>> Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany - The Beerfest
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Sep 20th - Oct 5th 2008 |
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The Munich Oktoberfest - known by the locals as the "Wiesn", is the biggest public festival in the world and will be held in 2008 for the 175th time. It all started when Crown Prince Ludwig, later to become King Ludwig I, was married to Princess Therese of Saxony - Hildburghausen on 12th October 1810. The citizens of Munich were all invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to help celebrate the happy royal event. Horse races in the presence of the Royal Family marked the close of the event that was celebrated as a festival for the whole of Bavaria. The decision to repeat the horse races in the subsequent year gave rise to the tradition that has now become the Oktoberfest.
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Last year the Oktoberfest was attended by 6.2 million visitors, who drank approximately 6.7 million litres of beer and consumed 104 Oxen - mostly in the "beer tents" put up by the traditional Munich breweries. At the foot of the Bavaria statue, the huge Oktoberfest grounds also provide carousels, roller coasters and all the spectacular fun of the fair for the enjoyment and excitement of visitors of all ages - PROST! |
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| Oktoberfest Details |
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| >> Oktoberfest 2008 Options |
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| >> General Oktoberfest Details |
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| >> Oktoberfest 2008 Tour Itineraries |
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>> Oktoberfest 2008 Tour Options |
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Coach Tour Packages: |
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6 Day Munich Hostel Tour: 18th – 23rd September 2008 - £275 |
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8 Day Classic Combo Tour: 17th - 24th September 2008 - £325
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[Amsterdam - Austria - Munich "Simply the Best"] |
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Flight Tour Package: |
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Flight & Hostel Package: 19th – 22nd September 2008 - £395 |
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| Flight & 3* Hotel Package: 19th – 22nd September 2008 |
Details on Request |
| Flight & Hostel Package: 26th – 29th September 2008 |
Details on Request |
| Flight & Hostel Package: 3rd – 6th October 2008 |
Details on Request |
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Accommodation Plus+ Packages: |
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| [Includes bed & breakfast; welcome pack; welcome party; group atmosphere; souvenir tour T-shirt; services of a tour representative; closest accommodation option to the festival grounds.] |
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Hostel Accommodation Package: 19th – 22nd September 2008 - £185 |
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| Hostel Accommodation Package: 19th – 22nd September 2008 - £229 |
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Hostel Accommodation Package: 26th – 29th September 2008 - £175 |
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Hostel Accommodation Package: 3rd – 6th October 2008 - £165 |
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Alternate Accommodation Packages: |
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| [For those who are simply looking for accommodation near the festival. Includes bed & breakfast.] |
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Hostel Accommodation Package: 19th – 22nd September 2008 - £155 |
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4* Hotel Accommodation Package: 19th – 22nd September 2008 - £299 |
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| >> General Oktoberfest Details |
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First Festival Travel has been running tours to the Munich Oktoberfest for 16 years now and this time around has organised some great tour itineraries based on years of customer feedback and enjoyment. Our trips of course are all focused on the Oktoberfest, but we believe in giving you more tour options, to add extra value to your Oktoberfest experience. There is a Munich hostel and hotel option, flight or coach options, and the ultimate tour with a night stopover in Amsterdam and adventure activities in Austria . All coach tours include a visit to Dachau Concentration Camp and Andech's Monastery Brewery, and of course are staffed by experienced First Festival Travel tour leaders.
Coach Tours:
Transport on our 6 and 8 Day tours is via coach and ferry. All of our coaches are executive models meaning they are equipped with a stereo, TV and video player, and a toilet. The coach journey from London to Munich is around 18 hours and of course we make stops along the way for food, drink and cigarette breaks. Please note: First Festival Travel tours are all about great parties so we do allow moderate drinking aboard the coaches. |
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Flight Tours:
For our flight tours, we offer a variety of flying options to suit individual time constraints. Our direct flight options leave Friday morning with Lufthansa and depart from London Heathrow airport. For those looking to limit time off work required on the Friday, we have an allocation of flights leaving Friday evening from Stansted Airport with Air Berlin . First Festival Travel is ATOL bonded for your financial protection on the flight tours.
