Danube Dreams with Habsburg and Royalty and with Oberammergau (WBDIT12022)

By Avalon Waterways

Escorted Tour 12 Days From $CALL
 

Title
Danube Dreams with Habsburg and Royalty and with Oberammergau

Vacation Overview
Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany discovering some of Central Europe 's most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. You 'll discover treasures of Austro-Hungarian royalty. Begin this timeless European river cruise in Budapest, where guided sightseeing acquaints you with the highlights of the vibrant capital of Hungary, including a visit to Gödöllö Royal Palace. You 'll also be our guest in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau for the once-a-decade performance season of the world-renowned “Passion Play.”

Begin this timeless European river cruise in Budapest, where guided sightseeing acquaints you with the highlights of the vibrant capital of Hungary. Set sail on the Danube, take pictures of the impressive Parliament Building as you leave Budapest, and head for Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Here, enjoy a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and visit the Gothic St. Martin 's Cathedral. Vienna, Austria, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Habsburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House.

Enjoy the magnificent views as your river cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley, with stops for a guided walk in Dürnstein, a visit of the impressive Benedictine Abbey of Melk, and a tasting of renowned local wines. In Linz, walk around the Hauptplatz, Austria 's largest medieval square, which forms the center of the city, and be sure to photograph of the splendid Trinity Column. Passau, Germany, the “City of Three Rivers,” is uniquely located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube Rivers converge. See its maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful Patrician houses, and marvel at St. Stephen 's Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque architecture.

Continue your Central European guided vacation on shore for a guided tour of Austria and Germany, starting with Neuschwanstein Castle, and St. James and Hofkirche Cathedrals in Innsbruck. The highlight is the visit to the idyllic Bavarian village of Oberammergau in Germany for the “Passion Play.” Performed once every ten years, the “Passion Play” is a stunning theatrical event with a history dating back to 1634. Enjoy seating and accommodations in the heart of Oberammergau for the “Passion Play.” Enjoy guided sightseeing in Munich, including Nymphenburg Palace, the Marienplatz, and Gothic Frauenkirche. Sample Munich 's Biergärtens and cafés, and see the famous Glockenspiel. The perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and inspiration—your Avalon Danube River cruise with the once-a decade performance of Oberammergau 's “Passion Play”—is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

 

Itinerary

Day 1:
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION) Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Budapest must arrive by 3:30 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

The day is yours to relax and enjoy the city with time for photographs, cafés, and confections.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST

(D)

Day 2:
BUDAPEST The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe

Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes ' Square.

DISCOVERY Visit the Royal Palace of Gödöllö, one of the favorite retreats of Sissi.

Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying some time exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city 's cafés and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA

(B,L,D)

Day 3:
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA Cathedral Coronations and a Crowing Castle

DISCOVERY Enjoy a lecture about European Royal dynasties.

ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and the sight of royal coronations at St. Martin 's Cathedral.

During lunchtime enjoy a short sailing to Hainburg

HAINBURG, AUSTRIA

Enjoy some free time in the village of Hainburg or take a Guided Optional Excursion to discover the natural beauties of this area.

DISCOVERY Later, enjoy an onboard Royal Waltz lesson, a living cultural heritage from the Habsburg monarchy.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA

(B,L,D)

Day 4:
VIENNA Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube

CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna 's gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—Winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen 's Cathedral.

DISCOVERY Take a guided tour to Schönbrunn Palace - the former imperial summer and vast gardens with a history spanning 300 years of the Habsburg monarchy.

Spend free time strolling in the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna, or take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local café to enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.

This evening, enjoy an unforgettable musical performance with an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN

(B,L,D)

Day 5:
DÜRNSTEIN-WACHAU VALLEY A King's Ransom and Castle Ruins

ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins to take in the spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle during the Crusades.

Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Ybbs.

YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK

Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below

DISCOVERY This afternoon, learn more about sweet Austrian pastry. A workshop in a local bakery with an expert chef, will let you create your own pastry, fill it and enjoy it as well, OR:

DISCOVERY Visit the Arstetten Castle, once owned by the Habsburg family and nowadays it is a property of the Hohenbergs, the family of Archduke Franz Ferdinand 's wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, assassinated in 1914, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk 's magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.

