PASSION PLAY WITH THE IMPERIAL CAPITALS OF EUROPE
A cultural tour of Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland & Czech Republic

The Passion Play is the cultural event of the decade. It takes place once every 10 years and comprises of some 2000 artists - all local residents. The play is over a seven hour projection of the Old and New Testament. This tour of the Imperial Capitals of Europe has been timed and tailored in a manner that you get the best of everything. The Passion Play and Imperial Europe at its best.

Day 01 Wed: Arrive Munich
You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Time to relax before meeting your fellow travelers and your Tour Director at the welcome dinner.
Overnight: Martim Hotel (2 nights) (D)

Day 02 Thu: Munich
After breakfast, take a morning city tour of downtown Munich, featuring the Koenigsplatz, old and new Pinakothek, the Isartor (city gate), the royal palace, the angel of freedom and Odeonsplatz. View also the Olympic park, site of the 1972 summer Olympics and which, today, has become an attractive sports and leisure center. The platform on the Olympic tower provides a superior view over the city of Munich. Enjoy a scenic drive through the city where you’ll see such sights as the baroque Nymphenberg palace, the former summer residence of the Wittlesbach dynasty, and the Marienplatz with its famous glockenspiel clock.
This morning venture into the densely forested mountains of southwest Bavaria. Here you’ll visit the dream-like Castle of Neuschwanstein. This castle was built by the ‘Mad king’ Ludwig and is known for its extraordinary architectural feats. Return to Munich late in the afternoon with the balance of the evening free to enjoy Munich on your own. (B)

Day 03 Fri: Munich / Oberammergau
Morning travel by coach to Oberammergau. After lunch, at 230PM we witness the art performance of the decade, The Passion Play. The 8 hour show has a built in time for dinner which is included in the tour cost. The Play will conclude at 1030PM at which time we will be transferred to our overnight accommodation in Oberammergau. (B, L, D)

Day 04 Sat: Oberammergau / Vienna
After breakfast we drive from Germany to Austria and descend upon the capital city, Vienna. En route we visit the historical and beautiful city of Salzburg - birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Our tour of Salzburg includes a panoramic drive of the Getriedergasse with its colorful shops, the majestic Cathedral, as well as the birthplace of Mozart. Afternoon drive is along the Danube River and we drive past Melk to Vienna, the city of waltz.
Overnight: Renaissance Hotel, Vienna (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 05 Sun: Vienna
The morning tour includes a visit to the Hofburg Palace, once the seat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and view the Belvedere Palace, Prater amusement park, the UN buildings, St. Stephen's Cathedral and other vivid reminders of the city's imperial history. Afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 06 Mon: Vienna / Budapest
A scenic drive takes us from imperial capital to another. The drive from Vienna to Budapest is very interesting and historicalas we crosse the border to Hungary. We continue through the Transdanubian region reaching Budapest in time for dinner.
Overnight: Mercure Korona (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 07 Tue: Budapest
Situated on the opposite banks of the Danube River, the former cities of Buda and Pest are linked by a series of graceful bridges. Our morning tour includes views of the outstanding Parliament, the Royal Palace and the Castle Hill area, Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, Heroes' Square and Gellert Hill with its Citadel. Balance of the day is free to explore this exciting and historical city. (B)

Day 08 Wed: Budapest / Krakow
The road to Krakow winds through the lovely hills and countryside of Slovakia, past the Tatras Mountains and into the great plains of Poland. A relaxing dinner in Krakow is planned upon arrival.
Overnight: Hotel Radisson SAS or Holiday Inn (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 09 Thu: Krakow
Our sightseeing tour starts with a visit to the Wawel Hill, viewing the Royal Castle and visiting the Royal Cathedral. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town where you will visit the Main Market Square, Renaissance Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Church. The afternoon is free for a stroll around the city. (B)

Day 10 Fri: Krakow / Warsaw
This morning we have an option to join a trip to one of the most somber memorials of the past, Auschwitz Concentration Camp. Later, journey to Czestochowa and visit the Yasna Gora Monastery, known for the blackened picture of the Virgin Mary popularly called the "Black Madonna". In the late afternoon, arrive in Poland's capital city, Warsaw.
Overnight: Hotel Radisson SAS Warsaw (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 11 Sat: Warsaw
The 700 years old capital is a symbol of the Polish nationhood and the will to survive against great odds. A sightseeing tour here includes a drive along the famous Royal Route from the magnificent Castle Square to Lazienki Park and Palace, the summer residence of the last king of Poland. Pass by the Palace of Science and Culture (known as the “wedding cake”), the Saxon Gardens, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto and the Barbican. Continue with the walking tour of the Old Town, the Old Market Square and St. John’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for relaxing, shopping, and a stroll through the city or an optional late afternoon Chopin concert. (B)

Day 12 Sun: Warsaw / Berlin
Stop in Poznan for an orientation tour, and then continue to Berlin, today's final destination.
Overnight: Hotel Berlin, Berlin (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 13 Mon: Berlin
Our morning sightseeing tour features the Reichstag, the Renaissance building that once housed Germany's Parliament, and the lovely Schloss Charlottenburg. The tour continues through the city to view famous sights such as the Opera, the Schiller Theater and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. The afternoon is free to explore this once divided city on your own. (B)

Day 14 Tue: Berlin / Prague
This morning, continue our journey via Dresden, the beautiful Saxony Baroque city. On your orientation tour, view Zwinger Palace and Semper Opera House. Afterwards, continue to Prague, the Capital of Czech Republic.
Overnight: Hotel Diplomat, Prague (2 nights) (B, D)Day 15 Wed: Prague
Built on seven hills more than 1000 years ago and spread over both banks of the river Vltava, Prague is one of the most attractive cities in Europe. Your city tour starts with a panoramic drive to the famous Wenceslas Square, the Strahov Stadium and the Castle Square. On a walking tour, visit the Royal Castle of Hradcany, St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace and Loretto Church. Cross the Charles Bridge and walk through the old quarter of Prague to view the Jewish Ghetto, the Town Hall and the world famous Astronomical Clock. The rest of the day is free. An optional visit to a cultural performance will be available. (B)

Day 16 Thu: Depart Prague
After an interesting journey through Austria, Hungary, Poland, Germany & Czech Republic we bid farewell as we are transferred to the airport for our departure. (B)

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Departure Dates
2010 English Speaking Departures May 19 & 26, Jun 09, Jul 07, & Sep 08
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodation as mentioned or similar International Airfare & Airport taxes Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner) Insurance / Visas All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary Tips / Gratuities Services of local English speaking guides   Entrance fees at sites
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2010 US $ 4150 US $ 1395
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast US $ 1400 Canada - East Coast N/A USA - East Coast US $ 1000
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and maximum average group size of 20 participants.
Note: This tour is not part of our small group journeys
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.