Baumholder
Baumholder Outdoor Recreation, Smith Barracks, Bldg. 816, 485-7182 or 06783-6-7182
Swiss Chocolate and Cheese Tasting
March 23
Enjoy a delicious day in which we will sample both of Switzerland’s favorite exports, Cailler Chocolate and Gruyères Cheese! In the village of Broc, you will enjoy a hands-on tour of the Cailler chocolate factory. This sensory smorgasbord culminates in an all you can eat tasting! But don’t stuff yourself silly, you’ll need to save room for our next stop, the La Maison du Gruyère cheese factory in Gruyères! After touring the cheese factory you can sample the local cheese at 3, 6 and 9 months of aging or buy a fondue meal in the restaurant. After both factories you will have time to visit the medieval castle or any of the other museums in the village of Gruyères. Cost Adults: $99 per person, Children under 12: $89 per child
Stuttgart Zoo and Chocolate Factory
March 24
Spend the day at Wilhema Park, one of Germany’s best zoos, and end it with a walk through the Ritter Sport museum. Today’s Wilhelma Park belongs to the historical heritage of Baden-Württemberg. The park has undergone a transition from being the purely private retreat of a king to become the zoological and botanical gardens of Stuttgart, with just over 2.1 million yearly visitors. The Ritter Sport museum’s collection consists of nearly 600 paintings, objects, sculptures and graphic works, a breadth of painterly and sculptural confrontation with the square form used as the design for the Ritter chocolate. Ritter’s factory is located in Waldenbuch, outside Stuttgart. They have shops and interactive museums in Waldenbuch that are open to visitors. When you are finished, you can then treat yourself with a wide variety of chocolate from their Chocolate shop.Cost Adults: $69, Children under 17: $49
Keukenhof Gardens
March 30
Visit the “Garden of Europe,” the world famous Keukenhof gardens! Keukenhof has been the world’s largest flower garden for over fifty years. This trip will take you to eighty acres of Tulip Gardens in Keukenhof where many fascinating flower arrangements spread along winding, gentle and paved paths. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, narcissi and orchids, azaleas, and hydrangeas in every color imaginable are represented, as are many more! For a different perspective of the gardens, take an electric ‘whisper boat’ cruise on one of many canals. You will also visit a cheese farm and wooden shoe shop on the way to the gardens where you can stock up on traditional Dutch specialty items. Cost Adults: $99, Children under 12: $89
Bruges Express
March 30 to 31
Visit Bruges, Belgium’s “Venice of the North.” The UNESCO World Heritage city of Bruges is a pristine example of old world architecture and culture. Canals and windmills surround the city center, where you will find countless open squares and beautiful architecture in a city which celebrates its culture. Climb the bell tower where 47 bells chime out the time every 15 minutes. See the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the world famous relic it houses, or Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child in the Church of Our Lady. Tempt your taste buds at the French Fry Museum, the Chocolate Museum or the Bruges Beer Museum, and dine an your choice of Bruges’ award winning pubs and restaurants. You will enjoy your day in Bruges.Cost Adults: $79, Children under 12: $59
Kaiserslautern
Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, Pulaski Barracks, Bldg. 2905, 493-4117 or 0631-3406-4117. Mon. to Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on federal holidays. https://kaiserslautern.armymwr.com
Keukenhof Gardens
March 30, April 13 (Tulip Parade), May 4 & 18
Keukenhof has been the world’s largest flower garden for over fifty years. This trip will take you to 80 acres of tulip gardens in Keukenhof where many fascinating flower arrangements spread along winding, gentle and paved paths. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, narcissi, orchids, azaleas, and hydrangeas in every color imaginable are represented, as are many more! For a different perspective of the gardens, take an electric ‘whisper boat’ cruise on one of the many canals. You will also visit a cheese farm and wooden shoe shop on the way to the gardens where you can stock up on traditional Dutch specialty items. Cost: $89 per person
Ski Express – Kaprun Glacier, Austria
March 30
Take advantage of a special Ski Express trip to the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier! Virtually guaranteed to still have good snow at the higher elevations, and likely to have top to bottom coverage on the entire glacier area, Kitzsteinhorn is a spring skiing paradise for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Cost: $89 per person
