Avalon Waterways Oberammergau River Cruise Featuring the performance of Passion Play Thursday, May 14 Monday, May 20, Days/11 Nights

Transcription

1 Avalon Waterways Oberammergau River Cruise Featuring the performance of Passion Play Thursday, May 14 Monday, May 20, Days/11 Nights Sail through Central Europe s splendid capitals and charming towns in Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany on a Danube River cruise. Witness the world-renowned Passion Play that is only performed every ten years and step back in history as you explore historic towns and castles. Day 1: Arrive Budapest, Hungary (Embarkation) Welcome to Budapest, Hungary s lively capital. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at an evening welcome reception. NOTE: Guests must be on board the ship by 5 pm. Day 2: Budapest Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is one of Eastern Europe s liveliest cities. Whether you re seeing the sights, shopping for handcrafted embroidery or Herend porcelain, or basking in the coffee house culture over a rich cream cake in the renowned Gerbeaud Café, Budapest s unique energy is positively palatable. Heroes Square is one of the many sights you will see on your guided tour of the city. Be sure to take note of the city s eight bridges many famous sights in and of themselves that connect ancient

2 Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. You may even want to walk across Chain Bridge, built in 1849 and a symbol of Budapest. During your free time this afternoon, perhaps visit St. Stephen s Basilica, with marvelous views of the city from its viewing platform, or stroll along Váci utca, the main shopping street. Day 3: Bratislava, Slovakia This morning, enjoy the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. As you cruise upriver, Hungary is on your left and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. At the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains is Bratislava, the dynamic capital of Slovakia, which you reach in mid-morning. Join a local guide to explore its fascinating Old Town, where winding cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways twist and turn to reveal the Town Hall, one of the oldest stone buildings in the city; and gothic St. Martin s Cathedral, coronation church for the Kingdom of Hungary from the 16th to 19th centuries. Day 4: Vienna Known as the City of Music, Vienna inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria s magical capital on the Blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architecture. Join us for a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Vienna, including the Kuntskammer s remarkable collection of more than 2,100 valuable objects, which were collected through the centuries by the emperors and archdukes of Habsburg. The afternoon is at leisure. Stroll through the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse, and be sure to take a break and enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available tonight. Day 5: Durnstein/Melk Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque, Stiftskirche built in the 1700 s, is right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. The main street of this small town with a population of less than 1,000 people is lined with 16th-century homes and charming cobblestone streets. This morning, your local guide will take you on an included walking tour and tell you the tale of England s King Richard the Lionheart, who was imprisoned in the castle and whose ruins still stand above the town. Alternatively, you may choose to join a guided hike up to the castle ruins to take in the spectacular view of the village, Danube and the Wachau Valley below. During lunchtime, sail the picturesque Wachau Valley and arrive in Melk in the early afternoon. Here, enjoy a guided visit of the magnificent 11th-century Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe s largest monasteries. The abbey houses an ornate library with over 80,000 printed books and 2,000 manuscripts. You will be captivated by the splendor of the church with its frescoed ceilings, stunning high altar, marble statues and 210-foot-high cupola. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! This evening, sample some of the Wachau Valley s famous wines.

3 Day 6: Linz This morning, arrive in Linz, Austria s third-largest city and enjoy a guided walk which shows you the highlights. Linz is an important river port where culture plays a significant role in everyday life. Composer Anton Bruckner lived here, and Mozart s Linzer Symphony was composed in the city. See the 13th-century Hauptplatz, Austria s largest medieval square, and the Trinity Column, built in 1723 as thanks for the city escaping the ravages of the plague, war, and fire. This afternoon there is free time to explore on your own. Perhaps wander around the old castle grounds and take in the beautiful views of the river, or visit the neo-gothic New Cathedral, Austria s largest church, with capacity for 20,000 visitors. Alternatively, you might choose to join a full-day optional excursion to medieval Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; or to Salzburg with its Sound of Music sites. Day 7: Passau, Germany This morning, arrive in Passau, located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube. This is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets dominated by St. Stephen s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture. Join a local guide for a walking tour through this charming town, and find out much more about the City of Three Rivers. Day 8: Deggendorf (Disembarkation-Innsbruck, Austria This morning bid farewell to your crew after breakfast and take a scenic drive through the Bavarian Alps to Kind Ludwig s fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, high above the village of Hohenschwangau. Continue to Innsbruck, capital of the Austrian region of Tyrol, for a 2-night stay. Day 9: Innsbruck Join your local guide for a morning guided sightseeing of Innsbruck, visit St. James Cathedral and the Hofkirche. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore Innsbruck on your own, or take an optional excursion to the Swarowski Crystal World in the nearby Wattens. This evening a Tyrolean optional dinner will be on offer. Day 10: Innsbruck/Oberammergau This morning a motor coach transfer will take you to Oberammergau for the highlight of the vacation: the original PASSION PLAY, which is performed every 10 years by the inhabitants of the village since Dinner will be served during intermission.

4 Day 11: Oberammergau/Munich This morning, depart for Germany s lively city Munich. Although a large city, Munich offers a small-town feel with its pedestrian and bike-friendly atmosphere. With its historical museums, splendid English Garden, traditional cafés, and delightful shops, Munich offers plenty to see and do. A local guide will show you the highlights of this fascinating city, including Nymphenburg Palace, summer residence of the Bavarian monarchs; Marienplatz with its Old and New Town Halls; and the gothic Frauenkirche, a prominent landmark for Munich. Then, enjoy time on your own in this vibrant city. Watch the famous Glockenspiel, which recreates a royal wedding from the 16th century; enjoy the pedestrian zone; linger at an outdoor café; or relax alongside the locals at one of the many Biergärten or breweries to sample one of the Bavarian beer specialties. An evening optional dinner is on offer. Day 12: Munich Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Your Package Includes: 7 Nights accommodations on the Avalon Waterways Riverboat 1 Night accommodation in Budapest 1 Night accommodation in Innsbruck 1 Night accommodation in Oberammergau 1 Night accommodation in Munich All meals onboard Wine, Beer and Soft drinks included with lunch and dinner onboard Sparkling Wine is included with Breakfast onboard Breakfasts in Budapest, Innsbruck, Oberammergau and Munich Tour of Budapest led by a local guide Witness Heroes Square Tour of Bratislava led by a local guide Visit to St. Martin s Cathedral Tour of Vienna led by a local guide Choice of a guided walking tour of Durnstein or a guided hike up to the castle ruins in Durnstein Guided tour of the Benedictin Abbey Afternoon Wine Tasting Guided Walking Tour of Linz Guided Walking Tour of Passau Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle Tour of Innsbruck led by a local guide Time to attend the performance of Passion Play Tour of Munich led by a local guide Baggage handling for one piece of luggage per traveler Pricing Information:

5 Per person double occupancy from: 5, (Price is subject to port charges and taxes) NOTE: Above price does not include roundtrip airfare. Notch Above Tours will gladly arrange roundtrip airfare as well as pre and post night stays upon request. Price and itinerary is subject to change. 824 West Lakeshore Drive, Suite 3, Colchester, VT Copyright 2018 NotchAboveTours, Inc.