Events & Reunions

When: Sunday, June 13, 2010 - Monday, June 21, 2010 (iCal)

Description

Join us for this momentous journey combining a presentation of the legendary 376-year-old Passion Play in Oberammergau with a Danube River cruise. Travel aboard the deluxe Amadeus Symphony through the heart of Europe, an enchanting world of lush forested hills where castles built for royalty and nobility tower above medieval cities; ornate Baroque churches look out over country towns and an unrivaled legacy of art; architecture and history recalls the glories of the Habsburg Empire. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Budapest, Vienna, and Melk Abbey. Then, drive through the breathtaking Bavarian Alps to Oberammergau for a moving performance of the 2010 Passion Play. This fascinating rendition of the story of Jesus Christ is presented here every 10 years on an open-air stage and features a cast of thousands. Revel in the history, costumes, scenery, and orchestral accompaniment that make this a unique event.

Cost

From $2,995 per person, plus airfare.
Ask about early booking savings of $500 per person!

Contact

For more information, contact Usha Nand Sellers, Program Director, in the Office of Alumni Relations at usha.sellers@tufts.edu or 1-800-THE-ALUM (1-800-843-2586) or 617-627-5323.

Itinerary

Day 1 and Day 2 - U.S./Budapest, Hungary

Depart the U.S. for Budapest. Upon arrival, embark the m.s. Amadeus Symphony. This evening, join our traveling companions for the Captain’s welcome toast before dinner.

Day 3 -Budapest

For centuries, the twin cities of Buda and Pest have faced each other across the Danube River. When the Habsburg Archduke Joseph, son of Emperor Leopold II, became Palatine of Budapest, he undertook a building program on an unprecedented scale. By the time this “most Hungarian Habsburg” died, Budapest rivaled Vienna as an imperial capital.

Use this morning for leisure or independent exploration, or join the optional tour beginning on the Pest side, where the limestone Parliament Building rises beside the river. Pass through Heroes’ Square and admire its monuments to the Magyar chiefs who conquered Hungary. Cross the imposing Chain Bridge linking the low-lying Pest side to the hillier Buda. On Castle Hill, visit the Gothic Matthias Church, and the neo-Romanesque Fishermen’s Bastion, which commands a panoramic view of the city.

Depart Budapest early this afternoon and commence our Danube River cruise.

Day 4 - Bratislava, Slovakia/Vienna, Austria

We will dock in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, located in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains overlooking the banks of the Danube. Beautifully restored after the Cold War, the city seamlessly blends its 1,000-year-old history with the cutting-edge dynamism of one of the most rapidly changing cities in Europe.

During this morning’s optional walking tour of the Old Town, see some of the finest medieval, Renaissance and 19th-century architecture in central Europe. Admire the grand Romanesque 14th-century Cathedral of St. Martin and see the 14th-century St. Michael’s Gate, the only remaining portion of the city’s original fortifications. Visit the elaborate Primatial Palace and the magnificent Slovak National Theatre.

This afternoon, cruise the Danube River en route to Vienna.

Day 5 - Vienna

The seat of the Habsburg Empire and a virtual open-air museum of Baroque architecture, Vienna owes its present appearance to the Emperor Franz Josef. He demolished the city’s defense walls to create the Ringstrasse. This morning, view some of the city’s finest landmarks—the Austrian National Opera, the Parliament, the Hofburg Palace Imperial Apartments, the Burgtheater and the Town Hall—as we drive along the ring road to the Stephansdom, the cathedral renowned for the dazzling zigzagged tiles that adorn its roof.

This afternoon is at leisure, or join the optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, the impressive Habsburg estate. Admire its priceless collections of art and antiques, and learn more about the Austrian Empire and its distinguished rulers.

Day 6 - Melk

Melk Abbey sits on a high granite bluff above a bend of the Danube River. The original Benedictine monastery dates from 1089.

Pursue independent interests in the nearby village of Emmersdorf, or set off for the optional tour of the abbey, noting the intricate Baroque decor of its marble hall, spiral staircase and library, known for its extensive collection of medieval manuscripts and volumes. See the priceless relics and magnificent artwork by the 16th-century “Danube School” masters like Albrecht Dürer and Lucas Cranach.

Depart Melk early in the afternoon. This evening, attend the Captain’s farewell toast and dinner.

Day 7 - Passau/Oberammergau

Disembark in Passau, scenically located at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. Passau’s Baroque architecture was considered so beautiful that Napoleon spared it from bombardment. Stroll along the picturesque streets leading to the Bishop’s New Residence Museum, an elegant structure displaying the Cathedral Treasury. After a guided tour of the museum, we will continue to the immense St. Stephen’s Cathedral, whose interior contains one of the world’s largest church organs.

From Passau, we will take a scenic drive through the Bavarian Alps to the charming village of Oberammergau where we will check into our traditional Bavarian hotel in time for dinner.

Day 8 - Oberammergau/Passion Play

This morning, join an escorted walking tour of the town, whose name is synonymous with the great Passion play that is performed here every 10 years. Admire the elaborate murals that adorn the walls and façades of village buildings, many depicting scenes from the Passion story. Visit the Oberammergau Museum and peruse its collection of local arts and crafts, particularly the intricate wood carvings for which the region is famous.

After lunch, we will experience one of Europe’s oldest and most venerable dramatic traditions. Specially reserved seating at the 2010 Passion Play will give us an excellent vantage point from which to view the play, featuring a cast of thousands and spectacular sets. The inception of this prestigious performance can be traced back to 1633 at the height of the Black Death plague and the Thirty Years War, when local residents pledged to perform the Passion play every ten years in thanks for their deliverance and survival. During intermission, we will attend a dinner of traditional Bavarian fare.

Day 9 - Oberammergau/Munich/Return to U.S.

Transfer to Munich for our return flight.

Budapest Pre-Program Option

Arrive in elegant Budapest prior to our Danube River cruise and spend two nights in a deluxe, centrally located hotel. Excursions include a walking tour of the lively Pest side of the city and a specially arranged visit to the home of composer Béla Bartók. Complete details will be provided with reservation confirmation.

Munich Post-Program Option

Extend the travel program in Bavaria’s vibrant capital of Munich, known for its splendid medieval monuments, grand halls and bustling public squares. Visit Munich’s most famous landmarks and stay two nights in deluxe accommodations in the heart of the city. Complete details will be provided with reservation confirmation.