“There is a rare emotion, familiar to every intelligent traveller, in which the mind seems to swallow the sum total of its impression at a gulp. You take in the whole place, whatever it be...You feel England, you feel Italy, and the sensation involves for the moment a kind of thrill.”

– Henry James, American writer

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Germany is usually thought of as the model of efficiency – projects done correctly, on time, and maybe even under budget. So it was quite a shock to everybody when a sparkling new airport slated for Berlin failed to open on time. Construction began in 2006, and the airport was originally scheduled to begin receiving passengers in 2011. And then it was announced that the opening date was delayed. And delayed again. It soon became obvious that there were serious design and technical problems.

Projected to cost around $2 billion, Berlin Brandenburg (BER) airport finally opened its doors last week, nine years late and more almost $5 billion over budget. And it opened in the middle of a pandemic, with massive lockdowns in dozens of countries. This year has had the lowest number of air travelers in decades. The number of employees on site is currently just a fraction of the planned number. Ouch.

The new airport, located southeast of the city center next to the old East German Schönefeld (SXF) airport, will now handle all of the air traffic in and out of Berlin. Schönefeld is closed, as is Tegel airport (TXL), the old West German airport that handled millions of passengers flying into (and out of) West Berlin during the Cold War. For older Berliner's, Tegel is a symbol of freedom. The World War II era Templehof (THF) airport, famous as the landing point for the 'Raisin Bombers' – thousands of daily flights that carried essential supplies to West Berlin during the Berlin Blockade – closed in 2008.

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Seine, Paris and Normandy

From romantic Paris, we slip our moorings and commence our wonderfully scenic cruise along the beautiful and majestic Seine into the heart of one of France's most historic and picturesque regions, Normandy. With time to enjoy the historic little town of Les Andelys en route, we continue our journey along the Seine’s sweeping meanders, before exploring the delights of Rouen, one of Europe’s finest medieval cities with its stunning cathedral and tangle of atmospheric winding streets.

Passing the legendary Jumiege Abbey, we moor in the pretty village of Caudebec with time after dinner for an evening stroll in this most typical of French villages. Then to Bayeux, spared significant war damage, it retains its wealth of splendid buildings as well as the legendary and stunning tapestry for which it is so famed. We also see some of the many thought-provoking monuments and places along the Normandy coast and reflect on the remarkable story of the D-Day landings on our visit to Gold Beach and the remnants of Mulberry Harbour. Our cruise would not be complete without a visit to charming Honfleur - its near perfect waterfront of tall pastel-coloured 18th century houses, traditional shops and maze of streets providing the inspiration for the Impressionist painter Claude Monet to paint here many times.

Countless sleepy villages silently drift by as we arrive in delightful Vernon, from where we take the short drive to Giverny visiting Claude Monet’s home and one of the world’s most famous and most painted gardens. Enjoy the quintessentially half-timbered streets of Vernon before we continue on to our final destination, one of the world’s most iconic and romantic cities, Paris. From the Notre Dame to the Arc de Triomphe, the Sacre-Coeur to the Eiffel Tour, the Louvre to the Pompidou Centre, the smart shopping of the Galeries Lafayette to bohemian Montmatre, the list is endless and the variety arguably unmatchable; this breathtaking city never fails to inspire no matter how many times you get the chance to visit.

– Seven nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin

– Visits and guided tours daily

– All meals on board from dinner on day of arrival to breakfast on day of departure

– Five-star service from an English speaking crew and local, knowledgable guides

– Complimentary on-board tea and coffee

– Complimentary on-board wifi

$1999 per person*

Black Friday offer available only for bookings made Friday, November 27 - Tuesday, December 1, 2020.

*Terms and conditions apply: 2021 dates only. Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Excludes no sole occ cabins. Excludes Superior and Deluxe Suites. Not combinable with any other offer. Guests may use future cruise credit to pay, but no refund will be given for any unused portion, any remaining balance will be given as credit. Offer is capacity controlled.

Call Bryan at 559-447-8441 for details or to make your booking.

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Vienna, Bohemia & Treasures of the Danube

Take a stroll along Vienna’s grand boulevards, admiring its magnificent Baroque architecture and dazzling palaces, before soaking up the historic atmosphere in one of the city’s legendary cafés over coffee and cake as the Viennese have for centuries – here in one of the most elegant capitals in the world. Immerse yourself in its remarkable cultural heritage: with priceless art collections, superb museums, world-famous orchestras and the opera, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

– Seven nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin

– Visits and guided tours daily

– All meals on board from dinner on day of arrival to breakfast on day of departure

– Five-star service from an English speaking crew and local, knowledgable guides

– Complimentary on-board tea and coffee

– Complimentary on-board wifi

 $1999 per person*

Black Friday offer available only for bookings made Friday, November 27 - Tuesday, December 1, 2020. 

*Terms and conditions apply: 2021 dates only. Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Excludes no sole occ cabins. Excludes Superior and Deluxe Suites. Not combinable with any other offer. Guests may use future cruise credit to pay, but no refund will be given for any unused portion, any remaining balance will be given as credit. Offer is capacity controlled.

Call Bryan at 559-447-8441 for details or to make your booking.

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Don't miss this opportunity to experience the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany! Staged at ten year intervals for nearly 400 years, the world's most famous Passion Play is a remarkable event, and a treat for the eyes, the ears, and the spirit. Originally scheduled for 2020, the Passion Play had to be postponed until 2022, due to the pandemic. 

Join Hand Crafted Travel on this small group tour, with a maximum of six guests, exploring the cities and villages of Germany.

– Explore the rich and dramatic history of Berlin
– Watch porcelain being made in Meißen
– Spend a night in one of Germany's most historic castles
– Exclusive tickets to the Oberammergau Passion Play
– 'Mad' King Ludwig's palaces at Neuschwanstein and Linderhof
– Tour Includes: • 16 nights in boutique accommodations • Experienced Driver & Tour Leader • Breakfast daily, and 10 evening meals • All ground transportation

Contact Bryan for more details.

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