11 Day Oberammergau with Germany, Switzerland and Austria
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. The visit to Neuschwanstein Castle includes a long, steep hike up and down the hillside in order to reach the castle. Inside the castle, there will be a climb of 165 steps and a descent of 118 steps. Some hotels in Lucerne and 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, Wednesday - Depart for Germany
Depart for Frankfurt, Germany
DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in Frankfurt
Arrive in Frankfurt and transfer to your hotel in nearby Mainz on
the storied Rhine River. The remainder of the day is on your own to rest
and relax. In the evening at approximately 6 pm, an orientation meeting
with your Tour Manager introduces you to the delightful program that
lies ahead, followed by a Welcome Drink and Dinner 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: Mainz
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Friday - Rhine River Cruise & Heidelberg City Tour
The morning begins with a cruise on the scenic Rhine. See stunning
vistas of hilltop castles, terraced vineyards and villages of
timber-framed houses along the course of the river. Pass the mighty
Lorelei rock rising vertically from the waters named for the siren
"Lorelei" who bewitched sailors passing by. In Heidelberg, home to the
oldest university in Germany, view the imposing red sandstone ruins of
Heidelberg Castle originally built in the 12th century. This hilltop
Gothic masterpiece has encountered turbulent times but still stands as a
dominant symbol of the city. Balance of the day is at leisure in
Heidelberg to discover the enchanting alleys and lanes in the Old Town
with its small gardens, museums and lovely galleries*
* July 15 & July 29 departures will overnight in Mannheim instead of Heidelberg
Overnight: Heidelberg or Mannheim
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Saturday - Black Forest
Head south on a scenic drive through the Black Forest region, an
area of unrivaled natural beauty with its dense forests of thick pine
trees. Nestled in the forest, you will see some of the charming
traditional homes with their long sloping roofs. Continue on a drive to
Schaffhausen, surrounded by vineyards. Here, you will see the thunderous
Rhine Waterfalls; one of Europe's largest and most powerful. Then, on
to beautiful Lucerne, with its pristine lakeside setting and gorgeous
mountainous panorama. Spend two relaxing nights here in the center of
the Swiss Alps
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Sunday - Full Day in Lucerne
A full day to explore the heart of central Switzerland. Begin the
day at the inspiring Lion Monument, one of the best-known monuments in
the country, created in remembrance of the heroic death of Swiss guard
killed in 1792. Continue to the 14th century medieval Chapel Bridge one
of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe, forming the centerpiece
of Lucerne's townscape. Later, time to shop for chocolate, watches and
the famous Swiss and German cuckoo clocks or sip coffee at an outdoor
cafe. Afterwards, there is an opportunity to join the exciting optional
tour to Mount Pilatus. Ascend the world's steepest cogwheel railway
which winds up through lush meadows and sparkling mountain streams to
the summit of Mt. Pilatus at nearly 7000 feet. After admiring the
splendid panorama, descend by aerial cableway. Remainder of the
afternoon at leisure with time to shop for chocolate, watches and the
famous Swiss and German cuckoo clocks or sip coffee at an outdoor cafe.
Optional: Mount Pilatus Tour (AM)
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Monday - Neuschwanstein Castle, Travel to Oberammergau
Drive through glorious Alpine scenery to visit Bavaria's "Mad"
King Ludwig's fantasy castle of Neuschwanstein perched high above the
valley below. This is one of the most visited castles in Germany and a
symbol of idealized romantic architecture. Among the castle's finest
rooms are two magnificent halls with extravagant decorations dazzling in
gold and blue. Later, travel to your Oberammergau region hotel for
overnight
Overnight: Oberammergau region
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7, Tuesday - World-Renowned Passion Play
This morning, enjoy time at leisure. 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 8, Wednesday - Salzburg City Tour
After breakfast, travel to Salzburg. This baroque jewel was the
birthplace of Mozart. The guided walking tour takes you to view the
house where Mozart was born, as well as to the squares and gardens of
this beautiful city, crowned by the 11th century Hohensalzburg Fortress.
The city is also known for the singing von Trapp family and the setting
for the film, The Sound of Music. More time to explore charming
Salzburg, or participate in the optional excursion into the
surrounding countryside to the ruins of Obersalzberg, once a mountain
retreat for senior Nazi SS officers. Then, transfer to special motor
coaches adapted for the scenic mountain climb and ascend to Hitler's
notorious "Eagle's Nest."