Accommodation:
The hostels and chalets used for all our coach tours are on a multi-share basis. Please note that although we are happy to take note of your room preference, we cannot offer any guarantees that your preference will be met.
In Amsterdam we stay at the Hotel Casa 400 which is a very comfortable and secure hotel with twin, triple and quad rooms with ensuite. The hotel is a short metro ride from the central attractions in town. Our Austrian hotel is a pleasant chalet with a fantastic late night bar that opens more or less until the last man is standing.
In Munich , we are very privileged to have exclusive use of the Meininger Hostel which is only a 5-10 minute walk from the Oktoberfest festival grounds; has a fantastic late night bar and all rooms have private ensuites. Currently our Munich coach tours, weekend flight tours and Accommodation Plus+ packages all stay at the Meininger. Our alternate hostel accommodation package is situated at the AO Hostel which is a 10-15 minute walk from the festival grounds so still a great location and again, all rooms have private ensuite. You will not need any bedding for any of our hostels or chalets however it is advisable to bring your own towel.
Our 4* hotel in Munich is the Park Hotel Laim which is a beautiful hotel located on superb grounds in central Munich . Directly outside the hotel door is the entrance to the underground station which is a quick 4 stops (no changes) to the station at the festival grounds. We have double rooms, double deluxe rooms and a handful of single rooms . Please note: there is a £50 surcharge to upgrade to a single room. This hotel is truly the way to ‘do' the ‘fest' in style!
Andech's Monastery Brewery and Dachau Visits [coach tours only]:
No coach tour to Oktoberfest is complete without a trip to the famous Andech's monastery. The monks have been brewing beer since the 15th century and serve the finest pork knuckles in the world. We also take the time to visit Dachau Concentration Camp just north of Munich . In total over 200,000 people from all races were imprisoned at Dachau and the death toll from Dachau murders is around 30,000. Our visit to this now peaceful place is a chilling reminder of the atrocities of war.
Oktoberfest:
As experienced operators, we ensure you are equipped with accurate information and given the best advice on how to enjoy this incredible festival. The festival is enormous so we distribute full details including maps to ensure you have the time of your life! |
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| >> Oktoberfest 2008 Tour Itineraries |
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>> 6 Day Munich Coach Hostel Tour: 18th – 23rd September 2008 - £275
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Thursday 18th September:
Departure from London is mid-afternoon for the overnight drive to Munich , Germany . Transport is via coach and ferry. Bring some drinks for the journey and relax in the coach which is equipped with a toilet, DVD/Video, and stereo. During the coach journey you will be issued with all the information for the weekend and of course your Oktoberfest tour t-shirt.
Friday 19th September:
Before making our way to our Munich hostel accommodation we will stop at Dachau Concentration camp for a visit. From here we head straight to our central Munich hostel. Whilst waiting for check in we have a lunch reservation at the Augustiner beer hall across the road. Alternatively you may like to head into the city, or simply relax before tomorrow's big day. The hostel has a great bar that is open till very late to get the party started.
Saturday 20th September - OPENING DAY OF OKTOBERFEST 2008:
An early start today in order to get to the beer halls in time to get seated and then take in the opening parade before the midday opening of Oktoberfest. Our hostel is just a 5-10 minute walk from the beer halls so you are free to come and go as you please. The group will join together after breakfast and head to the Oktoberfest grounds together - Welcome to the ‘Wiesn'!
Sunday 21st September:
After a bit of a sleep in and breakfast, we'll head out to Andech's Monastery for lunch. The monks have been brewing here since the 15th century and serve the finest pork knuckles in the world. We'll spend the afternoon at the famous monastery before heading back into Munich for an afternoon at the beer halls. This evening provides a great chance to check out all of the beer tents, fun fair and the fantastic food on offer.
Monday 22nd September:
Our last day in Munich today and an excellent chance to get out and check out the city. Of course if you'd prefer you're free to spend the day charging on in the beer halls, or to just hang out at the hostel. In the evening we'll load up the coaches for the overnight drive back to London .
