Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany—stopping at some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. You’ll also be our guest in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau for the once-a-decade performance season of the world-renowned “Passion Play”. Begin this timeless European river cruise in Budapest, where guided sightseeing acquaints you with the highlights of the vibrant capital of Hungary. Set sail on the Danube, take pictures of the impressive Parliament Building as you leave Budapest, and head for Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Here, enjoy a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and visit the gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Vienna, Austria, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Habsburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. Enjoy the magnificent views as your river cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley, with stops for a guided walk in Dürnstein, a visit of the impressive Benedictine Abbey of Melk, and a tasting of some of the renowned local wines. In Linz, walk around the Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square, which forms the center of the city, and be sure to get a photo of the splendid Trinity Column. Passau, Germany, the “City of Three Rivers,” is uniquely located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers converge. It has a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful Patrician houses, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque architecture.
Continue your Central European guided vacation on shore for a guided tour of Austria and Germany, starting with Neuschwanstein Castle, and St. James and Hofkirche Cathedrals in Innsbruck. The highlight is the visit to the idyllic Bavarian village of Oberammergau in Germany for the “Passion Play”. Performed once every ten years, the “Passion Play” is a stunning theatrical event with a history dating back to 1634. Enjoy seating and accommodations in the heart of Oberammergau for the “Passion Play”. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Munich, including Nymphenburg Palace, the Marienplatz, and gothic Frauenkirche. Sample Munich’s Biergärtens and cafés, and see the famous Glockenspiel. The perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and inspiration—your Avalon Danube River cruise with the once-a decade performance of Oberammergau’s “Passion Play”—is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
