Discover the best of Central Europe and Italy on this unforgettable 14-day escorted tour
Cruise the magnificent Danube River through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary before experiencing the once-in-a-decade Oberammergau Passion Play.
Continue through the Bavarian Alps to Verona, Assisi and Rome, enjoying premium accommodation, guided sightseeing, historic landmarks and unforgettable cultural experiences throughout this extraordinary European journey.
Itinerary
Day 1: Budapest
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your overnight hotel. Enjoy free time after check-in to explore the city or relax. Meet your Tour Guide and fellow travellers in the hotel lobby this evening. Dinner at your own arrangements.
Day 2: Budapest
Board your river cruise ship for a six-night Danube River Cruise. Your vessel features the latest technology, a panoramic deck, terrace café, panorama lounge and bar, outstanding cuisine, exceptional service, and unlimited wine and beer with dinner. Following a Welcome Cocktail Reception and dinner, enjoy an evening cruise showcasing Budapest’s spectacular illuminated skyline, followed by a traditional folklore show.
Meals: B, D
Day 3: Budapest
Discover Budapest on a guided tour featuring the historic Buda Castle District, Fisherman’s Bastion and the 500-year-old St. Matthias Church. Take in magnificent views across the Danube River between the twin cities of Buda and Pest.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Budapest – Bratislava – Vienna
Visit Slovakia’s charming capital, Bratislava, exploring highlights including the 13th-century castle, the Old Town, St. Martin’s Cathedral, Michael’s Gate and the Archbishop’s Palace. This afternoon continue cruising towards Vienna, Austria’s elegant capital.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Vienna
Join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of Vienna, including the magnificent Hofburg Palace, Vienna State Opera, the famous Ringstrasse and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This afternoon is free to explore the city’s cafés, shops and famous pastries at your leisure.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Emmersdorf – Wachau Valley
Cruise through the picturesque Danube to the charming riverside town of Emmersdorf before continuing through the beautiful Wachau Valley, renowned for its vineyards, medieval castles and charming villages.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Linz – Passau
Enjoy a walking tour of Linz before cruising to Passau, Germany, situated at the meeting point of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers. Explore its beautiful Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to Europe’s largest church organ. This evening enjoy the Captain’s Gala Dinner onboard.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Passau – Munich – Oberammergau
Disembark your cruise ship and travel to Munich for a guided city tour featuring Olympic Park, the famous Glockenspiel and Marienplatz. Continue through the Bavarian Alps to the picturesque village of Oberammergau.
Meals: B, D
Day 9: Oberammergau Passion Play
This afternoon attend the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play, first performed in 1634 following the villagers’ vow after being spared the Black Plague. During the performance interval enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers before returning to witness the conclusion of this extraordinary once-in-a-decade event.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Linderhof Palace – Neuschwanstein Castle
Visit the magnificent Linderhof Palace, King Ludwig II’s only completed palace, renowned for its elaborate Rococo interiors. Continue to the medieval town of Füssen before visiting the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers.
Meals: B
Day 11: Munich
Enjoy a free day to explore Munich at your own pace. Your Tour Guide will be available with suggestions for sightseeing and activities. Gather this evening for an included Farewell Dinner.
Meals: B, D
Day 12: Munich – Tour Ends
Your memorable journey concludes today after breakfast.
Meals: B
Transport
Travel throughout the tour by modern air-conditioned coach and luxury river cruiser.
Hotel Accommodation
We use centrally located hotels wherever possible. In cities we use a minimum of 4-star hotels or the best available accommodation.
River Cruise Accommodation
Your river cruise includes:
- Outside cabin accommodation.
- Meals and snacks on board.
- Pre-paid excursion package (as per the final itinerary).
- Professional Cruise Director and local tour guides.
- Comfortable audio system for all excursions.
- Onboard entertainment programme.
- Luggage service between the landing stage and your cabin for embarkation and disembarkation.
- Pre-paid port and passenger fees.
Please note: Cruise and tour itineraries, including ports of call and attractions, are subject to change without notice.
Meals
Meals are included as shown in the final itinerary.
B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Welcome, Farewell and other included dinners.
Passion Play Tickets & 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.
- Comprehensive 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.
