“Oberammergau & the Danube River”
EVERY TEN YEAR "PASSION PLAY"
An 11 Day Tour of Germany, Hungary,
Austria, and Slovakia
Hosted by Dr. Asa Meadows
Our Adventuresome Friends,
No other river in the entire world has inspired so many
poets, musicians and painters to create masterpieces. Along
no other river can such a tremendous variety of scenery,
historic cities, magnificent architecture and cultural
treasures be found than on the “Queen of Rivers”, the
Danube. On a week long cruise, we’ll be floating through
four countries and three capitals: Budapest (Hungary),
Vienna (Austria), and Bratislava (Slovakia). But a highlight
is going to be our visit to the quaint village of Oberammergau, world famous for the spectacular Passion Play
performed by 2,000 of its residents just once every decade.
Keeping a pledge made nearly 400 years ago, this reenactment
of the passion of Christ preserves the health and well-being
of its residents to this day.
For a complete info pack, please call us at 904-996-8112 or Bitsie at (800) 438-8281.
Let us know of your interest so we can plan together. It’s
going to be awesome! Join us!
Daily Itinerary
Day
1 (Thu) (5/27) – DEPARTING ATLANTA
Our travel companions will gather from a variety of states
at the Atlanta Hartsfield Airport for a get-acquainted
meeting. Air France will be whisking us away for an
overnight flight to Hungary.
Day 2 (Fri) (5/28) – ARRIVING IN BUDAPEST (Hungary)
Upon our arrival in Budapest, capital of Hungary, we will be
met, assisted with luggage and transferred to our luxurious
cruise ship, the MS Amalegro, docked in the center of the
city. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or
begin exploring this beautiful city. Tonight we anticipate a
gala welcome reception and dinner.
Day 3 (Sat) (5/29) – EXPLORING BUDGPEST (Hungary)
The morning’s city tour includes historic Buda Castle, where
we have a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest,
spread over both banks of the river. Our tour will also
feature the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the marvelous
Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica and much more. The
balance of the day is at your leisure. Perhaps, you may wish
to explore the main square or their famous health and
thermal spas for a Turkish bath.
Day 4 (Sun) (5/30) - ENJOYING BRATISLAVA
(Slovakia)
This morning we shall relax onboard as we cruise toward
Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. This charming city ranks
among the youngest capital cities of Europe, yet it retains
a rich history dating back more than 2000 years. An
afternoon walking tour reveals the city’s major sights,
including the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and
the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Late afternoon we’ll be
free to shop or to explore on your own. An eventful day is
followed by an evening filled with an enchanting music
performance aboard. Early evening we head for Vienna.
Day 5 (Mon) (5/31) – MARVELING AT VIENNA
(Austria)
For Centuries, Vienna has been synonymous with music as it
is home to some of the world’s greatest composers – Mozart,
Beethoven, Schubert and Strauss. This outstanding musical
heritage makes this capital city of Austria literally a
cultural haven of museums, dance centers and theaters. On
our morning guided sightseeing tour, we will drive along the
majestic Ringstrasse, Vienna’s main boulevard, to see the
lavish Hofburg Palace. Then we proceed to the impressive
Vienna Opera House, the awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s
Cathedral and we’ll visit the National Library. Late
afternoon is free to stroll along Karntnerstrasse or to
sample Vienna’s famous pastries. Tonight we can explore the
vibrant Austrian capital on our own, or come along for an
optional Mozart and Strauss concert.
Day 6 (Tue) (6/1) – MEANDERING IN DURNSTEIN & MELK
(Austria)
Early this morning we reach the Wachau Valley for our
walking tour of Durnstein, known as one of the prettiest
towns on the Danube. We’ll marvel at the magnificent blue
façade of the Baroque Stiftskirche and see the ruins of the
castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was
imprisoned in 1192. Our walking tour through medieval
cobblestone streets reveals 16th century town houses and
wine taverns. While enjoying our lunch back on our cruiser,
we will glide toward Melk for our guided tour of the town’s
magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest
baroque monasteries, with a library containing over 85,000
books. An evening wine tasting highlights our visit to the
Wachau Valley.
