German Cooking Class Holiday Party Food Thursday, December 1. Nürnberg and Rothenburg Christmas Markets Saturday, December 3

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1 German Cooking Class Holiday Party Food Thursday, December 1 In this special cooking class, you will learn how to prepare some special treats for your families or holiday guests. We will teach you some special recipes so you can prepare them on your own during this holiday season. You will taste the dishes, so bring your appetite, and please bring eating utensils, and enough small containers to eat out of and to take home any leftovers. Menus are planned in advance and can be viewed on the Facebook group, KMC USO German Cooking and Baking. USO will supply all the ingredients. Class is demonstration only. Participation is limited so sign up now for this special USO cooking class. Bring your camera if you would like to take pictures. This class is for adults only; please, no children under 12. Time: Place: Pulaski Chapel Kitchen Bldg Cost: $25 Nürnberg and Rothenburg Christmas Markets Saturday, December 3 Visit two of Germany s most famous Christmas markets on this tour. First, we ll travel to Nürnberg where Germany s oldest and most popular Christmas market takes place. The main marketplace with its Beautiful Fountain and Our Lady s Church provides the picturesque setting for the Christmas Market that will get you in the spirit with its gingerbread, delicious sausage and wafts of Glühwein. A few blocks from the market square, there is a famous Toy Museum. In the afternoon on our return home, we ll stop at Rothenburg, the Gem from the Middle Ages. Although this is not the largest Christmas market in Germany, it is one of the finest. You will have the chance to shop at the famous Käthe Wohlfahrt stores and at the many smaller booths selling Christmas wares and foods. Bring good walking shoes and euro for shopping and meals. Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0600 Return: Approximately 2200 Tour price includes transportation and USO tour guide. Willkommen in Kaiserslautern Kaiserslautern Orientation Tour and Christmas Market Saturday, December 3 Are you new to the area and want to get to know what the city of Kaiserslautern has to offer? Even if you are not new, but haven t had the opportunity to visit the city on one of the military host nation orientation tours, you can come with us on this monthly orientation tour. Some generous sponsors have made this program possible, and they are proud to have you visit their city. You will receive an historical overview of the city, hear some of the local legends, as well as many practical tips from our experienced guides. Learn some of the German customs and have the opportunity to enjoy the city as it is decked out in for the Holiday Season. We will visit the city on market day and we ll introduce you to some of local produce and products that you will be able to taste and purchase if you would like. On this special tour, you will be able to experience the magic of Christmas as the city hosts its annual Christmas market. If you plan to shop, recommend you bring VAT forms. Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0800 Depart: In front of Ramstein PAX Terminal, (Bldg. 3333) 0830 Return: Ramstein 1610, Vogelweh 1630 Cost: Free, but sign up at one of our USO centers Munich City Tour and Christmas Market Saturday, December 3 Nestled in natural Bavarian settings, Munich is Deutschland at its picture-perfect best. Munich is Germany s third largest city and is the heart of German technology; but at the same time, its traditional local costumes, music, dance, food, and festivals make Munich the stuff of guidebook cliché. Our local guide will show us the city by bus and on foot. We ll see the beautiful Residenz, Marienhof, Frauenkirche, Michaelskirche, Palace of Justice, the Viktualian Market, old town, and more. This time of year, the entire city is decked out in its finest Christmas attire, giving the city a special charm not seen any other time of year. You ll have time to enjoy the city on your own or shop at the Christmas market. There is a boundless variety of things to see and do in Munich. Maybe you ll have lunch at the world-famous Hofbräuhaus, see the artistic works held in the Alte and Neue Pinakothek museums,

2 visit one of the many other museums, or browse in the vast shopping center of Munich. This will truly be a memorable shopping opportunity. Bring euro for meals and personal expenses, and wear comfortable shoes Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0400 Return: Approximately midnight. Tour price includes transportation, city tour with local guide, and USO tour guide. Learn to Ride the German Train DB Orientation and Trip to St. Wendel Saturday, December 3 Today we are going to visit one of the most popular Christmas markets in our neighboring State of Saarland. At St. Wendel s Christmas Market, we ll enter a magical world of the sights and sounds of the advent season. St. Wendel, a quaint town with a population of approximately 26,500, has been meticulously restored and provides the ideal setting for its enchanting Christmas market. The market, with 120 decorated booths, features a giant Christmas pyramid, a living crèche, and a medieval Christmas market where the craftsmen demonstrate their trades. The historic town center with its beautiful basilica dedicated to St. Wendelinus provides the perfect backdrop for the Christmas market, bringing back memories of days gone by when tradesmen sold their wares around the church during the advent season. Along the medieval town wall, you ll find a miniature village with 14 little houses and 200 tiny figures going about their daily tasks. A highlight each day is the procession of the three wise men with their followers and live camels, followed by a Christmas pageant. In the museum, nativity scenes from all over the world will be on display. Our local guide will show us some of the special sites in St. Wendel and give us an historical overview of the town s eventful past, and even tie its history with that of the United States. At the market, you can try some of the traditional local specialties and some of the Glühwein (spiced wine) before we return via train to Kaiserslautern. Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 0800 Return: Approximately 1900 Cost: $29 Adults, $25 Children Tour price includes rail transportation, train orientation, local guide, and a USO tour guide. Amsterdam City Tour Saturday, December 3 Explore exciting, beautiful Holland with the USO. We arrive in the Netherlands early morning for breakfast (included). After breakfast, we'll visit a wooden-shoe maker and cheese farm where you can see how shoes and cheese are made. You can also sample and buy some of the cheese products, as well as shoes and other souvenirs. We ll then have an orientation of downtown Amsterdam. From the Dam Square, you ll be able to visit Anne Frank s House, the famous Red Light District, the Royal Palace, or some of the many other downtown sights, museums, and shops. After the city orientation, you ll have the afternoon to spend in this fascinating city. Those wishing to visit the Anne Frank House can reserve tickets in advance at When ordering tickets, indicate a time slot after 1 p.m. Tickets for most of the city s museums can be ordered at We recommend U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian passports. Travel documents are the responsibility of the customer. Please bring euro. Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0130 Return: Approximately 0330 (SUN) Cost: $99 Adults, $89 Children Tour price includes transportation, breakfast, shoe maker and cheese farm, city orientation, and a USO tour guide. Learn to Ride the German Train DB Orientation and Trip to Wissembourg and Neustadt an der Weinstrasse Sunday, December 4 Although it is just across the German-French border in the Alsatian region of France, a distinctive French flair prevails in this town of Wissembourg. Its Christmas market nestles between the half-timbered medieval houses perched along the Lauter River. We ll see the Church of St. Peter and Paul, the church of the former abbey, which is the second largest gothic church in the Alsace region (second only to Strasbourg). You will have time to try a Flammkuchen or some of the Vin Chaud (hot mulled wine) or other local specialties before we return to Kaiserslautern. Since we will pass the quaint German city of Neustadt on der Weinstrasse along the way, we will hop off of the train and take in its Christmas markets too. We recommend U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian passports. Travel documents are the responsibility of the customer. Depart: Meet at the Kaiserslautern HBF at 0900

3 Return: Approximately 1900 Cost: $29 Adults, $25 Children Tour price includes rail transportation, train orientation, town orientation of Wissembourg, and a USO tour guide. Bad Wimpfen and Ludwigsburg Christmas Markets and Medieval and Baroque Towns Sunday, December 4 You don t want to miss this Christmas tour to a medieval and a baroque town that provide breathtaking backdrops for their enchanting Christmas markets. We ll begin the day in Bad Wimpfen, an imperial town of great importance throughout the Middle Ages. Experience the town in its Christmas splendor as we step back in time walking along the old town walls and through the gates, towers, and winding streets lined with half-timbered houses. Its famous Blue Tower dominates the town s skyline when viewed from the Neckar River Valley below. The Christmas market in Bad Wimpfen is known as the Altdeutscher Weihnachts Markt (Old German Traditional Christmas Market). With its 160 booths, the romantic atmosphere will invite you to try many of the Christmas delicacies. Ever wanted to step back in time to a Fairy Tale Christmas? If so, join us for a trip to the Baroque Christmas Market in the Royal town of Ludwigsburg. The town was built to service the adjacent Ludwigsburg Palace in the early 1700s, and they have both maintained their exquisite Baroque and Classical appearance. This USO tour includes a tour through the palace and a leisurely afternoon in the historic Baroque Christmas Market. Take the opportunity to go back in time and visit this traditional Christmas market, but don t forget to bring euro for food, souvenirs, and presents from the Christmas markets. Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0830 Return: Approximately 2100 Tour price includes bus transportation, entrance to the palace, and a USO tour guide. An Evening at the Theater Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" Monday, December 5 Looking for a change from all those Christmas videos you ve lined up for the season? Make a new Christmas memory with the USO and this special evening at the Saarbrücken Theater. We ll travel by deluxe motor coach to Saarbrücken for an English language performance of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, the renowned story of Scrooge who is pursued in his dreams by the spirits of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future. He witnesses the touching Christmas celebration by his employee Bob Crachit and Bob's family before the spirit of Christmas Future forces Scrooge to preview his own imminent death an event which changes his whole outlook on life. We arrive prior to the show and have time to visit the central market square St. Johanner Markt that is decorated for Christmas. Numerous little huts selling all sorts of Christmas items, ranging from original Christmas decorations through tasty cakes and cookies to mulled wine, put you in a jovial mood. The winding streets and cozy pubs and restaurants clustering around the St. Johanner Markt will enhance the festive atmosphere and invite you to eat prior to the performance. Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 1600 Return: Approximately 2330 Tour price includes transportation, tickets, and USO escort. German Baking Class Christmas Cakes Tuesday, December 6 Ever wondered how those wonderful German Christmas cakes are made? Well, now is your chance to learn. During a three-hour session, you will learn how to prepare some popular German Christmas baked goods,in particular, the Christstollen. The most traditional of all German cakes, Stollen is a fruit cake made with candied or dried fruit, nuts, and spices, covered with powdered sugar. We ll taste what we create, but please bring small containers to take home any leftovers, a coffee cup, and your appetite. The USO will supply all the ingredients. Menus are planned in advance and can be viewed on the Facebook group, KMC USO German Cooking and Baking. Participation is limited so sign up now for this special USO class. Please note: This class is demonstration only unless otherwise indicated. Bring your camera if you want to take pictures of these delicacies. This class is for adults only; please no children under 12. Time: Place: Kapaun Chapel Annex, Bldg Cost: $25

4 A German Experience Kaffee und Kuchen Wednesday, December 7 Are you interested in learning about German traditions, culture, and local history? What better time to start than in the pre-christmas advent season? We ll experience one of the most popular German past times having Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) at one of the best cafés in town. At the same time, you can learn about German advent and Christmas traditions, and even try some Christmas cookies. We can even teach you a few basic German phrases to use at your local grocery store, café or bakery. Our experienced instructor will take you through a morning of getting to know our host nation, Germany. Come on this new adventure and learn about Germany, its language, and its customs. Participation is limited, so sign up soon. This traditional German experience is provided free of charge due our sponsors. Includes coffee and cake, and a USO instructor. Bis Bald! (See you soon!) Time: Place: Landstuhl City, Café Goldinger, Alter Markt Cost: Free Learn to Ride the German Train DB Orientation and Trip to Koblenz Wednesday, December 7 Tis the season to learn how to ride the German trains. We ll teach you how to ride the trains so you can try all of the special treats of the season and not have to worry about driving or parking. This week, we have a new destination for you. We re off to Koblenz. A good part of our train journey will be through the picturesque, romantic Rhine River Valley. Once a Roman stronghold, Koblenz is situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. Koblenz, with its population of approximately 100,000, has an ultramodern city center and mall. But it s the winding alleys of the old town that are most inviting during the holidays. The romantic squares and lanes will be lined with more than 100 booths. You are guaranteed to find a special gift at one of the boutiques or Christmas markets. Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 0730 Return: Approximately 1900 Tour price includes train orientation, train transportation, city orientation, and a USO tour guide. German Cooking Class Holiday Party Food Thursday, December 8 In this special cooking class, you will learn how to prepare some special treats for your families or holiday guests. We will teach you some special recipes so you can prepare them on your own during this holiday season. You will taste the dishes, so bring your appetite, and please bring eating utensils, and enough small containers to eat out of and to take home any leftovers. Menus are planned in advance and can be viewed on the Facebook group, KMC USO German Cooking and Baking. USO will supply all the ingredients. Class is demonstration only. Participation is limited so sign up now for this special USO cooking class. Bring your camera if you would like to take pictures. This class is for adults only; please, no children under 12. Time: Place: Pulaski Chapel Kitchen Bldg Cost: $25 Paris Dinner, City Tour, and Evening Boat Cruise Bonjour! Join us on this express trip to Paris a city of history, sights, and Oui, excitement! See such major tourist attractions as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arch of Triumph, and much more as we spend the day sightseeing with some free time for lunch and shopping. We arrive mid-morning and start out with a city tour where you ll see those famous tourist attractions. After some free time, we go for a unique dining experience; we ll head over to the Latin Quarter in the evening for an authentic five-course meal served in a historic atmosphere. You'll also marvel at the City of Lights on an evening boat cruise on the Seine River. Be sure to bring your camera because we make photo stops whenever we can. Please bring euro for personal expenses, i.e., shopping and lunch. We recommend U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian passports. Travel documents are the responsibility of the customer. Please, no children under eight years old.

