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EUROPE
Oberammergau, Alpine Explorer & Splendours of Europe River Cruise
Detailed Tour Itinerary
Inclusions
Departure Dates
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The cruise and/or tour map shown is provided as a guide only.
The actual route of the cruise or tour may vary.
Tour Summary
Tour name: Oberammergau, Alpine Explorer & Splendours of Europe River Cruise
Tour code: ERAO  
Days: 20  
Overview:

  
Tour Itinerary
Day 1Arrive Munich (HD)
Welcome to Munich, the capital city of Bavaria, Germany. On arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred* to your hotel (flights must arrive before 12:00 noon). Meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director, in the afternoon, for a guided orientation tour of Munich. We visit the heart of old Munich, the Marienplatz, a large open square with the Marien column in the centre, where we see the famous Glockenspiel on the Town Hall play. Radiating from the Marienplatz are gorgeous examples of Romanesque and Baroque churches including the Peterskirche and Frauenkirche. This evening we dine in one of Munich’s oldest breweries, the famous Hofbräuhaus Munchen, for a lively welcome dinner.  
Overnight Stay: Munich
Day 2Munich – Bavarian Alps (FB,D)
This morning travel the famous Romantic Road through towering peaks into Bavarian Germany, arriving in Schwangau to see the majestic spires of Neuschwanstein Castle piercing through woods on the nearby mountainside. We board our horse and carriage and are driven up to the Castle entrance, where we enjoy a guided tour of the ornately carved and decorated apartments, including the Throne room and Lohengrin Grotto, of ‘Mad’ King Ludwig. We then continue towards our hotel which lies alongside a gorgeous lake.  
Two Night Stay: Bavarian Alps
Day 3Oberammergau “The Passion Play” (FB,L,D)
After breakfast, drive past beautiful alpine pastures en-route to Oberammergau. Today enjoy the highlight of your tour: the original PASSION PLAY, held every ten years, and performed by the inhabitants of Oberammergau. There is time at leisure to explore the townsite of Oberammergau, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Your will then be escorted to your Category 1 section seating for the commencement of the Passion Play at 2:30pm and which runs until 5:00pm.  There is a three hour interval, during which time dinner is served at a local restaurant. The performance resumes again at 8:00pm and is scheduled to finish at 10.30pm. (Please note that the performance of the Passion Play is conducted in German)
Day 4Bavarian Alps – Innsbruck (FB,D)
Today we make the short trip to Innsbruck, capital of the Austrian Tyrol. This afternoon enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the architectural jewels of the city, seeing the Imperial Palace, the famous Golden Roof and the 14th century houses of the old town.
Overnight Stay: Innsbruck
Day 5Innsbruck – Salzburg (FB,D)
We continue our journey to Salzburg, famous for its onion shaped domes and charming courtyards all dwarfed by the imposing fortress perched on the rocky outcrop above. The history and sights of this baroque city are revealed during a guided walking tour of the atmospheric old town which will include the mighty cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace and many of the locations used during the filming of ‘The Sound of Music’, such as the Mirabell Palace and gardens. 
Overnight Stay: Salzburg
Day 6Salzburg – Budapest Embarkation (FB,HD)
Today venture into the Salzkammergut and stop in the town of Mondsee to see the church where Maria was married to Captain Von Trapp in the film. Continue to Budapest, the capital of Hungary. A warm welcome awaits you from your crew as you board your luxury Evergreen Tours river cruise ship.  After boarding, enjoy some time at your leisure to explore Budapest. This evening join your fellow travellers for a welcome cocktail reception followed by a traditional Hungarian Welcome dinner.
Day 7Budapest (FB,L,D)
Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan cities. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Royal Palace of Buda, hilltop castle complex with FISHERMEN'S BASTION and the Matthias Church, and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest.
Day 8Bratislava - Vienna (FB,L,D)
Situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava is the dynamic capital of Slovakia. Set on the crossroads of ancient trade routes in the heart of Europe, the city embodies various cultures – primarily Celtic, Roman and Slavic. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall and Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin. After lunch relax and enjoy the scenery as we cruise along the Danube towards Vienna the “City of Waltzes”. This evening in Vienna you have the option (own expense) to attend a Viennese concert featuring the music of Mozart and Strauss.
Day 9Vienna (FB,L,D)
Vienna the “City of Waltzes”. Today, on a comprehensive half-day tour, we explore Austria’s capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, where we will see Vienna’s world-famous Opera House, Burgtheatre, Spanish Riding School, Town Hall, St. Stephan’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. You’ll then visit the Belvedere Palace and gardens, the palace at the heart of Vienna, was once the Baroque summer residence of the renowned general and art connoisseur Prince Eugene. This afternoon is at leisure to stroll the main shopping street or as an option (own expense) a visit to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace.
Day 10Dürnstein – Melk (FB,L,D)
Dürnstein is one of the most enchanting villages of the Wachau wine region. This is the site of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades in the 12th century. Later the ship sails through the spectacular Wachau valley and on to Melk, home to an imposing 900-year old Benedictine Abbey which features Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture, with its ornate gold leaf walls, 640ft Imperial Corridor and spectacular fresco ceilings and offers spectacular views of the Danube.
Day 11Linz – Passau (FB,L,D)