Day 7 (Wed) (6/2) – SAMPLING GREIN, GMUNDEN & LINZ
(Austria)
After breakfast we arrive in Grein for our excursion to
Gmunden, which is located in the Austrian Lake District on
Lake Traun. We shall visit the picturesque Castle Ort with
it beautiful details, Renaissance frescos and triangular
inner courtyard. Legend holds that this castle was
originally a Roman fortress in the early 8th century. We
return to the ship for lunch as we sail on to Linz, the
third largest city in Austria, created as part of the Roman
expansion to the North. We will enjoy the beautiful Baroque
buildings and the environment friendly culture. Our ship
will moor overnight in Linz.
Day 8 (Thu) (6/3) – DELIGHTING IN PASSAU
(Germany)
Today we glide through Upper Austria into Germany. Passau is
famous for its vast collection of Bohemian glass and St.
Stephen’s Cathedral, which houses the world’s second largest
church organ. It is here that the rivers Inn and Ilz join
the Danube. Due to its unique position on the Danube, Passau
has been given the nickname “Venice on the Danube”. During
our walking tour, we we shall explore this fairy tale city
founded more than 2,000 years ago. This evening we celebrate
our last night on board at the captain’s farewell dinner, as
we cruise to Vilshofen, a charming 1200 year old Bavarian
town, on the confluence of the river Vils and the Danube..
Day 9 (Fri) (6/4) – DISEMBARKING FOR OBERAMMERGAU
(Germany)
This morning we disembark our river cruiser in Vilshofen and
we are taken by coach through the pastoral countryside
toward the Bavarian Alps. Along the way we will stop in
Fussen, the highest town, located at the foot of the Alps.
We’ll stop for a photo opportunity as we view the famous
castles of “Mad King Ludwig”, Neuschwanstein Castle and then
a short drive to nearby Linderhof Palace for a tour, with
its picturesque gardens and unique Venus Fern Grotto. Late
that afternoon we’ll arrive in the quaint European village
of Oberammergau, famous for the spectacular Passion Play,
performed by its residents just once every decade, keeping a
pledge made nearly 400 years ago. This will be our first of
two nights in Oberammergau.
Day 10 (Sat) (6/5) – MARVELING AT PASSION PLAY
(Germany)
Today we anticipate the highlight of our tour, the Passion
Play. Such a massive affair it is! More than a million
requests for seats were received in 2000, over half were
turned away. The open air theater holds 5,000 people, with
100 performances a season. More than 2,000 Oberammergauers,
actors, singers, instrumentalists and stage technicians are
needed to bring to the stage those events Christianity
regards as its central source of life and hope. The Play
itself consists of 18 acts and a number of tableaux, and a
performance lasts a full day. The afternoon performance
starts at 2:30 pm and ends at 5 pm. There is a three hour
break for dinner and the play resumes at 8 pm, ending by
10:30 pm. A lifetime privilege will be ours as we reflect on
the passion of our Lord in such extraordinary fashion.
Day 11 (Sun) (6/6) – FLYING HOME (USA)
After breakfast, some of our group will transfer to Munich
Airport for our departure and a same day flight back to the
USA. Others of us will be extending for two nights in
Prague, capital of the Czech Republic and one of Europe’s
most beautiful cities.AN
OPTIONAL 2 NIGHT EXTENSION Day 11 (Sun) (6/6) –
FLYING TO PRAGUE (Czech Republic)
Those who choose this two night extension will fly from
Munich to Prague, arriving late morning. Prague, the capital
and largest city of the Czech Republic, is widely regarded
as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We will
discover for ourselves why it is also known as the “City of
a Hundred Spires”. That afternoon we’ll motor to Konopiste
Castle, a charming hunting castle set in a forest outside of
Prague. Boasting an impressive collection of historical
weapons, furniture, paintings and tapestries, we’ll also get
a glimpse of the lovely and picturesque Czech countryside.
Tonight we’ll enjoy a dinner cruise on the Vtlava River.
