Compare German Grandeur (Eastbound) by Avalon Waterways vs Oberammergau and Oktoberfest Bavarian Celebration - 2022 by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 9 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 4,199 | $ 4,795 |
| Price Per Day | $ 467 | $ 400 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | See the grandeur of Germany on a European river cruise through its most picturesque destinations along the Main and Rhine Rivers. Your picturesque European river cruise begins on the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland. You’ll sail to Breisach—with your choice of a visit to a local winery, or an excursion to the Black Forest. Sail to the city of Strasbourg, France for a guided tour and visit to the La Petite France district and Gothic-style cathedral, then on to the vineyards and wine village of Rüdesheim through the spectacular views of Rhine Gorge. The modern and charming city of Frankfurt is also on your route along the Rhine River, and you’ll sail on the Main River to visit an authentic Main River village on your way to Würzburg. Take a guided tour of Bamberg, before concluding your cruise in Nuremberg. From Switzerland to Bavaria, your German river cruise will create grand memories indeed! | Explore Bavaria’s heartland as you sip steins of ale at Oktoberfest in Munich, see the historic Passion Play on stage in Oberammergau and indulge your sweet tooth, sampling Swiss chocolates in Zurich. Led by a Local Expert, explore the 1000-year-old Prague Castle and its stunning views of the Czech capital before the Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour, and a taste test of the world-famous beer. Visit the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, reputed to have inspired Walt Disney, before immersing yourself in the beer halls and revelry of Munich’s Oktoberfest—the world’s longest running beer festival. Dial down the pace on the Glacier Express from St Moritz, as you journey over the ice-capped Alps and through the tunnels of the Albula Pass, to Interlaken’s tranquil lakes. |
Day 1: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Switzerland! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board as you sail to Breisach.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH
(Dinner)
BASEL-SUNSET.jpg
Day 2: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
ACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:
DISCOVERY Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting, OR:
CLASSIC Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
BLACK-FOREST-SCENIC.jpg
Day 3: STRASBOURG, FRANCE
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Join a City Tour of Strasbourg’s sights, including its Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.Choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or visit Alsace’s wine country today.
Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
STRASBOURG-PETIT-FRANCE.jpg
Day 4: RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY–RHINE GORGE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:
ACTIVE Take an open-air Cable Car Ride to the Niederwald Monument, then ride or walk back down through the vineyards; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:
DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.This afternoon, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Boppard.
BOPPARD
A Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine Gorge
Enjoy some free time to relax, or explore the Rheinallee Promenade for delicatessen fare with a cup of German coffee or glass of Riesling wine.
Later, enjoy onboard entertainment while sailing to Frankfurt.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
RUDESHEIM-VINEYARDS.jpg
Day 5: FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO SELIGENSTADT
Charm in Frankfurt
ACTIVE Enjoy a biking experience in the city of Frankfurt with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour to Seligenstadt—one of Germany’s oldest towns and home to the Einhard Basilika—dubbed “minor basilica” in 1925 by Pope Pius XI, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city’s cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods.Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
FRANKFURT-OLD-TOWN.jpg
Day 6: MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
Beauty on the Main River
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Bavarian village.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
MAIN-RIVER-VILLAGE-DETAIL.jpg
Day 7: WÜRZBURG
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
ACTIVE Explore Würzburg's charm by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists.
Enjoy live entertainment on board as you set sail for Bamberg.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
WURZBURG.jpg
Day 8: BAMBERG
The City of Seven Hills
ACTIVE Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.After the tour, spend free time with a glass of German-style Rauchbier (smoked beer).
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
BAMBERG-TOWN-HALL.jpg
Day 9: NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends this morning with breakfast.
Flights shouldn’t leave Nuremberg airport before 10 am.
(Breakfast)
NUREMBERG-SCENIC.jpg
Day 1: Welcome to Prague
On arrival into Prague, enjoy a complimentary transfer to your hotel at 10:00, 13:00 or 15:30.Meet your Travel Director and travel companions tonight for a welcome drink and dinner in the Old Town.
Day 2: Prague Sightseeing
Prague Sightseeing Join a Local Expert for a guided visit to one of Europe’s most beautiful and historic cities. Start with the 1000-year-old Prague Castle, where you can admire the stained glass of St Vitus Cathedral and spectacular views over the city. Finish in the Old Town Square where the mechanical antics of the Astronomical Clock’s glockenspiel delight onlookers each hour. The city is then yours to explore. Czechs are passionate about their beer, so be sure to try the local lagers, alongside the Czech cuisine.
