| Treasures of the Danube and the Passion Play 2010
An 11-Day tour starting from $5,799
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| About This Tour | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discover the Treasures of the Danube aboard the luxurious MV Mozart… Sail through some of the most storied landscapes of Europe, from the capitals of the Habsburg Empire to charming towns that lie at river’s edge. Enjoy five gourmet meals daily and our complete program of escorted sightseeing. Then journey with us to Salzburg and onward to Oberammergau, where we’ve reserved great seats for the 41st Passion Play. |
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The General Tours World Traveler Advantage
HOTEL INFORMATION:  Hotel Ludwig der BayerHotel Class: First Class In the Alpine village of Ettal, just steps away from a historic Baroque monastery against a spectacular mountain backdrop, the enchanting Hotel Ludwig der Bayer has been greeting travelers for generations. Spacious guest rooms, some furnished with period pieces, offer first class comfort and private bathrooms en suite. The hotel kitchen, renowned in the region, offers a spectacular breakfast buffet including hearty Bavarian specialties and fresh-baked breads. Guests can relax in the Media Room, swim in the indoor pool, or explore the nearby Basilica. This charming hotel is just 3 miles from the Passion Play Theater in Oberammergau.  Hotel SchillingshofHotel Class: First Class Nestled at the foot of Mt. Hornle, the charming and modern Hotel Schillingshof offers traditional Alpine ambience and a warm Bavarian welcome. Comfortable guestrooms promise first-class comfort with private bathroom en suite, picturesque views from a balcony or terrace, TV, telephone and wireless Internet. A hearty breakfast buffet is served in the bright and airy dining room. Guests can also enjoy an indoor pool, fitness room, plus a terrace and garden with magnificent Alpine views. Set in the mountain village of Bad Kohlgrub, this inviting hotel is just 8 miles from the Passion Play Theater in Oberammergau.  Radisson SAS AlstadtHotel Class: Deluxe The Radisson SAS Altstadt Hotel is located in the very heart of Salzburg. Sightseeing and shopping are within walking distance. The guest rooms are equipped with minibar, telephone, cable TV, and internet acess. The hotel also offers use of the public recreation center, a 10 minute walk form the hotel, which includes sauna, massage, indoor swimming pool, and physiotherapy. The Radisson SAS Altstadt also offers a lounge and restaurant for guests’ enjoyment.
Day 1 - Arrive Munich / Embarkation in Passau
Upon arrival in Munich, you’ll be met for your deluxe escorted transfer to Passau, where your 5-star ship awaits. This evening, join fellow travelers for a fine dinner onboard as your ship sails gently past the medieval spires and gothic towers of this charming German city. Meals D MV Mozart Day 2 - Dürnstein / Cruising to Vienna This morning finds you in romantic Dürnstein, surrounded by the lovely terraced vineyards of the Wachau Valley wine region. The legends surrounding this historic town have much to do with the Christian Crusades of the 12th century. In 1193, King Richard the Lion-Heart was returning from his campaign to capture the Holy Land, when he was seized here by a local Duke – and held for ransom in the fortress whose ruins still dominate this picturesque town. On your walking tour through Dürnstein, you will see lovely Burgher homes of the 16th and 17th centuries – finely preserved - and visit the collegiate Church, where you’ll admire beautiful stucco relief ornamentation and an elaborately carved altar. There will be time to explore on your own in this picturesque medieval village, the perfect opportunity to shop or relax in a charming café for a cup of tea or to sample the fine local vintages. This evening, your ship docks in Vienna for the night. Meals B,L,D Day 3 - Vienna Your sightseeing in Vienna#WHS# begins with an overview of the city along the elegant Ringstrasse Boulevard. You’ll see many landmarks including Karl’s Square and the Opera House. Then you’re off to visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace#WHS#. This former residence of the Habsburg emperors is an impressive architectural jewel with more than 1,400 rooms set amidst acres of landscaped park-like grounds. Meals B,L,D Day 4 - Esztergom / Budapest Esztergom, built on the site of an ancient Roman fortress, overlooks the famous Danube Bend. Your morning sightseeing explores the imposing Esztergom Basilica, the largest in Hungary. In the late afternoon, your ship will arrive in Budapest, the charming capital of Hungary. The MV Mozart enjoys a privileged berth in the heart of the city, close to the picturesque Chain Bridge in the shadow of the Castle. If you wish, you can step ashore to explore a bit at your own pace. Meals B,L,D Day 5 - Budapest This morning’s sightseeing reveals the rich history and majesty of Budapest#WHS#. At the Fishermen’s Bastion, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the Danube River and the graceful Chain Bridge, the oldest and most beautiful of the city’s seven bridges. Across the river stands the imposing neo-Gothic Parliament. You’ll also visit the