{"id":14224,"date":"2025-05-28T11:31:55","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T16:31:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/?page_id=14224"},"modified":"2026-01-22T12:34:29","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T18:34:29","slug":"2026-germany","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/2026-germany\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Germany"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-modular-content-collection>\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"site-section site-panel__image_overlay panel panel-image_overlay site-section__bg--default\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"image-overlay\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t\t<div class=\"site-section__inner site-section__inner--no-padding\">\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t<div role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Europe Christmas Market square crowd\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2025\/05\/Europe-Christmas-Market-square-crowd.jpg');\" loading=\"lazy\"  class=\"site-section__bg-img site-section__bg-img--m-stack\"><\/div>\n\n\t\t<style>\n\t\t@media all and ( min-width: 960px ) {\n\t\t\t#site-panel__image-overlay-69e61fbe10c2e {\n\t\t\t\theight: 854px;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t}\n\t<\/style>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\n    \n\t<div id=\"site-panel__image-overlay-69e61fbe10c2e\" class=\"site-panel__img-overlay-wrap site-panel__img-overlay--no-ribbon horz-left vert-middle\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"site-panel__img-overlay-content\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"t-content t-content--light\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"site-section__title bold\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tGermany: Markets, Music, and Merrymaking\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section__desc\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"content\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5>November 24-December 4, 2026<\/h5>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"site-section site-panel__micronavbutton panel panel-micronavbutton site-section__bg--normal\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"micronavbutton\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t    <div class=\"site-section__inner site-section__inner--top-padding-none site-section__inner--bottom-padding-none micronavbutton\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<div class=\"site-grid site-grid__no-gutters\"\n\t     data-depth=\"0\"\n\t     data-name=\"buttons\"\n\t     data-livetext\n\t>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"site-panel__micronavbtn-btn u-bc-cranberry\"\n\t\t\t\t   \thref=\"https:\/\/host.nxt.blackbaud.com\/registration-form\/?formId=480baa81-0b2c-494f-b30f-64cc0701fd99&#038;envId=p--qx_j5pCMUmCUdC7bVaDdg&#038;zone=usa\"\n\t\t\t\t   \ttarget=\"_blank\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"site-panel__micronavbtn-btn-label\">Register Now<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"site-panel__micronavbtn-btn-desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThis trip is a GO and has space available &#8211; closes 9\/10\/26\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div> <!-- .site-grid__col -->\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"site-panel__micronavbtn-btn u-bc-teal\"\n\t\t\t\t   \thref=\"mailto:quiram@stolaf.edu\"\n\t\t\t\t   \ttarget=\"_blank\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"site-panel__micronavbtn-btn-label\">Contact Us<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"site-panel__micronavbtn-btn-desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div> <!-- .site-grid__col -->\n\t\t\n\t<\/div> <!-- .site-grid -->\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default site-section site-panel__accordion panel panel-accordion site-section__bg--normal\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"accordion\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"is-style-default site-section__inner l-wrapper \">\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<header class=\"is-style-default site-section__header\">\n\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"is-style-default site-section__title h3\" id=\"led-by-jerry-elsbernd-visiting-instructor-in-music-and-teresa-elsbernd-vocal-musician\" data-name=\"title\" data-livetext data-depth=\"0\" data-index=\"0\">Led by Jerry Elsbernd, Visiting Instructor in Music, and Teresa Elsbernd, Vocal Musician<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t<div class=\"is-style-default site-grid site-grid__wrapper\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"is-style-default site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\n<figure class=\"is-style-default c-caption\">\n\n\t<figure  class=\"is-style-default c-caption__img\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"is-style-default \" alt=\"Europe Christmas Market single roof lights\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2025\/05\/Europe-Christmas-Market-single-roof-lights-600x350.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"is-style-default t-content\" data-name=\"content\" data-index=\"0\" data-autop=\"true\" data-livetext>\n\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experience the magic of the holiday season in Germany! Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas as we visit several of the enchanting Christmas markets in towns both large and small, and experience a variety of holiday musical offerings \u2026 along with a few surprises.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>This itinerary is custom-designed and distinctive to St. Olaf!<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See the Overview to the right for more information on what we&#8217;ll see, do, and learn.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\n<\/figure>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"is-style-default site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"is-style-default accordion site-panel__accordion-items\" data-depth=\"0\" data-name=\"accordions\" data-livetext role=\"tablist\" aria-multiselectable=\"true\" data-js=\"accordion\">\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-header-0\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-content-0\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tOverview\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-header-0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-content-0\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Germany&#8217;s Weihnachtsm\u00e4rkte are brimming with traditional German crafts and food in a festive atmosphere. We&#8217;ll start in Berlin to enjoy holiday musical offerings of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and a visit to the Piano Salon Christophori, both a performance and workshop space where pianos, especially historical fortepianos, are painstakingly restored.