Day 3: Prague to Rothenburg
Our first stop is Plzeň’s most popular attraction the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, in operation since 1842 and arguably home to the world’s best beer. Our guided excursion includes a trip to the old cellars and a glass of unpasteurized nectar at the end. We then continue across the border in Germany and to the true medieval gem, Rothenburg ob der Tauber (meaning ‘above the Tauber River’) located along the Romantic Road. Tonight, we enjoy dinner in the old town, when the lamplight casts its spell on the quiet streets.
Day 4: Rothenburg to Munich
Plunge back into the 16th century during your orientation with your Travel Director as you walk through narrow cobbled streets lined with high-gabled houses to the market square, dominated by its Renaissance town hall. With an artisan baker, enjoy a demonstration and learn about the history of the traditional pastry Schneeballen (snowball), followed by a tasting. Later, journey along the romantic heart of Germany to Neuschwanstein, a fairy-tale castle spectacularly perched on an Alpine mountainside. Visit King Ludwig II’s favourite castle, which was supposedly the inspiration for many of Walt Disney’s castles. Admire the exuberantly decorated apartments, including the Throne Room and Lohengrin Grotto. Reach fun-loving Munich where our hotel is located for the next two nights.
Day 5: Munich
Be welcomed into fun-loving Munich for an orientation tour which shows you the Feldernhalle on the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, English Garden, Hofbrauhaus, St Peters Church, and the famous Marienplatz. Munich hosts the most famous beer festival in the world: Oktoberfest, which has been running since 1810 and now sees over six million visitors each year. This afternoon enjoy the festival atmosphere, amusement rides, entertainment, beer and local Bavarian specialties for dinner. With tables reserved, your dedicated host will ensure you have a memorable time.
Day 6: Munich to Innsbruck
Journey across the Austrian border and to Tyrol, traveling to the charming Alpine city of Innsbruck, set in a valley of snow-capped mountain peaks. Your Travel Director provides an orientation of the city to see its 14th century houses of the Old Town, the impressive Imperial Palace and the delightful Golden Roof.
Day 7: Oberammergau passion play
Pass the magnificent Dolomites as your journey continues north to Oberammergau, situated in the heart of the Bavarian Alps and home of the Passion Play since 1634. Take your premium seats to witness the world famous Passion Play, re-enacting the last days of Christ on earth. After a break for dinner, the captivating performance continues into the evening.
Day 8: Oberammergau to St Moritz
Take in the stunning views of the beautiful Engadine Valley, as you enter Switzerland heading for the chic Alpine resort of St. Moritz. Enjoy St. Moritz’s marvellous scenery, fresh air and perhaps visit its many luxury boutiques.
Day 9: Leisure Time in St Moritz
Enjoy a day at leisure to jostle with the jetset in the elegant boutiques. You may even choose to step aboard the Bernina Express to experience one of Europe’s most outstanding train journeys.
Day 10: St Moritz to Interlaken area
Step aboard the world-famous Glacier Express for a spectacular ride through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Descend through the spiral tunnels of the Albula Pass and over the lofty Landwasser Viaduct. Picturesque landscapes of ice-capped mountains and stone-built villages, with chalet-style houses, will be in sight as you ascend to the highest point of the route, 2,033 metres to the icy Oberalp Pass. The modern panorama viewing car means you won’t miss a thing on your descent to Andermatt. Then continue to Interlaken, a beautiful traditional resort town in the mountainous region of central Switzerland. Built on a narrow stretch of valley, between the emerald-coloured waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
Day 11: Lucerne and on to Zurich
Continue on to beautiful Lucerne where your sightseeing will show you its many highlights. See the stirring Lion Monument, Old Town Hall, the covered bridges and the quaint square of Weinmarkt with its Renaissance fountain. In the afternoon continue to Zurich where this evening join your travelling companions at a local restaurant. Your Celebration Dinner is accompanied with wine – raise your glass to toast to your adventure.
Day 12: Depart Zürich
After breakfast, bid farewell to your travel companions. Your departure transfer to Zürich will arrive at 08:00 am.
