2020 PASSION PLAY OBERAMMERGAU
This is truly a must see event! Join R&J Tours for a once-in-a-decade performance to see the “Oberammergau Passion Play!” In 1633, the residents of Oberammergau, Bavaria, Germany, vowed that if God spared them from the bubonic plague ravaging the region, they would produce a play thereafter for all time every 10 years depicting the life and death of Jesus. The villagers believed they had been spared and they kept their part of the vow when the play was first performed in 1634. The 2020 Passion Play marks the 42nd presentation in Oberammergau. On this Passion Play & Highlights of the Danube River Cruise journey, we’ll also experience Munich’s annual Oktoberfest and visit other amazing cities and villages in Hungary, Germany, Austria & Slovakia.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. The city straddles both banks of the Danube River, linked by seven bridges including the famous Chain and Elizabeth Bridges. An included sightseeing tour presents you with a fantastic opportunity to become acquainted with Hungary’s beautiful capital. Enjoy a photo stop at Gellert Hill, see historic Buda Castle, 500-year-old Matthias Church, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, and the marvelous Royal Palace.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, was formerly known as Pressburg during the Middle Ages. Enjoy a Bratislava City Tour to see the imposing Bratislava Castle built more than 1,000 years ago, the National Theatre, and Blumenthal Church. After passing through the Vienna Gate, discover Bratislava’s charming old town on foot, admiring St. Martin’s Cathedral, the coronation site of Hungarian monarchs, and the quaint central square with its fairy-tale Town Ha ll.
Vienna, Austria
For over 600 years, the magnificent baroque capital city of Vienna was the seat of the mighty Hapsburg Emperors, a heritage that has bestowed it with many dazzling palaces and monuments: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, and the majestic Ringstrasse. The capital is also known as the “City of Music” for having once been the home of composers such as Beethoven, Schubert, Mozart and Johann Strauss. On our included city tour, see some of the famous sights of this impressive city. Later enjoy some time at leisure or maybe visit the Schoenbrunn Palace.
Bavaria, Munich & Oktoberfest, Germany
Bavaria is one of the oldest states in Europe dating to the 6th century AD. Home to 12.5 million people, Bavaria is rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, tradition, and hospitality. The picturesque villages, medieval towns, and the Bavarian capital city of Munich are the epitome of authenticity. Enjoy a panoramic Munich City Tour featuring views of Olympic Park and the famous Marienplatz, home to the fourth largest glockenspiel in the world. Later experience Munich’s legendary Oktoberfest at your own pace. They’ve been brewing ‘liquid bread’ (beer) here for 3000 years. Enjoy time on your own to stroll the festival grounds and indulge in the unique and amazing atmosphere of Oktoberfest. Sample the brew and feast on Bavarian food and specialities as you discover an array of Munich’s history and culture.
Day 1 – Home to Budapest, Hungary
Day 2 – Arrive Budapest
Arrive Budapest & board the MS Amadeus Silver II/III
Meet your Cruise Manager
Included Meals: Welcome Dinner (onboard)
Ship – MS Amadeus Silver II/III (6 Nights)
Day 3 – Budapest
Morning Budapest City Tour
Afternoon at leisure in Budapest – Budapest Horse Farm Optional
Ship departs Budapest this evening
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (onboard)
Day 4 – Bratislava
Morning Danube Cruising to Bratislava
Afternoon Bratislava City Tour – Ship departs Bratislava late evening
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (onboard)
Day 5 – Vienna
Morning Vienna City Tour
Afternoon at leisure in Vienna – Schoenbrunn Palace Optional
Docked in Vienna into the late evening/past midnight
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (onboard)
Day 6 – Durnstein
Morning Durnstein Walking Tour & Wine Tasting Experience
Afternoon Danube Cruising – Melk Abbey Optional
Onboard Oktoberfest Night – Bier Garden & Bavarian Dinner
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (onboard)
Day 7 – Danube Cruising – Passau
Danube Cruising or Salzburg Optional Full Day
Arrival in Passau – Gala Farewell Dinner Onboard
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner (onboard)
Day 8 – Passau to Oberammergau, Germany – Passion Play
Disembark Passau & travel to Oberammergau
Afternoon experience the 2020 Passion Play Oberammergau
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight – Oberammergau Area Hotel
Day 9 – Oberammergau to Munich – Munich’s Oktoberfest
Travel to Munich – Munich City Tour
Munich’s Oktoberfest at your own pace
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight – Munich Area Hotel
Day 10 – Munich Area to Flight Home
Transfer to the Munich Airport for flight home
Included Meals: Breakfast
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
R&J Tours has decided to leave the excursions highlighted below as optional so that our Travelers may decide if they’d prefer to experience any of these excursions or if they’d rather be at leisure during any of these times.
Day 3: Hungarian Horse Farm Experience (Budapest)
Travel to a traditional Hungarian Farm. Upon arrival, sip a welcome glass of pálinka (plum brandy) and enjoy some pogácsa (savory scones). Experience a traditional Hungarian Horse Show featuring daredevil stunts, equestrian contests and the famous Puszta Five.
Total Duration: Approx. 4 hours / Cost: Approx. $110 per person
Includes: Transportation, Admission & Local Guide
Day 5: Schoenbrunn Palace
Visit the magnificent Schoenbrunn Palace, the Baroque summer residence of the Haps- burgs. The 1,441-room Baroque Palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments in the country. The history of the palace and its vast gardens spans over 300 years, reflecting the changing tastes, interests, and aspirations of successive Habsburg monarchs. Enjoy a guided tour of some of its extravagant staterooms to see how the royal family once lived. Explore the gardens with their symmetrical terraces and fountains, or relax with a coffee or snack.
Total Duration: Approx. 4 hours / Cost: Approx. $99 per person
Includes: Transportation, Admission & Local Guide
Day 6: Melk Abbey
Enjoy an excursion to Melk Abbey, which is an Austrian Benedictine abbey and one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. The impressive Baroque abbey was built between 1702 and 1736. The abbey’s church and the impressive library with countless medieval manuscripts and frescos are particularly noteworthy. A guided tour takes you through the abbey’s chambers, along the imperator’s walk, through the marble hall, the balconies and the library.
Total Duration: Approx. 3 hours / Cost: Approx. $95 per person
Includes: Transportation & Admission
Day 7: Salzburg
Travel to Salzburg for a walking tour of the Old Town, Mirabel Gardens, Mozart Square, the Dom Cathedral and historic center made famous by the “Sound of Music.” Visit Mozart’s Birthplace located at No. 9 Getreidegasse, the home where the Mozart family lived from 1747-1773. Learn about his life and see special exhibitions related to his music. Enjoy time at leisure to shop, visit a cafe & stroll the wonderful Getreidegasse.
Total Duration: Approx. 8-9 hours / Cost: Approx. $175 per person
Includes: Transportation, Admission (Mozart Birthplace) & Local Guide
Please note: Optional Excursions will be available to purchase onboard (not in advance). A Cruise Manager will go through all the options onboard and take sign ups at that time. *Discretionary tips for optional excursion guides are at your own expense.
Travel Bucks
Deposit Due
Passport Needed
Tour Pace
Price Includes
RT Airfare including all taxes, surcharges & baggage fees! 21 Meals, Activities as stated, All Gratuities onboard are included!
PLEASE CALL FOR CABIN PRICING & AVAILABILITY! 1-800-758-6877