Oktoberfest, Bavaria and the Greek Isles
13 Nights Featuring Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle, Rome, Santorini and Mykonos
September 22, 2025
Oktoberfest draws in millions of thirsty visitors from around the world each year. Initiated in Munich back in 1810, this Bavarian tradition offers a lively atmosphere, authentic German beer, hearty cuisine, and vibrant entertainment. Join us on this Journey to Bavaria, where we’ll raise our beer steins and toast to an unforgettable celebration of one of the most renowned and beloved festivals worldwide. During your time in Munich, you’ll also have a walking tour of the city highlights and enjoy a full day of free time to either visit the sites or return to the festivities of the Oktoberfest tents. Before departing Germany, we will also venture outside of the city and into the foothills of the Alps to visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. Then, fly to Rome where you’ll have ample free time to explore the ancient city before embarking on the Odyssey of the Seas for a cruise to Santorini, Mykonos, Ephesus and Naples.
Balcony from $7,399 per person
Journey Highlights
Memorable Experiences, Scenic Views, and Exciting Moments
At a Glance
Join the Festivities at Oktoberfest
Experience the world's largest and most exhilarating beer festival at Oktoberfest, where vibrant Bavarian culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and lively music create an unforgettable celebration.
Sail to the Iconic Greek Isles
Enjoy seven nights of stunning sunsets, picturesque beaches, and ancient historical sites. From the iconic blue-domed churches of Santorini to vibrant Mykonos and the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus, the Greek Isles promise a captivating and memorable Journey.
Visit Neuschwanstein Castle
Discover the fairy-tale enchantment of Neuschwanstein Castle, where stunning architecture and breathtaking alpine scenery transport you to a world of pure magic and wonder.
Free Time in Munich
You’ll have an entire day at leisure to explore Munich at your own pace. Take a stroll along the serene gardens, visit the majestic Nymphenburg Palace or visit a museum. Or, simply head back to the Oktoberfest tents for another day of festivities!
Day 1 – Arrive Munich
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel. After check-in, you’ll have time to get settled in before joining your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Note: if you wish to spend more time in Munich, ask your Personal Vacation Manager about the optional hotel extension – which will add a night to your Munich hotel stay.
Day 2 – Munich
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then set off with your guide to explore Munich. We will pass by the New Town Hall (Neus Rathaus), Olympic Tower, Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) and Bavarian National Museum. Then, our group will enter the Oktoberfest area and partake in one of the largest and oldest beer festivals in the world! Oktoberfest in Munich is set up on the Theresienwiese, a large open space in the heart of the city. The festival grounds consist of numerous large beer tents, each hosted by a different brewery or organization, along with smaller food stalls, amusement rides, and entertainment venues. The beer tents, ranging in size from cozy to massive, are the focal point of the festival, where visitors gather to enjoy traditional Bavarian beer served in one-liter mugs, along with hearty Bavarian food and live music. Surrounding the tents are bustling streets filled with vendors selling everything from pretzels to souvenirs, while amusement rides and carnival games add to the festive atmosphere. Overall, Oktoberfest is a vibrant and lively event that offers a taste of Bavarian culture.
Our group will enjoy a lively lunch at one of the tents, at a reserved table for our group. You will then have the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 3 – Munich
Today you will have the day at leisure to explore Munich on your own. Take a stroll along the serene English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world, where you can relax and watch surfers catch waves on the Eisbach River. Just outside the city, you can delve into Munich’s rich history with a visit to the majestic Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavarian monarchs. Art enthusiasts will delight in the collections of the Alte Pinakothek and the Pinakothek der Moderne, two world-class art museums showcasing works from various periods. Or simply head back to the Oktoberfest tents for another day of festivities! The day is yours to do as you wish. Your guide will be available in the morning to answer questions and provide recommendations.
Day 4 – Munich
Today we will leave the city center and transfer into the heart of Bavaria to visit one of the most famous castles in the world. Neuschwanstein Castle, nestled in the picturesque Bavarian Alps, is a fairy-tale marvel that captivates visitors with its romantic charm and breathtaking beauty. Commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 19th century, the castle is a stunning example of neo-Romanesque architecture and served as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Its fairytale-like appearance, with its towering spires, ornate turrets, and dramatic hilltop setting, makes it one of the most iconic and photographed castles in the world. During our tour, you will explore the lavish interiors adorned with intricate woodcarvings, colorful murals, and opulent furnishings, as well as enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the castle’s vantage points. Neuschwanstein’s rich history, architectural grandeur, and idyllic setting amidst the Bavarian Alps combine to create a truly magical experience.
Day 5 – Munich to Rome
This morning, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Rome. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 6 – Rome
Today you will have the day at leisure to explore Rome on your own, immersing yourself in a timeless city where ancient history, vibrant culture, and exquisite art converge. Visit ancient sites like the Colosseum and the Pantheon; take a stroll through Piazza Navona as you peruse local artisan stalls while eating gelato; toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain; visit The Vatican; or simply enjoy “la dolce vita” as you indulge in Italian cuisine. The day is yours to do as you wish! Your guide will be available in the morning to answer questions and provide recommendations.
Day 7 – Rome Embarkation
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the port, where you will board the Odyssey of the Seas.
Day 8-13 – Cruising onboard the Odyssey of the Seas
Ports of call include Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; Naples (Capri), Italy.