Day 12 (Mon) (6/7) – EXPLORING PRAGUE
Today will be a full day for touring. The focal point of
this fairytale city is the vast complex of the 9th century
Hradcany Castle, with its regal palaces, gardens and
churches, still used by the government today. After enjoying
the “changing of the guard”, we’ll visit St. Vitus
Cathedral, which took six centuries to construct, and the
old Royal Palace. Included will be a tour of the Old Town of
Prague, first crossing the Charles Bridge with its 30
statues that line this pedestrian-only bridge, each telling
a story of Prague’s colorful past. Next, we’ll see the
famous Astronomical Clock in the Old Square which displays
the actual time as well as the movement of the sun and the
moon around the 12 signs of the Zodiac. We’ll continue into
the former Jewish Quarter and Prague ghetto where we’ll see
old synagogues and traditional Jewish artifacts.
Day 13 (Tue) (6/8) – FLYING HOME
All too soon our fairytale adventure ends, but we’ll bring
back memories of European history to enrich our lives. Our
departure is from the airport in Prague for a same day
flight back to our grand homeland.
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TOUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS
AIR TRANSPORTATION:
Roundtrip economy class out of Atlanta via any IATA/ARC
carrier is included based on applicable low season APEX
fares. Current airfares used and subject to change. Once
airline tickets are issued they are non-refundable. Please
note that fuel surcharges and departure taxes are
implemented by the airlines and are subject to increases.
Any such increases shall be borne by the passenger at the
time of ticketing even if paid in full.
HOTELS: First class hotels, special Oberammergau
accommodations and outside cabins on board deluxe ship are
included, and are priced on the basis of two persons sharing
twin-bedded room/ cabin with private bath and shower.
MEALS: Breakfast and dinner daily while on land. Full board
on board ship.
SIGHTSEEING: As per program with fully licensed, English
speaking guides. The right is reserved to vary the sequence
of the tour or to make substitutions, if necessary. All
transfers and sightseeing by private, deluxe motor coach.
TAXES: Hotel taxes are included.
TRANSFERS/BAGGAGE: Included is the transfer of passenger
baggage allowance limited by the airlines and hotels. Excess
baggage must be the responsibility of the passenger.
Delivery of the baggage by the passenger to the airline or
motor coach shall be deemed a release of the tour operator
from any liability whatsoever, resulting in loss, damage,
theft, weather, delay in transit to any baggage, luggage,
hand piece, etc. of the tour participant during any and all
portions of this tour. Baggage insurance is highly
recommended.
PASSPORT. It is the responsibility of the tour participant
to have a current passport.
NOT INCLUDED: Lunches while on land; or items of a personal
nature such as in-room service, laundry, telephone, special
food or drink (after dinner coffee, Coke, etc); departure
taxes or fuel surcharges implemented by the airlines;
tipping to guides, drivers or for meal service; port
charges; insurance or medical attendance.
CANCELLATION POLICY: $850 per person nonrefundable deposit.
$1500 per person on or before February 20th, 2009; $2000 per
person on or before July 15th, 2009; $3000 per person on or
before February 1st, 2010; 100% per person of the tour cost
on or before February 2nd – day of departure. TRIP
CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
RESPONSIBILITY: World Pilgrim Tours act as agents and are
responsible to the tour participant in making arrangements
for all services and accommodations offered. No person,
other than World Pilgrim Tours has the authority to vary,
add, amplify, or waive any description, representation, term
or condition set forth in this offer. In the event the
accommodations or services herein cannot be supplied, or
there are changes in the itinerary due to delays, political
situations, or other causes beyond the control of World
Pilgrim Tours, it shall supply comparable services and
accommodations. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne
by the participant. The participant waives any claim against
World Pilgrim Tours for any damage to or loss of property,
injury or death, due to any act of negligence on the part of
the airline, hotel, bus or any person rendering any of the
services or accommodations included in any portion of the
tour. World Pilgrim Tours shall not be responsible for any
delays, substitutions of equipment, or any act or omission
whatsoever by the air carrier, its agents, servants or
employees. The right of the participant is reserved to claim
against the carrier. In the event the tour is cancelled by
the tour operator, it shall have no responsibility beyond
the refund of all monies paid to it by the tour
participants, except an administrative fee of $250 per
person. These conditions shall be deemed a part of this tour
program and agreement between World Pilgrim Tours and the
tour participants.
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