Experience the dramatic presentation depicting the Passion of Christ, including the trial, suffering, and death of Jesus Christ at the Passion Play performance in Oberammergau, Germany. Join this very special SMALL GROUP cruisetour as we travel along the Danube to see firsthand why this storied river has inspired generations of artists, poets and musicians.
Indulge your passion for timeless architecture and art in three magnificent capitals: Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna. Let the hills come alive with the sounds of music in Salzburg and the Austrian Lake District. Cruise through the enchanting Strudengau Valley and let the melodies of the Danube carry you from one gem to another on a regal journey through time. Completing our jouney with a custom-designed tour and private motorcoach to visit Munich and the majestic Bavarian Alps with breathtaking scenery, enchanting castles, sacred churches and the 42nd performance of the Passion Play in Oberammergau.
Tour Hosts Rev. Dr. Donald and Margaret Hinchey
Itinerary
DAY 1, AUG 04 Depart USA to Budapest, Hungary
DAY 2, AUG 05 Arrive Budapest, Hungary (D)
Upon arrival of our flight at Budapest Airport you will complete the passport and immigrations process, exit to the ground transportation area. The group will transfer to the pier to embark on a luxurious 7-night Danube River cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen, Germany with AMAWaterways, Europe’s premier luxury river cruising experience. We begin our journey in Budapest cruising through Slovakia, Austria and Germany along some of the most beautiful stretches of the Danube River with all her regal and romantic splendor. Our group will have dinner aboard the ship. During the evening, be treated to a special Illuminations cruise past the capital’s glittering riverfront. Overnight ship
DAY 3, AUG 06 Budapest (B, L, D)
Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture, tradition and even a secret labyrinth of caves under the city. Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall before going to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. You’ll see Heroes’ Square and Castle Hill, home to the Fisherman’s Bastion and Mattias Church. Overnight ship
DAY 4, AUG 07 Bratislava, Slovakia (B, L, D)
Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings,” as you’ll discover during your walking tour. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. Overnight ship
DAY 5, AUG 08 Vienna, Austria (B, L, D)
Vienna, known as the “City of Waltzes” offers a wealth of gems and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in Vienna’s historic city center and then visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Or, if you prefer a more active exploration, take a guided bike ride to the Klosterneuburg Monastery. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city on your own. Overnight ship
DAY 6, AUG 09 Weissenkirchen, Grein (B, L, D)
After reaching Weissenkirchen, you’ll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. Or, opt for a walking tour of Weissenkirchen followed by an abbey visit. For a more culinary-focused experience, join a walking tour in Dürnstein, then enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner and sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. If you prefer a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour to Melk. Later today, sail through the Strudengau Valley to medieval Grein for an exclusive visit to the more than 500-year-old Greinburg Castle, looming regally from above. While here, enjoy a folklore show and wine reception. Overnight ship
DAY 7, AUG 10 Linz (B, L, D)
The ship arrives in Linz where you’ll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you’ll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael. Or join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or go on a bike tour of the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. During the afternoon, you have three more options. Choose a half-day excursion to Salzburg or take a scenic drive through the Austrian Lake District with a stop in St. Wolfgang. You can also choose to visit charming Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. Overnight ship
DAY 8, AUG 11 Herzlich Willkommen in Deutschland! Passau, Vilshofen (B, L, D)
Discover the city of Passau in one of three ways, a walking tour to learn more about the Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress. Later you will cruise to Vilshofen, and treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration— an AmaWaterways exclusive. Overnight ship
DAY 9, AUG 12 Passion Play Oberammergau, Bavarian Alps (B, D)
This morning we awake in Vilshofen. After breakfast, we will disembark the ship and be met by our private professional European tour manger who will accompany our group throughout the remainder of the journey. We board our private motor coach for a drive through the spectacular scenery of the majestic Bavarian Alps to the quaint alpine village of Oberammergau with its famous painted houses, wood carving studios and home to the theater that hosts the world famous Passion Play, performed once every 10-years. Along our guided walk of the city, we will mingle with the villagers and learn about the hard work and dedication of the local volunteers who bring the Passion Play alive for our enjoyment and a lifetime of memories. This afternoon we make our way to the Passion Play Theatre to attend the 42nd Oberammergau Passion Play. The play is five hours and performed in two acts, from 2:30pm – 5:30pm, with an intermission break including dinner, and continues from 8:00pm-10:00pm. Prepare to be amazed as the stage comes alive…with a spectacular set, awe-inspiring performances, live animals and birds under the majestic sky of the breathtaking Bavarian Alps! Overnight Bavarian Alps
DAY 10, AUG 13 Neuschwanstein Castle, UNESCO Wies Church, Andechs Klosterbrauerei (B)
After our breakfast, we will board our coach for an awe-inspiring drive through the spectacular Bavarian Alps to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most popular castles in Europe, the private refuge of “mad” King Ludwig II of Bavaria and the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. We’ll tour this magnificent palace and learn more about the mysteries and legends of 19th century royalty. Next, we stop for a visit to the pilgrimage church of Wies, extraordinarily well-preserved in the beautiful setting of an alpine-valley, a perfect masterpiece of Rococo art that have earned its UNESCO World Heritage status. Afterwards, we visit Andechs Klostrbrauerei a popular pilgrimage site offering amazing views from Holy Mountain overlooking the shimmering blue waters of Lake Ammersee and the 17th-century Gothic church with onion-domed tower. We will have time at leisure for dinner on our own in the beer garden. Afterwards, we drive to Munich, the fun-filled capital of Bavaria, for the next two-overnights. Overnight Munich
DAY 11, AUG 14 Munich (B, D)
We begin our day with a panoramic driving tour of Munich; including views of the King’s Square with its 3-temple buildings in the classical Greek style, the Hall of Generals, the Angel of Peace monument, Maximilianeum State Parliament, the Royal Palace, Karl Square and a view of the majestic Palace of Nymphenburg. We’ll stop to stretch our legs with a stroll through the Marienplatz to view the Rathaus with its world famous glockenspiel. Our group will meet this evening for our farewell dinner at one of the local beer-gardens. Overnight Munich
DAY 12, AUG 15 Tour Ends (B)
Group will transfer by coach from the hotel to the Munich airport for return flights.