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the birthplace of Richard Wagner and the place where Bach, Mendelsohn, Bartholdy, the Schumanns, and Mahler worked, our next stop in Leipzig is a must for music lovers. The city was home to Johann Sebastian Bach for 27 years until his death in 1750. We will visit St. Thomas Church, where he worked as music director and cantor. Leipzig is also home to the THOMANERCHOR Leipzig, one of the oldest boys\u2019 choirs in Germany, founded in 1212, and the oldest cultural institution in the city. We&#8217;ll have more chances to experience the Christmas markets, and take a day trip to nearby Halle, an old town with a rich history of commerce and trade, which claims the birthplace of Georg Friedrich Handel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From there, we will travel to Nuremberg where we will get to know the historic center&#8217;s architecture and culture. This Bavarian city boasts having one of the oldest and most famous Christkindlm\u00e4rkte, with handmade Christmas decorations to peruse while sampling the original Nuremberg finger-sized bratwurst, or a sweet treat of gingerbread or Spekulatius almond cookies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We then bid auf wiedersehen to Nuremberg and travel to Heidelberg, a 17th-century town with cobblestone streets, a river running through it, and a castle perched above. It feels like stepping into a fairy tale. To experience an authentic Christmas market in Germany, one needs to look no further than Heidelberg. The scintillating scent of candied nuts, hot mulled wine, and fresh cut pine mix merrily with the sight of beautifully handcrafted wooden stalls amid the backdrop of this quaint German town. Heidelberg features performances like the \u201cJoy to the World\u201d program with Handel\u2019s Messiah, and the Heidelberg Holiday Spectacular.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A day trip to the nearby charming city of Strasbourg, France will be filled with markets, music and merriment! Strasbourg\u2019s Christmas markets are magical, especially in the evenings with all of the buildings and streets adorned with lights \u2026 and hopefully a few snowflakes dancing around overhead. We will be sure to visit the striking Strasbourg Cathedral and although considerable parts of it are still in Romanesque architecture, it is widely considered to be among the finest examples of Gothic architecture. Positioned on the border, it has been under both German and French rule at various times in history and, as such, is steeped in Franco-German culture. Of course, dipping our toes into France would not be complete without tasting French wines from the famed Alsace region.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The final day will be spent back in Heidelberg with a cooking class featuring traditional German holiday fare which we will help prepare and then share for lunch. There will be a last chance to find some German treasures at the medieval market there before heading home from Frankfurt the next day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We look forward to you joining us for a Fr\u00f6he Weihnachten filled with markets, music and merriment!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See more details below and use the REGISTER NOW button above to join us.<\/span><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-header-1\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-content-1\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tItinerary\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-header-1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-content-1\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This tour starts in Berlin and ends in Heidelberg (you may find it easiest to fly out of Frankfurt am Main). You can view \u2013 and download and print, if you wish \u2013 the <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1b9Ldr9cNRpzfhFNxxAo649i7snbakS5i4FRWl3Z9Qc8\/edit?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">most up-to-date itinerary here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our intention with each tour is to provide an itinerary that introduces you to key elements related to your destination or the educational theme, while also providing some free time for you to pursue your own interests or have some down time. The balance can vary from day to day, and from tour to tour.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll get the most out of study travel if you research what to do during your free time. This allows you to reap the benefits of group travel, while also customizing the tour to your interests and activity level. Read more about\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/how-to-be-an-independent-group-traveler\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Be an Independent Group Traveler<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"14284\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/2026-germany\/europe-germany-berlin-philharmonic-concert-hall\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2025\/05\/Europe-Germany-Berlin-Philharmonic-concert-hall.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,853\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Europe Germany Berlin Philharmonic concert hall\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2025\/05\/Europe-Germany-Berlin-Philharmonic-concert-hall-1024x682.jpg\" class=\"is-style-default size-medium wp-image-14284 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2025\/05\/Europe-Germany-Berlin-Philharmonic-concert-hall-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-header-2\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-content-2\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"2\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tFaculty Leaders\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-header-2\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-content-2\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"2\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure id=\"attachment_14293\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14293\" style=\"width: 225px\" class=\"is-style-default wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"14293\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/2026-germany\/elsbernd-jerry-teresa\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2025\/05\/Elsbernd-Jerry-Teresa.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1920,2560\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Elsbernd Jerry Teresa\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Teresa and Jerry Elsbernd&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2025\/05\/Elsbernd-Jerry-Teresa-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"is-style-default size-medium wp-image-14293\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2025\/05\/Elsbernd-Jerry-Teresa-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14293\" class=\"is-style-default wp-caption-text\">Teresa and Jerry Elsbernd<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jerry Elsbernd joined the St. Olaf faculty as a Visiting Instructor of Music (Voice) in 2022. Drawing on\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">decades of experience as a professional singer and teacher of singing, Jerry brings a wealth of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">knowledge and experience (and a healthy dose of humor!) to the studio to help his voice students <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">thrive. In addition to his full-time position at St. Olaf, he maintains a private home studio working with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">students ranging in age from high school and college to adult amateur and professional singers and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">actors. He has been teaching voice lessons, sharing his passion for singing and his in-depth\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">understanding of the voice for over 30 years, (and yes, you probably have heard some of his former\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">students on the radio or on Broadway).