800-221-2216    

Three unforgettable experiences on one comfortably-paced journey… A leisurely cruise along the storied Danube River in the heart of Central Europe, fully-escorted touring through the Bavarian Alps to spectacular Berchtesgaden, and premium center-orchestra seats for the 2010 Passion Play. Enjoy 7-nights aboard Uniworld's brand-new, ultra-luxurious River Beatrice, a stay at the stunning InterContinental Berchtesgaden Resort & Spa with comprehensive sightseeing, and fine Bavarian hotels in charming Alpine settings close to the Oberammergau Passion Play Theater.

^back to the top

All meals, all sightseeing and a unique Cruise & Tour to the Passion Play Featuring Uniworld's brand-new, ultra-luxurious River Beatrice

• The brand-new River Beatrice offers light-filled riverview staterooms (80% with French balconies), superb Continental cuisine, complimentary regional wines and beer with dinner, and a 24-hour specialty Coffee & Tea Bar

• Discover all the highlights along the Danube River with six included shore excursions hosted by terrific English-speaking guides. Your sightseeing is enhanced with our state-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system

• Comprehensive ship's program includes local cultural entertainment and our signature lecture "Austria's History in the Context of the House of Habsburg"

• Explore ashore on your own at a leisurely pace with complimentary use of our onboard bicycles

• Fully escorted touring through the Bavarian Alps to spectacular Berchtesgaden for an overnight at the 5-star InterContinental Berchtesgaden Resort; Germany's newest luxury spa resort is set amidst the forested splendor of the Bavarian alps

• Enjoy a delightful cruise excursion on Lake Königsee, surrounded by magnificent Alpine peaks, and a fine Bavarian dinner in an authentic, rustic high-mountain chalet

• Marvel at the vast underground war rooms of the Third Reich and visit Eagle's Nest, the breathtaking mountaintop teahouse built for Adolf Hitler's 50th birthday

• Your 2-night stay in the Oberammergau region includes a guided village walking tour and premium center-orchestra seats for the 41st presentation of the historic Passion Play

Down the Danube, through Bavaria and on to Oberammergau…

Day 1 - Arrive Passau, Germany and embark your luxury ship

Step aboard the intimate, 5-star River Beatrice and settle in to your spacious, light-filled stateroom. Then gather with fellow guests in the ship’s elegant restaurant for a delightful dinner accompanied by your choice of fine regional wine, beer or soft drinks. Meals D

Day 2 - Explore Passau

The only city in the world to sit at the confluence of three rivers, Passau enjoys a setting that is both unique and beautiful. With a history that dates back more than 2,000 years, Old Town is a maze of narrow Medieval streets wedged into a triangle formed by the Inn and Danube Rivers. Your expertly guided walking tour reveals centuries-old merchants’ homes and fine Italianate Baroque churches – testament to Passau’s wealthy and illustrious heritage as a strategic trading center close to the borders of Austria and the Czech Republic. Strolling along these winding narrow lanes leads you to St. Stephan’s Cathedral for a concert featuring Europe’s largest pipe organ. Return to ship with time to relax and refresh before the Captain’s Welcome Dinner. Meals B,L,D

Day 3 - Visit Salzburg, Austria… The City of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Alight in the charming town of Linz for your in-depth, full-day excursion to Salzburg. Spread along the banks of the meandering Salzach River, the City of Mozart is filled with impressive Baroque architecture, charming cobbled streets and colorful gardens. Indeed, you’re sure to recognize the enchanting Mirabelle Garden from scenes in The Sound of Music! Your walking tour through the Old Town features the imposing 15th century Cathedral and a pleasant stroll along Getreidegasse, the city’s celebrated pedestrian shopping street and home to the birthplace of Wolfgang Mozart. Return to ship for dinner and a relaxing evening onboard. Meals B,D

[Note: Lunch will be served onboard ship for those choosing not to join today’s full-day Shore Excursion]

Day 4 - From Melk through the Wachau Valley to Dürnstein

Step ashore this morning to visit the spectacular Melk Abbey. Set on a 180-foot promontory high above the Danube, this is perhaps the finest Baroque building in the world! With a history that stretches back for centuries, Melk is still a working Benedictine Abbey and on your escorted visit through this spectacular site, it would not be unusual to see black-robed monks or students walking through the grounds.

Return to ship for lunch as the Beatrice sails through the enchanting Wachau Valley, one of the most scenic regions in all of Europe and home to some of the Continent’s greatest cultural treasures.

