Oberammergau is a small German town tucked away in the Bavarian Alps, world-famous for its Passion Play.
The play was first performed in 1634 as the result of a vow made by the townspeople that if God spared them from the Black Plague they would in exchange produce a play every ten years. The play is a dramatic recreation of Jesus' passion, covering the final days of his life from his visit to Jerusalem to his crucifixion and resurrection. The Passion Play is now performed from May through October, in an open-air stage and involves over 2,000 people including actors, singers, musicians and technical support, all required to be residents of Oberammagau.
The play is performed in German, however, you will be given a booklet with an English translation at the time of the performance.
This holiday package includes an exciting 10-day itinerary across the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany and Hungary. Read on for a full day-by-day breakdown...
Tour Highlights
River Cruise Package Includes
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DAY 1, Sunday - Depart for Germany
Depart for Germany
DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in Munich, Transfer to the Oberammergau region
Arrive in Munich and transfer to your hotel in the Oberammergau region of Bavaria. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure
Overnight: Oberammergau region
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Tuesday - World-Renowned Passion Play
Morning is at leisure. This afternoon, attend a moving performance of the world-famous Passion Play that dates back to 1634. This epic play is held every 10 years and performed by the inhabitants of Oberammergau. During the break, join your travel companions for dinner before witnessing the stirring second half of the Passion Play performance. Afterwards, return to your hotel
Overnight: Oberammergau region
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Wednesday - Cruise Embarkation in Regensburg
Depart from Oberammergau this morning. Benefit from a guided tour along the way, where you will learn about the history of the region. Embark on the ship in Regensburg. Time to relax on board. Tonight, a gala Welcome Dinner sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Thursday - Regensburg City Tour
This morning, explore Regensburg, one of Germany's largest and best preserved medieval cities, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided walking tour highlights the city's stunning architecture as you view the Old Town Hall, Dom St. Peter and the Porta Praetoria, gateway to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest stone bridges crossing the Danube. Return to the ship for lunch or, spend the afternoon at leisure discovering the delights of Regensburg on your own. At 6:00 pm, the ship will set sail for Passau
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Friday - Morning in Passau
Dock this morning in 2500-year-old Passau, known for its pastel patrician houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade. Passau is a Bavarian town with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and Gothic architecture. Explore Passau independently in the morning, or, join the optional full day tour to picturesque Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. The walking tour will include some of Salzburg's most historic sites including the Mirabell Palace, the Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, and St. Peter's Cemetery. After lunch at a local restaurant, there will be time to discover Salzburg on your own before returning to the ship. If you choose to remain on the ship, continue sailing during lunch and relax on board this afternoon. In the early evening, all passengers will rejoin the ship and continue sailing for Melk
Optional: Full Day Tour of Salzburg
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7. Saturday - Melk Abbey
Disembark in Melk this morning for a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. View the Abbot's chambers, the Kaiser's walk and the lavish library. Then, return to the ship and continue cruising through the scenic Wachau Valley on the way to Vienna, the Imperial city legendary for its opulence and elegance. Tonight, perhaps take the opportunity to attend an evening of Viennese culture in the "City of Music" at an optional concert performance of the classical masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss, two of Vienna's most famous citizens
Optional: Classical Viennese Concert (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Sunday - Vienna City Tour
This sparkling city on the Danube has captivated travellers for years with its elegant shops, world-class museums, and beautiful gardens. Drive along the famed Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard lined with magnificent Baroque palaces, parks and monuments. View the lavish Hofburg Palace, and the impressive Vienna Opera House. Continue to majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Parliament building. Enjoy the afternoon at a café sampling the famous Viennese Sacher Torte, or, join the optional afternoon tour to the Imperial Schonbrunn Palace, once summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Visit the opulent baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens
Optional: Schonbrunn Palace Tour (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Monday - Bratislava City Tour
This morning, enjoy the tranquil scenery as you sail along the scenic Danube. At noon, arrive in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, a mix of modern and Baroque architecture. This capital city is among the youngest in Europe, yet retains a rich history dating back more than 2000 years. Walk along the cobblestone lanes of the historic town centre; view St. Martin's Cathedral, coronation site of the kings of Hungary, the 13th century Old Town Hall and the Franciscan church. Time to explore this colourful city on your own before returning to the ship for dinner as you sail for stunning Budapest
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Tuesday - Budapest City Tour
Your morning tour begins on the Pest side of the city; view the Parliament, City Park and Heroes Square. Cross to Buda to see the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and the graceful medieval architecture along the cobbled streets. Explore the city's wonderful shops and cafes this afternoon on your own. Tonight, enjoy a lavish Captain's dinner on board
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11, Wednesday - Depart Hungary
This morning, disembark and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 am
Meals: Breakfast
Not Included: Optional shore excursions.
Pricing based on 17 May 2020 departure - Cruise departing Regensburg onboard Monarch Empress in Cabin E Category:
Twin share price usually $9,659 pp/ NOW from $8,159 pp
Advertised price includes airfares. Book by 20 Sep to secure these great savings!
The Oberammergau Passion Play will be performed between 16 May 2020 and 4 October 2020. River cruises are available throughout the duration in both directions, but many dates are already sold out. Please contact us for up-to-date information on availability and pricing.
Sail the Danube in comfort and style on the Monarch EmpressThe MS Monarch Empress is a deluxe river cruise vessel. Built in 2015/16, maximum capacity of 140 passengers, this ship features 70 spacious outside cabins, 58 with French Balcony, each fully air-conditioned with individual climate control and private bathrooms.
Parkhotel am Soier See, Bad Bayersoien - 4.5 starts - This superior first class hotel overlooks Lake Soier.
This moderately active trip covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect from three to four hours walking every touring day. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. Some hotels in the Oberammergau region are built in the traditional local style and have no air-conditioning. During heat waves, these hotels can become uncomfortable. There is a potential for a small number of sailings to be impacted by river water levels, or other factors which may impact safe navigation. This may cause part or all of the cruise itinerary to be operated by motor coach and may also involve hotel accommodations.
While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply. Please enquire for more information.
*Promotion code must be supplied at the time of making a new reservation to obtain the discount. Applicable discount tier is calculated on full booking value (including airfare, tours, optional tours & transfers), with one promo code per reservation. Valid only on new bookings with deposit paid between 19 August – 20 September, 2019, for travel in 2019, 2020 & 2021. Can be used in conjunction with advance ‘Book By’ rates, but not combinable with other offers or travel credits. Discount is valid for escorted tours, river cruises, sea cruises and independent packages. Passengers sharing one room must book on the same reservation number. Advertised pricing is based on twin occupancy. If booking as a single, a single supplement may apply. If booking online, the discount will be applied after entering the promotion code during the reservation process.For full Sale conditions please call 1300 653 618
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