Imperial Splendors & OBERAMMERGAU - 2010

Day 1

(Mon.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2Arrival 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 3Munich–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 4Prague

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 5Prague–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 6Budapest

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 7Budapest–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 8At 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 9Vienna-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 10Salzburg-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 11Oberammergau

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 12Oberammergau-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 13Munich

Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)