Central Europe & the Passion Play

DAY 1 – Depart USA

We begin our journey with a flight to Prague.

DAY 2 – Prague, Czech Republic

Upon arrival, we meet our guide for a tour of the ancient Jewish Quarter (Josefov). We visit one of the synagogues and the Jewish Cemetery, a most astonishing sight, with gravestones almost piled on top of each other! We tour the State Jewish Museum which houses treasures and artifacts from the ghetto. At Ceremony Hall we see a moving exhibition of drawings by the children who were held at the Terezín Concentration Camp. (D)

DAY 3 – Prague

Today discover why Prague has become the most popular destination in Europe. Our sightseeing begins with the Hradcany (Castle District) where we visit the Royal Palace and St. Vitus Cathedral as well as enjoy an impressive view over the city. From here we walk down to the historic Charles Bridge and cross the Moldau River to the Old Town Square and its renowned Astronomical Clock. We have free time to explore on our own and walk to Wenceslas Square, enjoying Prague’s liveliest street scene along the way. Dinner this evening is on our own. (B)

DAY 4 – Bratislava, Slovakia

We work our way across the Czech Republic and into the Slovak Republic to reach Bratislava, its capital. Upon our arrival in Bratislava we check into our hotel and then meet our local guide who takes us on a walking tour of the Old Town – Staré Mesto – the city’s historical heart. (B,D)

DAY 5 – Budapest, Hungary

This morning’s drive takes us along the famous Danube Bend. We stop in Esztergom to admire the largest Hungarian Basilica and enjoy the splendid view across the Danube plain. We stop in the picturesque artist village, Szentendre, for an opportunity to purchase that special souvenir, Herend porcelain, Hungarian embroidery or paprika–or to visit one of the many art galleries. In the evening we have a special Hungarian dinner accompanied by Gypsy music at a restaurant in Budapest. (B,D)

DAY 6 – Budapest

Today we meet a local guide who takes us on a city tour to acquaint us with many of Budapest’s famous sights: Gellert Hill with the Citadel, the former fortress built by the Habsburgs in the 19th century, Fisherman’s Bastion dominated by St. Matthias Church in the Castle district, and the old town Buda, along with the more fashionable Pest, where we find many shops and grand boulevards. We have an afternoon free before dinner on our own tonight. (B)

DAY 7 – Vienna

We drive to Vienna today. Upon arrival we have a city tour which acquaints us with the major sights of the city, Belvedere Palace, the elegant Kärntner Ring, St. Stefan’s Cathedral, the Lippizaner Museum and more. In the afternoon, we visit Schönbrunn Palace This evening we experience some of the special music Vienna has to offer. We drive to Grinzing, an “artists’ quarter,” where we enjoy a “Heuriger,” a celebration of the new wine. (B,D)

DAY 8 – Vienna, Austria

Our day is free in the pedestrian zone of Vienna, where we can shop, have coffee and a piece of Sacher Torte, or visit a museum of choice. (B)

DAY 9 – Salzburg

We drive westward today with a stop in Melk to see the beautiful monastery there. We continue on to Salzburg for overnight.(B,D)

DAY 10 – Oberammergau, Germany

We start the day with a walking tour of Salzburg. We see the beautiful Mirabel Gardens, the Salzburg Cathedral, the Church of St. Peter, the Mozart monument and more. We have time to visit the Getreidegasse (the Salzburg pedestrian zone) and more. We then drive to Oberammergau and visit Linderhof Castle before checking into our hotel. The evening is free to wander in this beautiful village. (B,D)

DAY 11 – Oberammergau

We enjoy a relaxed morning in Oberammergau, admiring the bright frescoes that adorn many of the homes and businesses, perhaps shopping for a souvenir woodcarving for which the village is famous. This afternoon we attend Part One of the Passion Play, the legacy of a vow made by the Oberammergauers in 1633 to enact the Passion story. Due to the ravages of the Thirty Years War, the plague had taken its toll in lives. But many of the people were spared, and the following year, 1634, the first Passion Play was performed on a stage set up in the cemetery. After dinner we attend Part Two. (B,L,D)

DAY 12 – Munich

We depart this morning for Munich. After a short city tour, which will include the Olympic Grounds, the Glockenspiel on the new city hall, the grounds of Nymphenburg Castle and more, we check into our hotel. This evening we enjoy a folklore evening and meal at the famous Hofbräuhaus. (B,D)

DAY 13 – Return

We transfer to the Munich airport for our return flight. (B)