5 Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0400 Return: Approximately 0430 (SUN) Cost: $139 Tour price includes transportation, city tour, dinner, boat ride, and a USO tour guide. Learn to Ride the German Train DB Orientation and Trip to Heidelberg Castle Tour and Christmas Market Heidelberg is one of the most romantic cities in Germany. Located on the Neckar River, this university city with a population of 150,000 has a special aura, especially at Christmas time. What could be more magical than visiting the Christmas markets located in the shadows of the mighty castle ruins in many of the city s squares or strolling the 140 booths located along the mile-long main street, or Hauptstrasse? If you haven t finished your Christmas shopping, this is the tour for you. Heidelberg s shopping mile is abundant with specialty stores, souvenir stores, and department stores. We will extend out stay in Heidelberg to allow adequate time to visit the unique Christmas market located around the majestic castle. Note: This tour does not include a guided tour inside the castle, but you may visit the castle courtyard during your free time. The funicular ride and ride to the castle are not stroller friendly. Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 0730 Return: Approximately 1900 Price includes rail transportation, train orientation, the ride up to the castle, entrance to the castle courtyard, a city tour, and a USO tour guide. Black Forest Winter Tour Open Air Museum Christmas Market The beautiful Black Forest stirs up a host of images dense forest, rolling farmland, rustling mountain stream, quaint villages and villagers in their native costumes, and cuckoo clocks. Join us on this new, unique tour into the heart of the Black Forest for a festive, winter-time experience. We ll pick up our local guide and travel to Schonach where we ll visit a clock factory and then see the world s largest cuckoo clock. At the factory, you ll see how clocks are made from beginning to end using more traditional techniques. Next, we ll drive into Triberg where you ll have free time for lunch and shopping. Later in the afternoon, we ll meet up at the park of the Parkhotel Wherle and see the world's largest clock peddler. The hotel will welcome us with homemade Glühwein, followed by a short tour through the hotel, showing us the room Ernest Hemingway stayed in when he visited Triberg to fish. You ll also see the world's smallest civil registry office and more. After the tour, we ll cross the street and visit the Café Adler where we ll get a Black Forest cherry cake presentation followed by coffee and cake. Next, we drive to Gutach where the Black Forest Open Air Museum will be holding its annual Christmas market. During the market, you can experience the Black Forest of the 16th to 20th centuries. As you walk through the Open Air Museum, you ll get a glimpse of 400 years of Black Forest history. Entering the museum s numerous buildings, you ll find yourself standing in the midst of daily life as it was for their former inhabitants. You ll be able try many of the local specialties as well as buy products such as oven baked bread, cheese, schnapps, ham, soaps, jewelry, and many other handicraft items. There will also be demonstrations and activities for children. You ll find plenty of ideas for last minute Christmas gifts here. If you are planning to buy a clock, please don't forget to bring VAT forms and check out the back inside and outside cover of this Kabel for information on the shops. Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0600 Return: Approximately 2230 Cost: $89 Adults, $79 Children Tour price includes transportation, clock factory, entrance fee to the world's largest cuckoo clock in Schonach, Glühwein-tour at the Parkhotel Wherle, cherry cake presentation and cake and coffee at the Adler, entrance fee to the Christmas market at the open air museum in Gutach, local tour guide, and USO tour guide. Military Heritage Tour Bastogne Historic Walk Join us on this special tour for the 39th Annual Bastogne December Historic Walk. This year s walk will be in the sector of Neville. You will have a choice of a 7-, 14-, and 20- km walk. We will sign up and depart from the Sport Center in Bastogne. The fee for the walk includes a certificate of participation, a free hot drink along the longer routes, a map of the route, a historical booklet, and a souvenir patch. After the walk, there will be a wreath laying ceremony at the McAuliffe and Patton memorials. There will also

6 be a ceremonial throwing of nuts at the city hall. The routes usually converge in Bastogne near the 101st Airborne Command Post the Nuts Cave so don t miss the opportunity to visit. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. You will have time for dinner in Bastogne before we return. Please bring euro for dinner and souvenirs. There will be several opportunities to buy World War II memorabilia all around the city. We recommend U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian passports. Travel documents are the responsibility of the customer. Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0400 Return: Approximately 2130 Cost: $69 Tour price includes transportation, participation fee, and an experienced USO military history tour guide. Bamberg City of Bishops and Beer Bamberger Krippenweg (Nativity Scene Trail) and Christmas Market This Christmas, the USO has arranged a special tour for you: a tour to Bamberg, the city of bishops and beer. Every year during advent, Bamberg features a Krippenweg a trail leading from nativity scene to nativity scene in more than 30 locations throughout the city. The magnificent Imperial Cathedral, neighborhood parish churches, as well as museums open their doors for visitors to see this beautiful and unique collection of crèches. The trail, which leads you over the city s seven hills, has been a city tradition for over 20 years, but has historical roots dating back 400 years, when the Jesuits set up the first nativity scene in Bamberg. Experience this wonderful Christmas tradition, and see the nativity scenes displayed in the same churches that house some of the world s most impressive works of art by medieval, renaissance, and baroque artists and sculptors. Bamberg s history reaches back as far as 902, but it was raised to the status of a Bishopric in 1007 under Emperor Heinrich II. For a short time, Bamberg was even the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. In the 17th century, the most renowned architects of their day made their lasting impression on Bamberg, changing