Destination Country: Hungary Slovakia Austria Germany
Regions/Cities include: Budapest Bratislava Vienna Melk Passau Oberammergau Munich	Activities include: River cruise Passion Play

Oberammergau & River Cruise

Revel in the spectacular Passion Play which is only performed every 10 years by the locals of Oberammergau.

Mon 24 Budapest   (D) Welcome to Hungary.  You will be met and transferred to your hotel for two nights.  A welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included this evening.

Tue 25 Budapest   (BD) Today is a tour to a handicraft market and Porcelain factory. This evening we visit the Royal Wine Museum, in the 14thC cellars under Buda Castle for a short wine tasting, followed by dinner at the nearby Alabardos Restaurant, housed in a 15thC gothic building. The restaurants aim is to present traditional Hungarian dished in a new modern form.

Wed 26 Budapest   (BD) Today is a full day to Szentende, a pretty Hungarian town on the Danube River known for its artists, galleries, Baroque architecture, colourful houses and narrow cobbled streets. Visit a Serbian Orthodox Church and museum before returning to Budapest to board your River Cruise Ship.  After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner.

In the evening, join in an evening of traditional entertainment in Budapest. This 90 min show will take you across all the regions of Hungary through its folklore and Gypsy dance and music.

Over the next six days sail from Budapest to Passau. CroisiEurope is a French founded cruise company that offers an all-inclusive cruise, amazing European cuisine, an open bar, including your choice of regional wines, beers, cocktails and spirits, plus tea and coffee. All sightseeing is included. Take time to relax as your floating hotel sails down the Danube.

Thu 27 Budapest-Bratislava   (BLD) This morning is guided tour of Budapest. Discover the history and architecture of this picturesque city. The metropole was once two distinct cities, only united in 1873: Buda, with its winding streets, Turkish baths and Buda Castle; and Pest, with its flatter landscape offering a panoramic view over the banks of the Danube.

Fri 28 Bratislava-Vienna    (BLD) We'll arrive in Bratislava in the early morning. This morning is a sightseeing tour of Bratislava. Lined by the Danube, Bratislava definitely intrigues its visitors. The charm of the Slovakian capital lies in its old city which reveals magnificent baroque palaces, churches and pleasant squares. The pastel-coloured façades give its many houses their unique style. Our ship will cruise to Vienna and this evening is an excursion of Vienna by night. Vienna symbolizes power and strength through its architecture and monuments. Street lights and special lighting accentuate shapes and dramatize the lovely baroque structures.

Sat 29 Vienna   (BLD) This morning visit Schoenbrunn Palace, a former summer residence for the Hapsburg monarchs. We travel on The Ring, part of the vast changes to the Viennese cityscape that took place in the second half of the nineteenth century, before arriving at the palace. The 1,441-room Baroque palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural, and historical monuments in Austria.  This afternoon, visit Hofburg Palace, an imperial march through history, art and luxury. The Palace is also known for having been during 600 years the "Winter Residency" of the Habsburgs. You will visit the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments and access the 19 official and private rooms that once belonged to Franz Joseph and Elisabeth. The Imperial Apartments are a reflection of the monarchic splendour.  In the evening, is a Concert of Viennese music (subject to availability). Famous waltz melodies will take you back to the era of Franz Joseph and Sisi. The first half of the concert will be devoted to Mozart compositions, and the second half to Strauss. We'll start cruising during the night.

Sun 30 Melk-Passau   (BLD) As you wake this morning you will find yourself cruising along the most beautiful section of the Wachau Valley before arriving in Melk. Visit Dürnstein, the fortified village where Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner.  You will be able to stroll through the streets of this medieval town and visit the Baroque abbey. In the afternoon visit Melk Abbey. Originally a Baroque-style palace built between 1702 and 1736, it is now a Benedictine monastery that hosts a prestigious co-ed school with more than 900 students.  Tonight  is a gala dinner on board.

Mon 31 Passau-Oberammergau   (BLD) Savour one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9 a.m. and discovering Passau. We’ll have lunch in town. Around 2p.m., departure by coach to Oberammergau, known throughout the world for its Passion Play. After checking into hotel, dinner will be in the local area.

Tue 01 Sep Oberammergau - The Passion Play   (BD) You will be transferred by coach to the village for some free time. Use this time to stroll and take in the atmosphere and wonderful pastel-painted homes—some dating back to the 13th century—decorated with religious motifs. After lunch (own expense) transfer to the theatre for the performance of the spectacular Passion Play. In 1633, the residents vowed that if God spared them from the bubonic plague, they would produce a play thereafter depicting the life and death of Jesus. Performed during years ending in zero, it is considered as one of the grandest in the world.  The production involves over 2,000 performers, musicians, and stage hands—all residents of the village. They rehearse for over six months and present the play over 100 times during a performance year. The open-air theatre adds to the magic of the show. We have reserved the best orchestra seats for our customers. A meal is included with the show and will be served during intermission. After the show, you will be transferred to the hotel by coach.

Wed 02 Oberammergau-Munich   (BD) Transfer to Munich for overnight. This afternoon is at leisure to explore Munich in your own time. A farewell dinner is included this evening.

Thu 03 Munich- departure   (B) Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Or you might like to extend your stay in one of the many destinations in Europe or perhaps head over to the UK/Ireland.

 

COST

NZ$7795 per person twin share 

NZ$2895 single supplement (if you would like to twin share with same gender, please ask and we will endeavour to find you a room mate)

Upgrade to Upper Deck on cruise - $450 per person twin share  

 

TOUR INCLUSIONS

• Meet and assist on arrival and departure
• Tour escort throughout for over 15 people travelling
• All transfers airport - hotel return
• Transport in air-conditioned vehicles English speaking guides
• Accommodation with private facilities
• Meals as specified (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)
• Sightseeing as specified
• Entrance fees as specified
• Welcome dinner in Budapest
• Sightseeing tour of Budapest
• 2 nights Budapest - 4* hotel, with daily breakfasts
• 5 nights CroisiEurope cruise
• Welcome cocktail
• Hungarian music and folklore show
• Sightseeing tour of Bratislava
• Vienna by night
• Vienna tour including Schoenbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace and Sisi Museum
• Viennese Music Concert
• Sightseeing tour of Melk
• Final Gala Dinner on board
• Tickets to the Passion Play – dinner included during intermission
• 2 nights Oberammergau region, 3* hotel
• 1 night Munich – 4* hotel
• Breakfasts daily
• All meals and drinks included with meals on cruise
• Farewell dinner in Munich
• Travel notes

 

TOUR EXCLUSIONS

• Flights
• Porterage & tipping
• Personal Expenses
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)
• Early check in / Late check out
• Meals not specified
• Mini bar

Prices subject to change until confirmed and paid in full.