Six events to combine with a Rhine or Danube cruise, from tulips in the spring to Oktoberfest

Travelling at a serene pace on a luxurious vessel – it is hard to imagine a more relaxing or enlightening way to explore than on a river cruise. To make the experience even more memorable, you might plan your trip to coincide with a special event and become immersed in the culture of the local people. Here are some upcoming happenings along the Rhine and Danube.

Passion Play

In 1633, the inhabitants of the little hamlet of Oberammergau in the Bavarian Alps asked God to save them from the bubonic plague that was spreading through Europe. As their death rate miraculously subsided, the villagers showed their gratitude for the divine intervention by producing a play depicting the life and death of Jesus, which they vowed to perform every 10 years.

The Passionsspiele or Passion Play is next scheduled for 2020 with a cast of more than 2,000 actors, musicians and choristers. Many of Oberammergau’s residents still take part in the spectacular five-hour performance, which will be repeated more than 100 times from May until October 2020.

Viking River Cruises offers an all-inclusive 10-day cruise from Munich to Budapest on various dates from May to October 2020, from £3,395 per person. Price includes a complimentary shore excursion at each port

Article source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/articles/turn-your-rhine-or-danube-river-cruise-into-a-special-event/