11 Day Oberammergau with Crown of Central Europe
By Gate 1
What is the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany?
Oberammergau is a small German town tucked away in the Bavarian Alps, world-famous for its Passion Play. The play was first performed in 1634 as the result of a vow made by the townspeople that if God spared them from the Black Plague they would in exchange produce a play every ten years. The play is a dramatic recreation of Jesus' passion, covering the final days of his life from his visit to Jerusalem to his crucifixion and resurrection. The Passion Play is now performed from May through October, in an open-air stage and involves over 2,000 people including actors, singers, musicians and technical support, all required to be residents of Oberammagau.
The Passion Play Theater seats around 4,700 people with a wide stage at one end which is open to the outside with a view of the mountains behind it. The theater auditorium and seats are covered and seats rise on a gentle incline to ensure a good view. Gate 1's tickets are all in Category 1 or 2. The play is performed in German, however, an English translation is available at the time of the performance. Language is typically not an issue due to the stirring musical score performed by a large orchestra and choir. Acoustics in the theater are very good. The performance is in 2 parts. Part 1 from 2.30pm to 5pm, followed by a 3 hour intermission for dinner, then Part 2 is from 8pm to 10.30pm. Start times are 1 hour earlier from Aug 15-Oct 2.
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Is This Trip Right for You?
This moderately active trip covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect from three to four hours walking every touring day. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. Some hotels in the Oberammergau region are built in the traditional local style and have no air-conditioning. During heat waves, these hotels can become uncomfortable. This is a Classic program.Itinerary
DAY 1, Sunday - Depart for the Czech Republic
Depart for the Czech Republic
DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in Prague
Arrive in the "Golden" city of Prague and transfer to your
hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure in Prague, considered one of
Europe's most attractive cities; its historic city center has been
designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight at approximately 6 pm,
attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager about the wonderful
journey that awaits you, followed by a Welcome Drink with your fellow
travelers. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your
destination no later than 4 pm on Day 2 of the itinerary, or earlier if
possible
Overnight: Prague
DAY 3, Tuesday - Tour of Prague
Begin the day with a walking tour of Prague to the picturesque
Lesser Town (Malá Strana) also known as the Little Quarter, with its
ancient burgher houses and quaint side streets. Enjoy breathtaking views
as you cross the Charles Bridge, one of Europe's oldest stone bridges,
to the Old Town, the medieval center of Prague. Explore the cobbled
streets around Old Town Square and stroll into the Jewish Quarter, once
the largest Jewish ghetto in Europe. View the white stucco St. Nicholas
Church, the world-famous Astronomical Clock, and the Town Hall. The rest
of the day is at leisure or join the optional afternoon tour to
the hilltop Prague Castle complex, former residence of Bohemian Kings
and to the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral, where kings were crowned and
battles were fought. Experience spectacular vistas of the entire city
below. This evening, dinner together at a popular local restaurant
Optional: Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral (PM)
Overnight: Prague
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Wednesday - Morning in Regensburg, Arrive in Munich
Morning drive from Prague to Regensburg in Germany. Time at
leisure discovering the delights of the pretty town of Regensburg on the
Danube, one of Germany's largest and best preserved medieval cities
designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at beautiful churches
and one of the oldest stone bridges crossing the River. Later, head for
the Bavarian capital, Munich, where dinner awaits at a local restaurant
Overnight: Munich
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Thursday - City Tour of Munich
The discovery of Munich begins with a drive past the Olympic
Stadium situated in the heart of Olympia Park, the main venue for the
1972 Summer Olympics. On to breathtaking Nymphenburg Palace and Park,
with its gorgeous baroque facade, once the summer residence of the
rulers of Bavaria. Driving through the city, you'll see countless
museums, galleries, palaces and historic monuments. Arrive at
Marienplatz Square, a cultural center of the city, dominated by the
gothic New Town Hall housing Munich's world-famous Glockenspiel, dating
back to 1908. This colorful mechanical clock has life-size figures that
dance to music with shows several times a day. This afternoon an optional
tour shows you the dark history of the last century, with a chilling
visit to the Dachau Memorial Concentration Camp, the first of the of the
internment camps opened after Hitler's rise to power in 1933
Optional: Dachau Memorial (PM)
Overnight: Munich
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Friday - Travel to Oberammergau, World-Renowned Passion Play
This morning, depart Munich and journey to the Bavarian hamlet
of Oberammergau, surrounded by imposing mountains. This afternoon,
attend a moving performance of the world-famous Passion Play that dates
back to 1634. This epic play is held every 10 years and performed by the
inhabitants of Oberammergau. During the break, join your travel
companions for dinner before witnessing the stirring second half of the
Passion Play performance. Afterwards, return to your hotel
Overnight: Oberammergau region
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7, Saturday - Cross into Austria, Imperial, Vienna
Travel east and cross into beautiful alpine Austria. Stop in
picturesque Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart, en route to Vienna. A guided
walking tour takes to you the house where Mozart was born, as well as
the squares and gardens of this beautiful city, crowned by the 11th
century Hohensalzburg Fortress. Continue your drive and admire the
beautiful villages, breathtaking mountains and crystal clear waters.
