Tour participants can choose to join our group flight from Minneapolis (MSP) or to make their own flight arrangement. The group flight is included in the $4395 Double or $4995 Single price. Those flying on their own pay $1000 less ($3395 or $3995). Those on the group flight enjoy these benefits:
* free parking at MLC in New Ulm or Bloomington Lutheran Church near MSP
* motor coach service from MLC (9:30AM) or Bloomington Lutheran Church (11:15AM) to MSP on Monday, June 18
* Single connection flights on United Airlines and/or its partner, Lufthansa
* all taxes and departure fees
* 1 free checked bag, 1 free carry-on bag, and 1 free personal item
* Frankfurt Start Group: Queen plus sofa sleeper studio suite at Staybridge Suites near MSP on Wednesday, July 4 and coach service from Staybridge Suites to Bloomington Lutheran Church (10AM) or to MLC (11:30) on Thursday, July 5
* Rome Start Group: King suite at Embassy Suites near Chicago ORD on Wednesday, July 4 and shuttle service from MSP to Bloomington Lutheran Church (10AM) or to MLC (11:30) on Thursday, July 5
For those flying or driving in to meet us in Minneapolis, an optional $89+tax 1 queen + sofa sleeper studio suite is available at Staybridge Suites near MSP on Sunday, June 17. Complimentary amenities include: MSP/Mall of America Shuttle, breakfast buffet, laundry facility, and wifi. Book direct by calling 952-831-7900 and asking for the Martin Luther College Alumni Tour rate. Unclaimed rooms will be released on May 27.
Group flights may experience schedule changes but at present we are booked as noted below. Those flying on their own should plan to arrive a day ahead (unless they are arranging to meet up with our same transcontinental flights).
Those starting in Rome, Italy (south to north)
Monday, June 18 Depart Minneapolis (MSP) on United #2346 at 1:23pm to arrive in Chicago (ORD) at 2:48pm
Connect to United #970 departing Chicago (ORD) at 3:50pm and arriving in Rome (FCO) at 8:25am on Tues, June 19
Wednesday, July 4 Depart Frankfurt (FRA) on Lufthansa #432 at 5:15pm and arriving in Chicago O’Hare (ORD) at 7:20pm
Stay overnight at Embassy Suites, Rosemont
Thursday, July 5 Depart Chicago (ORD) on United #1683 at 8:05am and arriving in Minneapolis (MSP) at 9:31am
Those starting in Frankfurt, Germany (north to south)
Monday, June 18 Depart Minneapolis (MSP) on United #3601 at 1:25pm to arrive in Newark (EWR) at 5:13pm
Connect to United #960 departing Newark (EWR) at 7:40pm and arriving in Frankfurt (FRA) at 9:20am on Tues, June 19
Wednesday, July 4 Depart Rome (FCO) on United #971 at 10:20am and arriving in Chicago O’Hare (ORD) at 2:10pm
Connect to United #1178 departing Chicago (ORD) at 3:32pm and arriving in Minneapolis (MSP) at 5:08pm
Daily transport will be via deluxe motor coach. The modern coach will feature climate control, on board restroom, reclining seats, two exits (front and mid-bus), audio system, and DVD video player. Our bus from Frankfurt will have a German and English speaking driver who will transport our Frankfurt-starting group to Salzburg and then our Rome-starting group to Frankfurt. Conversely, our bus from Rome will have an Italian and English speaking driver who will also make the turn in Salzburg and head back to Rome with our other group. As noted in the Mobility and Health Concerns section, there will be several occasions where the motor coaches will not be able to travel due to historic preservation efforts, narrow roads, and strict traffic codes. This will mean some lengthy walks to get to some of our destination venues.
When in Venice, we will make use of the train from our hotel to Venice and the water taxi system. We will also use the tram to the historic center in Florence. With about 48 travelers, we will be considered a very large group and will occasionally need to split into smaller groups for organized tours. Patience will be the key to enjoying our European adventure! All transportation costs are included in your tour package with the exception of any taxis, tours, or private outings that you may arrange during designated free time.
