Imperial Splendors and Oberammergau 2010

Day 1: Depart for Germany
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2: Arrival in Munich, Germany
Time to rest or to start exploring the Bavarian capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 3: Munich–Prague, Czech Republic
An orientation tour of Germany’s “Secret Capital” features the Olympic Stadium, 1,000-foot-high Television Tower, and MARIENPLATZ in the historic heart of the city. Later, head for the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and travel to Prague, the “Golden City.” This evening, why not join an optional outing to explore Prague by night. (B,D)

Day 4: Prague
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive capitals. See 1,000-year-old HRADCANY CASTLE, ST. VITUS CATHEDRAL (on Sundays no inside guiding permitted), the Old Town, the Jewish ghetto, and the ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, once the envy of all Europe. Afternoon at leisure; you may want to mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or relax at an outdoor restaurant. This evening, why not join an optional dinner outing? (B)

Day 5: Prague–Bratislava, Slovakia–Budapest, Hungary
Into Moravia, where Napoleon established his headquarters during the Battle of Austerlitz. Around lunchtime, reach Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. Afterwards, follow the course of the Danube River to Budapest. (B,D)

Day 6: Budapest
Your Local Guide takes your through Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan city. See elegant Andrassy Avenue, the Thermal Baths, and the world’s second-largest Jewish synagogue. From the lacy lookout towers of Fishermen’s Bastion, enjoy a panoramic view of the sprawling city. Then, visit the 13th-century MATTHIAS CORONATION CHURCH and Heroes’ Square. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight, a delectable optional Hungarian specialty dinner can be arranged. (B)

Day 7: Budapest–Vienna, Austria
This morning, drive through the Hungarian plains to Vienna, once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire. Meet your Local Guide and start your afternoon sightseeing with vistas of Prater Park with its giant Ferris wheel, and the United Nations City on the banks of the Danube River. Then, drive along Ring Boulevard, pass the State Opera House, the Jewish quarter, and stop at the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Austrian Imperial family. Marvel at the impressive courtyards and famous Heldenplatz and visit awesome ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL. An optional excursions to the wine village of Grinzing is available. (B)

Day 8: At Leisure in Vienna
A whole day at leisure gives you the opportunity to join exciting optional excursions, such as the Vienna Woods, historic Schönbrunn Palace, a concert, or just explore this magnificent city on your own. (B)

Day 9: Vienna-Melk-Salzburg
A scenic day! Enjoy a leisurely DANUBE CRUISE along the most scenic part of the river. No landscape is more typically Austrian than the Sound of Music lakeland of the Salzkammergut. Pass lovely Lake Wolfgang on your way via Bad Ischl to Salzburg. (B,D)

Day 10: Salzburg-Munich, Germany-Oberammergau
A pleasant stroll with a Local Guide takes you through the historical center. Admire exquisite MIRABELL GARDENS, the Great Festival Hall, ST. PETER’S CHURCHYARD, and the monumental Domplatz. Also visit MOZART’S BIRTHPLACE in the charming Getreidegasse. A comfortable drive brings you via Munich to picturesque Oberammergau. (B,D)

Day 11: Oberammergau
Today, enjoy the highlight of your vacation: the original PASSION PLAY, held every 10 years, and performed by the residents of Oberammergau. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Oberammergau-Munich
Return to Munich for your overnight stay. How about a stein of beer tonight in the Hofbräuhaus to celebrate the success of your vacation? (B)

Day 13: Munich
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

• Oberammergau: Passion Play

The quaint European village of Oberammergau is world famous for the spectacular Passion Play performed by its residents just once every decade. Keeping a pledge made nearly 400 years ago, this reenactment of the crucifixion of Christ preserves the health and well-being of its residents to this day.

• Professional Tour Director while touring and Local Host to assist you at airports and hotels

Munich: Ambiance Rivoli (F) or Le Méridien (SF)
Prague: Yasmin (F)
Budapest: Radisson Blu Beke (SF)
Vienna: De France (SF)
Salzburg: Best Western Stieglbräu (F) or Crowne Plaza The Pitter (SF) Oberammergau: Böld (F)

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land prices are guaranteed. Whenever air-inclusive tour prices are displayed, these prices do not include government taxes and fees, which are additional. Air prices are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Air-inclusive prices include air from a major U.S. gateway; air from other U.S. airports is available at an additional cost. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the tour origination city, we are able to offer the land portion of the package or tour, at the price quoted.