Tour Description

Interim announcement: Oberammergau Passion Play has been postponed until 21 May 2022. Further details to be advised.

A hosted Travel Companions Club tour with popular tour host Colleen Doyle, including a river cruise on the beautiful Danube. Tour highlight – attend the Oberammergau Passion Play with orchestra-seat tickets.

From 24 Aug to 03 Sep 2020 | Budapest to Munich | 10 nights/11 days

Supplement for upper deck cabin on the cruise NZD450 per person

Highlights:

2 nights in historic Budapest, with boutique sightseeing included
2 nights in the Oberammergau region
Orchestra-seat tickets to the Passion Play
Dinner at the Passion Play
Discover the great cities along the Danube on a special 5 night CroisiEurope all inclusive river cruise from Budapest to Passau
Bask in the idyllic scenery of the Wachau Valley
Overnight in Munich with farewell dinner

Unforgettable Moments:

Imperial Vienna with Schoenbrunn Palace and also Budapest, with a wonder at every turn

Itinerary
Important Information

Day 1: Mon 24 Budapest (D)

Welcome to Hungary. You will be met and transferred to your hotel for two nights. A welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included this evening.

Day 2: Tue 25 Budapest (BD)

Today is tour to a handicraft market and Porcelain factory. This evening we visit the Royal Wine Museum, in the 14^thC cellars under Buda Castle for a short wine tasting, followed by dinner at the nearby Alabardos Restaurant, housed in a 15^thC gothic building. The restaurants aim is to present traditional Hungarian dished in a new modern form.

Day 3: Wed 26 Budapest (BD)

Today is a full day to Szentende, a pretty Hungarian town on the Danube River known for its artists, galleries, Baroque architecture, colourful houses and narrow cobbled streets. Visit a Serbian Orthodox Church and museum before returning to Budapest to board your special Oberammergau CroisiEurope Cruise.

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner. In the evening, join us for an evening of traditional entertainment in Budapest. This one-and-a-half-hour show will take you across all the regions of Hungary through its folklore and Gypsy dance and music.

Over the next six days sail from Budapest to Passau. CroisiEurope is a French founded cruise company that offers an all-inclusive cruise, amazing European cuisine, an open bar, including your choice of regional wines, beers, cocktails and spirits, plus tea and coffee. All sightseeing is included.

Take time to relax as your floating hotel sails down the Danube.

Day 4: Thu 27 Budapest-Bratislava (BLD)

This morning is guided tour of Budapest. Discover the history and architecture of this picturesque city. The metropole was once two distinct cities, only united in 1873: Buda, with its winding streets, Turkish baths and Buda Castle; and Pest, with its flatter landscape offering a panoramic view over the banks of the Danube.

Day 5: Fri 28 Bratislava-Vienna (BLD)

We’ll arrive in Bratislava in the early morning. This morning is a sightseeing tour of Bratislava. Lined by the Danube, Bratislava intrigues. The charm of the Slovakian capital lies in its old city which reveals magnificent baroque palaces, churches and pleasant squares. The pastel-coloured façades give its many houses their unique style. Our ship will cruise to Vienna. This evening, join us on an excursion of Vienna by night. Vienna symbolizes power and strength through its architecture and monuments. Street lights and special lighting accentuate shapes and dramatize the lovely baroque structures.

Day 6: Sat 29 Vienna (BLD)

This morning visit Schoenbrunn Palace, a former summer residence for the Hapsburg monarchs. We travel on The Ring, part of the vast changes to the Viennese cityscape that took place in the second half of the nineteenth century, before arriving at the palace. The 1,441-room Baroque palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural, and historical monuments in Austria.

This afternoon, visit Hofburg Palace, an imperial march through history, art and luxury. The Palace is also known for having been during 600 years the “Winter Residency” of the Habsburgs. You will visit the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments and access the 19 official and private rooms that once belonged to Franz Joseph and Elisabeth. The Imperial Apartments are a reflection of the monarchic splendour.

In the evening, is a Concert of Viennese music (subject to availability). Famous waltz melodies will take you back to the era of Franz Joseph and Sisi. The first half of the concert will be devoted to Mozart compositions, and the second half to Strauss. We’ll start cruising during the night.

Day 7: Sun 30 Melk-Passau (BLD)

We’ll cruise along the most beautiful section of the Wachau Valley before arriving in Melk. Visit Dürnstein, the fortified village where Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner. You will be able to stroll through the streets of this medieval town and visit the Baroque abbey. In the afternoon visit Melk Abbey. Originally a Baroque-style palace built between 1702 and 1736, it is now a Benedictine monastery that hosts a prestigious co-ed school with more than 900 students. In the evening, we’ll start cruising towards Passau. Tonight is a gala dinner on board.

Day 8: Mon 31 Passau-Oberammergau (BLD)

Savour one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. and discovering Passau. We’ll have lunch in town. Around 2.00 p.m., departure by coach to Oberammergau, known throughout the world for its Passion Play. After checking into a 3-star hotel, dinner will be in the local area.