Tuesday 23rd September:
All good things must come to an end and today our Oktoberfest tour of 2008 is all over. Expected arrival back in sunny London is mid-afternoon for the end of the tour. |
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| >> Tour Package Includes: |
 Return coach transport from central London (including ferry crossings)
Excellent quality hostel accommodation in Munich - [all rooms with private ensuite and just a short walk from the Oktoberfest grounds]
Buffet German breakfasts
Opening parade and opening weekend at Oktoberfest
Visit to Andech's Monastery
Visit to Dachau Concentration camp
First Festival Travel - Oktoberfest t-shirt
First Festival Travel tour leader
Free time to explore Munich
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| >> Tour Package Excludes: |
 Personal expenses
Meals unless otherwise stated
Drinks
Entrance visas |
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>> 8 Day Classic Combo Tour: 17th - 24th September 2008 - £325
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For those of you who have a little more time, or wish to add extra value to your tour, the Classic Combo option is perfect. The Classic Combo tour visits 'The Dam' on route to Oktoberfest where you have the opportunity to explore this exciting city for a night and an entire day. We give you the option of joining the group to visit a live sex show and allow plenty of free time for you to take in the sights and delights. The tour then heads on to Austria for the Oktoberfest Opening Weekend.
Once in Austria we stay in the stunningly beautiful alpine village of Kitzbühel . This town provides a great base for our Oktoberfest opening weekend excursions, and is full of great bars, restaurants and shops. After the opening weekend has taken its toll, there's paragliding and white water rafting options as well as a visit to Andech's Monastery. For the Oktoberfest itself we run 90 minute shuttle transfers in and out of Munich .
Wednesday 17th September:
A very early morning departure from London as we begin our coach and ferry journey to Amsterdam . During the coach and ferry journey your tour leader will give you all the information you need for the tour and of course your Oktoberfest tour t-shirt. After we arrive in Amsterdam we'll check into our accommodation before heading out to take in the exotic nightlife. Tonight we organise for the group to have an optional visit to a sex show (approx. €25). Welcome to Amsterdam .
Thursday 18th September:
Today you have a free day to explore the other side of Amsterdam and take in all of the local attractions. The group will get together late in the evening and load the coaches for the overnight drive to Austria .
Friday 19th September:
Before making our way to our Austrian accommodation we'll stop at Dachau Concentration camp in Germany for a visit. From here we head straight on to our Austrian chalet. After check in there is a welcome meal provided before a huge party night in the local town!
Saturday 20th September - OPENING DAY OF OKTOBERFEST 2008:
An early start today to ensure that we arrive in plenty of time to take in the opening parade before the midday opening of the Oktoberfest! Shuttles run throughout the afternoon and evening back to our accommodation. Welcome to the ‘Wiesn'!
Sunday 21st September:
Today after a bit of a sleep in, we take a trip out to Andech's Monastery for lunch and spend the afternoon at this famous brewery. The monks have been brewing here since the 15th century and serve the finest pork knuckles in the world. We'll spend the afternoon at the monastery before heading into Munich for a second shot at Beerfest if you're up to it. Shuttles will run back in the late afternoon and again in the evening to our accommodation in Austria . It is a good chance today to check out all of the beer tents, fun fair and the fantastic food on offer.
Monday 22nd September:
Free day in Kitzbühel: A great chance to get out and partake in local activities. There's white water rafting or paragliding from the Alps on offer plus many other activities to keep you busy. Of course if you'd prefer you're free to spend the day relaxing in the bar or the local town. In the evening we have a huge final party night organised at 'The Londoner'. If there is enough interest amongst the group we will send a coach back to the Oktoberfest for one last hoorah in the afternoon!
Tuesday 23rd September:
Our last day in Austria today so after breakfast we have time for some morning adrenaline activities (or a sleep in!). After checkout we'll load up the coaches for the overnight drive back to London .