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jerry\u2019s professional performance experience includes having been a member and frequently featured\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">soloist with The Dale Warland Singers, a co-executive producer and member of the national touring\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tight-harmony vocal quartet \u201cThree Hits and a Miss\u201d, and a featured soloist in numerous regional\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oratorio, operetta and concert productions of a variety of styles from classical to Broadway and jazz.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teresa Elsbernd and Jerry met singing in The Dale Warland Singers, a professional choir based in\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minnesota with whom they toured, made several recordings and commercials in addition to the full\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">concert seasons. Teresa appeared as a frequent soloist and was also the voice on a jingle for a Land o\u2019 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lakes radio commercial. She performed with the MN Opera for three seasons and is a frequent church\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">soloist. She enjoys serving on Boards of various organizations and has chaired many benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teresa holds undergrad and graduate degrees in Vocal Performance, however, her career was spent as a General Contractor in her residential remodeling and new home construction business. In retirement, she enjoys spending winters in Florida and playing golf and pickleball.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jerry and Teresa love traveling and exploring the world. Jerry looks forward to this trip, in particular, as a further chance to explore the heritage of his German Vaterland and all of its unique music (and coffee!) offerings with you! We hope you will join us for a German holiday\u2026full of gingerbread, hot-<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mulled wine and charming wooden shops at the unique Christkindlmarkts coupled with holiday concerts that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit!<\/span><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-header-3\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-content-3\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"3\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat to Expect\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-header-3\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-content-3\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"3\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expect to enjoy the enchanting Weihnachtsm\u00e4rkte and a variety of musical performances to the fullest!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Movement between cities will be by private motor coach. Movement within each city and at cultural\/historic sites will be on foot, requiring a lot of walking and standing, and good stability. You should be capable of walking a mile or more at a time and up to five to seven miles per day, often over uneven terrain; of climbing stairs that may not have handrails; of climbing in and out of a private motor coach which will likely have tall steps; of keeping pace with an active group of travelers on long days of traveling; of dealing with the emotional highs and lows that can occur when experiencing different cultures; and of being a considerate member of the group (prompt, courteous and flexible).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any participant who has demonstrated an inability, in the opinion of the tour leader, of keeping up with the group or of safely participating in program activities may be prohibited from participating in certain activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage throughout the tour. Traveling lightly is highly recommended.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hotels will be tourist class (four-star or superior rating) with private baths, air conditioning, and English-speaking staff.<\/span><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-header-4\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-content-4\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"4\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTour Price, Inclusions, and Exclusions\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-header-4\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-content-4\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"4\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inclusions and exclusions vary by tour, so please read the following information carefully.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The tour price is $5,885 per person, based on double occupancy. The supplement for single occupancy is $655.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inclusions: discussions led by Jerry and Teresa; full time tour manager for the duration of the tour; accommodations, meals, entrance fees, concerts, and activities listed in the itinerary; private motor coach transfers (except the airport transfer on arrival); non-alcoholic beverages with meals; gratuities for all guides, drivers, and at group meals; and some limited travel insurance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exclusions: <em>Airfare to and from Germany is not included. Participants are solely responsible for all expenses not specifically included in the tour price<\/em>. Examples of excluded expenses are: international airfare; airport transfers; any passport and visa fees; any recommended immunizations or vaccinations; alcoholic beverages; laundry, dry cleaning, phone charges, room service or other items of a personal nature; expenses incurred during free time or non-group activities; and any meals not specifically included on the tour itinerary.<\/span><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-header-5\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-content-5\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"5\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPayment and Refund Schedule\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-header-5\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-content-5\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"5\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This schedule is based on payments St. Olaf College must make to tour vendors to guarantee group rates. We highly recommend that you purchase additional trip cancellation insurance <\/span><b><i>at the time of registration<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to recover your payments should you need to withdraw from the tour.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deposit due: $500 upon registration<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refund if you cancel: $475 if you cancel on or before January 14, 2026. If the deposit is made after January 14, 2026 there is no refund.