Passion Play with Eastern European Panorama - 16D/15N

photo courtesy of Hungarian Tourist BoardExperience the Passon Play, a dramatic reprisentation depicting the Passion of Christ: the trail, suffering and death of Jesus Christ, while enjoying the history of central Europe’s most famous cities.

Munich is the gateway to the Bavarian Alps, and Germany’s “good time” capital. Bravarian food, beer and oom-pah bands instantly come to mind, particularly during the annual Oktoberfest. The heart of the city is the Marienplatz, surrounded by shops and restaurants. The roccoco Asamkirche is an architectural treat, and the Glockenspiel in teh tower of the new town hall performs twice daily.

Vienna, where history comes alive! With more than six centuries of Habsburg rule, their mark has been left in the arts, music, and achitecture. Visitors enjoy the world-renowed museums, baroque churches and palaces, and splendid parks that are the legacies of those times. Vienna has retained its traditional beauty and elegance. A continuous choice of cultural activities, great social events, and a knack for the good life are an unbeatable combination for a memorable visit.

Berlin offers the best of two worlds as Germany’s capital and central Europe’s most sophisticated metropolis. Visit the western area for its thriving nightlife, landmarks such as the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and lake-studded parks and woodlands. Go to the eastern half to stroll along the sprawling Unter den Linden Boulevard and to explore such historic places as the Pergamon Museum and the restored Nikolai Quarter, with reconstructed old townhouses and romantic restaurants.

photo courtesy of Austrian Tourist BoardPrague is the capital of both the Czech Republic and Bohemia. The city center is an open air museum of 900 years worth of architecture - Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, 19th-century revivals, and Art Nouveau. The historical core of the city - Hradcany (the Castle District) and Mala Strana (the Small Quarter) west of the river, Stare Mesto (the Old Town) and Vaclavske namesti (Wenceslas Square) to the eas, and Charles Bridge in between - covers about 3 sq. km. and is pedestrian-friendly. Prague Castle was founded in the 870’s by Prince Borivoj as the main seat of the Premysl dynasty.

Included: First class hotels, rooms with private facilities. Service charges and hotel taxes. Breakfast daily and 7 dinners. Airport transfers. Touring by modern air-conditioned motor coach. Professional Tour Director throughout. Luggage handling. With PASSION PLAY IN OBERAMMERGAU (1-NIGHT PACKAGE): One night stay including breakfast. Lunch before the play (on Day 03). Dinner during the play interval (on Day 03). Shuttle service in Oberammergau and the nearby villages. Local assistance. Admission ticket to the Passion Play in the respective category. Program book of the 2010 Passion Play. Admission ticket for the Oberammergau Museum. Local tax. SIGHTSEEING TOURS INCLUDED: Munich, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow, Warsaw, Berlin, Prague.

Not Included: Any meals not mentioned in the program. Any airfares. Passport or visa fees. Any items of a personal nature.

Accommodations: Munich: Maritim (F). Hotel in Oberammergau Area. Vienna: Renaissance (SF). Budapest: Radisson SAS (F). Krakow: Radisson SAS (F) / Holiday Inn (F). Warsaw: Radisson SAS (SF). Berlin: Hotel Berlin (SF). Prague: Diplomat (F).

Departures: 2010: 19-May; 26-May; 9-Jun; 7-Jul; 8-Sep.

photo courtesy of German Tourist BoardItinerary

  • Day 01, arrive Munich, Wednesday - You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Time to relax before meeting your fellow travelers and your Tour Director at the welcome dinner. (D)
  • Day 02, in Munich, Thursday - After breakfast, take a morning city tour of downtown Munich, featuring the Koenigsplatz, old and new Pinakothek, the Isartor (city gate), the royal palace, the angel of freedom and Odeonsplatz. View also the Olympic park, site of the 1972 summer Olympics and which, today, has become an attractive sports and leisure center. The platform on the Olympic tower provides a superior view over the city of Munich. Enjoy a scenic drive through the city where you’ll see such sights as the baroque Nymphenberg palace, the former summer residence of the Wittlesbach dynasty, and the Marienplatz with its famous glockenspiel clock. This afternoon venture into the densely forested mountains of southwest Bavaria. Here you’ll visit the dream-like Castle of Neuschwanstein. This castle was built by the ‘Mad king’ Ludwig and is known for its extraordinary architectural feats. Return to Munich
    late in the afternoon and reminder of the day enjoy at leisure. (B)
  • Day 03, to Oberammergau, Friday - Morning travel by motor coach to Oberammergau. Upon arrival we have lunch and in the afternoon The Passion Play begins at 2.30 pm. You will be served dinner during the 3-hour interval in a restaurant in Oberammergau. At the end of the play, at around 10.30 pm, transfer to your hotel. (B,L,D)
  • Day 04, to Vienna, Saturday - After breakfast we leave Germany behind, as we head to Austrian capital. On the way stop in Salzburg, for
    a short panoramic sightseeing tour that shows us the Getriedergasse with its colorful shops, the majestic Cathedral, as well as the birthplace of the great
    composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In the afternoon drive along the Valley of the River Danube, past Melk to Vienna, the city of waltz. Dinner and overnight. (B,D)
  • Day 05, in Vienna, Sunday - During your morning sightseeing tour, visit the Hofburg Palace, once the seat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and view the Belvedere Palace, Prater amusement park, the UN buildings, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and other vivid reminders of the city’s imperial History. Afternoon is at leisure. (B)
  • Day 06, to Budapest, Monday - Today, travel east and cross the border to Hungary. Continue through the Transdanubian region, reaching
    Budapest just in time to relax before dinner. (B, D)
  • Day 07, in Budapest, Tuesday - Situated on the opposite banks of the Danube River, the former cities of Buda and Pest are linked
    by a series of graceful bridges. Your morning sightseeing tour includes views of the outstanding Parliament, the Royal Palace and the Castle Hill area,
    the Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, the Heroes’ Square and Gellert Hill with its Citadel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this exciting
    city on your own. (B)