Day 14 – Rome Disembarkation
Enjoy breakfast onboard, then disembark the Odyssey of the Seas and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
For meals not included in your land programs, all hotels chosen include a restaurant on property where you may relax and enjoy a meal. In addition, your guide is available to make suggestions on nearby dining, shopping or sightseeing.
Odyssey of the Seas
Whether you’re taming waves on the FlowRider®, kicking back at the totally reimagined pool deck, savoring bold global flavors onboard, or turning up the party vibes late at night—you’ll never run out of things to do.
Grand Hotel Palatino Rome
Located in Rione Monti, a dynamic and lively neighborhood in the centre of Rome, Grand Hotel Palatino is the best choice for a comfortable, relaxing and rewarding stay in Rome.
NH Collection München Bavaria
The hotel building was one of the first skyscrapers in Munich, and offers the highest hotel rooms to be found across the entire city center.
Please note this list is preliminary and subject to change. Although we contract for hotels a year or more in advance, unforeseen circumstances do occasionally require a change of hotel. Should it be necessary to change a hotel, one of equal quality or value will be substituted and you will receive confirmed hotel information with your final itinerary.
Special Offer
Limited Time Bonus $200 Gift Card
Receive up to $300 Onboard Credit and a $200 Limited Time Bonus Exclusively from Us.
This Journey
6-night pre-cruise land program in Germany and Italy
2 guided tours
9 meals on tour (6 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner) and all meals onboard
Intra-tour airfare, including transfers and baggage handling
7-night sailing aboard the Odyssey of the Seas
Always Included
International airfare, including transfers and baggage handling
English-speaking Local Guide during land program on most departures
Guaranteed early hotel check-in on arrival day (pre-cruise tours only)
Centrally located four- and five-star hotels
Inclusive pricing: includes airfare, land program, cruise, transfers, and all taxes and fees
Exclusive amenities onboard your cruise (see special offers)
10% off shore excursions
Cheers to Oktoberfest and Sun-Kissed Greek Escapes
Prepare to be enchanted! This video showcases the festive spirit of Oktoberfest, featuring mouthwatering delicacies, lively music, and unforgettable moments shared with friends and family. Then, let your worries melt away as you escape to the breathtaking Greek Isles for a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation!
Extend Your Journey
More time to relax, explore and make the most of your trip.
Hotel Extension
Want an extra day to adjust to the new time zone? With this optional extension you will arrive to Munich a day early and have one extra day to relax at the hotel before the tour starts. Note: tours are not included. Price of $375 per person (based on double occupancy) includes 1-night hotel accommodations in Munich with daily breakfast and private transfer from airport to hotel.
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More Information
What to Know Before You Go
The land portion of the trip should be considered moderate. Guided tours may include a considerable amount of walking, while free time allows you to explore on your own at your own pace.
Enrichment Journeys will do everything in our power to ensure comfort through our third-party providers, including air-conditioned buses and comfortable accommodations where applicable. However, some areas cannot be accessed by coach, so our drivers will get you as close to sites as is legally allowed. Sensible, rubber-soled walking shoes are strongly recommended. Historical sites often do not have elevators, escalators, or ramps due to the age of the building/structure. Steps can be steep and uneven. Based on crowds and traffic, order of visits may be changed. You may have to walk a moderate distance to transfer to coach stations and airport terminals. Time spent on the road and traveling can be long, so you will need to be prepared for stretches of down time in between destinations.
Wheelchair access at many sites is limited. A fold-up wheelchair may be able to be stored on the bus but requires prior arrangements. Guests must be able to transfer from their chair to the transportation. Guides/drivers are not allowed to lift or push wheelchairs, so guests requiring physical assistance must travel with a companion who can assist. Motorized wheelchairs and scooters cannot be accommodated on this group program.
Included airfare is from select airports only. To inquire about a different airport, please contact your Personal Vacation Manager.
Enrichment Journeys is committed to providing remarkable experiences at extraordinary value. As a result, airlines and routes are selected to maximize that value and may involve multiple stops and extended layovers versus non-stop or direct flights. Passengers wishing to utilize specific carriers, direct/non-stop flights, Business Class upgrades, or to extend their time in any of our beginning or ending destination cities may do so by contacting Enrichment Journeys and inquiring about the Custom Airfare Program. There is a $100 per person charge for this service, however this charge will be applied toward any flights or upgrades you choose to purchase. The $100 charge must be paid prior to receiving a custom air quote.
To travel internationally, you must have a passport in good condition, and it must be valid for at least 6 months after the last day of your trip. Visa requirements change frequently and for various reasons. As a result, our Personal Vacation Managers are not always able to provide visa information. The best way to obtain up-to-date information regarding visa requirements is to visit the official US government website for Americans traveling abroad, Travel.State.Gov (Canadian citizens should visit https://travel.gc.ca/, for all other countries please visit your government website or local embassy), which details specific information on the countries you would like to visit, including visa requirements. You may also use a third-party visa service, such as Expedited Travel. These services require an additional service fee but make the process of applying for a visa much simpler.
To extend a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your Journey, please speak to a Personal Vacation Manager for assistance in making those arrangements.
If you are interested in customizing your Journey, pairing it with a different cruise, or arranging a private tour for your party, you may be interested in our Private Journeys program. You can learn more about this program here, or speak to a Personal Vacation Manager for more information.
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