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interim payment due: $3,000 on January 15, 2026<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refund if you cancel: $1,500 if you cancel on or before September 9, 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Balance due: September 10, 2026<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refund if you cancel: None, unless the tour is full and your place can be resold<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cancellations must be in writing.<\/span><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\n            <article  class=\"is-style-default accordion__row site-panel__accordion-item \" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" id=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-header-6\" aria-controls=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-content-6\">\n        \t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\taria-expanded=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-style-default accordion__header site-panel__accordion-title clearfix\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"6\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"title\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n        \t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <span class=\"is-style-default accordion__header-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAction Items and Documents\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n                <\/button>\n                <div\n\t\t\t\t\taria-labelledby=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-header-6\"\n\t\t\t\t\t class=\"is-style-default accordion__content site-panel__accordion-content context-content t-content \"\t\t\t\t\tid=\"accordion-69e61fbe124a1-content-6\"\n\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tabpanel\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-depth=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-index=\"6\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-autop=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-name=\"accordion_content\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-livetext\n                >\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <div class=\"is-style-default accordion__content-inner context-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"is-style-default btn\" href=\"https:\/\/host.nxt.blackbaud.com\/donor-form?svcid=renxt&amp;formId=d2391c57-aac4-4933-8ea8-a90ab6e006b6&amp;envid=p--qx_j5pCMUmCUdC7bVaDdg&amp;zone=usa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Make a Payment<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Access<\/strong> the <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1kH66-IfQ2-JnU69ZgpaMG0QCwyHs1qxCcEWzNh3xqSg\/edit?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Participant Documents<\/a>, including the Go Letter.<\/p>\n<p><b>Read <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1s-OYpylqn_0fAb_GoluO90OcJ0INuWHcTW3USCfILE0\/edit?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Terms &amp; Conditions<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1ky6_yXvFwWulbzx1xSjUdg1VVoiVAX9_m3pzlj7eWrg\/edit?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Release &amp; Waiver<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Review <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the latest information on recommended immunizations from the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wwwnc.cdc.gov\/travel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Centers for Disease Control (CDC)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Look <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">at the International Travel section of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/international-travel.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">U.S. State Department<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including Before You Go, Country Information, While Abroad, and Emergencies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Check <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">your passport to ensure that it has at least 6 months\u2019 validity past the tour return date. Should you need to renew, visit <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/passports.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">U.S. State Department<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for instructions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Take time <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/prepare-for-your-adventure\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prepare for your adventure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by checking out a variety of resources, including frequently asked questions, general health information, included travel insurance, safety overview, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/article>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"site-section site-panel__imagetext panel panel-imagetext site-section__bg--normal\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"imagetext\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t\t<div class=\"site-section__inner site-section__inner--no-padding\">\n\n\t\n\t\n\t<div class=\"site-grid site-grid__no-gutters  site-panel__imgtxt-img-right\">\n\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<figure  class=\"c-image c-image--rect\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" alt=\"Europe France Strasbourg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2025\/03\/Europe-France-Strasbourg-820x600.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1260px) 1260px, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2025\/03\/Europe-France-Strasbourg-520x300.jpg 520w, \nhttps:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2025\/03\/Europe-France-Strasbourg-820x600.jpg 820w, \nhttps:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/files\/2025\/03\/Europe-France-Strasbourg-1120x851.jpg 1120w\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col site-grid__col-safari-fix\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"site-panel__imgtxt-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"c-text\">\n\n\t\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"c-text__desc t-content\" data-depth=\"0\" data-name=\"content\" data-autop=\"true\" data-livetext>\n\t\t\t<p>This trip is a GO and has space available. Join us! Registration closes September 10, 2026.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ready to go?<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t   \tclass=\"cta\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/host.nxt.blackbaud.com\/registration-form\/?formId=480baa81-0b2c-494f-b30f-64cc0701fd99&#038;envId=p--qx_j5pCMUmCUdC7bVaDdg&#038;zone=usa\"\n\t\t   \ttarget=\"_blank\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\tRegister Now\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":616,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/page-panels-beside-sidebar.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-14224","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14224","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/616"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14224"}],"version-history":[{"count":38,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14224\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15174,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14224\/revisions\/15174"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14224"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}