Arrive in glorious Vienna, Austria's capital city. Tonight, opportunity
to experience a not to be missed optional Classical Viennese Concert performance of the masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss, two of Vienna's most famous citizens
Optional: Mozart and Strauss Concert (PM)
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Sunday - Tour of Vienna
This sparkling city on the Danube has captivated travelers for
years with its elegant shops, world-class museums, beautiful parks and
gardens. Begin today's tour at the impressive Schonbrunn Palace, the
former summer residence of the Hapsburg emperors. Visit the opulent
baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured
gardens. Continue with a drive along the famous Ringstrasse, Vienna's
main boulevard. View the Empress Maria Theresia Monument, Votive Church,
City Hall and Parliament. Next, walk through the Hofburg courtyards to
the State Opera House. The rest of the day is at leisure, or join the optional
Imperial Highlights Tour to the Vienna State Opera House and Imperial
crypt. Be sure to stop at a caf????© to sample the famous Viennese Sacher
Torte before returning to the hotel. Tonight, join the optional tour to a typical Viennese wine Tavern
Optional: Vienna State Opera House & Imperial Crypt
Optional: Viennese Wine Tavern Dinner
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Monday - Budapest City Tour
Cross the border into Hungary and continue to Budapest, its
capital city. Get acquainted with this diverse city on the afternoon
tour that begins on the Pest side. View the iconic Parliament building,
Heroes' Square and Városliget, the adjoining city park, created to
commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the Magyar conquest of Hungary.
Cross over the Elizabeth Bridge to the Buda hills; see the Royal Palace,
13th century Matthias Church and the graceful medieval architecture
along the cobbled streets. From Fisherman's Bastion, see breathtaking
panoramic views of the entire city. Explore the city's chic shops and
cafes this afternoon on your own. Tonight, attend the optional Danube River Cruise that also includes dinner
Optional: Danube Dinner Cruise
Overnight: Budapest
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Tuesday - Full Day in Budapest
An entire day to enjoy the delights of Budapest independently.
Visit one of the unique museums, or pamper yourself at one of Europe's
best old-world spas. Perhaps, take the optional half day tour of
the richly decorated Parliament building, St. Stephen's Basilica, and
Market Hall. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant
Optional: Parliament, St. Stephen's Basilica & Great Market Hall (AM)
Overnight: Budapest
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11, Wednesday - Depart Hungary
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Sightseeing Highlights
Special Features
- Walking tour of Prague to the picturesque Lesser Town and the Old Town
- Tour Bavarian Munich with its world-famous "dancing" Glockenspiel clock
- Journey to Oberammergau, experience the world famous Passion Play
- Visit magical Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and scene of the Sound of Music
- Tour the Imperial Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna
What's Included
- 9 nights First Class accommodations
- 2 nights Prague
- 2 nights Munich
- 1 night Oberammergau region
- 2 nights Vienna
- 2 nights Budapest
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 13 meals: 9 breakfasts, 4 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of local guides in all major cities
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
- Category 1 or 2 Passion Play seating
Accommodations
Grand Majestic Hotel Prague
This first class hotel is situated in the historical and business center of Prague.
Sheraton Munich Westpark Hotel
This first class hotel is a short ride away from the Theresienwiese.
Das Johannesbad Hotel
This first class hotel is located in Bad Kohlgrub.
Mercure Grand Hotel Biedermeier Wien
This first class hotel is located within walking distance of the Stadtpark.
Radisson Blu Beke
This first class hotel is near the city center, a short walk to shopping, historic sights and theaters.
Dates & Prices
Note: Rows highlighted in green below are guaranteed departures
| Start Date | End Date | Brochure Price | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Jul 31, 2022 | Thu Aug 11, 2022 | $2599.00 | Reserve My Spot |
| Sun Aug 7, 2022 | Thu Aug 18, 2022 | $2799.00 | Reserve My Spot |
| Sun Aug 28, 2022 | Thu Sep 8, 2022 | $2629.00 | Reserve My Spot |
| Sun Sep 25, 2022 | Thu Oct 6, 2022 | $3069.00 | Reserve My Spot |
Tour Map
