June 25, 2004 -- Germany is leading some of its continental counterparts in several areas of tourism lately, offering in addition to the old standby of the Romantic Road and Rhine River cruises, the exciting ambience of the new Berlin and rock festivals. But a look at some samples we have today will attest that traditional sightseeing still has its charms.
Gate 1 Travel, as usual, has one of the lowest excursion prices you can imagine. They are offering an Eight-Day Fly/Drive & Save package to Germany, starting from just $359 this fall. Included are roundtrip flights from New York City to Frankfurt, and seven days of car rental in an economy manual shift (like an Opel Corsa or similar), with unlimited mileage. Departures at $359 are from November 1 through December 16 and again from December 25, 2004 through March 10, 2005. If you wish to travel between September 8 and October 31, 2004, the price is $439. You can upgrade to an automatic car for $210 extra. Prices are based on midweek departures. Not included are airport taxes and security fees. Contact Gate 1 Travel at www.gate1travel.com or at 800/682-3333.
If castles and manors are to your taste, check out Celtic Tours' package that starts from just $899 out of New York, with four nights' lodging "at an authentic German castle or Manor Home" with continental breakfast and a rental car for five days with unlimited mileage and tax included. This low price is for the period September 1 through December 10, 2004. For June and August 2004, the price is $1,079. Car rental does not include CDW, theft insurance or local car rental taxes. Phone 800/833-4373 or visit www.celtictours.com.
Still relatively unknown to the majority of US visitors is Dresden, the city of the Zwinger Old Masters Gallery. Through General Tours, you can spend three nights here in the superior first class Hilton, located on Bruhl's Terrace next to the famous Frauenkirche, or in the deluxe Kempinski Taschenbergpalais, built by August the Strong in the 18th century and recently completely restored. Both are in the heart of this historic city. Prices start at $799 including airfare from New York City, with daily buffet breakfast. Tours available from now through April 2005, the lowest price being for the period November 2004 through March 2005. Optional extensions are available to Berlin, Prague, Warsaw and Cracow, from $299 and up. More information at www.generaltours.com or by phoning 800/221-2216, e-mail info@generaltours.com.
Finally, get out of the cities and visit the charming towns of other parts of Germany with United Vacations. One good deal is a three-night stay in marvelous old Heidelberg (at the Marriott there), with prices from New York or Boston starting at $899 per person, based on double occupancy. These rates are valid from September 1 through October 31, 2004. Check out other packages available at www.unitedvacations.com or phone 800/328-6877.
Note that in none of the packages mentioned above are airport/security fees and taxes included. Other departure cities are available on all these deals, as well.
