Discover the Germanic awe of the world’s longest running beer festival at Oktoberfest in Munich, with exclusive seating in the Ochsenbraterei Tent—your very own VIP beer hall among a sea of six million festival goers. Meet Patrick von Ritchthofen, a direct descendant of the Red Baron, before journeying across the Austrian border for a Danube River Cruise, sailing past the mountainside vineyards and lush green surrounds of the Wachau Valley. After touring Berlin’s iconic sights, everything sparkles at a once-in-a-lifetime Dresden dinner, hosted at the King of Saxony’s former summer residence. Enjoy a meal of delicious abundance at the Schloss Hotel Dresden-Pillnitz, a baroque castle complex originally built for the King Augustus II in 1720.
Uncover the wonders that rest along the Danube as you go off the beaten path from Vienna to Nuremberg to Prague. As your adventure starts, castles, stunning architecture and natural wonders ensue. Discover the old walled city of Nuremberg and its mesmerizing castles. Stroll through countless enchanting towns and villages, all teeming with magnificent architecture and age-old tradition. Explore Weissenkirchen and its beautiful landscapes. And in the historical capital of Vienna, you’ll be met with Austrian grandeur and mystique on your search for new inspiration along the Danube. The highlight of your journey? The bohemian city of Prague, which boasts a rich history, a bustling modern culture and Hradčany, the largest castle in the world.
Your Fly, Tour & Cruise Package Includes:
- Economy class flight from Sydney to Berlin, return from Prague
- 10 night Oktoberfest, the Germanic Experience guided tour with Insight Vacations, Berlin to Vienna
- Includes hand-picked hotels, 15 meals, top-rated highlights, unique experiences, highly-skilled Travel Director plus more
- 3 nights 5-star accommodation in Vienna
- 9 night Authentic Danube & Prague cruise onboard River Princess, Vienna to Prague
- All meals & unlimited beverages onboard, excursions, local entertainment, WiFi plus more
- Select private transfers
- Port charges & prepaid gratuities onboard your cruise
Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 17 September – 09 October 2023
Solo traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details
Oktoberfest, the Germanic Experience Itinerary:
Day 1: Welcome to Berlin
On arrival at Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport, transfers leave for the hotel at 10:30, 13:00 and 16:00. Your time is yours to explore, perhaps visit nearby Check Point Charlie - once the best-known Berlin Wall crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. This evening at 18:30, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner with wine.
Day 2: Discover Berlin
This morning, marvel at the landmarks of the old East and West sections of Berlin during your sightseeing tour with a Local Expert. See the Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden and the Reichstag Building which were all major points of focus in 1990 during the reunification of East and West Germany. Explore the central district of Tiergarten, with its magnificent park, and stroll the Kurfürstendamm, one of the most famous avenues in Berlin, known for its shopping and entertainment. Stop a while on Museum Island before enjoying an afternoon at leisure in this fascinating, once divided city.
Day 3: Journey to Dresden
A short drive south brings you to Dresden, known as “Florence on the Elbe”. Join a Local Expert to see the splendors of the city. From the Frauenkirche, which has risen again from the destruction of World War II, walk past “The Procession of Princes”, a mosaic of colossal proportions on the Royal Palace facade. See the enormous cathedral, Semper Opera House and the Baroque Zwinger Palace. Tonight we’ll go to Dresden-Pillnitz, where we enjoy dinner with wine at the Schloss Hotel. The impressive baroque castle complex was built by King Augustus II the Strong in 1720, with inspiration from the Far East. Until 1918 the palace served as the summer residence for the House of Wettin.
Day 4: Journey to Munich
In Nuremberg witness the charming blend of stone and timbered dwellings in the Old Town as well as the massive ramparts. Perhaps shop for delicious Lebkuchen (gingerbread)? Continue across the Danube to Munich, the capital of the state of Bavaria, lying near the foot of the German Alps. At night, perhaps consider dinner at one of Munich’s famous ‘Bier Kellers’?
Day 5: Munich and Oktoberfest
Be welcomed into fun-loving Munich as you join your Travel Director this morning for an orientation tour. Explore the Feldernhalle on the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the English Garden, Hofbrauhaus, St Peters Church, and the famous Marienplatz. Then this afternoon join the festivities of Oktoberfest, the most famous beer festival in the world! Enjoy the vibrant 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: Visit the BMW Museum Relaxed Start
After a relaxed start, take the opportunity to travel through time and experience the fascinating world of BMW, with a history spanning nine decades. See some of the most famous and valuable automobiles, motorcycles, and engines during a tour of the museum. In the evening, join special guest Patrick von Richthofen, a descendent of Manfred von Richthofen otherwise known as “The Red Baron”, for an unforgettable dinner.
Day 7: Journey to Salzburg
A short drive over the Austrian border leads to Salzburg, steeped in musical history. A Local Expert will show you the gardens of the Mirabell Palace, the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress, the cathedral in the old town, Mozart’s birthplace, and locations that brought the city alive with the Sound of Music.