Optional: Eagle's Nest Tour (PM)
Overnight: Salzburg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9, Thursday - Explore Munich
This morning, continue to Munich. Arrive at Marienplatz square,
cultural center of the city, dominated by the gothic New Town Hall
housing Munich's world-famous Glockenspiel, which dates back to 1908.
This colorful mechanical clock has life-size figures that dance to music
with shows several times a day. In the afternoon, a guided city tour
takes you past the Olympic Stadium situated in the heart of Olympia Park
in northern Munich built as the main venue for the 1972 Summer
Olympics. Then, visit the stunning Nymphenburg Palace with its gorgeous
baroque facade, once summer residence of Bavarian rulers. Driving
through the city, you see countless museums, galleries, palaces and
impressive historic monuments. Evening is at leisure to experience the
vibrant nightlife of the city
Overnight: Munich
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Friday - Full Day in Munich
Today is at leisure to independently enjoy the delights of this capital. This morning 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
internment camps opened after Hitler’s rise to power in 1933. The camp
became a symbol and model of the horrors of the Nazi period, until its
liberation by American soldiers in 1945. It serves now as a memorial to
the victims of this tragic period in history. The tour will give you the
opportunity to reflect on the events that happened here and the more
than 40,000 victims who lost their lives under the tyrannical Nazi
regime
Optional: Dachau Memorial (AM)
Overnight: Munich
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11, Saturday - Depart Germany
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Sightseeing Highlights
Special Features
- Enjoy a Rhine River Cruise, view hilltop castles, terraced vineyards and villages of timber-framed houses
- See the thunderous Rhine Falls, one of Europe’s largest and most powerful
- In sparkling Lucerne, in the heart of the Swiss Alps, visit the inspiring Lion Monument
- Visit Bavaria's "Mad" King Ludwig's fantasy castle of Neuschwanstein, a symbol of idealized romance
- Journey to Oberammergau, experience the world famous Passion Play
- Visit magical Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and scene of the Sound of Music
- Tour Bavarian Munich with its world-famous "dancing" Glockenspiel clock
What's Included
- 9 nights First Class accommodations
- 1 night Mainz
- 1 night Heidelberg or Mannheim
- 2 nights Lucerne
- 2 nights Oberammergau region
- 1 night Salzburg
- 2 nights Munich
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 15 meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 dinners with wine
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of local guides per itinerary
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Category 1 Passion Play seating
Accommodations
Hilton Mainz
This first class hotel is close to the Rhine River and the city center of Mainz.
Crowne Plaza
This
first class hotel is well located in the city center close to
Heidelberg Castle, the Old Bridge and other major attractions.
Astoria Hotel
This first class hotel is a short walk away from the Lucerne railway station.
Parkhotel am Soier See
This superior first class hotel overlooks Lake Soier.
ARCOTEL Castellani Salzburg
This first class hotel is located just outside the city center in a picturesque garden setting.
Sheraton Munich Westpark Hotel
This first class hotel is a short ride away from the Theresienwiese.
Dates & Prices
Note: Rows highlighted in green below are guaranteed departures
| Start Date | End Date | Brochure Price | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed May 18, 2022 | Sun May 29, 2022 | $3489.00 | Reserve My Spot |
| Wed May 18, 2022 | Sat May 28, 2022 | $3489.00 | Reserve My Spot |
| Wed Jun 15, 2022 | Sun Jun 26, 2022 | $3489.00 | Reserve My Spot |
| Wed Jun 15, 2022 | Sat Jun 25, 2022 | $3489.00 | Reserve My Spot |
| Wed Jun 29, 2022 | Sat Jul 9, 2022 | $3489.00 | Reserve My Spot |
| Wed Jul 13, 2022 | Sun Jul 24, 2022 | $3539.00 | Reserve My Spot |
| Wed Jul 13, 2022 | Sat Jul 23, 2022 | $3539.00 | Reserve My Spot |
| Wed Aug 24, 2022 | Sat Sep 3, 2022 | $3539.00 | Reserve My Spot |
| Wed Sep 7, 2022 | Sat Sep 17, 2022 | $3679.00 | Reserve My Spot |
Tour Map
