Imperial Cities and Passion Play--July 15-24, 2010

Enjoy a performance that occurs only once every ten years during the Imperial Cities and the Oberammergau Passion Play Tour, featuring the historic cities Prague, Vienna, and Budapest.

Rates

• Per Person Rates: Double-$5,019
• Included in Price: In addition to your hotels, flights, and excursions below, air taxes and fees/surcharges (amounts subject to increase until paid in full), hotel transfers, and roundtrip air from Washington Dulles International (other departure cities are available, but price may change) are included.
• Not included in price: cancellation waiver and insurance of $350 per person

»Download a four-color brochure, reservation form, and credit card authorization.

Your Itinerary at a Glance

Thursday, July 15, 2010 | Overnight Flight

• Your cultural experience begins with an overnight flight to Europe. (Day 1)

Friday, July 16-Sunday, July 18, 2010 | Hungary

• Arrive in Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube,” and truly one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Buda, decidedly more rugged in terrain, sits on one side of the river, and Pest is on the gentler opposite bank. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (Day 2)
• Travel to the picturesque Hungarian countryside and visit a typical horse farm in this land which some say is “flat as water.” Learn the unique culture and history of the Csikos, or Hungarian horsemen, whose equestrian lineage reaches back 1,000 years. Watch in amazement as they put on a spectacular horse show for your pleasure, then enjoy a traditional Hungarian feast. (Day 3)
• An informative city tour features the Mathias Church, site of many coronations of kings. Also visit the Fishermen’s Bastion with its white walls, towers, and arcades for spectacular views then continue to historic Old Buda and Gellert Hill, followed by the Parliament. At Heroes Square, admire the imposing Millennium Monument, completed in 1904, which memorializes the 1,000th anniversary of Hungarian dominion. Later, visit the beautiful baroque town of Szentendre and travel to the former Renaissance capital of Visegrad to enjoy a magnificent view of the Danube Bend and the Borzsony Mountains. Travel back in time with a visit to a 14th century castle where knights with colorful costumes and authentic weaponry recreate the days of chivalry. In the evening, enjoy a special Renaissance-style dinner and re-enact the days of medieval times. (Day 4)

Monday, July 19-Tuesday, July 20, 2010 | Austria

• Your journey takes you to the grand city of Vienna, the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. A city tour features the baroque marvels of Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty for more than 200 years. Touring Vienna’s city center, see the gothic St. Stephan’s Cathedral and behold the beautiful architecture, scenic parks, and gothic spires that fill the city. Enjoy a memorable evening with entertainment in the picturesque wine-making village of Grinzing. (Day 5)
• Travel along the banks of the Danube to the medieval town of Durnstein and board a boat for a scenic Danube River cruise and travel through the historic Wachau Valley. Later, visit the 11th century Melk Abbey, famous for its production and collection of manuscripts. A leisurely ride through the Vienna Woods concludes this marvelous day. (Day 6)

Wednesday, July 21-Thursday, July 22, 2010 | Czech Republic

• A scenic ride through the countryside takes you to Prague, variously called the “Golden City” or “The City of 100 Spires.” The remainder of your day is at leisure to independently explore the city, shop for famous Bohemian crystal, or visit one of the city’s many outstanding museums, such as the Lapidarium, home of stone sculptures dating from the 11th century to the present. Today breakfast will be included. (Day 7)
• Begin your morning with a panoramic tour as you drive through the city to the amazing Hradcany Castle. Walk the famous Golden Lane with its delightful miniature houses, including one that was the residence of Franz Kafka. View St. Vitus Cathedral as well as the lovely statue-lined Charles Bridge and enjoy a wonderful dinner of culinary delights at one of Prague’s historic restaurants. (Day 8)

Friday, July 23, 2010 | Oberammergau, Germany

• Travel to the beautiful Bavarian village of Oberammergau, and in the afternoon, witness a performance of the Passion Play, with the original performance dating back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, the village of Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague, and for this reason, the villagers vowed that every 10 years they would give a play to honor the life of Christ. The performers are native Oberammergauers. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast start to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers. During the break of the performance, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip. (Day 9)

Saturday, July 24, 2010 | Oberammergau – Munich, Germany

• Depart Oberammergau for Munich, Germany for your return flight home. (Day 10)

Make your reservation today!
Contact GFWC at 202/347-3168 ext. 150 or by e-mail, and let us know that you’d like to travel with GFWC in July 2010! You can also download the registration form and fax or mail it to GFWC.

Your first deposit of $500 per person is due upon reservation, with a second deposit of $1,000 per person due on or prior to July 15, 2009. Final payment is due March 15, 2010.

WHY COLLETTE?
Since 1918, Collette Vacations has taken millions of travelers to all seven continents for memorable vacation experiences. When you travel with Collette, your vacation will include centrally located hotels that reflect the spirit of an area; meals that allow you to sample local flavors; activities, sightseeing, and entertainment that showcase the magic of a destination; and the services of a professional tour manager (on escorted tours).

FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information, please contact GFWC or call 202/347-3168.