FAM report: Exploring Germany with the GNTO

The German National Tourist Office recently hosted a FAM showcasing the diversity of the country and its customs, including a focus on the state of Baden Württemberg.

Sponsored by the GNTO, the state of Baden-Württemberg and Lufthansa, the group explored Germany from Oct. 19 - 25 starting in the city of Stuttgart, known for its location in a valley, surrounded by vineyards; the group also visited the city's Mercedes Museum.

A behind-the-scenes tour took place in the castle of Ludwigsburg, where the group learned how servants used to live and work in the castle. The FAM then continued to Lake Constance, which borders Germany, France and Switzerland and is world-renowned for its wines.

The last two villages were Baden-Baden and Heidelberg. In Baden-Baden, the group had the chance to experience an old Roman thermal bath and in Heidelberg, the FAM group was experienced the town's castle, (home to the largest wine barrel in the world) and learned everything about the students’ prison of the Heidelberg University, where until 1914, students got locked up for playing tricks on people; the writing and painting of students can still be seen on the prison walls.

The FAM group included Wolf Paunic, president, Trafalgar Canada; Ben Ayow, director, Royal Scenic; Tina Horley, general manager, Senior Discovery Tours; Margaret Pagliarulo, executive travel co-ordinator, New Wave Travel; and Antje Splettstoesser, director, marketing & sales office - Canada, GNTO.