it into an unmistakably baroque city. Escaping substantial damage during the wars, Bamberg is blessed with the largest intact Old Town in Germany, which since 1993 has been a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Bamberg s old town hall, perched on an island in the middle of the Regnitz River, is surrounded by the tanners houses along the old canal, the millers quarter, and the fishermen s settlement known as Little Venice, and are all guaranteed to provide exceptional photo opportunities. During your free time, you can explore Bamberg s old town with its interesting pubs and stores, which include over 20 antique dealers. Beer brewing in Bamberg began over 900 hundred years ago in the monasteries, and by the 12th century Bamberg was producing beer to send off to far-off countries as a valuable export. Try some of Bamberg s world renowned Rauch Bier or smoked beer brewed at one of Bamberg s nine remaining breweries (there were still 65 breweries in 1818), or try some Glühwein (mulled wine) at the local Christmas market. After free time for lunch and shopping, we will visit more of the sites along the Nativity Trail, before returning to Kaiserslautern. Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0600 Return: Approximately 2300 Tour includes transportation, city tour, and a USO tour guide. Market Day in Kaiserslautern Brrrr It s cold outside! But that s not an excuse not to join the locals and visit the Kaiserslautern Farmer s Market on a Saturday morning. The city of Kaiserslautern has held the right to hold market since 985, and now is your chance to exercise your right to visit the city market escorted by a local guide. Join us for this new free program and find out about the seasonal vegetables and products from the local area. Our Kaiserslautern guide may even have a typical recipe or two to share with you. After visiting the market, you will have the opportunity to warm up in a café, learn about the German coffee culture and try some of the typical baked goods from the area. Since the Kaiserslautern Christmas Market will be in full swing on this day, you can take advantage and visit that market before you leave the city. Program includes visit to the market and café, escorted by a local guide, and informational material. It does not include transportation or purchases made at the market or café. Parking is available at the Pfalz Theater Parkhaus, Altstadt Parkhaus, the K in Lautern Mall, or underneath the Market Square/Saks Hotel. Please note: Street parking is not free on Saturdays. Meet: In front of city Tourist Information, Fruchthallstrasse 14 Duration: Cost: Free, but must sign up at one of our USO centers Learn to Ride the German Train DB Orientation and Trip to Deidesheim and Freinsheim

7 Sunday, December 11 This special trip will take you to two of the nicest Christmas markets in the southern Palatinate. The Deidesheim Christmas Market with more than 100 booths is one of the most popular in the region and we plan to arrive before the crowds. From Deidesheim, we travel to Freinsheim, a walled city, located on the German Wine Road. Here you will have the opportunity to taste more of the regional specialties and try the Glühwein made from the local wines. One of the highlights of the Freinsheim Christmas Market is a living nativity scene and a pageant in the local dialect. You ll have time at both Christmas markets to shop for unique crafts and as well as enjoy the atmosphere of this special season. Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 0900 Return: Approximately 2000 Cost: $29 Adults, $25 Children Tour price includes rail transportation, train orientation, and a USO tour guide. German Baking Class Christmas Cookies Tuesday, December 13 Ever wondered how those wonderful German Christmas cookies are made? Well, now is your chance to learn. During this threehour session, you will learn how to prepare a variety of popular German Christmas cookies. We ll taste what we create, but please bring small containers to take home any leftovers, a coffee cup, and your appetite. The USO will supply all the ingredients. Recipes are planned in advance and can be viewed on the Facebook group, KMC USO German Cooking and Baking. Participation is limited so sign up now for this special USO class. This class is for adults only; please no children under 12. Please note: This class is demonstration only. Each Christmas Cookie class in November and December will feature different recipes. Time: Place: Kapaun Chapel Annex, Bldg Cost: $25 Learn to Ride the German Train DB Orientation and Trip to Trier Christmas Market Thursday, December 15 On this weekday trip, we will visit one of the area s nicest Christmas markets in the fantastic city of Trier. Besides the Christmas market with its 95 booths, this city of more than 100,000 has great shopping opportunities. If you ve done all your Christmas shopping, you can spend some time sight-seeing. Trier boasts a fantastic collection of Roman excavations. You will see sights such as the Porta Nigra and the Roman Baths. Along with the Roman ruins, you will also see the medieval architecture in the popular pedestrian walkway area. After our guide introduces you to the city, you ll have plenty of free time for lunch, visiting the Christmas market, or exploring the area on your own before we board our late afternoon train back to Kaiserslautern. Depart: Meet at the Kaiserslautern HBF at 0830 Return: Approximately 1830 Tour price includes rail transportation, train orientation, city tour, and a USO tour guide. Nürnberg and Rothenburg Christmas Markets Saturday, December 17 Visit two of Germany s most famous Christmas markets on this tour. First, we ll travel to Nürnberg where Germany s oldest and most popular Christmas market takes place. The main marketplace with its Beautiful Fountain and Our Lady s Church provides the picturesque setting for the Christmas Market that will get you in the spirit with its gingerbread, delicious sausage and wafts of Glühwein. A few blocks from the market square, there is a famous Toy Museum. In the afternoon on our return home, we ll stop at Rothenburg, the Gem from the Middle Ages. Although this is not the largest Christmas market in Germany, it is one of the finest. You will have the chance to shop at the famous Käthe Wohlfahrt stores and at the many smaller booths selling Christmas wares and foods. Bring good walking shoes and euro for shopping and meals. Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0600 Return: Approximately 2200 Tour price includes transportation and USO tour guide.