DISCOVERY Enjoy the flavors of the Wachau Valley at a Wine Tasting on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LINZ

(B,L,D)

Day 6:
LINZ Legendary, Lovely Linz

Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activites.

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walk through the city 's historic and beautiful sites along the shore of the Danube and see Hauptplatz—Austria 's largest medieval square—and the towering white-marble Trinity Column, OR:

DISCOVERY Take a full day excursion among the picturesque mountain lakes and romantic villages beloved by the Habsburgs.

You may otherwise spend the afternoon on a biking picnic along the banks of the Danube or hike through Linz 's beautiful nature trails to Pöstlingberg for a bird 's-eye view of the city and river below.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ

(B,L,D)

Day 7:
SCHLÖGEN OXBOW-PASSAU, GERMANY Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet

This morning, cruise through the Schlögen Oxbow, a particularly beautiful horseshoe-shaped bend of the river.

DISCOVERY Enjoy a lecture about European Royal dynasties.

ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk into Passau, the beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”

Before sailing to Deggendorf take a little free time to explore Passau 's cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists ' Alley. Maybe stop at St. Stephen 's Cathedral to catch a concert rehearsal.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DEGGENDORF

(B,L,D)

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.

(B)

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 Swarovski Crystal World in the nearby Wattens. This evening a Tyrolean optional dinner will be on offer.

(B)

Day 10:
INNSBRUCK-OBERAMMERGAU, GERMANY This morning a motorcoach transfer will take you to Oberammergau for the highlight of the vacation: the original “Passion Play”, which is performed only once a decade by the residents of the village since 1634. Dinner will be served during intermission.

(B,D)

Day 11:
OBERAMMERGAU-MUNICH This morning, depart for Germany 's lively city-Munich. With its historical museums, splendid English Garden, traditional cafés, and delightful shops, Munich o?ers plenty to see and do. A local guide will show you the highlights of this fascinating city. An evening optional dinner is on offer.

(B)

Day 12:
MUNICH Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Sightseeing Highlights

City Highlights
Day 1 Budapest (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

Day 2 Budapest: choice of guided tour, see Heroes ' Square or hike with your Adventure Host; visit Gödöllö Royal Palace

Day 3 Bratislava-Hainburg: onboard lecture about royal dynasties in Europe; choice of guided sightseeing in Bratislava, visit St. Martin 's Cathedral or hike up to Bratislava Castle with your Adventure Host; onboard Waltz lesson

Day 4 Vienna: choice of guided sightseeing or bike with your Adventure Host; visit Schönbrunn Palace

Day 5 Dürnstein-Wachau Valley-Ybbs: choice of guided walk, or hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; choice of guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk or Ybbs city sightseeing with Arstetten Castle or bak-ery workshop; onboard wine tasting

Day 6 Linz: guided sightseeing, see Hauptplatz and the Trinity Column, or Romantic Austria full day excursion

Day 7 Passau: Schlögen Oxbow scenic cruising; onboard lecture about royal dynasties in Europe; choice of guided walk or guided hike with your Adventure Host

Day 8 Deggendorf (Disembarkation)-Innsbruck: Travel from Deggendorf to Innsbruck, with visit to Neuschwanstein Castle

Day 9 Innsbruck: Guided sightseeing

Day 10 Innsbruck-Oberammergau: Travel by motorcoach to Oberammergau, attend the Passion Play

Day 11 Oberammergau-Munich: Travel to Munich; guided sightseeing

Day 12 Munich: Your vacation ends this morning

What's Included

Dates & Prices

Note: Rows highlighted in green below are guaranteed departures

Start Date End Date Brochure Price Actions

Tour Map

Map Of Danube Dreams with Habsburg and Royalty and with Oberammergau (WBDIT12022)

Tour Info

Type: Excorted Tour
Duration: 12 Days
From $CALL
Status: Waiting List For Pricing