Old World Holiday in Wisconsin

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip motorcoach transportation
• Five night hotel accommodations 
• Baggage handling (1 bag per person)
• Meals: 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
• All tours and admissions as listed per itinerary
• Local guides
• All taxes and gratuities
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager

Highlights

• Castle Noel 
• Christkindlmarket
• Sheboygan County Historical Society Annual Holiday Memories Event 
• Horse-drawn Wagon Ride 
• Old World Christmas Market at the Osthoff Resort
• Wreath Factory Tour
• Making Spirits Bright Holiday Lights 
• Kristmas Kringle Shoppe
• Christmas Around Milwaukee Bakery Tour 

Itinerary 

Monday, December 9: Travel to Ohio, Private Tour of Castle Noel

5:00AM: Motorcoach will depart from Lititz,  Penn Cinema, 541 Airport Road, Lititz.

6:00AM: Depart from Harrisburg, AAA Central Penn, 2301 Paxton Church Road; travel to Ohio with appropriate stops en route. 

**Departure times are approximate and will be confirmed closer to travel. 

Arrive in Medina, OH for a tour and lunch at Castle Noel, featuring so many wonderful things to see and do. Housing the world's largest privately owned collection of Hollywood Christmas movie props and costumes from your favorite Christmas movies including "The Grinch", "Elf", "Santa Claus 1,2 &3", "Fred Claus", "Jingle All The Way", "Christmas Carol",  "Deck the Halls", and more. See millions of dollars worth of animated New York City Christmas windows from Sak's Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, Lord & Taylor, and Macy's. You'll feel like a kid again in the "I Had That" Toyland experience, filled with thousands of toys from the 50's through the 80's. There is so much to see and do at the Castle Noel that will surely put you into the Christmas Spirit. This evening check into the hotel with the remainder of the evening to relax and take advantage of the complimentary Drury Kickback Reception or venture out for dinner on your own.  Hotel: Drury Inn & Suites, Findlay, OH. (Lunch, Kickback Reception) 

Tuesday, December 10: Christkindlmarket, Historical Society Holiday Memories Event 

After breakfast we'll depart for a day of touring with our first stop being for lunch and independent time exploring a Christkindlmarket. This afternoon we'll visit the Sheboygan County Historical Society for their annual holiday memories event! Anyone who has a passion for Christmas decorations will fall in love with the Historical Museum's set up. During the holiday season the museum is devoted and revolves around their beautiful decorations. As soon as you walk in you are surrounded with themed Christmas trees, Boston Store animated characters, and so much more. Then we'll check into the hotel with time to freshen up before dinner and entertainment. Hotel: Blue Harbor Resort, Sheboygan, WI. (Breakfast, Dinner) 

Wednesday, December 11:  Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride, Old-World Christmas Market 

After breakfast depart for a day of magical holiday enjoyment at the Osthoff Resort where we'll begin with a horse-drawn wagon ride throughout the quaint community of Elkhart Lake and return to a warm cup of hot cocoa and cookies. Then you'll have independent time to enjoy the Old-World Christmas Market at the Resort. Offering the warmth and merriment of this Old-World tradition, reminiscent of the centuries old Christkindlesmarkt of Nuremberg Germany. Stroll the aisles of a grand heated tent bedecked with fragrant boughs of fresh evergreens and the tantalizing scents of roasted almonds and Nuremberg bratwurst. Browse for unique and specialty gift items among international and regional artisans. Czech blown-glass ornaments, Russian nesting dolls, German hand-carved smokers and nutcrackers, fine apparel, handmade amber and silver jewelry, just to name a few! This afternoon we'll have lunch with a wine and beer tasting at the resort. Then it's onto the Wreath Factory for a tour. It's a sight to behold, with dozens of themed trees and sparkling decorations. Here we'll discover the art of wreath making and a demonstration illustrating different techniques and styles.   Optional - You may make a wreath to take home for an additional fee of $60 per person. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant followed by the "Making Spirits Bright" drive through Holiday Light Show. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Thursday, December 12: Kristmas Kringle Shoppe, Christmas Around Milwaukee Bakery Tour

After breakfast we'll visit the Kristmas Kringle Shoppe, this two-story Bavarian-style shop boasts an interior resembling the streets of quaint European shops featuring the largest selection of Italian ornaments in the nation and other lines of collectibles. This afternoon enjoy a Christmas Around Milwaukee Bakery Tour that will take you around the world and back as we indulge in stories of ethnic holiday traditions and samples along the way. Check into the hotel with time to freshen up before dinner. Hotel Hilton Garden Inn, Oakbrook Terrace, IL. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 

Friday, December 13:  Aglow at the Franklin Park Conservatory

After breakfast depart for Ohio to check into the hotel to freshen up and either take part in the complementary Drury Kickback Reception or dinner on your own. Tonight, we'll enjoy the "Aglow" at the Franklin Park Conservatory where the gardens and interior biomes transform into a wonderland of lights and experiences. Explore the captivating displays including mesmerizing lights synchronized with holiday melodies, immersive light installations, outdoor illuminated games, a lively dance celebration, and a retreat to festive igloos, ornament trees, a life size gingerbread house, and the magical train display. Hotel: Drury Inn & Suites Columbus/Grove City, OH. (Breakfast, Kickback Reception) 

Saturday, December 14: Depart for Central Pennsylvania 

After breakfast depart for Central Pennsylvania with appropriate rest and fast food meal stops en-route. (Breakfast)

Hotel and itinerary are subject to change at any time without notification and/or compensation.

Tour Activity Level: 3
This tour requires moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs, or on uneven walking surfaces, should be expected. 

General Information

Travel Documents

As travel policies are rapidly changing due to COVID-19, final requirements will be communicated prior to departure. Please see your Travel Advisor for additional information. 

Payment

A $300 per person deposit is due at the time of booking to confirm your reservation. Final payment is due to AAA by  October 28 , 2024.
 

Cancellation/Penalties

A $25 per person cancellation fee will be charged by Discoveries in addition to any other supplier’s fees. From  October 9, 2024 to day of departure no refunds.

Insurance

For your protection AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz.

Clothing/Climate

Temperatures for Ohio and Wisconsin in December average in the 30s. Casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes are recommended; be prepared for potential inclement weather.

Travel Assistance

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the needed assistance.

GRP11824

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