8 Learn to Ride the German Trains DB Orientation to Saarbrücken Christmas Market Saturday, December 17 On this USO tour, we are going to visit Saarbrücken, the capital of our neighboring state of Saarland. A dynamic university city with a population of 180,000, Saarbrücken has some of the best shopping in the area. So what better place to find those last minute gifts. It is very close to France, and Saarbrücken s downtown area and Christmas market reflect the moods of the French savoir vivre and classic German Christmas tradition. You will have time to visit the Europa Galerie, Saarbrücken s elegant shopping mall. With its 110 shops, the mall is located at the beginning of Saarland s longest pedestrian shopping zone, and it boasts a Primark and a TK Maxx, large clothing and accessory stores. Of course, you ll have time to enjoy the sights and sounds of Saarbrücken s festive Christmas market, with over 80 stands where you can try some of the local specialties and even some Glühwein! We will stay at the market around the old town square until 1700, so we can witness the aerial arrival of Santa via sleigh. If you want to visit some of the historical sites, below the palace are underground passages that were once part of the medieval castle, and were essential to Saarbrücken s defense for over 500 years. Bring euro for shopping and food. Some of the stores accept VAT forms. Strollers are not recommended. Group size is limited so sign up early. Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 0900 Return: Approximately 1900 Tour price includes train transportation, train orientation, city orientation, and a USO tour guide. Christmas in the Alsace Colmar and Riquewihr Saturday, December 17 South of Strasbourg between the wooded hills of the Vosges Mountains and the valley sprawling along the Rhine River lies Colmar, an Alsatian city filled with history and heritage. Colmar boasts half-timbered houses, majestic churches, a quaint Tanners Quarter and a section of town named Petit Venise with its picturesque canals. Colmar s old town squares provide picture-book settings for its five traditional Christmas markets. These markets, or Marchés de Noël, are guaranteed to be a feast for the senses. Beneath the lights, the irresistible scents of the vin chaud (hot mulled wine), and the pain d épice (French gingerbread) will tempt you to try some of the French Christmas specialties, for example flammekuche and roasted chestnuts. You will have time to visit the newly renovated Unterlinden Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its world-famous Isenheim Altar by Matthias Grünewald. Martin Schongauer s 15th century painting the Virgin in the Rose Bushes has found its perfect setting within the Dominican Church. You can follow the footsteps of one of Colmar s famous sons, Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty. In the afternoon, we ll take you on to Riquewihr, nestled amidst the vineyards of the Route du Vin, the French Wine Road, where you can sample and purchase some of the delicious Alsatian Riesling wine. Riquewihr is famous for its tasty macaroons, available for purchase throughout the town. In Riquewihr, you can visit a museum dedicated to his work. We ll also stop shortly at the Beauville linen factory outlet in Ribeauville for those last minute Christmas gifts. If you are looking for a special Christmas gift or just want to enjoy traditional French Christmas atmosphere, then this is the tour for you. The Christmas markets in both towns will be well-visited, and Colmar s cobblestone streets, especially with the market crowds, will not be conducive to strollers. We recommend US (blue), EC, or Canadian passports. Travel documents are the responsibility of the customer. Bring euro for meals and personal expenses. Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0600 Return: Approximately 2300 Cost: $59 Adults, $49 Children Tour price includes transportation, city tour of Colmar, Riquewihr town orientation, Beauville outlet, and a USO guide. Bern, Switzerland Saturday, December 17 Visit Bern, the romantic capital of Switzerland, and witness a true winter wonderland. A beautiful city with its famous clock tower, fountains, and quaint specialty shops, Bern is an unspoiled jewel of medieval architecture. During a guided tour through Bern s old town, you ll see the bear garden, cathedral, Houses of Parliament, prison tower, and famous Zyttglocken clock tower. You ll have time to shop for Swiss chocolate, cheeses, watches, and other souvenirs on the six-kilometer long arched shopping promenade, the largest in Europe, or at the Christmas market. We will also visit the famous Swiss Emmentaler Cheese Factory, where the history of Emmentaler Swiss Cheese begins. Here, you can buy cheese and other Swiss specialties. U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian passports are required. Travel documents are the responsibility of the customer. Please bring Swiss franc for meals and souvenirs. Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0400 Return: Approximately 2330

