Our Experience At Exeter International we have been creating memories and crafting custom-designed journeys for 27 years. We are a team of specialists committed to providing the best travel experiences in our destinations. Each of our experts has either travelled extensively on reconnaissance trips, or has lived in their area of expertise, giving us unparalleled first-hand knowledge. Because we focus on specific parts of the globe, we return to the same destinations many times, honing our experience over the years. Knowledgeable Up-to-the-Minute Local Information We are best placed to give you advice about traveling to Europe and beyond; from logistics and new protocols in museums, hotels and restaurants in each country. We are here to expertly guide you through the new normal in travel. Original Custom Programs, Meticulously Planned Our experts speak your language both literally and culturally. Our advice and recommendations are impartial, honest, and always have the individual in mind. We save valuable time in pre-trip research and focus on developing experiences that enrich and enhance your experience. Once on your journey you will have complete peace of mind with our local 24-hour contact person who is on hand to coordinate any changes in your program or help you in the case of any emergency. Hand-Selected Guides We know that guides are one of the most important components of any travel experience. That is why we only use local experts who have a history of working with our guests and whom we know personally. We are extremely particular in selecting our guides and are confident that they will be one of the most memorable aspects of any of our trips. Flexible Deposit We prepay deposits for services so we can access the top guides, the best drivers and maintain preferred partnerships with our partner hotels. Our deposit to confirm services is 25% of the total trip cost. We want you to feel confident to book but also know that we are sensitive to current circumstances. Therefore, 15% of this deposit is refundable up to 31 days prior to departure if you are unable to travel for any reason. 10% of the deposit will be retained as a future travel credit for up to 3 years. Future travel will be priced at prevailing rates. If it is determined that you are unable to travel within 31 days of the start of services, all deposits paid will be converted to a future travel credit, less nonrefundable funds committed on your behalf and tickets such as train or theater tickets. This credit may also be applied to our sister travel companies: Almaz Journeys and Exeter Safari Company. Financial Stability We are proud to be recognized by Allianz Insurance on their list of covered travel suppliers to give you additional peace of mind. Upon arrival into Munich, you will be met by your driver for your transfer to your hotel in the center of the city. Founded as a fortified trade settlement on the bank of the Isar River in the 12th Century, Munich was later granted a monopoly in the salt trade, which was so important in the Middle Ages, thus gradually growing in wealth and importance. In the early 16th century, it became the capital of Bavaria and reached its greatest growth in the 19th Century. Famous for hosting the annual Oktoberfest beer festival, Munich also has a multitude of architectural monuments, excellent historic sights, museums, and shopping. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure. Arrival Transfer BEYOND by Geisel This morning your guide will meet you at your hotel to take you on an overview walking tour of Munich’s Old Town. You will see the Karlstor (Carl’s Gate) which was once part of the city’s medieval fortifications. Further east, you will pass the Burersaal (Citizens' Hall) which dates from the early 18th century and was initially a house of worship for the local Jesuits before becoming a church in 1778. You may wish to see the historic Frauenkirche church. This site was originally occupied by a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, before this new church with the distinctive copper onion domes was erected in the 15th Century. It is one of Germany’s largest Gothic buildings, able to accommodate a congregation of up to 20,000. Nearby is the Marienplatz (Mary’s Square), which has been Munich’s focal point since it was first laid in the 1300s. Originally a marketplace, the square was later used for public events like fairs, proclamations, and executions. It is now dominated by a golden statue of the Virgin Mary atop a column erected in 1638 to celebrate the end of the Swedish occupation of the city. Continuing your walk north of Marienplatz, you will soon reach the historic street Maximilianstrasse which was built to connect the Old Town and the Imperial residence with the river Isar further east. Today, this exclusive avenue is lined by neo-gothic palaces which house, among others, the Schauspielhaus - one of the most important German language theaters in the world; the building of the Bavarian Parliament; and the Museum of Ethnology. The western portion of Maximilianstrasse is known for its designer shops, luxury boutiques, and jewelry stores. To finish your tour, you will visit the Residenz – the former residence of the Bavarian kings and the largest downtown palace in Germany. Restored to its original form after the bombings of the Second World War, the huge palace complex now contains seven courtyards, lavish living quarters which have housed foreign dignitaries, and several museums including the Residenz Museum, the Treasury (Schatzkammer), the richly gilded Rococo Cuvilliés Theater, and the Antiquarium – a large Renaissance ceremonial hall which is also the oldest surviving part of the palace complex. Following this visit, enjoy a tasting tour through Munich’s Viktualienmarkt. Please note: this tour is not possible on Sundays. Viktualienmarkt was originally a farmers’ market that has since expanded to over 140 stalls showcasing all types of local Bavarian treats, delicacies, goods and flowers. The market dates back to the early 1800 and has been a staple for locals ever since. Your guide will point out some of the most famous stalls and dishes, which you can try if you like (food and drinks are payable locally). Enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure. Guide (6 Hours) BEYOND by Geisel This morning, you will be met by your driver in the lobby of your hotel and you will be transferred to a cooking school for private Pretzel Making Class. During this workshop, you will learn how to make the classic Bavarian beergarden food ‘Brezen & Obazda’ or Bavarian style pretzels with cheese spread. You will receive a list of ingredients and instructions. While the pretzels are in the oven, you will learn to make Obatzda to pair with the pretzels. Once everything is done, you will enjoy the fruits of your labor, accompanied by a fresh Bavarian beer (soft drinks, tea, coffee and beer are included). Following your pretzel class, you will be transferred back to the city center and you will meet your local guide for a beer tasting tour through the old town. Your guide will explain the origins of beer, the history behind the Bavarian brewing monks, the famous purity law and the beginning of the beergarden culture while strolling through the most historic part of the city. You will step into the legendary Hofbräuhaus and will visit the Oktoberfestmuseum, located in one of the oldest houses in Munich. It is here where you will enjoy a tasting of Augustiner beers. Later, after some time at leisure, your driver will meet you in the lobby and will transfer you to the Alte Pinakothek to enjoy an exclusive gourmet evening. A historian guide will meet you at the museum to take you on a tour focusing on artwork depicting scenes of food, dining and drinking. You will also discuss these trends and habits through the ages. Following your tour, continue to a local restaurant for a beautifully presented three-course meal (dinner included in the program cost; drinks payable locally). City Transfers (morning and evening); Guide during Beer Tasting Tour (3 Hours); Evening Guide at Museum (2 Hours) BEYOND by Geisel This morning, your driver will transfer you to the Munich train station for your onward train to Berlin. The journey takes about 4 hours; tickets are not included in the program cost and will be quoted separately; please inquire about cost of transfer with private driver. Upon arrival in Berlin, you will be welcomed on the platform by an assistant and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day will be at leisure. Your hotel, Regent Berlin puts you right in the heart of historic Berlin on Bebelplatz. This superb location is just steps from Unter den Linden and all of Berlin’s best sites. You can easily walk to Gendarmenmarkt, one of our favorite squares in Berlin, featuring top restaurants, cafes and boutiques. The hotel is situated in the old Dresdener Bank head office and makes use of the architectural splendor of this historic edifice. You will find features of the original ornate and classical design with a contemporary twist. Enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure. Train Station Transfers (Munich and Berlin) Regent Berlin This morning, your English-speaking guide will meet you to take you on an initial walking tour that will introduce you to Berlin’s fascinating history. Begin with a walk with your guide along Unter den Linden. Berlin's magnificent boulevard and the centerpiece of the Old Berlin, Unter den Linden leads from the Schlossbrücke Bridge to Pariser Platz at the Brandenburg Gate.