Ultimate Italy
April 4 to 13
Italy is one of Europe’s premier springtime destinations, due to its history, culture, and warmer climate. This Spring Break special will stop at many of the must see locations in Italy. Cost: Starting at $1079 per person
Copenhagen Weekend
April 4 to 8
When you spend the Spring Break long weekend in Copenhagen, you will have three full days to explore the maritime capital city’s streets and canals, visit various nautical and naval museums, and shop for Scandinavian specialty goods in both Denmark and Sweden. Cost: Starting at $429 per person
Trout Fishing
Starting on April 10, 13 & 28
Get back to nature, relax, and enjoy a day of trout fishing. While there are a wide variety of places to fish in Germany, we have chosen this one because it’s close, family friendly, and offers the possibility of catching 10-pound fish! And don’t worry about getting skunked, our certified fishing instructor is just waiting to provide as many tips and tricks as it takes to catch as many of them as possible. Cost: Adults $59, ages 6-11 $39, ages 0-5 $19
Berlin Express
April 13
Explore Berlin, the capital city of Germany. You can visit Brandenburg Gate, explore Checkpoint Charlie, the remnants of the Berlin Wall, and the legacy of communist East Berlin. See the ruins of WWII, eat a currywurst, shop at the exclusive stores on Kurfürstendamm and Unter den Linden, visit Berlin Zoo, or check out the view of the once divided city from the top of the TV tower or the glass dome of the Reichstag! Cost: $99 per person
London Express
April 19 to 21
Immerse yourself in the world of the royals at the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Windsor Castle. Visit the British Museum, the National Gallery, Victoria and Albert’s, or Madame Tussauds. Snap that perfect panorama picture of Big Ben from the top of the London Eye. Visit the original Hard Rock Café and get a picture crossing Abbey Road, or get in some shopping on Oxford Street or at Harrods. We will stay in London late enough to spend an evening at the theater, or enjoy a dinner in a high-class restaurant or specialized gastro-pub. Cost: $149 per person
King’s Day in Amsterdam
April 27
Visit Amsterdam, Holland’s “Venice of the North” on King’s Day! King’s Day in Amsterdam just may be the world’s largest birthday party, when the entire population of The Netherlands turns out to celebrate the King’s birthday. Cost: $89 per person
Ramstein
Ramstein Outdoor Recreation, KMC Center, Bldg. 3336, 480-5705 or 06371-47-5705. Mon. to Fri. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat., Sun., holidays and training days 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. https://www.86fss.com/sports-and-recreation/outdoor-recreation
La Bresse Express
March 23
The largest ski area in northeast France offers more than 220 hectares dedicated to skiing in the heart of the Ballons des Vosges. Lift tickets are about 30 euro per person and there are 32 different slopes all within a day’s drive from Kaiserslautern. We will depart bright and early to make it to the resort for fresh tracks, spending the full day skiing and the return that evening. Half price ski/snowboard equipment rental is available to participants during normal fitting hours (1 hour before store closes) for three days prior to trip departure. Half price rental not included in trip registration fee. Cost: $49, Age: all
Boppard Klettersteig
March 30
Join us on a fantastic cliff-face traverse above the Rhine. On this klettersteig we ascend the fixed steel cable and ladder rungs. If at any time climbing becomes too much, you can parallel the cliff on an adjacent path. This trip is 5 technical kilometers long with an elevation gain of approximately 800 feet. Bring lunch and euro for potential après-hike dinning along the Rhine. Dress for the weather and bring at least one liter of water in a small daypack. Great photo opportunities guaranteed. Cost: $35, Ages:12+ with parent
Mosel River Bicycle Tour
March 31
A full day of cycling along one of Europe’s most famous bicycle paths. The Mosel Radweg continues beside the water and avoids climbing up into the hills. Spectacular views are guaranteed on this journey where historical landmarks and natural beauty blend seamlessly. Fitness and endurance suggested. Bring water, snacks, cash euro for meals along route, dress for forecast, and a small daypack to carry personal items while riding. Cost: $40, Ages:16+