Wednesday 24th September:
All good things come to an end and today our Oktoberfest trip is all over. Expected arrival back in London is around lunch time for the end of the tour. |
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| >> Tour Package Includes: |
Return coach transport from central London (including ferry crossings)
Quality accommodation in Austrian ski village chalet
Local bar parties
Amsterdam stopover (city accommodation & optional live sex show visit)
Breakfast daily and an arrival afternoon meal in Kitzbühel
Opening parade and opening weekend at Oktoberfest
Shuttle transfers to the Oktoberfest grounds
Visit to Andech's Monastery
Visit to Dachau Concentration Camp
First Festival Travel - Oktoberfest t-shirt
First Festival Travel tour leader
Activity options - paragliding & white water rafting |
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| >> Tour Package Excludes: |
Personal expenses
Meals unless otherwise stated
Drinks
Entrance visas |
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>> Opening Weekend Flight & Hostel Package: 19th – 22nd Sept, 2008 - £395
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Friday 19th September:
Two weeks prior to your departure you will be advised of the check-in procedures for your chosen flight tour. On arrival in Munich you will be met at the airport by a First Festival Travel representative who will lead the way to our city centre hostel. After checking into the hostel you may like to head into the city, across the road to the great Augustiner Beer hall for a hearty feed, or simply relax at the hostel. The tour group is invited to join together in the evening for a few drinks in preparation for the big weekend ahead.
Saturday 20th September - OPENING DAY OF OKTOBERFEST
After breakfast we will make our way to the Oktoberfest grounds which is a short 5 minute walk from our hostel accommodation. We will arrive in plenty of time to take in the opening parade at 11am before the midday opening of Oktoberfest. Welcome to the ‘Wiesn'!
Sunday 21st September:
Breakfast is again on offer at the hostel this morning providing your hangover does not keep you in bed! Today is another opportunity to enjoy the Oktoberfest and a great chance to check out all of the beer tents, fun fair and the fantastic food on offer.
Monday 22nd September:
Sadly our weekend tour to Beerfest concludes today as we make the return flight to London . Check-in for the return flights is throughout the day so depending on your return flight time, you may have the chance for sightseeing or shopping in Munich . Upon arrival in London the weekend tour concludes. |
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| >> Tour Package Includes: |
Return flights from London to Munich (Lufthansa or Air Berlin)
City centre hostel accommodation in Munich - [all rooms with private ensuite and just a short walk from the Oktoberfest grounds]
Buffet German breakfast
Opening parade and opening weekend at Oktoberfest
Services of First Festival Travel tour leader
First Festival Travel - Oktoberfest t-shirt |
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| >> Tour Package Excludes: |
Personal expenses
Meals unless otherwise stated
Drinks
Transfers in Munich
Entrance visas where required |
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Oktoberfest Flight Hostel Options - Opening Weekend |
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19th September 2008 |
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22nd September 2008 |
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Depart London |
Arrive Munich |
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Depart Munich |
Arrive London |
Hostel |
M1 - SOLD OUT |
09.45 [H] |
12.30 |
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18.20 |
19.20 [H] |
Meininger |
M2 - SOLD OUT |
11.05 [H] |
13.50 |
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19.05 |
20.05 [H] |
Meininger |
M3 |
19.15 [S] |
22.05 |
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17.45 |
18.40 [S] |
Meininger |
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[H] = Heathrow Airport |
[S] = Stanstead Airport |
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>> Hostel Accommodation Plus+ Package: 19th – 22nd September 2008 £229
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Our original allocation of beds for the Hostel Accommodation Plus + Package sold out in record time. Fortunately we have be awarded an additional allocation but get in quick – availability won't last long!
Friday 19th September:
Check in to our city centre Munich hostel is throughout the afternoon (after 2pm). After checking in you may like to head into the city, meet the rest of the tour group across the road at the Augustiner beer hall for a hearty feed or simply relax before the big day tomorrow. Meet your tour leaders this afternoon at the hostel bar (between 6-9pm) to receive your welcome packs and tour t-shirt and then join us at the welcome party at the Augustiner Keller beer garden, only short walk from the hostel.
