Experience the timeless beauty of Germany and Austria on this unforgettable 12-day escorted tour featuring the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play
Explore medieval Rothenburg, Munich, Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna, travel the scenic Romantic Road, visit Neuschwanstein Castle, and enjoy the spectacular Austrian Alps. With premium accommodation, guided sightseeing and unforgettable cultural experiences, this is a once-in-a-decade European holiday not to be missed.
Itinerary
Day 1: Budapest
Arrive Budapest and transfer to our overnight hotel. Free time after check in to explore or relax. Meet your guide and fellow travellers in the hotel lobby this evening. Dinner at your own arrangements.
Day 2: Budapest
We board our river cruise ship for our six night Danube River cruise. Your vessel offers the newest technology, a panoramic deck, terrace café, panorama salon and bar, excellent cuisine, outstanding service and unlimited wine and beer with every dinner onboard. After a welcome aboard cocktail reception and dinner, take in the essence of the region during an evening cruise to view Budapest’s stunning night skyline. Cap the night off with a fun-filled folklore show.
Meals: B, D
Day 3: Budapest
Embark on a tour of Budapest, Hungary’s lovely capital, featuring the historic Buda Castle area, Fisherman’s Bastion and the 500-year-old St. Matthias Church. Enjoy splendid views of the twin cities of Buda and Pest, nestled on opposing banks of the river.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Budapest – Bratislava, Slovakia – Vienna, Austria
Tour Slovakia’s remarkable capital, Bratislava, and discover the city’s most celebrated sites including the 13th-century castle, Old Town, St. Martin’s Cathedral, Michael’s Gate, and the Archbishop’s Palace. This afternoon, sail towards Vienna, Austria’s capital.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Vienna
Join a local expert exploring Vienna’s Imperial architecture including the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and the awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Vienna’s Baroque elegance, stroll along the Kartner Strasse, or sample some of Vienna’s famous pastries.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Emmersdorf – Wachau Valley
View the picturesque landscape as you cruise to the charming town of Emmersdorf. Relax and enjoy the scenery. This afternoon you continue cruising through the romantic Wachau Valley, dotted with magnificent castles and small riverside towns.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Linz – Passau, Germany
This morning, enjoy a walking tour of the riverside town of Linz. Next, continue on to Passau which rests at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. Enjoy a leisurely paced walking tour of this 2,000-year-old fairy-tale city, exploring the ornate Baroque architecture, the quaint cobblestone streets, and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to Europe’s largest church organ. Tonight there is the Captain’s Gala Dinner to enjoy with your fellow passengers.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Passau – Disembark Ship – Munich – Oberammergau
Today, disembark your cruise ship and journey to Munich. Feel the energy of this lively and fascinating city during a tour that highlights Olympic Park, the world-famous Glockenspiel, and Marienplatz, a beautiful square surrounded by shops, restaurants and cafés. Next, depart for the quaint village of Oberammergau, nestled in the Bavarian Alps.
Meals: B, D
Day 9: Oberammergau – Passion Play
This afternoon, witness a performance of the epic Passion Play. The original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the citizens vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honour the last days of the life of Christ. The performers of this once-in-a-decade event are all native to the village. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast starts to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers. During a break in the performance, join your fellow travellers for dinner before returning for the remainder of your Passion Play performance.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Linderhof Palace – Neuschwanstein Castle
Today we travel to nearby Linderhof Palace, one of the most artistic and stylistically complex ensembles of the 19th century. It is the only palace King Ludwig II of Bavaria was able to complete. Behind the Baroque façade is a Rococo world, rich in abundant ornamentation. Next, enjoy free time exploring medieval Füssen, the romantic town in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps. Next is a stop at Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany’s most famous castle and the inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of our unforgettable journey.
Meals: B
Day 11: Munich
Free day to explore Munich at leisure today. Your tour guide will provide a range of suggestions. We have an included Farewell Dinner tonight.
Meals: B, D
Day 12: Munich – Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close today after breakfast.
Meals: B
Transport
- Travel by modern air-conditioned coach and luxury river cruiser.
Hotel Accommodation
- Centrally located hotels wherever possible.
- Minimum 4-star hotels in cities, or the best available accommodation.
River Cruise Accommodation
- Outside cabin accommodation.
- Meals and snacks on board.
- Pre-paid excursion package (as per the final itinerary).
- Cruise Director and local tour guides.
- Comfortable audio system on all excursions.
- Onboard entertainment programme.
- Luggage service between the landing stage and your cabin for embarkation and disembarkation.
- Prepayable port and passenger fees.
Note: Cruise and tour itineraries, including ports and attractions, are subject to change without notice.
Meals
- Meals as per the final itinerary.
- B = Breakfast
- L = Lunch
- D = Welcome, Farewell and other included dinners
Passion Play Tickets & Associated Arrangements
- Passion Play tickets and associated arrangements are instant purchase and non-refundable.
Includes
Reserved best available tickets to the Passion Play
Excludes
- International airfares.
- Gratuities.
- Drinks.
- Additional meals or other items not specified as included in the final itinerary.
- Local taxes and other items not prepayable before the tour.
- Travel insurance (compulsory).
THIS ITINERARY IS THE PROPERTY OF THE TOUR COMPANY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
Available dates: May to September
Pricing: Currently from NZ $18,975 per person twin share.
