Imperial Europe with Oberammergau

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Munich
The sophisticated city streets of Munich are your launch pad to an adventure through the capitals of Imperial Europe. Spend some free time immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the Bavarian capital. Join your fellow travellers and Travel Director on an orientation tour. View the Marienplatz, the centre of Munich city life since the 12th century, and its iconic Glockenspiel, before a Welcome Reception to kick-start your journey.

Day 2: Journey to Medieval Regensburg and Prague
This morning visit Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an unspoilt medieval gem. Cross the Czech border and head to Prague, your home for the next two nights. You 'll have the evening to spend your way or consider joining an Optional Experience to explore beautiful Prague by night with a Local Specialist.

Day 3: Discover Colourful Prague
Delve into centuries of history as you join a Local Specialist for a guided sightseeing tour of Prague. View the impressive Gothic architecture of St. Vitus Cathedral in the grounds of the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle, then cross the river on your walking tour to the Old Town Square to see the Astronomical Clock, with its hourly Walk of the Apostles. The afternoon is yours to experience the city on your terms. Savour the delicious flavours of Trdelník in the Old Town Square, pay tribute to the saints that line the Charles Bridge or consider a relaxing lunch cruise on the Vltava.

Day 4: Onwards to Slovak Bratislava and Budapest
We leave the beauty of Prague behind for the lush landscapes of Moravia and pass into Slovakia. Stop in Bratislava to admire its eclectic Gothic, Baroque and Art Deco architecture. Crossing the border into Hungary, we arrive in Budapest, the 'Paris of the East'. Consider spending the evening on a river cruise along the Danube paired with a dinner of a selection of Hungarian specialities and awe-inspiring views.

Day 5: Explore Riverside Budapest
Admire the iconic and unexpected highlights of Budapest on a guided sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. See the famous Chain Bridge which connects the two ancient settlements that straddle the Danube, and the UNESCO-listed Castle Hill district. Visit Fisherman's Bastion, paying tribute to the seven Magyar chieftains who founded the Hungarian nation. Here, you can enjoy superb views across the imposing Parliament building and Danube below. Spend the rest of the day at leisure before joining the Schieszl family for a hearty Hungarian dinner at our Be My Guest experience. Connect With Locals and hear the story of their winery.

Day 6: Venture to Vienna
A leisurely start to your morning could see you joining an Optional Experience guided tour of the magnificent Parliament Building and a visit to the world-famous Gundel restaurant for pancakes. Cross the hilly landscapes of Transdanubia stopping in Gyor to soak up its medieval atmosphere. Arrive in Vienna for an evening at leisure to indulge in the captivating melodies, art and architecture of a city that was once home to famous composers.

Day 7: See the Sights of Vienna
Explore the imperial splendour of Vienna during your guided sightseeing tour of Vienna with a Local Specialist. Admire Hofburg Palace, the former winter residence of the Habsburg Dynasty, the grand State Opera House and Ringstrasse, a beautiful sweeping boulevard built in the 19th-century to replace the city walls. Then, see the ornate colourful roof of St. Stephen's Cathedral, one of the city's most beloved icons. Maybe, visit the Baroque Schönbrunn Palace with its tranquil gardens or enjoy Vienna's musical talents at one of the performances for which the city is famous.

Day 8: Off to Picturesque Salzburg
The enchanting landscapes of the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley provide a picturesque backdrop for our leisurely drive past vineyards and fortresses en route to Salzburg. We see the Benedictine Melk Abbey perched on a rocky outcrop above the Danube and learn about its royal connections. Arriving in Salzburg, we embark on a leisurely walking tour of its Old Town with a Local Specialist. Dine in your hotel this evening.

Day 9: Continue to Innsbruck and Oberammergau
Visit Innsbruck in the Austrian Tyrol, renowned for its spectacular scenery. See the Golden Roof and enjoy free time to explore the town. Later, travel to Oberammergau where villagers keep their covenant with God and perform their Passion Play, as they have every ten years since 1634. Dine in your hotel this evening. Hotel - See 'Trip Notes'

Day 10: Experience the Oberammergau Passion Play Performance
Witness first-hand the enduring faith of this Bavarian village and the divine blessings of God that spared Oberammergau and its people from the ravages of the plague which swept Europe in the 17th century. Take your premium seats for a poignant afternoon spent watching the Passion Play, giving thanks to God for His grace and mercy. Dine at a local restaurant this evening before taking your seat for the captivating second half of this performance as night falls.

Day 11: Return to Munich
Travel through alpine scenery back to Munich. This evening join your companions and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner to celebrate the end of your spiritual journey through central Europe.

Day 12: Farewell Munich
For now it's time to say a fond auf Wiedersehen to Germany, your fellow travellers and Travel Director at the end of your exhilarating European experience. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.