Night 1 & 2: Hotel Nassauer Hof Wiesbaden Wiesbaden, Germany The elegant, five-star Hotel Nassauer Hof richly deserves the designation of Grand Hotel. Superbly located in the center of sophisticated Wiesbaden, this is a luxury hotel in every sense of the term. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, this historic hotel has been welcoming kings, princes and dukes for almost two centuries. Combining tradition and modern design, spacious guest rooms feature soundproof windows that can be opened for fresh air, air conditioning, mini bar, remote-control TV with cable and satellite channels, wireless LAN, bathrooms with bathtubs, bathrobes and cosmetic mirrors. The natural hot spring that first attracted the Romans to the spot still fills the thermal baths in the fifth-floor spa that looks out over the rooftops of Wiesbaden, and the sun-filled fitness room offers cardio equipment. The hotel and its two restaurants have long been famous for fine cuisine served in opulent surroundings. The Nassauer Hof Bar is the perfect place to end the day with a nightcap beside the crackling fire as you listen to gentle strains of music floating in the air.
Night 3 & 4: Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe Bühl, Germany Perched atop a mountain overlooking the Rhine River and the Black Forest, this grand, Baroque castle-style hotel is reputed to be one of the finest spa hotels in Germany. Spacious, beautifully decorated guest rooms welcome you with such appreciated amenities as color TV, mini bar, private safe and wireless LAN. The Wellbeing & Spa area is noted as a “Leading Spa of the World.” Indulge yourself with a dip in the lovely indoor pool or a soak in the whirlpool surrounded by marble columns. The well-equipped fitness area is the place to keep up with your workout routine. Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe can satisfy every culinary craving, from the gourmet French cuisine served in the Gourmet-Restaurant Imperial to the selection of regional and international specialties served against a backdrop of beautiful Black Forest views in the Schlossrestaurant. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the homemade cakes served in the Espresso-Lounge or linger over a nightcap in the elegant Apropos Bar or the stylish Van Dyck drawing room. You’ll see for yourself why this distinguished hotel has been a favorite of many celebrities seeking the tranquility of its remote and beautiful landscapes.
Night 5 & 6: Hotel Maximilian Oberammergau, Germany Located close to the theater built especially for the Passion Play in Oberammergau, the five-star boutique, chalet-style Hotel Maximilian will house only Tauck guests during our stay in this charming village. In a deftly created atmosphere that combines simplicity and luxury using the finest materials and modern furnishing, guest rooms offer a contemporary ambiance. All rooms feature balconies, flat-screen TV, mini bar and in-room safe. The Spa Area, called “a kingdom for body and spirit” encourages relaxation with a sauna, steam bath, special showers and a tranquility room. St. Benoît, the Hotel Maximilian’s gourmet restaurant, offers cuisine prepared with the freshest ingredients and designed to suit contemporary tastes with a Mediterranean influence. The Beer Garden, with great views of the Ammergau Alps and sheltered by lovely old trees, is a wonderful place to take a break and enjoy a freshly drawn Maxbräu brew.
Night 7 & 8: Bayerischer Hof Munich, Germany One of The Leading Hotels of the World, the sumptuous Bayerischer Hof first opened its doors in the heart of Munich in 1841 at the request of King Ludwig I, who wanted a comfortable place for his guests to stay; the finest hospitality has been a tradition at the Bayerischer Hof for over 160 years. You’ll instantly feel at home in a large, comfortable guest room equipped with all the amenities that today’s sophisticated travelers expect. Set high above the roofs of Munich, the Blue Spa is the ideal place to work on your fitness level or just relax on the Pool & Sun Terrace while you enjoy beautiful views out over the city. Former Mr. Universe, Ralf Moeller, carefully chose the state-of-the-art fitness equipment in the Fitness Studio, where you’ll find everything you need to put together your own exercise program. If you’re yearning for Bavarian specialties, beer right from the keg or a really great pretzel, the Palais Keller is just the spot. Or, perhaps you’ll choose to dine at the Garden-Restaurant with its Mediterranean atmosphere and South-Sea-inspired cuisine. Enjoy an aperitif or a nightcap in Falk’s Bar in the famed Spiegelsaal (Mirror Hall), the only room in the Bayerischer Hof that survived World War II unscathed; or enjoy the view of the city from the Blue Spa Bar & Lounge. If neither of those alternatives appeals to you, the hotel has four other distinctive watering holes from which to choose.
Night 9: Hotel Elephant Weimar, Germany The sophisticated Hotel Elephant has been a landmark rendezvous site for statesmen, intellectuals, artists and poets for over 300 years. Located on the historic marketplace in the heart of Weimar, all the most famous sights of this “city of the classics” are within walking distance. The first thing that you’ll notice when you enter the lobby is a remarkably carved spiral staircase that is truly impressive. Each spacious, individually styled guest room features a mini bar, cable TV channels, DVD/CD player, in-room safe, bathrobes and slippers, hair dryer and deluxe bath amenities. The Anna Amalia restaurant has earned a coveted Michelin star and was voted one of the ten best restaurants in Germany by the leading German gourmet magazine, Der Feinschumecker. The Elephant Bar is a pleasant place to linger as you enjoy views of the city. The hotel’s art collection, which includes works by Fretting, Baselitz and Elvira Bach, is a highlight.
Night 10 & 11: Hilton Dresden Dresden, Germany The Hilton Dresden is ideally located in the heart of this historic city, next to the famed Frauenkirche on Bruehl’s Terrace; the diverse museums of the world-renowned Zwinger and the Semper Opera House are nearby. Its lively, contemporary atmosphere ensures an enjoyable stay. Generously sized guest rooms have large windows, air conditioning, wireless Internet access, cable TV and in-room movie channel, coffee maker, bathroom amenities and bathrobes, hairdryer, mini bar and safe. Both the Fitness Room and the swimming pool are available during leisure time. The Bierhaus Dampfschiff, decked out like a steamship to include an upper and lower deck, is the place for hearty German home cooking and local Radeberger beer. For a light snack, head for Bistro Ecke Frauenkirche or indulge your sweet tooth with local cakes at the outdoor Café Vis-à-vis. A nice selection of local wines and beers can be found in the underground Wettiner Keller, which once served as a crypt.
Night 12 & 13: The Westin Grand, Berlin Berlin, Germany The Westin Grand, Berlin is well-situated amidst the city’s historical center and close to such famous landmarks as the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz, and the Pergamon Museum. In a city where location is key, the excellent location of The Westin Grand, Berlin is the perfect complement to its old-world charm and modern elegance. Comfortable guest rooms feature the signature Westin Heavenly Bed®, air conditioning, TV with remote control and cable channels, iron and ironing board, coffee maker, in-room safe, mini bar, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer and telephone with international direct dialing. During leisure time, relax at the fitness center with its whirlpool, sauna, swimming pool and solarium or keep up with your exercise program in the Westin WORKOUT® Gym. The Relish Restaurant & Bar features contemporary cuisine and the Lobby Lounge and Bar is the perfect place for a quick nibble during the day or cocktails in the evening.