Day 9: Tue 01 Sep Oberammergau – The Passion Play (BD)

You will be transferred by coach to the village for some free time. Use this time to stroll and take in the atmosphere and wonderful pastel-painted homes—some dating back to the 13th century—decorated with religious motifs. After lunch (own expense) transfer to the theatre for the performance of the spectacular Passion Play.

In 1633, the residents vowed that if God spared them from the bubonic plague, they would produce a play thereafter depicting the life and death of Jesus. Performed during years ending in zero, it is considered as one of the grandest in the world.

The production involves over 2,000 performers, musicians, and stage hands—all residents of the village. They rehearse for over six months and present the play over 100 times during a performance year. The open-air theatre adds to the magic of the show.

We have reserved the best orchestra seats for our customers.

A meal is included with the show and will be served during intermission. After the show, you will be transferred to the hotel by coach.

Day 10: Wed 02 Oberammergau-Munich (BD)

Transfer to Munich for overnight. This afternoon is at leisure to explore Munich in your own time. A farewell dinner is included this evening.

Day 11: Thu 03 Munich – Departure (B)

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Option to extend your stay in one of the many destinations in Europe.

Tour Inclusions:

Meet and assist on arrival and departure
Tour Host throughout with a minimum of 15 clients travelling
All transfers airport – hotel return
Transport in air-conditioned vehicles
English speaking guides
Accommodation with private facilities
Sightseeing as specified
Entrance fees as specified
5 nights CroisiEurope cruise
Welcome cocktail
Hungarian music and folklore show
Sightseeing tour of Budapest
Sightseeing tour of Bratislava
Vienna by night
Vienna tour including Schoenbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace and Sisi Museum
Viennese Music Concert
Sightseeing tour of Melk
Final Gala Dinner on board
2 nights Oberammergau – 3* accommodation
2 nights Budapest – 4* accommodation
1 night Munich – 4* accommodation
Breakfasts daily
On board dining with sumptuous french and regional cuisine
Open bar including a selection of wines, beer, cocktails, spirits and aperitif
Welcome dinner in Budapest
Farewell dinner in Munich
Tickets to the Passion Play – dinner included during intermission
Travel notes

Tour Exclusions:

Flights
Porterage & tipping
Personal Expenses
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Early check in / Late check out
Meals not specified
Mini bar

Itineraries are prepared as a guideline only. Some variations may apply due to prevailing local conditions in a country. Transfer times, ferry schedules and flight schedules booked by Innovative Travel may be reconfirmed by the local operators upon arrival and are subject to change.

Itinerary descriptions and photographs: All photos and hotel descriptions are general impressions of the property booked. These do not necessarily represent the room or view you will receive.

Hotel check-in/out times are normally IN: 2pm /OUT: 12noon

The only way to guarantee an early check-in or late check-out is to pre-book the night before (early check-in) or night after (late check-out). Otherwise early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability when you are there.

Double Beds Please note we are able to request a double bedded room if requested, but cannot guarantee one will be available upon check in.

Non Smoking Rooms: As a policy Innovative Travel request non smoking rooms for all guests. These rooms are requested and are subject to availability.

Tipping: Please remember that tipping is an accepted practice throughout the world. In the majority of countries tipping acts as a supplement to a basic wage. Please ensure that you have some EURO cash in some smaller denominations such as 1, 5 and 10’s for non-included tipping. Innovative Travel will provide guidelines in the final comprehensive travel notes provided with your documentation.

On a lighter note

Please remember that religious beliefs, traditional customs and daily manners may differ from country to country, these may seem quite strange at first. These idiosyncrasies are part of what makes travelling a special experience. Please be patient if you think things are happening a different pace than you are used to and respect the differences in culture.

Dress Codes: Modest dress is required for entrance to holy sites – Men: Long pants, Women – skirt or long pants and shoulders covered. A scarf is often required to be worn– so handy to have with you.

General tour conditions apply as per the Ancient Kingdoms brochure. Specific tour conditions apply as per the details on your registration form. Signing your registration form is deemed to have accepted the tour conditions.

If you need assistance relating to travel arrangements provided while on tour, please speak to the escort or guide, who are there to assist you in the first instance. Please note it is our strong recommendation that any issues with hotel rooms or any other matters are brought to the attention of your tour leaders whilst on tour.

Travel Advisory Information can change at any time and we suggest clients refer to The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Travel Trade Advisory website at www.safetravel.govt.nz at the time of booking for the latest up to date information and general advice regarding the countries you are visiting.

Further information and registration

If you have specific enquires please contact The Innovative Travel Company or if you wish to register, you may visit your preferred travel agent or contact The Innovative Travel Company. A registration form should be filled out at the time of registration.

Enquire About This Itinerary

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

Priced From:

$ 7795pp ^*