our knowledge & experience...our knowledge & experience at exeter international we have been...
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Our Knowledge & 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.
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.
Authentic & Extraordinary Experiences
Our Extraordinary Experiences are different, unusual, and not something easily googled. We also know how
important it is to remain authentic. Going beyond the obvious is becoming increasingly important to our guests,
and we focus on developing experiences that enrich and enhance both head and heart. We also recognize that the obvious sights are still popular, and we make every effort to skip lines whenever possible, therefore
maximizing time in each destination.
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 offer smooth and
effortless touring in each destination. Our planning is detailed, and we think of everything, including restaurant
reservations. You will also have complete peace of mind on the ground with 24-hour local support.
Quality Vehicles
When we’re doing the driving, we use late-model luxury vehicles, often Mercedes, Audi, BMW, or Volkswagen,
depending on the size of the vehicle you need.
Arrival into Munich, where you will pick up your rental vehicle at the airport.
After receiving your vehicle, plug in your GPS and choose your first destination from the favorites, which is
Kempinski Berchtesgaden; an approximate 2 ½ hour drive away.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery and amenities that surround this 5-star hotel.
Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
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Kempinski Berchtesgaden
Today you will visit the village of Berchtesgaden and the surrounding sites independently. In the Bavarian Alps,
above the Obersalzberg stands the former mountain residence of Hitler. It offers magnificent views across the
snowcapped peaks of the surrounding mountains.
You will drive along the Königseeache, through the lovely valley and picturesque farmland to Unterau you
start your ascent to the Obersalzberg. Here you stop to see what is left of Hitler’s mountain compound and
to enjoy the wonderful panorama (view of Hitler's Eagle's Nest).
Afterwards, head towards the city of Salzburg, Austria nearby for a city walking overview tour. You will meet
your guide in the center of the city. Salzburg's Old Town is world-famous for its baroque architecture and is
one of the best-preserved city centers in Europe.
The Hohensalzburg Fortress, strategically located on a hill overlooking the old town, is one of the largest
medieval castles in Europe. Originally built in the 11th century as a simple bailey with wooden walls, the structure
was gradually expanded and strengthened in the following centuries. Because the fortress never came under a
military siege and was surrendered without a fight to Napoleon’s army, this is one of the best-preserved castles in Europe.
You will also see the Salzburg Cathedral, a 17th-century Baroque building which was the site of Mozart's baptism.
You can also see the Benedictine St. Peter’s abbey, the oldest monastery in Austria. The Romanesque abbey
church, still in use today, was dedicated in the 12th century. Its interiors were refurbished in the Rococo style
in the 18th century. The abbey also houses the oldest library in Austria including 800 ancient manuscripts and
some 100,000 volumes, focusing on medieval church history, art history, and items relating to the local history
of Salzburg.
You will say good-bye to your guide and you will have the rest of your day at leisure.
Guide (3 Hours)
Kempinski Berchtesgaden
After check-out, take a drive with your rental vehicle to the countryside hotel of Schloss Elmau, which is an
approximate 3-hour drive.
Along the way if you wish, stop at the famous King Ludwig castle, Schloss Herrenchiemsee. This castle is located
on an island in the middle of a Bavarian Alpine lake. This castle is based on Versailles in France. King Ludwig had
a fascination with King Phillip XIV, the Sun-god King and wanted to be like him. This castle, like other built during
his reign is incomplete.
There is a small island, Frauenchiemsee, located across from the palace that you can visit a nunnery that was
established in the early middle ages and is still in operation today.
After your visit, take the rest of your drive to Schloss Elmau, a beautiful countryside resort. Enjoy the rest of
the evening at leisure.
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Schloss Elmau
Enjoy your day of leisure deep into the Bavarian Alps checking out the castles left behind by King Ludwig II.
Today you may visit Neuschwanstein, one of the most recognized symbols of Bavaria. It took 17 years and over
6 million Gold Marks to turn “Mad” King Ludwig II’s fantasy into reality. Set in one of the world’s most beautiful
locations, the castle overlooks the idyllic 700-year-old medieval village of Füssen. The views from the castle and
from the nearby town are priceless.
Although the castle is still, to this day, unfinished, the interior is stunning. Neuschwanstein is designed in the
authentic style of old German knights’ castles and is decorated in themes from Wagner’s operas.