9 Cost: $89 Adults, $79 Children Tour price includes transportation, city tour, visit to cheese factory, and USO tour guide. Learn to Ride the German Trains DB Orientation to Ladenburg and Mannheim Sunday, December 18 We have a special Christmas gift for you and it s all wrapped in the form of a brand new tour. Travel back in time with us to the town that claims to be the oldest in Germany, that is, east of the Rhine River. The earliest settlement of this area is believed to have been 3000 years ago. Remnants of its Roman heyday stand proudly amongst the half-timbered houses and medieval fortifications. Ladenburg s Christmas Market is nestled in the picturesque main market square, overflowing into the rambling alleys and lanes. Honorary citizens of Ladenburg include automobile pioneers Carl Benz and his wife Berta. You ll have some time to warm up in the Automuseum located in the former Benz factory halls. During the train orientation, we will teach you how to Christmas market hop. We ll put the knowledge to work and hop over to the Mannheim Christmas Market as well. Experience the contrast of small town vs. big city markets on this special Sunday outing. Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 0900 Return: Approximately 1830 Tour price includes train transportation, train orientation, city orientation, and a USO tour guide. Learn to Ride the German Trains DB Orientation to Heidelberg and Mannheim Monday, December 19 Heidelberg and Mannheim are cities that are historically linked, but have a completely different flair. Heidelberg is one of the most romantic cities in Germany, a university city on the Neckar with old town charm, while Mannheim, also a university city, is located on the Rhine River, and is modern and bustling. But during the holiday season, both cities will have a special sparkle. With 350 booths between them, both Christmas markets will give you the chance to put those final checks on your shopping lists. Heidleberg s main street (Hauptstrasse) and Mannheims s shopping street (the Planken) will be all decked out in their holiday finest. This tour does not include entrance to the Heidelberg castle or a guided tour inside the castle. The train and markets will be busy and are not stroller friendly. Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 0900 Return: Approximately 1900 Cost: $29 Adults, $25 Children Tour price includes rail transportation, a train orientation, city orientation of Heidelberg, and a USO tour guide. Strasbourg, France City Orientation and Christmas Market Saturday, December 24 Experience the famous Alsatian Christmas market that will still be underway in Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace. We ll begin our day with a city orientation, where you ll see the beautiful Gothic cathedral that took about 400 years to build, and the famous La Petite France section of the old city. After the city orientation, you ll have free time to try one of the regional dishes, Flammkuche, at one of the colorful restaurants, explore on your own, shop in the large department stores and numerous shops, or visit the French Christmas market and experience the wonderful Alsatian celebration. The Christmas market in the center of town offers a great variety of goodies with a French flair. Please bring euro for shopping and lunch. We recommend U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian passports. Travel documents are the responsibility of the customer. Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0730 Return: Approximately 2100 Tour price includes transportation, city orientation, and USO tour guide. After Christmas Special Black Forest Winter Wonderland at the Waterfall Tuesday, December 27 Between Christmas and New Year s, Germany's largest waterfall in Triberg becomes the center of a spectacular light show. The ocean of lights surrounding the waterfalls with its 750,000 lights is one of the most spectacular Christmas shows in Germany. Upon

10 arrival, you ll be able to enjoy music on two stages, local crafts, foods, and of course the traditional Glühwein. Enjoy a stroll through the city to the sound of live music and watch craftsmen exhibit the traditional art of wood carving and clock painting. You will of course have the opportunity to shop for cuckoo clocks and other Black Forest crafts. In the evening, the waterfall turns into a spectacular show of lights and performers creating a magical illumination you ll never forget. Please wear warm clothing, the events take place outdoors. Bring euro for meals and personal expenses. Also, most of the shops take VAT forms. Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 1200 Return: Approximately 0130 (WED) Cost: $79 Adults, $69 Children Tour price includes transportation, waterfall entrance, and a USO tour guide. Learn to Ride the German Train Speyer and Visit to Sealife, Technical Museum, or IMAX Movie Christmas and New Year Market Tuesday, December 27 Come with the USO on this great family outing and learn all about German trains. Tour the Kaiserslautern train station, receive an overview briefing on the rail system, and take a trip to the city of Speyer and return. Learn about the many specials the DB offers, for example: weekend tickets, family tickets, city specials, and more. Speyer is a historic yet dynamic city near the German Wine Road, and its history spans more than 2000 years. Speyer s beautiful Salian cathedral is one of Germany s outstanding landmarks. Almost 1,000 years old, the impressive cathedral is the final resting place of eight German emperors and kings. The Speyer Christmas and New Year s Market will still be in place and the city will be decorated with a festive flair. There will be sufficient time to visit one of the museums or IMAX movies that is included in the tour price. The Sea Life Aquarium Museum features the life of water animals in simulated natural habitats rivers, lakes, and oceans. If you chose to visit the Speyer Technical Museum, you can see more than 3,000 exhibits that include 70 aircraft, 20 locomotives, 50 vintage cars, and 40 fire engines. If you are an IMAX movie fan, you can watch one of the movies (in German). Bring euro for shopping and lunch. Group size is limited so sign up early. Also, traveling with large baby strollers on German trains is not easy, especially if train transfers are involved. Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 0830 Return: Approximately 1730 Tour price includes train tickets, one museum (Sea Life or Technical Museum) or IMAX entrance, city orientation, and a USO escort. Paris City of Lights and Christmas Markets Thursday, December 29 During the holiday season, Paris truly lives up to its name as the City of Lights. And though Christmas is over, the city is still decked out in its festive garb with its bustling markets and glimmering displays. Join us on this tour to enjoy the atmosphere of a big city during the holiday season. Experience the magical Christmas markets on the Champs Elysees, which are some of the most beautiful in the world. See Paris as you never have before. The windows of two main department stores will be decorated by no less than the most famous designers of the world. Do your post-christmas shopping at one of the markets, a museum store, or on the famous Champs Elysees. Of course, churches are especially beautiful during the holiday season, and you ll have the opportunity to admire the traditional nativity scene in the cathedral of Notre Dame. We won t miss out on the famous sites. During our windshield tours, we ll see the most famous landmarks and neighborhoods that are decked out in their finest. We will make photo stops whenever we can. Please bring euro for shopping and meals. We recommend U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian passports. Travel documents are the responsibility of the customer. Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0400 Return: Approximately midnight Cost: $99 Adults, $95 Children Tour price includes transportation, breakfast, city tour, and a USO tour guide. After Christmas Special Black Forest Winter Wonderland at the Waterfall Friday, December 30 Between Christmas and New Year s, Germany's largest waterfall in Triberg becomes the center of a spectacular light show. The ocean of lights surrounding the waterfalls with its 750,000 lights is one of the most spectacular Christmas shows in Germany. Upon arrival, you ll be able to enjoy music on two stages, local crafts, foods, and of course the traditional Glühwein. Enjoy a stroll through the city to the sound of live music and watch craftsmen exhibit the traditional art of wood carving and clock painting. You

11 will of course have the opportunity to shop for cuckoo clocks and other Black Forest crafts. In the evening, the waterfall turns into a spectacular show of lights and performers creating a magical illumination you ll never forget. Please wear warm clothing, the events take place outdoors. Bring euro for meals and personal expenses. Also, most of the shops take VAT forms. Transportation: German bus Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 1200 Return: Approximately 0130 (SAT) Cost: $79 Adults, $69 Children Tour price includes transportation, waterfall entrance, and a USO tour guide. New Year s Special Two Overnights in Berlin Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 29-Jan. 1 Sign up on or before November 27 and receive a 5% discount. Ring in 2017 at one of the largest New Year s Eve celebrations in the world! Our centrally located hotel will be in walking distance of the party street around the Victory Column and Brandenburg Gate. Berlin, the former divided city, and beautifully refurbished capital of Germany beckons to you to come with the USO on this special weekend. Throughout the centuries, Berlin has frequently been the focal point of historic events. During our two days in Berlin, you ll have guided tours to the most popular sights that you have heard about in the media and in history books: the Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Parliament Building, Potsdamer Platz, Unter den Linden, the Memorial Church, Tempelhof Airport, and the Kurfürstendamm shopping street. We ll depart Kaiserslautern late Thursday evening and will arrive in Berlin early Friday morning. After breakfast en route, we ll begin our sightseeing tour of this extraordinary city. We ll visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum and the Topography of Terror. We ll have free time for shopping and sightseeing on the former west side of Berlin, where you can visit one of Germany s largest department stores and zoos. In the evening, we will take you to the center of the former east Berlin, Alexander Platz, near Berlin s Old Town, the Nikolai Quarter, and the trendy Hackesche Höfe. Of course, there will be free time to visit some of the fascinating museums or do some individual exploration of this remarkable city for those who want to venture out on their own. Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 2300 (THU) Return: Approximately 2200 (SUN) Cost: $499 Adults, $489 Children (based on double occupancy) Single Supplement: $150 (Must be paid at time of booking and will be refunded if share basis is possible) Tour price includes transportation, two overnights in a centrally located hotel, breakfast en route and in hotel, city tour, Checkpoint Charlie Museum entrance, and a USO tour guide. Brussels, Belgium New Year s Express Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 31-Jan. 1 Some say that Brussels is one of Europe s best cities to countdown the New Year, so this year, we decided to find out for ourselves. Brussels Belgium s capital and an international city with flair bustles with activity, beautiful shops, a myriad of museums, bars, cafes, and restaurants, especially on the last day of the year. We ll arrive in late afternoon for a city orientation, during which you ll see some of the main sites. Then you ll have free time for exploring, shopping, dining, or participating in the local festivities. The beautiful main square, La Grand Place, will be brimming with activity, as will every corner of the city. So plan to celebrate this New Year s the Belgium way. Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 1000 Return: Approximately 0600 (SUN) Cost: $99 Tour price includes transportation, city tour, and a USO tour guide. Due to strenuous walking on cobblestone streets in crowded areas, this tour is not recommended for children under 6.