remains of a former abbey for women founded in 853. Built in 1898 and renovated in 1911, this Romanesque parish church with its distinct Tiffany Blue spire dominates the skyline in Alstadt. Walk inside with your guide to view the five large stained-glass windows designed and installed by March Chagall in 1970. Each window depicts a Christian story in his own unique style, all designed with one dominant color that radiates light through the choir hall in a rainbow-like array.

Later, enjoy a walk along Banhofstrasse, Zurich’s main downtown street and spiritual heart of the city. This promenade, lined with some of the best shopping Europe has to offer, stretches from the Zurich’s main train station all the way to the banks of Lake Zurich.

Return to Basel for an evening at leisure.

Guide in Zurich (4 Hours)

Today you will meet your driver for your transfer to Baden Baden, located about 2 hours away. Your journey will take you along the river Rhine, and pass cities such as Freiburg and Strasbourg. Upon arrival, your driver will take you straight to the beautiful Brenners Park Hotel, where you will spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Baden Baden is known as the “summer capital of Europe” – an elegant spa resort-town, it was once the favorite vacation spot for the European aristocracy and still remains as one of the most beautiful and exclusive cities in Germany. Its abundance of green spaces, thermal baths and cultural offerings makes it a fabulous destination!

Transfer Basel to Baden-Baden

Brenners Park

Today, you will meet your guide in your hotel lobby for your overview walking tour of this picturesque town. Make your way through the park along the River Oos to your first stop, the Frieder Burda Museum. This beautifully designed museum showcases the collection of modern art from Frieder Burda, the famous German artist.

Continue your walk along Lichtentaler Allee towards Trinkhalle (Baden-Baden’s Pump Room). If you wish, you may first stop by the Kurhaus, Baden-Baden’s casino and spa-resort, that is situated along the way. Next, stroll along the Trinkhalle and marvel at its imposing pillars and murals. Before making your way back to your hotel, we recommend strolling a bit further along the Lichtentaler Allee to enjoy the beautiful park and gardens along this 2.2-mile-long avenue.

The remainder of your day will be at leisure. We suggest spending the afternoon relaxing and pampering yourself at one of the thermal baths of Baden-Baden, such as Friedrichsbad or Caracalla Therme. If you’re interested, you could also visit the Roman Bath Ruins underneath the Römerplatz.

Afterwards, you can spend the rest of your afternoon at your leisure.

Guide (4 Hours)

Brenners Park

Today you will pack your bags and meet your driver for your journey to Frankfurt, stopping in Heidelberg along the way. Upon reaching Heidelberg, you will meet your guide for an overview tour of its beautiful historic city.

One of Germany’s most beautiful towns, Heidelberg is a cultural center and it is where the country’s first university was established in 1386. Due to French invasion, the medieval constructions of the city were destroyed in the late 17th century and were later rebuilt in a Baroque style. Your guide will show you one of the landmarks of the city, the Heiliggeistkirche, which is the town’s older sanctuary. Continue through the Market Square to the Alte Brücke, or Old Bridge, an imposing construction over the Neckar River built in the late 1700s – the bridge was also destroyed, this time during WWII, and was later completely rebuilt.

Afterwards, you may want to walk to the top of the Heidelberg Castle, where you will be rewarded with wonderful views over the valley. The castle is a vast residential complex which is now mostly in ruins, but that once was one of Germany’s most beautiful renaissance constructions.

If time allows, your guide will be happy to take you to the Philosophenweg (Philosopers’ Walk), located near your hotel and built in 1817 on the slopes of one of the city hills. The views from here over the city are magnificent.

In the afternoon, continue your journey towards Frankfurt.

Optional: Once you have checked into your hotel, your guide will meet you for an overview tour of Frankfurt. You will get to see the highlights of the banking capital and learn about its history, including how the city was badly damaged during World War II and had to be reconstructed. Please inquire for cost if this tour is of your interest.