Saturday 20th September - OPENING DAY OF OKTOBERFEST
After breakfast we will make our way to the Oktoberfest grounds which is a short 5 minute walk from our hostel accommodation. We will arrive in plenty of time to take in the opening parade at 11am before the midday opening of Oktoberfest. Welcome to the ‘Wiesn'!
Sunday 21st September:
Breakfast is again on offer at the hostel this morning providing your hangover does not keep you in bed! Today is another opportunity to enjoy the Oktoberfest and a great chance to check out all of the beer tents, fun fair and the fantastic food on offer.
Monday 22nd September:
Check out of the hostel is at 10am for the end of your accommodation package. You are most welcome to join the rest of the crew as we head straight back to the beer halls to continue the party. |
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| >> Tour Package Includes: |
City centre hostel accommodation - [all rooms with private ensuite and just a short walk from the Oktoberfest grounds]
Buffet German Breakfasts (Sat, Sun, Mon)
Opening parade and opening weekend at Oktoberfest
Welcome pack and party
Services of First Festival Travel tour leader
First Festival Travel – Oktoberfest t-shirt |
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| >> Tour Package Excludes: |
Transport to and from Munich
Personal expenses
Meals unless otherwise stated
Drinks
Entrance visas |
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>> Hostel Accommodation Plus+ Package: 26th – 29th September 2008 £175 |
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Friday 26th September:
Check in to our city centre Munich hostel is throughout the afternoon (after 2pm). After checking in you may like to head into the city, meet the rest of the tour group across the road at the Augustiner beer hall for a hearty feed or head straight to the Okotberfest grounds! Meet your tour leaders this afternoon at the hostel bar (between 3-7pm) to receive your welcome packs and tour t-shirt and then join us for some welcome party drinks!! Welcome to the ‘Wiesn'!
Saturday 27th September:
An early start today in order to get to the beer halls in time to try and get seated (the beer halls tend to fill up quickly this morning). Our hostel is just a 5-10 minute walk from the beer halls so you are free to come and go as you please. The group will join together after breakfast and head to the Oktoberfest grounds together. Enjoy the festivities.
Sunday 28th September:
Breakfast is again on offer at the hostel this morning providing your hangover does not keep you in bed! Today is another opportunity to enjoy the Oktoberfest and a great chance to check out all of the beer tents, fun fair and the fantastic food on offer. This morning is also usually the Oktoberfest Band's Open Air Concert (depending on the weather).
Monday 29th September:
Check out of the hostel is at 10am for the end of your accommodation package. You are most welcome to join the rest of the crew as we head straight back to the beer halls to continue the party. |
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| >> Tour Package Includes: |
City centre hostel accommodation - [all rooms with private ensuite and just a short walk from the Oktoberfest grounds]
Buffet German Breakfasts (Sat, Sun, Mon)
Middle weekend at the Munich Oktoberfest
Welcome pack and party
Services of First Festival Travel tour leader
First Festival Travel – Oktoberfest t-shirt |
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| >> Tour Package Excludes: |
Transport to and from Munich
Personal expenses
Meals unless otherwise stated
Drinks
Entrance visas |
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>> Hostel Accommodation Plus+ Package: 3rd – 6th October 2008 £165
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Friday 3rd October:
Check in to our city centre Munich hostel is throughout the afternoon (after 2pm). After checking in you may like to head into the city, meet the rest of the tour group across the road at the Augustiner beer hall for a hearty feed or head straight to the Okotoberfest grounds. Meet your tour leaders this afternoon at the hostel bar (between 3-7pm) to receive your welcome packs and tour t-shirt and then join us for some welcome party drinks!! Welcome to the ‘Wiesn'!
Saturday 4th October:
An early start today in order to get to the beer halls in time to try and get seated (the beer halls tend to fill up quickly this morning). Our hostel is just a 5-10 minute walk from the beer halls so you are free to come and go as you please. The group will join together after breakfast and head to the Oktoberfest grounds together. Enjoy the festivities!
