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 TM
THERE'S MORE TO MUNICH
THAN BEER AND BREWERIES
Discover “The Belle of the Bavarian Alps”
It is for good reason that Munich is dubbed "The
Belle of the Bavarian Alps." Along with the beer halls and breweries that
cater to Oktoberfest throngs and lederhosen-clad locals, the friendly and
spotlessly clean city also is well known for great palaces and churches and for
its baroque and flamboyant rococo architecture.
It is a city of lush parks and gardens, grand
boulevards, and enchanting fountains. It is cosmopolitan chic, fashionable and
fun loving---a vibrant metropolis with elegant shopping along the magnificent
Maximilianstrasse. Munich is a city that many Germans value as a fine place to live
and relocate there in large numbers.
Munich also appeals to those who enjoy the music of
Mozart, Wagner, and Richard Strauss. They'll find it performed by the estimable
Munich Philharmonic Orchestra at the massive Gasteig Cultural Center. In fact,
Munich is one of Germany's major cultural centers with 41theaters, 44 museums
and collections, and countless galleries. Its National Theater is home to the
internationally renowned Bavarian State Opera and Bavarian State Ballet.
In the heart of the city, you'll discover a Bohemian
university district where Thomas Mann, Rainer Maria Rilke, and other writers
and artists once lived. Visitors also delight in the Glockenspiel, a large
carillon with 43 bells and revolving figures that play at posted times. Beyond the
city center, wide boulevards and avenues flanked by trees and gardens sweep
down to the swift Isar River.
Headquarters for your visit is the Hotel Vier
Jahreszeiten on Maximilianstrasse. Its magnificent 19th-century façade hints at
the luxury inside. Founded in 1858, it has built a reputation for excellence
and continues to attract the rich and famous from around the world.
For many, this hotel is the social heart of Munich.
Enjoy afternoon tea or dinner in its celebrated restaurant. Sample its indoor
swimming. Stay in guestrooms that are superbly appointed with oriental rugs and
every modern comfort and convenience, including air-conditioning, color TV with
remote, minibar, hair dryer, bathrobes, and slippers.
Of course, in Munich, the Alps are ever nearby. Right on
the city's doorstep are mountains with fairytale castles and pristine alpine
lakes. An optional excursion visits the majestic mountaintop Neuschwanstein
Castle, the former and final residence of Bavarian King Ludwig II, and the town
of Oberammergau, famous for its brilliantly painted mural, woodcarvings, and
Passion Play.
There's also the opportunity to spend a day in the Alps,
"Sound of Music" style, on a full-day excursion to Salzburg, Austria.
En route, you'll see charming villages set amid stunning alpine landscape.
And, of course, there is always the beer. Munich has the
world's oldest functioning brewery and the world's most famous beer hall, the
Hofbräuhaus, dating back to 1644. On tap as an optional excursion during
"Munich Winter Escapade" is a tour of the Aying Brewery, complemented
by a Bavarian lunch.
Prices from other U.S. gateways are Los Angeles,
Seattle: $1,495. Land-only package is priced at $1,095.
For
more information:
AHI International Corporation
6400 Shafer Court
Rosemont, IL 60018
800-323-7373
http://www.ahitravel.com
Edited
by Kerry Cohen
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