Citadel atop Gellert Hill and see the historic St. Matthew’s Church with its lovely 15th century white stone steeple. Crossing the Liberty Bridge, you’ll stop to marvel in Heroes’ Square, a grand semicircular colonnaded monument graced with impressive statues of Hungary’s kings. In the center is a towering stone column crowned by a moving statue of the archangel Gabriel. In the late afternoon, set sail for Bratislava. Meals B,L,D Day 6 - Bratislava Bratislava – The City of Kings – is enclosed by the Little Carpathian Mountains on one side and the Danube on the other. When Budapest fell to Ottoman forces in the 16th century, Emperor Ferdinand proclaimed Bratislava the capital of Hungary, ushering in a Golden Age that would endure for generations. From this date forth until 1835, the city witnessed the coronation of 19 Austro-Hungarian rulers, including the Empress Maria Theresia. She, in particular, heavily influenced the character of the city – endowing Bratislava with impressive Baroque architecture. The charming Old Town, dominated by the imposing hilltop silhouette of Bratislava Castle, features lovingly restored town homes from the city’s golden Imperial era and the stunning neo-classical residence of the Archbishops of Esztergom Your escorted walking tour brings you along Chapter’s Lane into the heart of Old Town, to see the historic St. Martin’s Cathedral, where many of the 19 emperor and empresses were crowned. In the Archbishop’s Palace, you’ll admire a collection of European art and see a display of English tapestries from the 17th century. Meals B,L,D Day 7 - Melk Austria’s Wachau Valley#WHS# is certainly one of the most scenic regions in all of Europe. Along with its incredible natural beauty, it is home to some of the Continent’s greatest cultural treasures and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. At the western end of this valley, set atop a 180-foot promontory is the spectacular Melk Abbey – one of the finest Baroque buildings in the world. The history of the region stretches back to ancient times when the Romans built a fortress on this high ridge. Later, it was the seat of the powerful Babenberg Dukes who ruled Austria starting in the 10th century until the Habsburg Dynasty rose to power. Melk is still a working Benedictine Abbey and on your escorted visit through this spectacular site, it would not be unusual to see black-robed monks or students walking through the grounds. Meals B,L,D Day 8 - Arrive Passau / Salzburg After breakfast onboard, you disembark in Passau to board your comfortable deluxe, air-conditioned motorcoach. A scenic drive through the mountain landscapes brings you to the enchanting city of Salzburg, spread along the lovely banks of the meandering Salzach River. After lunch at the K+K Restaurant, join your guide for a wonderful escorted walking tour through this Baroque city, including the home of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Tonight, you’ll enjoy dinner and a tranquil overnight at the deluxe Radisson Altstadt Hotel, in the heart of town. Meals B,L,D Day 9 - Salzburg / Berchtesgaden / Oberammergau A morning drive brings you through the magnificent landscapes of the Bavarian Alps to Berchtesgaden, an historic market town with the charm of a mountain resort. The last leg of the journey is a spectacular drive that climbs nearly 2,000 feet in less than 4 miles. Your destination is the infamous Eagle’s Nest, the teahouse built for Adolf Hitler’s 50th birthday, Perched on a mountain summit, its construction was an engineering marvel and the views from here are truly breathtaking. Following lunch in Berchtesgarden, you continue on toward the mountain village of Oberammergau and check-in to your comfortable hotel for dinner and overnight in this peaceful Alpine region. Meals B,L,D Day 10 - Oberammergau & Passion Play  You’ll enjoy a guided stroll through this enchanting village, set in a picturesque Alpine valley in the shadow of towering peaks. Visit the Oberammergau Museum to learn the inspiring history of this town, and delight in Oberammergau’s colorfully painted homes, centuries old and wonderfully preserved. Along the way, charming shops reveal the woodcarving skills of many of the town’s residents, whose families have perfected this craft over the past 800 years.
Following lunch, you’ll be escorted to the historic Passion Play Theater, extensively renovated for the Millennium. This impressive venue now offers theater-style seating and a heated floor, ensuring your comfort as 2,000 actors take to the open-air stage, framed by a natural backdrop of spectacular Alpine scenery. The once-in-a-lifetime Passion Play is presented in two parts, including dinner in-town during intermission. Following the performance, you return to your hotel. Meals B,L,DDay 11 - Oberammergau / Munich Airport Following breakfast, you’ll have an escorted transfer to Munich Airport for your homeward flight. Or, extend your stay here in Europe. Our travel planning experts can assist you and your travel agent with all arrangements including hotels, meals, sightseeing, and transportation. Meals B
The General Tours World Traveler Advantage
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| Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