Day 8: Explore Berchtesgaden
Our day trip today takes us into the heart of Alpine Bavaria. Drive over the German border, past picturesque farmhouses and villages to Obersalzberg. Nearly 75 years ago, this small mountain paradise was the summer playground for top Nazi brass. Take a scenic drive up the mountain to Hitler’s notorious “Eagle’s Nest”, used as a restaurant since the 1950’s. From here you can enjoy splendid views through the arches up to the “Hohen Goll” and across the snow-capped peaks. Soak up the picturesque scenery of the region as we continue past hill tops and mountain villages. Stop at the Maria Gern Church for a look inside, before looping back to Salzburg.
Day 9: Journey to Vienna
Cross the Austrian border and head east through the rolling countryside to stop in the shadow of the great Monastery of Melk. Join a river cruise along the stunning Wachau Valley, where the Danube meanders below forested cliffs, topped with picturesque churches and ruined castles. Pass the fortress of Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart languished in prison until discovered by his faithful Welsh minstrel, then alight beneath the vine laden cliffs of Krems. Immerse yourself in the vineyards and cellars of the local winery to learn about and sample the unique Wachau style wine. Finally, we head for the Austrian capital, and to our central hotel.
Day 10: Discover Vienna
Much of Vienna’s present day charm is due to the long reign of the Habsburgs, so in the morning, join a Local Expert for a guided visit of Maria Theresa’s Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. Then get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament Building. As night falls, experience an extraordinary concert of Viennese classical music. The best-loved works of Johann Strauss and Mozart, performed by highly acclaimed soloists and dancers, are combined with a delicious meal of traditional Austrian fare, with drinks included.
Day 11: Auf Wiedersehen Vienna
Your journey concludes after breakfast with transfer arriving at Vienna Airport at 08:00.
Authentic Danube & Prague Itinerary:
DAY 1
VIENNA (EMBARK)
Transfer from Vienna International Airport to your ship. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.
DAY 2
VIENNA
On this day, explore the “City of Waltzes” and dive into its vast artistic legacy with your choice of tours. The city is known for its imperial palaces, famous residents and expansive art collections. See the State Opera House, or delve into the hidden secrets of Vienna in some of its most historical sites.
DAY 3
WEISSENKIRCHEN, MELK
Start your day in the heart of the Danube’s Wachau Valley, strolling through Weissenkirchen’s idyllic wine village while sampling mouth watering apricot treats. Named for its white church that dominates the landscape, the city is flanked by vineyard-lined hills, historic houses and beautiful courtyards. The Melk Abbey is a baroque monastery and sits atop a rocky formation overlooking the Danube.
In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
DAY 4
ENGELHARTSZELL, PASSAU, VILSHOFEN
A new day brings new experiences in the forest-lined district of Engelhartszell. Experience Germany’s great outdoors by biking along the Danube River. Arrive in the afternoon at the “City of Three Rivers,” Passau, where the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers join together, at one time bringing an influx of wealth and culture into the region.
DAY 5
DEGGENDORF, STRAUBING
Nestled between Regensburg and Passau sits a town surrounded by the foothills of the Bavarian Forest, Deggendorf. Journey deep into the alluring Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany’s first national park, and discover outdoor leisure at its best.
DAY 6
REGENSBURG
The nearly 2,000-year-old history of Regensburg begins with a Roman fort in 90 AD, from which Regensburg grew into the large and prosperous trade center that it became in the last few centuries of the Medieval period. This long history has been excellently preserved through Regensburg’s iconic architecture—particularly its many Gothic and Romanesque churches and Patrician houses.
DAY 7
NUREMBERG
The archetypal medieval German city, Nuremberg was once the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire, housing many German kings in the Kaiserburg castle complex. Later, this city became the epicenter of the Nazi party. When the end of WWII left Nuremberg almost completely leveled, it was chosen to be the site of the war crimes tribunal—the Nuremberg Trials. Now, most of the city has been restored, including the old castle.
In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
DAY 8
NUREMBERG TO PRAGUE (DISEMBARK)
Disembark your ship and transfer from Nuremberg to Prague.
DAY 9
PRAGUE
Prague has been a magnet for artists, writers, scientists and composers for centuries. It also boasts great beer, a lively art scene, stunning castles and up-and-coming fashion designers, making it a fun as well as a beautiful place to visit.
DAY 10
PRAGUE (DEPART)
Depart from Prague’s Václav Havel Airport for your journey home.
* Conditions apply. Offer is limited, subject to availability and change without notice. Promotion is correct and valid at the time of publication. Booking and full supplier terms and conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only and not combinable with any other offer (unless stated).
Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest outside category available at the time. Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 02 November 2022 and can be withdrawn without notice. Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated. Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Airfares are based on economy class flights from Sydney and are subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions, please call us for prices from other cities.
*Early Payment Discount requires payment in full within three days of booking and is valid for new, individual bookings on 2023 itineraries and departure dates only. Offer applies to full-fare bookings only. All fares and savings listed are in Australian dollars. Rates and savings vary by itinerary, departure date and category of accommodations. 10% saving applies to all categories of suites and staterooms. Discounted savings amounts are based on the cruise-tour portion of bookings (including category upgrades and single supplements), after other applicable discounts are applied and do not apply to the purchase of air tickets, optional pre and post extensions or Uniworld Gold Seal Protection. All applicable discounts are applied sequentially; fixed savings amounts are deducted prior to applying any percentage-based discounts. Offer is capacity controlled and may be modified or withdrawn at any time. Other restrictions may apply. Offer expires 30 September 2022.