Itinerary subject to change.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS- All travelers must travel with a valid passport, valid for at least 6-months beyond the return travel date. Non US passport holders contact LT for credentials required to travel to the countries included in this tour.
TOUR LEVEL - MODERATE ACTIVE TRAVELER, WALKING SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Most sightseeing tours are walking tours (approx. 2-3 miles spread out over the city) and the historic sites you will visit date back hundreds of years and may not provide such amenities as elevators and ramps for the physically challenged. If you or you will be traveling with someone who has special needs (use a wheelchair, walker), hearing or visually impaired please contact LutherTours.
PROGRAM FEATURES
Small Group ~ Custom Designed Tour ~ Relaxed Pace- Time for Reflection and Spiritual Inspiration
AMAWaterways LUXURY RIVER CRUISE INCLUDES
7- Night River View Cabin Category E, Cabin upgrades available
Immersive Tours at each destination, including biking and guided hikes
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Daily
Captain's Gala Dinner
Unlimited wine and beer with lunch and dinner
Intenet and Wi-Fi access
Sun deck, whirlpool, fitness room
Daily entertainment with Cultural performances onboard
Port Charges of $210
AMAWATERWAYS Frequent Cruiser provide membership number to be eligible for any available member benefits.
LAND TOUR INCLUDES
Private Motor coach pick up at Vilshofen pier
Luxury air-conditioned motor coach will transport you in comfort
Professional English-speaking Tour Manager throughout the tour
3 Nights First-Class hotel accommodations with private bathroom
Hotel taxes
Breakfast daily and 2-Dinners
Gratuities for included meals
Life Enriching Activities- spiritual and cultural experiences daily
Passion Play Premium Reserved Seat and accomodations in the Bavarian Alps
Baggage Handling 1 piece each
PRICE* is per person based on double occupancy
$5390 with 26-30 travelers Cabin Category E fixed window
Add $299 for Cabin Category D fixed window
Add $1099 Upgrade Cabin C French Balcony with Sliding Door
Contact LutherTours for Single Occupancy price.
*Tour prices subject to minimum participation and currency fluctuation.
Airfare is additional to cruise-tour price.
Flight details will be available 11-months prior to travel dates.
Register Now and Guaranteed Your Preferred Cabin Category ~ Space is Limited!
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Deposit- $750 per person
Cruise Deposit $400 due within 2-weeks.
$500 due by April 30, 2021.
Due to the strict cancellation penalties required by the travel providers some payments will be nonrefundable regardless of the reason for cancellation.
Refer to the cancellation terms and conditions at LutherTours.com and AMAWaterways.com or contact LutherTours and copy will be sent to you.
Balance due 120 days prior to departure, a reminder will be sent
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL / CANCELLATION SCHEDULE AND CHARGES
Global COVID-19 conditions are dynamic.
Those (including but not limited to U.S. citizens) who choose to travel internationally may encounter mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations and testing requirements, quarantines, travel restrictions, and closed borders. Foreign governments in any country may implement restrictions with little notice. Any cost related to required travel regulations is the responsibility of the traveler.
U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories and Alert Update
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html
For the most recent travel alerts and to enroll in S.T.E.P Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive travel alerts and register to ensure you can be located in an emergency.
Available by contacting LT or visit www.LUTHERTOURS.com and www.AMAWaterways.com, or contact LutherTours and a copy will be sent to you. confirmation.
All travelers must travel with a passport valid for at least 6-months beyond your return travel date. Non-US passport holders contact LT for credentials required to travel. Prices are subject to minimum participation and currency fluctuation.
NOT INCLUDED
Meals/beverages not listed, Passport and Visa fee, Gratuities for cruise personnel, tour manager, tour guides, coach driver, hotel housekeepers, personal items such as internet, Wi-Fi charges when applicable. Airfare and Trip Insurance.
Cancellation, Interruption and Medical Insurance, learn more about the benefits, coverage and limitations of purchasing a travel insurance policy. Consider a Travel Guard travel insurance plan.
