In 1633, the Black Plague had descended on Europe, killing people by the thousands. In a tiny town in Germany, Oberammergau, the people turned to prayer in the time of crisis. Spare us, they prayed, and they would show their gratitude by putting on a play about Jesus. According to legend, from that day, no one else in Oberammergau died of the plague. So for the last 400 years the people of this mountain town have put on a passion play once every 10 years. It forms a huge part of their town’s identity today, even between performances, from streets lined with wood carving shops that make biblical figurines, to the biblical murals painted on many of its buildings. Since the late 19 th century, Oberammergau’s performance has become a massive international spectacle, with half a million spectators from around the world when it is held.

Budapest is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. The city straddles both banks of the Danube linked by seven bridges including the famous Chain and Elizabeth bridges. An included sightseeing tour presents you with a fantastic opportunity to become acquainted with Hungary’s beautiful capital. Enjoy a photo stop at Gellert Hill, see historic Buda Castle, 500-year-old Matthias Church, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the distinctive
Fisherman’s Bastion and the marvelous Royal Palace.

Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, was formerly known as Pressburg during the Middle Ages. Enjoy a Bratislava City Tour to see the imposing Bratislava Castle built more than 1,000 years ago, the National Theatre
and Blumenthal Church. After passing through the Vienna Gate, discover Bratislava’s charming old town on foot, admiring St. Martin’s Cathedral, the coronation site of Hungarian monarchs, and the quaint central
square with its fairy-tale Town Hall.

For over 600 years, the magnificent baroque capital city of Vienna was the seat of the mighty Hapsburg Emperors, a heritage that has bestowed it with many dazzling palaces and monuments: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House and the majestic Ringstrasse. The capital is also known as the “City of Music” for having once been the home of composers such as Beethoven, Schubert, Mozart and Johann Strauss. On your included city tour, see some of the famous sights of this impressive city. Later enjoy some time at leisure or maybe visit the Schoenbrunn Palace.

Bavaria is one of the oldest states in Europe dating to the 6th century AD. Home to 12.5 million people, Bavaria is rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, tradition and hospitality. The picturesque villages, medieval towns and the Bavarian capital city of Munich are the epitome of authenticity. Enjoy a panoramic Munich City Tour featuring views of Olympic Park and the famous Marian Platz, home to the fourth largest glockenspiel in the world. Later experience Munich’s legendary Oktoberfest at your own pace. They’ve been brewing ‘liquid bread’ (beer) here for 3000 years. Enjoy time on your own to stroll the festival grounds and indulge in the unique and amazing atmosphere of Oktoberfest. Sample the brew and feast on Bavarian food and specialties as you discover an array of Munich’s history and culture.

Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic, is bisected by the Vltava River. Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” it’s known for its Old Town Square, the heart of its historic core, with colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock, which gives an animated hourly show. Completed in 1402, pedestrian Charles Bridge is lined with statues of Catholic saints.