Later in the day, your ship arrives in romantic Dürnstein, surrounded by lovely terraced vineyards of the Wachau Valley wine region. The legends surrounding this historic town have much to do with the Christian Crusades of the 12th century. In 1193, King Richard the Lion-Heart was returning from his campaign to capture the Holy Land, when he was seized here by a local Duke – and held for ransom in the fortress whose ruins still dominate this picturesque town. On your walking tour through Dürnstein, you will admire lovely Burgher homes of the 16th and 17th centuries – finely preserved - and see the ornate Collegiate Church. At the Domäne Wachau, we invite you to sample some of the finest Wachau Valley Riesling wines. Meals B,L,D

Day 5 - Delight in the Charms of Vienna

The former Imperial capital of the mighty Habsburg Empire is an architectural showcase of impressive Baroque and Neo-Classical architecture. Drive along the elegant Ringstrasse, graced with many of Vienna’s most celebrated monuments. Then join your guide to stroll from the grounds of the Hofburg, once the winter palace of the Habsburgs, and along bustling city streets to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This beloved Gothic gem has figured prominently in Vienna’s history, from Mozart’s funeral in 1791 to Napoleon’s farewell edict in 1805. Before returning to ship, visit the Baroque State Hall of the Austrian National Library, a breathtakingly beautiful room filled with rare manuscripts, priceless autographs, globes, maps and other historic memorabilia. Meals B,L,D

Day 6 - From Vienna and Along the Danube

Enjoy a leisurely morning while your ship is docked here close to the city-center of Vienna. In the afternoon, your Danube voyage continues as the Beatrice sails downstream through the enchanting landscapes of Slovakia en route to Budapest, the Queen of the Danube. Meals B,L,D

Day 7 - Discover Beautiful Budapest

This morning’s sightseeing reveals the rich history and majesty of Budapest . At the Fishermen’s Bastion, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the Danube River and the graceful Chain Bridge, the oldest and most beautiful of the city’s seven bridges. Across the river stands the imposing neo-Gothic Parliament. You also explore the historic Castle Hill district and St. Matthew’s Church with its lovely 15th century white stone steeple.

Your ship is berthed overnight here in the heart of Budapest, affording you plenty of time to step off ship and explore more of this enchanting city at your own pace. Stroll down the Vaci Utca, a pedestrian street lined with folk art galleries, shops and boutiques. You can also join city residents and visitors alike for a relaxing afternoon of coffee, tea and pastries at the fashionable Café Gerbeaud, located on Vorosmarty Square for over 125 years.

Day 8 - From Budapest to Berchtesgaden… A scenic journey by rail and coach

After an early morning breakfast onboard ship, you’ll be escorted by our resident staff to the Budapest Station to embark your scenic rail journey westward to Salzburg. Upon arrival midday, you’ll continue your journey by deluxe motorcoach, traveling into the heart of the Bavarian Alps to Berchtesgaden, an historic market town and spectacular mountain resort.

Enjoy lunch at your hotel, the 5-star InterContinental Berchtesgaden Resort & Spa. This contemporary retreat offers spacious, elegantly appointed guestrooms and superb views of the surrounding forested peaks. Relax in your room, take a stroll in the fresh mountain air, or indulge yourself at the Mountain Spa – one of the finest in Europe. We’ve made exclusive arrangements for you to enjoy complimentary access to the Spa and free use of your guestroom mini-bar.

Late in the afternoon, join your Tour Manager aboard a traditional wooden boat for a specially-arranged private cruise across Lake Königsee. Surrounded by rugged granite peaks and steep, towering cliffs in Berchtesgaden National Park, Germany’s deepest lake resembles more a fjord than a typical mountain lake. Your excursion brings you to St. Bartholomew’s Church, set on a peninsula and accessible only by water. You’ll have a chance to step ashore here and explore this historic pilgrimage church, capped by diminutive onion-shaped domes against a picture-perfect backdrop of forests and snow-laced mountain peaks.

This evening, you’ll enjoy a very special dinner in a pristine Alpine setting. The clear mountain air will invigorate your senses as you take in the sweeping views from this authentic, rustic high-mountain chalet. Enjoy a 3-course Bavarian dinner, fine regional wine, local beers and festive live entertainment. Meals B,L,D

Day 9 - From Berchtesgaden to Oberammergau

After a hearty buffet breakfast, your sightseeing begins at the Nazi Documentation Center. Built upon the old foundations of the second seat of the Nazi Administration, the museum offers a fascinating look into this chapter of Germany’s history. From the Center, you can descend by steep stairs into the veritable war rooms of the Third Reich. These bunkers were built in 1943 after the Battle of Stalingrad pierced the Nazi’s perception of their own invincibility. You’ll be awed by this vast underground network; carved into solid subterranean rock are miles of tunnels, offices, meeting rooms and special living quarters for Hitler.

