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Three unforgettable experiences on one comfortably-paced journey… A leisurely cruise down the beautiful Rhine River, fully-escorted touring from Munich into the Bavarian Alps to Berchtesgaden, and premium center-orchestra seats for the 2010 Passion Play. Enjoy 7-nights aboard Uniworld’s intimate, award-winning River Ambassador, 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.

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All meals, all sightseeing and a unique Cruise & Tour to the Passion Play featuring Uniworld’s award-winning, 5-star River Ambassador

• The stylish River Ambassador offers light-filled riverview staterooms, superb Continental cuisine, complimentary regional wines and beer with dinner, and a 24-hour specialty Coffee & Tea Bar

• Discover all the highlights of the Rhine Valley 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 "The European City from the Middle Ages to the Present"

• 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 Rhine, through Bavaria and on to Oberammergau…

Day 1 - Arrive Basel, Switzerland and embark your luxury ship

Step aboard the intimate, 5-star River Ambassador and settle in to your spacious, light-filled stateroom. Then gather with fellow guests in the ship’s elegant restaurant for a sumptuous 4-course dinner accompanied by your choice of fine regional wine, beer or soft drinks. Meals D

Day 2 - Winding along the Wine Roads of Alsace

Alight in the medieval town of Breisach and cross the Rhine for a memorable excursion along the romantic Wine Roads of Alsace, one of France’s premier wine-producing regions. Discover the charming villages and vineyard-laced landscapes that wind along the foothills of the Vosges Mountains. You’ll tour Colmar, famed for its historic medieval center and walk along cobbled streets to see St. Martin’s Church, a Gothic masterpiece of the 13th century. A stop in the 16th-centuiry wine village of Riquewihr reveals picturesque half-timber homes surrounded by rolling vineyard estates famed for their Riesling wines. You’ll have time to relax and refresh onboard before this evening’s festive Captain’s Welcome Dinner. Meals B,D

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

Day 3 - Cruising the Charming Canals of Strasbourg, France

Today’s excursion explores this handsome medieval town set in the heart of Alsace. Journey into Old Town with your guide for a leisurely canal cruise, the perfect way to appreciate the fine half-timber homes, picturesque covered bridges and medieval watchtowers that grace the fairy tale district of La Petite France. See the city’s imposing Gothic cathedral, constructed from the region’s distinctive rose-hued stone, and then return to ship for a relaxing evening onboard. Meals B,L,D

Day 4 - 1,000 Years of History in Speyer, Germany

Set on the banks of the Rhine, the ancient city of Speyer was one of the great cities of the Holy Roman Empire. Today’s escorted excursion takes you on a fascinating walking tour through the town’s historic center, filled with finely preserved architecture of centuries past. The highlight of your visit is the Speyer Cathedral. This celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site is a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture. Founded in the 11th century, the basilica is laid out in the shape of a Latin cross with four imposing towers and two grand domes. For nearly 300 years, this was the burial site for the emperors of Germany. Back onboard, enjoy the camaraderie of fellow guests in the inviting Panoramic Lounge, take in the scenery from the expansive Sun Deck, relax back in your stateroom, or invigorate with a visit to the Fitness Center. Tonight, another sumptuous dinner awaits in the restaurant. Meals B,L,D

Day 5 - Wine Tasting in Rüdesheim, Germany

With a rich history dating back to Roman times, the picture-perfect town of Rüdesheim is celebrated today for its architecture, captivating ambience… and wine! Though less than 500 feet long, the world-famous Drosselgasse is a narrow winding alley lined with numerous wine taverns, pubs and shops. From spring through autumn, it’s bustling with music and revelry every afternoon and evening. You’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own before your afternoon wine tasting at Castle Vollrads, a historic wine estate set amidst the vineyard-covered hills of the Rheingau. Meals B,L,D

Day 6 - Cruising the Rhine to Koblenz

Graced with more than 40 castles and the fabled Lorelei Rock, the middle Rhine Valley is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Relax with fellow guests in the lounge, retreat to the privacy of your river-view stateroom, or head up to the Sun Deck to take in these unforgettable vistas. Later, you’ll step ashore in Koblenz for a guided walking tour. Stroll along winding narrow lanes and through medieval squares graced with fountains and finely preserved architecture. In the historic Old City, you’ll see two 12th century churches, St. Florin and Our Lady. Return to ship for another sumptuous dinner, accompanied by your choice of fine wine, beer or soda. Meals B,L,D

Day 7 - Cologne’s Glorious Cathedral

Your visit to this picturesque city features the spectacular twin-spired Cologne Cathedral, one of the largest in Europe and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Six centuries in the making, it was constructed in seven stages between 1280 and 1880! Inside you will see the Three Kings Shrine, a finely wrought gold altar piece, and lovely stained glass windows that escaped destruction during World War II. Your walking tour through the Old Town also shows you the “Praetorium”, the ancient Roman-era foundations of this historic city. This evening, gather with fellow guests for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner. Meals B,L,D

Day 8 - Disembark in Amsterdam and Fly to Bavaria

Disembark the River Ambassador after breakfast this morning and transfer to the airport. Note: The flight from Amsterdam to Munich is not included in the Cruise & Tour fare, but can be purchased as part of your attractively-priced international air ticket.

Arrive in Munich and journey with your Tour Escort by deluxe motorcoach to Berchtesgaden, an historic market town and spectacular Alpine resort. Enjoy lunch at your hotel, the 5-star InterContinental Berchtesgaden Resort. 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 have 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 Documentation Center. 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.

Next up is 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

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.

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

Fully refurbished in 2006, the 5-star River Ambassador is listed in the 2009 Condé Nast Traveler Readers Poll as one of the world’s best small ships. This sleek, intimate river vessel offers just 66 riverview staterooms, each featuring a panoramic picture window and luxurious European style bedding including Egyptian combed cotton sheets and wool/cashmere blankets and duvets, and a choice of pillows, including down.

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 TV, complimentary bottled water, and a private bathroom with thick cotton towels, plush terry robes and L’Occitane bath and beauty amenities.

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 Center. Every evening, you’ll enjoy fine shipboard entertainment including festive cultural programming tailored to your itinerary along the Rhine. And your voyage will be greatly enriched by the Ambassador’s signature lecture, “The European City from the Middle Ages to the Present”

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

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 (Featured on our May 16, June 27, July 25 & August 22 departures)

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 July 25 and August 22 departures)

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.

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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 Ambassador’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 Ambassador’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.

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>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

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