The castle is extraordinarily busy all summer long. We avoid lines as much as possible by booking a pre-set
entrance time. Please note you will tour with other participants. You will also have tickets to get to the castle
in the horse and carriage system operated by the castle administration.
If you want to explore more castle, try Hohenschwangau across the valley, which you can see from
Neuschwanstein or Linderhof Castle. Hohenschwangau is where King Ludwig II grew up and Linderhof Castle
is the only palace that he saw to completion before his mysterious death in 1886.
If you do not want to see castle, you may explore the famous skiing village of Garmish-Partenkirchen or Wies
church. It is a UNESCO-protected baroque landmark. Completely unassuming from the outside, the interior of
this church is magnificently decorated and is a highlight of Bavarian rococo architecture.
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Schloss Elmau
After check-out, you will be heading to Munich, the capital city of Bavaria. Head to the rental car drop off point,
which has been programmed into your GPS.
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 your afternoon at leisure.
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Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski
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 first head to Marienplatz (Mary’s Square), which has been Munich’s focal point since it was first laid
in the 1300s. It is here where the famous Glockenspiel Clock can be seen! Next, you may wish to see the
historic Frauenkirche church, whose towers were the only parts that survived the war bombings. It is one of
Germany’s largest Gothic buildings, able to accommodate a congregation of up to 20,000.
Your guide will also take you to Viktualienmarkt, the open-air food market frequented by locals and tourists
alike. It’s a great place to pick up a fresh pretzel for a snack. On your way there, you may want to step inside
St. Peter’s Church, the oldest parish church in the city and referred by locals as “Old Peter”. If you are
interested, you can climb the 300 steps to the tower to enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city center,
reaching as far as the Alps during clear days.
Continue your tour with a stop at Feldherrnhalle – Field Marshals’ Hall, a monumental loggia modeled after
the one in Florence, and mostly known for being the site of the brief battle that ended Hitler’s Beer Hall Putsch in 1923.
You will finally reach the Residenz – the former residence of the Bavarian kings. Restored to its original form
after the bombings of the Second World War, the huge palace complex now contains seven courtyards,
lavish living quarters and several museums, as well as the richly gilded Rococo Cuvilliés Theater. You will see
it from the outside and you will also stroll along Ludwigstrasse, one of the four royal avenues in the city. If
you wish, head to the Englischen Garten, the largest urban park in the world.
Guide (4 Hours)
Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski
Today your driver will meet you in your hotel lobby for your transfer to the airport to meet your departing
flight.
Departure Transfer
Cost of the Program:
For two (2) guests traveling together July 1 – October 31 From $4,250 For four (4) guests traveling together July 1 – October 31 From $3,325
All pricing is per person and based on double occupancy. Airfare is not included. Cost of car rental is not included
and can be quoted separately.
Accommodations
Berchtesgaden
Deluxe Mountain View Room for 2 nights at the Kempinski Berchtesgaden; tax and buffet breakfast
included.
This five-star luxury hotel is beautifully situated in the Bavarian Alps at almost 3300 feet high, featuring a
magnificent view of the mountains. Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden offers 138 modern rooms and suites with
floor-to-ceiling windows to emphasize the views. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
There are two on-site restaurants; fine-dining restaurant Le Ciel’s chef has been awarded a Michelin star twelve
times and serves French cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. In a casual but sophisticated setting, Restaurant
Johann Grill offers regional cuisine that is well-known for its steaks and grill menu. The on-site bar, Kaminbar, is situated in the lobby. Guests can have their cake, snacks, coffee, or liquors while enjoying the spectacular view
through the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows.
Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden also features a wonderful spa, as well as an indoor and outdoor pool.
Deluxe Mountain View Room: Featuring approximately 450 square feet, these rooms accommodate a king
bed or twin beds. They boast a view of Berchtesgaden mountains.
Schloss Elmau
Double Room with Balcony for 2 nights at Schloss Elmau; tax and breakfast included.
Located in the Bavarian Alps, this historic retreat now combines two hotels into one all-encompassing resort.
It has been a hideaway for artists and authors since 1916. Today it has been lovingly restored after a devastating
fire in 2005 and now hosts a large schedule of cultural events annually, all in the beauty of alpine nature.
