Did you know tomorrow is my birthday? Well - mark those calendars! Although I won't expect a gift from ALL of you - I appreciate your business and trusting me with your vacations!
Disney Cruise Line News
Two fun updates: Disney Cruise Line is scheduled to launch yet ANOTHER new ship in 2024: Disney Treasure!
This ship is inspired by the theme of adventure, celebrating Walt Disney’s lifelong love of exploration.
The Grand Hall is a three-deck tall atrium that will welcome you onboard and is inspired by the magic and mystery of Asia and Africa and paying homage to the fictional kingdom of Agrabah (From Disney's "Aladdin").
That's not ALL the news for Disney Cruise Line!
Check out this new rendering of "Lighthouse Point" - a new private destination for Disney Cruise Line ships - and will join Castaway Cay as daylong stops while on Caribbean/Bahamas itineraries. I'm incredibly excited to experience this new destination full of Disney magic!
With A Deal This Good - I'm Going To Repeat It!
Don't "miss the boat" on this amazing offer! Find out how you could literally save thousands off your cruise!
If you're a Disney+ Subscriber (it's easy to enroll even if you don't keep the membership) you need to hear this: 3rd & 4th Guests sail FREE with 2 paying passengers!
Dates range from January to April and there are some blockout dates but this has already saved my clients THOUSANDS of dollars on week-long cruises!
CLICK HERE for more information!
Travel Guide to Munich, Germany
Known for beer, brats and lederhosen, Munich is the ideal starting point to a trip to Bavaria.
Like Berlin, Munich is filled with world-class museums, historic monuments and a vibrant dining and nightlife scene.
What to Know
Founded in 1158, Munich (aka München) is the third largest city in Germany and the unofficial capital of Bavaria. Famed for its Oktoberfest drawing millions of visitors every fall, Munich bristles with energy and excitement year round. The spirit of the city is embodied by Gemütlichkeit, a term meaning “friendliness” that Bavarians live by.
When to Go
Munich sees most of its visitors from September to October during Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest in Munich is at the top of many traveler’s bucket lists, so you can expect high room rates and large crowds at this time. Spring is another great time to visit, with the Englischer Garden in full bloom and beer gardens opening up for the season. Come winter, Munich is home to a lovely Christmas Market in the central Marienplatz.
How to Get Around
If you plan on sticking to central Munich, much of the city’s main attractions can be visited on foot. Munich also has one of the most efficient and comprehensive public transportation systems in Europe with the U-Bahn, S-Bahn and tram lines. For longer distances, renting a bike is a quick and environmentally friendly alternative to a getting a taxi. Bicycles can rented using the MVG (Munich Transport Company) rental system or Call a Bike run by the railway.
Where to Eat
Munich has one of the best food scenes in Germany, if not Europe! Indulge in Bavarian specialties like pretzels and different types of sausage, all while enjoying the ever-flowing lager. Below are some of our favorite places to eat (and drink!) in Munich.
Hofbräuhaus Platzl 9 Phone: +49 89 290136100
Viktualienmarkt Viktualienmarkt 3 Phone: +49 89 89068205
Kochspielhaus Rumfordstraße 5 Phone: +49 89 54802738
Dallmayr Dienerstraße 14-15 Phone: +49 89 21350
Spezlwirtschaft Ledererstraße 3 Phone: +49 89 23232973
Café Frischhut Prälat-Zistl-Straße 8 Phone: +49 89 26023156
Augustiner Schwalbe 149, Schwanthalerstraße Phone: +49 89 23021447
Augustiner-Keller Arnulfstraße 52, Phone: +49 89 594393
What to See
Marienplatz
Marienplatz is the heart of Munich. The center of the Altstadt (Old Town), the pretty medieval square is dominated by Frauenkirche, an enormous twin-domed church, Old City Hall and New City Hall. Every day at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m (and at noon in the summer), crowds gather to watch the glockenspiel performance that features a Bavarian knight beating a French challenger in a jousting tournament.
Englischer Garden
Englischer Garden is one of Europe’s most beautiful city parks. This 900-acre park, which is larger than Central Park in New York, boasts beer gardens, walking trails, meadows, lakes and even a popular surfing wave stemming from the Eisbach river.
Residenz
Serving as the home to the Dukes of Bavaria from 1508 to 1918, the Residenz is an elegant palace in Munich’s city center. A mix of Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Classic styles, the palace is home to a magnificent museum, plus ornate halls and rooms.
Tips and Tricks
On Sundays, almost all shops, restaurants and supermarkets are closed.
All state-run museums are just one euro on Sundays.
Most restaurants and stores in Munich will only accept cash or EC-cards, which are like debit cards.
Before your flight home, leave a little extra time at Munich airport. It’s the only airport in the world with its own brewery!
Day Trips
Neuschwanstein Castle
King Ludwig II’s glorious palace near Füssen is a must-see in Bavaria. Said to have inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, Neuschwanstein was completed 1886, seven weeks after the death of the king. Inspired by the operas of Richard Wagner, the apartments and state rooms reflect the ideals set by King Ludwig who intended to use the palace for personal use.
Travel tip: If you plan on visiting during the months of July to September, reserve your ticket well in advance.
Nuremberg
The second largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg is the capital of the Franconia region. A popular stop for river cruises, Nuremberg's walled Old Town and Imperial Castle are perfect for exploring on a day trip. Dig into local specialties like Nuremberg sausage and gingerbread before heading to the top of Imperial Castle, where you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views over the city.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Looking for the perfect fairy tale Bavarian town? Rothenburg ob der Tauber is it. Consistently ranked as one of Europe’s prettiest towns, walking through this town is like taking a step back into the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Walk the circumference of the city’s well-preserved walls and pick up a few ornaments at the year round Christmas shops.
Salzburg
Mozart’s birthplace of Salzburg is an easy day trip from Munich. In less than two hours, you’ll be immersed in a different country and a beautiful city. Explore the sights made famous by the Sound of Music, tour Mozart’s home or explore Hohensalzburg Castle, one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe.
I cherish every moment I spent in Munich and Bavaria - you could spend a month there and STILL not see everything!
Have a wonderful weekend celebrating my birthday!
Magically Yours,
John