Your sightseeing continues with a breathtaking drive that climbs nearly 2,000 feet in less than 4 miles. Carved into the solid rock face of a soaring 6,000-foot Alpine peak, with only one switchback, this seemingly impossible road was completed in only 13 months between 1937 and 1939. After this thrilling ride in specially-built panoramic coaches, a gleaming brass elevator transports you up a mountain shaft to the Eagle’s Nest, the infamous teahouse built for Adolf Hitler’s 50th birthday. Perched on a mountain summit, its construction was an engineering marvel and the views from here are truly breathtaking.

Return to the InterContinental Resort for lunch and then continue along the picturesque Alpine Road toward Oberammergau. Check-in to your inviting hotel, the Schillingshof or Ludwig der Bayer, and then enjoy dinner and a peaceful overnight in this pastoral mountain region. Meals B,L,D

Day 10 - Oberammergau & the Passion Play

You’ll enjoy a guided stroll through this enchanting village, set in a picturesque Alpine valley in the shadow of towering peaks. Visit the Oberammergau Museum to learn the inspiring history of this town, and delight in Oberammergau’s colorfully painted homes, centuries old and wonderfully preserved. Along the way, charming shops reveal the woodcarving skills of many of the town’s residents, whose families have perfected this craft over the past 800 years. Following lunch, you’ll be escorted to the historic Passion Play Theater, extensively renovated for the Millennium. This impressive venue now offers theater-style seating and a heated floor, ensuring your comfort as 2,000 actors take to the open-air stage, framed by a natural backdrop of spectacular Alpine scenery. The once-in-a-lifetime Passion Play is presented in two parts, including dinner in-town during intermission. Following the performance, you return to your hotel. Meals B,L,D

Day 11 - Oberammergau / Munich Airport

Following breakfast, you’ll have an escorted transfer to Munich Airport for your homeward flight. Or, extend your stay here in Europe. Our travel planning experts can assist you and your travel agent with all arrangements including hotels, meals, sightseeing, and transportation. Meals B

Note: Five westbound departures (see below) begin with embarkation in Budapest. All ports of call and shore excursions are the same as noted in the above eastbound itinerary, but in reverse order. Upon disembarking the Beatrice in Passau, Germany on Day 8 of the program, you’ll be met by your guide and travel by deluxe motorcoach directly to the InterContinental Berchtesgaden Resort & Spa for lunch and check-in. The sightseeing and Passion Play program continues through Day 11 as described in the eastbound itinerary above.

Our Concierge Service

For special assistance, additional travel planning, or even help finding a travel mate, Melanie is pleased to help. Call her anytime at 800-678-7942.

^back to the top

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection… Ranked among the "World’s Best" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure

Since her debut in the spring of 2009, the ultra-luxurious River Beatrice has set new standards for European river cruising. This sleek, intimate vessel offers just 65 light-filled, riverview staterooms, 80% with French balconies and all featuring luxurious European style bedding including Egyptian combed cotton sheets and wool/cashmere blankets and duvets.

You’ll find your bright and airy cabin to be lavishly-appointed with a vanity and make-up mirror, generous built-in closets, hair dryer, inroom safe, individual air conditioning, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen satellite TV, complimentary bottled water, and a private bathroom with plush terry robes, L’Occitane bath & beauty amenities, and thick luxuriant towels form Christie’s of Manchester, the oldest towel maker in Europe.

Shipboard life is casually elegant. Join fellow guests in the stylishly-furnished Panoramic Lounge, featuring a full service bar, and take in the passing river scenery through expansive picture windows. Or head up to the Sun Deck for fresh air and 360˚ views. You can relax in the Library or invigorate in the bright and airy Fitness Room. Every evening, you’ll enjoy fine shipboard entertainment including festive cultural programming tailored to your itinerary along the Danube. And your voyage will be greatly enriched by the Beatrice’s signature lecture, “Austria’s History in the Context of the House of Habsburg”

When you step off ship on your included Shore Excursions, you’ll be delighted by our engaging, professional English-speaking guides. And with our signature, state-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system, you won’t miss a word of their informative and insightful commentary. With our leisurely itinerary, you’ll also have time to go ashore and explore at your own pace with a complimentary bicycle from the ship… it’s the perfect way to create your own magical memories in this enchanting corner of Europe.

InterContinental Berchtesgaden Resort & Spa

Constructed of the finest natural materials, the new Intercontinental Berchtesgaden Resort is set 3,000 feet above sea level with forested Alpine views in every direction. Spacious guestrooms feature stylish, contemporary furnishings and promise enchanting views of the mountain landscapes. Each room is generously appointed with cable/satellite TV, coffee maker, mini-bar, plush robes, and hairdryer.