Today there is the opportunity to take an optional tour (own expense) to either 1) Salzburg, birth place of Mozart and the setting for the “Sound of Music”, or 2) the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov. Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in the beautiful city of Passau. On this morning’s walking tour, stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress from the town below. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europe’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes.
Day 12Regensburg – Weltenburg (FB,L,D)
Dating back to settlement in 500BC, Regensburg is one of Germany’s finest preserved cities and its architectural gems are testament to its long history and past grandeur. Your guided tour visits the Old Chapel, the Thurn and Taxis Castle, and the medieval stone bridge across the Danube, which is a wonderful place to view the cityscape of red roofs, churches, towers, turrets and townhouses from the 12th to 14th centuries. After lunch, we embark on a motorcoach tour to the spectacular Benedictine abbey of Weltenburg, the oldest monastery in Bavaria, founded around 600 AD. by the monks of St. Columbanus. The monastery’s brewery is the oldest still existing brewery in the world, and is famous for its dark ale, which is still produced by the monks.
Day 13Nuremberg (FB,L,D)
Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. This morning we explore this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. You’ll see the Justice Palace and Imperial Castle rising above the old quarter enclosed by thick walls punctuated with 80 towers. We then join a guided tour of the fascinating Nuremberg Rallies and Trial Sites which were part of the aftermath of WWII.
Day 14Bamberg (FB,L,D)
Relax onboard this morning as we cruise through the Main-Danube Canal, arriving after lunch at our destination, Bamberg. Feel the magic of the past as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage city with your guide today. Boasting one of Europe’s largest intact medieval town centres, Bamberg is bursting with original character and charm. At the centre of the town is the largest preserved old quarter in Europe. Around 2,400 listed buildings and the centuries-old garden quarter form a special cultural heritage. Admire hundreds of building façades richly decorated in fascinating detail with spectacular ornamentation.
Day 15Würzburg (FB,L,D)
Known as the "Pearl of the Romantic Road", Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. After lunch we join our guide for a walking tour of Würzburg and visit the Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your tour highlights the palace’s unique staircase, elaborate 18th century frescoes and the amazing 3-dimensional stuccowork.
Day 16Wertheim - Miltenberg (FB,L,D)
Today we cruise into Wertheim, a beautiful town known for its glassworks, Franconian wine and friendly people. The highlight today will be a walk through the medieval city along its cobblestone streets and discovering the traditional methods of Wertheim’s glassblowing tradition in a private demonstration. Return to the ship for lunch, as we continue the journey onto a picturesque village on the Main River, Miltenberg. The village creates an imitable feeling of Bavarian life in medieval times and the Old Town is lined with well-preserved half-timbered buildings. The gothic Merchant Hall is an impressive symbol of past affluence created by trade from river traffic.
Day 17Rüdesheim – Koblenz (FB,L,D)
After breakfast we arrive at Rudesheim, one of Germany’s most popular towns. Join the “Winzerexpress” mini-train ride to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Instrument Museum, where your guided tour features displays of self-playing instruments. On your way back to the ship see the huge Niederwald monument depicting the mythical figure of Germania and stroll along the Drosselgasse, a giant pedestrian street lined with wine taverns, shops and restaurants. Today’s cruising will be a highlight of your trip, as we cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge. Keep your camera at the ready as around every bend there are stunning vistas of castles perched above steep vine-covered slopes. We’ll also pass the infamous Lorelei Rock where sailors are said to have been lured to their doom onto treacherous rocks by enchanted temptresses. In the late afternoon we arrive into the beautiful 2,000 year old townsite of Koblenz, located at the intersection of the Rhine and the Moselle Rivers. Tonight after dinner, you will have time to take a walk and explore the village.
Day 18Cologne (FB,L,D)
After a morning of scenic cruising along the Rhine we arrive in Cologne. Founded by the Romans, Cologne is Germany's oldest city and is famous for its magnificent World-heritage listed Gothic Cathedral. Join your guide this morning and explore the city including the Old Town with its beautiful squares and historical monuments. There’s free time this afternoon to enjoy some shopping or visit a tavern to taste the famous local beer, Kölsch.
Day 19Amsterdam (FB,L,HD)
Welcome to Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, a fascinating 700 year old city of picturesque canals, world class museums, theatres and cafés. This afternoon, we join a glass top canal boat cruise and explore Amsterdam’s maze of canals.  Cruise past 16th century merchant houses and charming churches, dating back to Holland’s Golden Age. We continue our sightseeing with a visit to the world-famous Van Gogh Museum, containing the worlds largest collection of Van Gogh paintings, for a first hand appreciation of the Dutchman’s artistic genius. This evening join your fellow travellers for a Captain’s Farewell dinner.
Day 20Disembarkation – Depart Amsterdam (FB)
After breakfast it’s time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer* to the airport.

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary. 
Tour itinerary is valid from 01/01/2010 to 31/12/2010 and is subject to change. Enquire for itinerary details that fall outside of these dates. If you have booked on a tour please refer to the itinerary provided in your tour documentation or on Tour Personaliser for any changes that have been made.


Evergreen Tours (a division of Scenic Tours Pty Ltd)
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