The hotel has just 123 rooms that have simple décor to let the natural beauty of the surroundings take center
stage. The resort features an expansive spa, 10 restaurants, a library, yoga pavilion and a concert hall. There are
indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
As this is a more inclusive resort, the inclusions here are:
For adults aged 16 and above
• Use of the spas in the Hideaway (the Badehaus & Oriental Hamam are reserved for guests aged 16 and
above)
• The spas in the Retreat are exclusively reserved for guests who are staying at the Retreat (the Adult
Spa is reserved for guests aged 16 and above.)
• Admission to the cultural events
• Breakfast in one of the open restaurants. Retreat restaurants are excluded for breakfast.
• Dinner with a credit for food in our à la carte restaurants of up to 50€ / night / person from age 16.
• Minibar, mineral water and apples in the room on arrival
• Use of Room Service at the prices indicated on the Room Service menu
• Participation in the yoga, fitness, active and sport programs
• Use of high-speed wireless internet, tennis courts and hire of ice skates and toboggans
• Transfer to Klais train station and shuttle bus to the nearby hiking and skiing areas
Double Room with Balcony: These rooms are small and cozy and feature approximately 350 square feet of
space with a balcony that overlooks the Bavarian Alps.
Munich
Grand Deluxe Room for 2 nights at the Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski; tax and breakfast included.
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski is conveniently located in the center of Munich, steps away from the Old
Town in one of the most elegant shopping streets. The hotel itself is traditional in style with a sense of grandeur.
The rooms are modern and tastefully decorated with warm and neutral colors. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available.
There is one gourmet restaurant on site, Schwarzreiter Tagesbar & Restaurant. Recipient of a Michelin star, this
restaurant serves fine Bavarian cuisine with a modern twist.
Head to the Jahreszeiten Bar for an extensive cocktail and champagne list or for some hors d’oeuvres before a
show. Alternatively, indulge in one of the fabulous bakery items on display in the Jahreszeiten Lobby. They also
offer an extensive selection of tea and serve afternoon tea daily.
For guests who enjoy smoking cigars, the Kempinski Cigar Lounge by Zechbauer is open daily and features
powerful smoke extraction systems. No food or drinks are served here.
There is also a wonderful spa situated on the sixth floor, as well as a pool and a fitness center.
Grand Deluxe Room: These rooms feature between 300 and 430 square feet and can accommodate a king
bed or twin beds. Grand Deluxe Rooms offer a view of the street.
Meals
No meals included, other than breakfast as described above. Your final documents will include our top
recommendations. 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.
Car Rental / Parking / Fuel / Tolls
Not Included.
Upgrade Cost: $180 per person, total for two nights.
The Charles Hotel is Rocco Forte’s newest hotel in their expanding Germany portfolio. Located just steps from
the Maximilianstrasse—the main shopping and cultural promenade in Munich—but within the grounds of the
city’s botanical gardens, you could not ask for a better location in central Munich. The Charles Hotel offers 136
spacious and modern rooms, all overlooking either the gardens or the historic neighborhood.
Sophia’s Restaurant and Bar Guests serves gourmet dishes with a botanical theme in a bistro-style setting, and
the bar offers original craft cocktails. Guests may also enjoy afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge in the Library.
The expansive Spa and Wellness Club includes a serene swimming pool and a large fitness center and is perfect
for a spending an afternoon relaxing.
Deluxe Room: Featuring approximately 430 square feet of space., these rooms accommodate one king bed or
two twin beds. Deluxe Rooms offer a small French balcony with views of the Old Botanical Gardens.
Exeter International Travel Information
SELF-DRIVE
All Exeter International self-drive programs include full support throughout your program with our local 24-
hour staff. You have the option of borrowing our GPS (we will pre-load your route) or sending us your own
GPS to program prior to your trip. Upon arrival in your first city, you will also receive the most up-to-date
road map for the region you will drive. Parking instructions, where needed, are included as well as a listing of
common European road signs. Your final documents will also include the basic driving rules for each country,
including speed limits and other information.
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. If 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 $50 -
$60 per day for your guide for a full day of touring. For a half-day, half of this amount is recommended. For
your driver, we recommend $30 - $40 per day for a full day of services. For a half-day, half of this amount is
recommended.
For your airport or station transfer, a gratuity of $10 - $20 is customary, based on service. Dollars, Euros and
any local currency are all accepted. In restaurants, please plan to leave a gratuity in cash (local currency, Euro
or USD). Some restaurants now have a line on the bill for gratuities on a credit card, but, of course, service staff
prefers cash. A tip of about 10% is average.
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 fewer 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 2019. 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
Benjamin Olson