Transfer via Heidelberg; Guide in Heidelberg (3 Hours) Optional: Frankfurt Guide (4 Hours); City Transfers

Rocco Forte Villa Kennedy

Today upon checking out of your hotel, you will meet your driver for your departure transfer to the airport.

Departure Transfer

Cost of the program:

Based on two (2) guests traveling together: From $6,250 per person

Based on four (4) guests traveling together: From $4,750 per person

Accommodations Basel One Double Room Classic Style for 2 nights at Hotel Les Trois Rois; tax and breakfast included.

This Grand Hotel was founded in 1681, rebuilt in 1844, and is among the oldest of city hotels in Europe. This is reflected in the opulent and ornate interior design, with furniture that is original but beautifully kept up. Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is the only 5-star property in Basel and boasts the best location in the city, centrally located in Basel’s Old Town overlooking the Rhine. The new building, a former bank, was added to the hotel 180 years ago, and features rooms that are decorated in the Art Deco style.

There are two restaurants on site. As a recipient of three Michelin stars, Cheval Blanc is a fine dining restaurant serving French haute cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian infusions. The Brasserie Les Trois Rois offers French and Swiss dishes prepared with the freshest local ingredients. Both restaurants feature stunning views over the river Rhine.

At the Bar Les Trois Rois guests may indulge in exclusive and innovative cocktails, as well as delightful hors d’ oeuvres and live piano music. Guests who enjoy smoking may visit the cigar bar, Salon du Cigare.

Double Rooms Classic Style: Featuring approximately 345 square feet, these rooms are decorated in the Classical style with rich colors. These rooms can accommodate a king bed or twin beds and offer a city view or a view over the Rhine river.

Baden-Baden One Deluxe Room for 2 nights at the Hotel Brenners Park; tax and breakfast included.

This beautiful, 5-star grand hotel offers 104 rooms and suites. Brenner Park-Hotel & Spa was first opened in 1872 and is peacefully situated in a lush park near the river Oos. The hotel boasts an imposing façade and a classic, elegant, and luxurious interior.

Brenners Park offers a variety of restaurants. Fritz & Felix serves sophisticated, authentic comfort food and have adopted a “sharing” concept. Locally sourced ingredients are used here, as well as at the Wintergarten. At this restaurant, floor-to-ceiling windows open up to the terrace, and modern French cuisine is served. Rive Gauche also features glass walls, but specializes in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisine. The hotel houses two bars and a cigar lounge as well.

Guests should not miss the expansive spa, situated in the historic Villa Stephanie next to the hotel. It features a Roman-styled pool and a plunge pool, as well as a hammam and saunas. There is also a small fitness center available for guests.

Deluxe Room: These rooms offer approximately 535 square feet of space and accommodate a king bed or twin beds. They feature a lounge area, as well as a balcony with views of the park.

Frankfurt One Deluxe Garden View Room for 1 night at the Hotel Rocco Forte Villa Kennedy; tax and breakfast included.

Originally a family home built in 1901, this beautiful villa was entirely renovated and transformed into a 5-star luxury hotel. The hotel was renamed after John F Kennedy’s visit in 1963 to Frankfurt. It offers 163 contemporary rooms and suites, which are individually decorated with neutral colors. Villa Kennedy’s interior features an elegant blend of modern and traditional décor. The villa is situated close to several museums and the south bank of the River Main. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the property. Villa Kennedy offers one fine-dining restaurant on site. Restaurant Gusto uses fresh, regional ingredients to prepare authentic Italian cuisine. In the summer months, guests may choose to dine in the garden as well. At the on-site bar, JFK Bar, guests may enjoy afternoon tea, as well as a variety of signature cocktails in the evening. The wonderful Villa Spa boasts an indoor pool, sauna and steam room, and fitness center.

Deluxe Garden View Room: Offering approximately 375 square feet, these rooms accommodate a king bed or two twin beds. They feature a view of the beautiful Villa Garden.