    • photo courtesy of Polish Tourist Board

  • Day 08, to Krakow, Wednesday - The road to Krakow winds through the lovely hills and countryside of Slovakia, past the Tatras Mountains and into the great plains of Poland. A relaxing dinner in Krakow is planned upon arrival. (B, D)
  • Day 09, in Krakow, Thursday - Your sightseeing tour starts with a visit to the Wawel Hill, viewing the Royal Castle and visiting the Royal Cathedral. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town where you will visit the Main Market Square, Renaissance Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Church. The afternoon is free for a stroll around the city. (B)
  • Day 10, to Warsaw, Friday - This morning perhaps join an optional trip to one of the most somber memorials of the past, Auschwitz
    Concentration Camp. Later, journey to Czestochowa and visit the Yasna Gora Monastery, known for the blackened picture of the Virgin Mary popularly called the
    “Black Madonna”. In the late afternoon, arrive in Poland’s capital city, Warsaw. (B, D)
  • Day 11, in Warsaw, Saturday - The 700 years old capital is a symbol of the Polish nationhood and the will to survive against great odds. A sightseeing tour here includes a drive along the famous Royal Route from the magnificent Castle Square to Lazienki Park and Palace, the summer residence of the last king of Poland. Pass by the Palace of Science and Culture (known as the “wedding cake”), the Saxon Gardens, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto and the Barbican. Continue with the walking tour of the Old Town, the Old Market Square and St. John’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for relaxing, shopping, a stroll through the city or an optional late afternoon Chopin concert. (B)
  • Day 12, to Berlin, Sunday - Stop in Poznan for an orientation tour, and then continue to Berlin, today’s final destination. (B, D)
  • Day 13, in Berlin, Monday - Your morning sightseeing tour features the Reichstag, the Renaissance building that once housed Germany’s
    Parliament, and the lovely Schloss Charlottenburg. The tour continues through the city to view famous sights such as the Opera, the Schiller Theater and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. The afternoon is free to explore this once divided city on your own. (B)
  • Day 14, to Prague, Tuesday - This morning, continue your journey via Dresden, the beautiful Saxony Baroque city. On your orientation
    tour, view Zwinger Palace and Semper Opera House. Afterwards, continue to Prague, the Capital of Czech Republic. (B, D)
  • Day 15, in Prague, Wednesday - Built on seven hills more than 1000 years ago and spread over both banks of the river Vltava, Prague is one of the most attractive cities in Europe. Your city tour starts with a panoramic drive to the famous Wenceslas Square, the Strahov Stadium and the Castle Square. On a walking tour, visit the Royal Castle of Hradcany, St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace and Loretto Church. Cross the Charles Bridge and walk through the old quarter of Prague to view the Jewish Ghetto, the Town Hall and the world famous Astronomical Clock. The rest of the day is free. An optional visit to a cultural performance will be available. (B)
  • Day 16, depart Prague, Thursday - After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)

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Also tagged with: Escorted Journeys, Europe, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Cultural, Music Events, Art / Architecture, Join-In Tour, Religion, Classic Visit, Hosted Tours, Eastern Europe, Kompas


Vantage World Strongly Recommends Insurance for all your Travel Programs

Insure My Trip We provide, through TravelSafe Insurance, one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of travel insurance, a TravelSafe Custom Plan, where you decide the benefits YOU want and the levels of protection YOU desire including access to their 24-hour emergency assistance service from anywhere in the world. Click the link below the Plan Benefits table for plan details.