An expansive breakfast buffet is served in the unique Restaurant 3’60. Enjoy freshly prepared hot and cold selections served in a sleek and elegant ambience set against unparalleled Alpine vistas. The award-winning Mountain Spa is one of the finest in Europe, featuring a Meditation Room, heated outdoor and indoor pools, Finnish sauna, herbal sauna, and aroma steam bath. Unique spa treatments include a Salt Oil Scrub, Full Body Mask, and Specialty Massages with Thermal Stone, Honey, Chocolate and Aroma Oils.

By special arrangement, your stay here includes free use of your guestroom mini-bar and complimentary access to the Mountain Spa.

Hotel Ludwig der Bayer (May 30, Jun 6, Jul 4, Jul 18, Aug 15, Aug 29, Sep 5, Sep 12 and Sep 19)

In the Alpine village of Ettal, just steps away from a historic Baroque monastery against a spectacular mountain backdrop, the enchanting Hotel Ludwig der Bayer has been greeting travelers for generations. Spacious guest rooms, some furnished with period pieces, offer first class comfort and private bathrooms en suite. The hotel kitchen, renowned in the region, offers a spectacular breakfast buffet including hearty Bavarian specialties and fresh-baked breads. Guests can relax in the Media Room, swim in the indoor pool, or explore the nearby Basilica. This charming hotel is just 3 miles from the Passion Play Theater in Oberammergau.

Hotel Schillingshof (Featured on our Aug 15, Sep 12 and Sep 19 departure)

Nestled at the foot of Mt. Hornle, the charming and modern Hotel Schillingshof offers traditional Alpine ambience and a warm Bavarian welcome. Comfortable guestrooms promise first-class comfort with private bathroom en suite, picturesque views from a balcony or terrace, TV, telephone and wireless Internet. A hearty breakfast buffet is served in the bright and airy dining room. Guests can also enjoy an indoor pool, fitness room, plus a terrace and garden with magnificent Alpine views. Set in the mountain village of Bad Kohlgrub, this inviting hotel is just 8 miles from the Passion Play Theater in Oberammergau.

^back to the top

Superb Continental cuisine is served in an elegant open-seating restaurant and every evening, you’ll be offered a complimentary selection of fine local wines, regional beer and soft drinks. On soft, summer-lit evenings, you have the option of romantic al fresco dining on the expansive open-air Sun Deck.

Start each morning onboard with a wonderful, full buffet breakfast including made-to-order omelets, pancakes, Belgian waffles, French toast, bacon and sausage. Lighter fare features cereals, a tempting assortment of freshly baked breads and pastries, fresh fruits, juices, fine teas and French Press coffee from organic pure Arabica coffee beans.

The sumptuous onboard lunch buffet includes a carving station, fresh salads, seasonal vegetables, a daily sandwich selection, freshly prepared soup and house-made pasta. At the conclusion of your meal, the River Beatrice’s chefs will tempt you with a variety of deserts including European pastries, pies, puddings and specialty sweets.

Gourmet dinners of 4 to 7 courses are attentively served with a complimentary selection of fine regional wines and beer. The Beatrice’s chefs hail from Europe’s finest kitchens including London’s 5-star Meridien Piccadilly and Relais & Châteaux Hotels throughout the continent. Entrée choices range from homemade ravioli with mushroom and ricotta filling or a Mediterranean fish platter to filet mignon with Morel sauce and Béarnaise potatoes.

^back to the top

^back to the top

^back to the top

>Deposit, Payment & Visa Information

Deposit
A deposit of $750 per person is due at the time of booking.
A second deposit of $500 is due by September 1, 2009. For bookings made between September 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009, a deposit of $1,250 is due. A third deposit of $700 is due by December 31, 2009. For bookings made December 31, 2009 or later, a deposit of $1,950 is due. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure.

Full Payment
Full payment is due 120 days prior to departure.

If The Traveler Cancels

Before August 31, 2009: $750 fee per person

September 1 - December 31, 2009 - $1250 per person

January 1, 2010 to 120 days prior to departure: $1950 per person

Within 120 days of departure: 100% of price

Contact for Deposits & Final Payments
General Tours World Traveler
53 Summer Street, Keene, New Hampshire 03431
Email: info@generaltours.com

Transfers
Airport transfers are included for passengers who purchase their air from General Tours World Traveler and travel with the group on our designated flights. The transfers are available for separate purchase at $50 per person, each way.

Passport & Visa
All US Citizens are required to have a United States passport valid for at least six months after their return to the USA.

Click here for complete terms & conditions

^back to the top