Meals No meals included, other than breakfast as described above. Our top recommendations for restaurants are included. Your guides will recommend restaurants that fit your exact needs daily.

Services Private vehicle, driver and guide at your service as described. The timing for each day is noted in your program. Exeter International’s local offices are available for your assistance 24 hours per day while you are traveling. Our local staff may also assist you with restaurant reservations and purchasing of additional theater and museum tickets at your request.

Transportation Transportation is included as noted. Unless otherwise noted, all transfer service is with a driver only, not a guide. In general, drivers have limited English-speaking skills. Timing for each day is noted in your program.

Guides Hand chosen for their knowledge on local history, art, and architecture. Guides are at your disposal as noted in your itinerary.

Tickets All entrance tickets as described in the program.

BAGGAGE The vehicles reserved for your itinerary can accommodate up to two medium-sized suitcases per person. If you intend to travel with additional luggage, please advise your travel consultant so appropriate arrangements may be made. In general, we schedule a sedan for parties of two, a minivan for parties of three to four, and a minibus for parties of five or more.

SIGHTSEEING Sightseeing arrangements have been made with your special interests in mind. Your drivers and guides are at your disposal as indicated in the itinerary. Within those time and mileage guidelines, you are free to modify your program as you please. Should you require additional time or mileage, the costs will be quoted on request and may be paid for locally in the local currency or U.S. Dollars.

Every effort has been made to confirm that scheduled sightseeing venues will be open at the time you plan to visit them. However, individual estates, museums, gardens and other points of interest can change their hours of operation at short notice. In the event that a particular attraction is closed on the day or time of your visit, your guide will offer alternative arrangements or rearrange your sightseeing to accommodate these unexpected events.

OPTIONAL EXPENSES Charges for extra meals, transport, sightseeing services or other optional additions to your established itinerary are your responsibility and must be paid locally in the local currency.

GRATUITIES Gratuities are not included in your tour price. Gratuities are at your own discretion. We recommend $30 per person, per day for your guide and $15 per person, per day for your driver. For your airport or station transfer, a gratuity of $20 is customary, based on service. Dollars, Euros and any local currency are all accepted.

DINING WITH YOUR GUIDE On days when dinner and lunch costs have not been included in your itinerary (or in your tour cost), you may, at your discretion, choose to invite your guide to dine with your party. You are under no obligation to do so but, if you do extend such an invitation, the guide is your guest and you will be responsible for the cost of his/her meal.

Booking Conditions PAYMENTS Exeter International must receive a deposit of 25% of the total program cost before reservations for your independent travel program can be initiated. The balance of payment is due 60 days prior to departure. No reservations are made on your behalf until this deposit has been received. Availability and pricing is subject to change until this deposit is received. All deposits are nonrefundable.

CANCELLATION Written cancellations received less than 60 days prior to departure are subject to the following forfeit of tour cost: • 59–14 days prior to departure, 50% of total tour cost • 14 or less days prior to departure, 100% of tour cost

REFUNDS We regret that refunds cannot be issued for arrangements confirmed on your itinerary but unused once your tour has begun.

INSURANCE Exeter International strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance to protect your investment. You will find insurance costs noted on your invoice and insurance coverage information in your original booking packet.

PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS Once an itinerary is finalized and final payment has been made, a $100 revision fee will be charged if the itinerary is changed.

The tour price includes planning, handling and operational charges. Rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars on the current rate of exchange and tariff as of 2020. Exeter International reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. Devaluation of a foreign currency will be weighed against any tariff increases imposed. Exeter International does not breakdown costs involved in any Small Group or Individual Travel Program.

All arrangements are subject to availability and modification if necessary. Prices are subject to change if necessary until paid in full.

Exeter International www.exeterinternational.com 111 South Dakota Avenue | Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone: 813 251 5355 | 800 633 1008 | Fax: 813 251 6685