Sunday 5th October:
Breakfast is again on offer at the hostel this morning providing your hangover does not keep you in bed! Today is your last chance to enjoy the Oktoberfest as it is the closing day! Make the most of it and check out all of the beer tents, fun fair and the fantastic food on offer.
Monday 6th October:
Check out of the hostel is at 10am for the end of your accommodation package. We trust you had a great weekend and wish you happy travelling! |
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| >> Tour Package Includes: |
City centre hostel accommodation - [all rooms with private ensuite and just a short walk from the Oktoberfest grounds]
Buffet German Breakfasts (Sat, Sun, Mon)
Closing weekend at the Munich Oktoberfest
Welcome pack and party
Services of First Festival Travel tour leader
First Festival Travel – Oktoberfest t-shirt |
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| >> Tour Package Excludes: |
Transport to and from Munich
Personal expenses
Meals unless otherwise stated
Drinks
Entrance visas |
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>> Alternate Hostel Accommodation Package: 19 th – 22nd September 2008 £155 *SOLD OUT*
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Two weeks prior to your scheduled check in date you will be emailed a pre-departure pack which will include the details and directions to your hostel as well important Oktoberfest information. There will not be a First Festival Travel representative staying at this location however you will be given a contact number in the case you experience any difficulties over the weekend.
Friday 19th September:
Check into the AO Hostel in Munich 's city centre from 2pm onwards. After checking into your accommodation in Munich you may like to head into the city, or simply relax before tomorrow's big day.
Saturday 20th September - OPENING DAY OF OKTOBERFEST
We recommend an early start today to ensure you arrive in time to get a place in the beer halls and take in the opening parade before the midday opening of Oktoberfest. The Oktoberfest grounds are a short 10-15min walk from your hostel… Welcome to the Wiesn!
Sunday 21st September:
Another opportunity to enjoy the Oktoberfest. Today provides a great chance to check out all of the beer tents, fun fair and the fantastic food on offer.
Monday 22nd September:
Check out of the hostel is at 10am for the end of your accommodation package. Happy travelling. |
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| >> Tour Package Includes: |
City centre hostel accommodation in Munich [Multi Bedded Rooms with en-suite facilities & 10-15 minute walk to the Oktoberfest grounds]
Continental Breakfasts (Sat, Sun, Mon) |
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| >> Tour Package Excludes: |
Transport to and from Munich
Personal expenses
Meals unless otherwise stated
Drinks
Entrance visas
First Festival Travel tour t-shirt
Onsite First Festival Travel representative |
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>> Alternate 4* Hotel Accommodation Package: 19th – 22nd September 2008 £299
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Two weeks prior to your scheduled check in date you will be emailed a pre-departure pack which will include the details and directions to your hotel as well important Oktoberfest information. There will not be a First Festival Travel representative staying at this location however you will be given a contact number in the case you experience any difficulties over the weekend.
Friday 19th September:
Check into the Park Hotel in Munich 's city centre from 2pm onwards. After checking into your accommodation in Munich you may like to head into the city, or simply relax before tomorrow's big day.
Saturday 20th September - OPENING DAY OF OKTOBERFEST
We recommend an early start today to ensure you arrive in time to get a place in the beer halls and take in the opening parade before the midday opening of Oktoberfest. The Oktoberfest grounds are a short metro ride from directly outside the hotel door.… Welcome to the Wiesn!
Sunday 21st September:
Another opportunity to enjoy the Oktoberfest. Today provides a great chance to check out all of the beer tents, fun fair and the fantastic food on offer.
Monday 22nd September:
Check out of the hotel is at 11am for the end of your accommodation package. Happy travelling. |
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| >> Tour Package Includes: |
City centre 4* hotel accommodation in Munich [double superior and double rooms available]
Breakfasts (Sat, Sun, Mon)
Please note: there are a handful of single rooms at the hotel available. A surcharge of £50 per person will apply. |
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| >> Tour Package Excludes: |
Transport to and from Munich
Personal expenses
Meals unless otherwise stated
Drinks
Entrance visas
First Festival Travel tour t-shirt
Onsite First Festival Travel representative |
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