About Oberammergau

The quaint village of Oberammergau is world famous for its spectacular Passion Play, performed by the locals just once a decade.

In 1634 the Black Death decimated Europe’s population. Oberammergau remained untouched until a homesick villager returned one night, unknowingly bringing with him the dreaded plague. Almost 100 villagers died as a result.

Frightened survivors vowed that if God saved them from the plague, once every 10 years they would reenact the agony and crucifixion of Christ. From then on there were no further deaths from the plague—and the villagers have fulfilled their pledge ever since.

Gulliver's Travel invites you to experience this legendary event on one of the special vacations being offered in 2010.

Oberammergau 2010

The play portrays the Passion of Christ—from the entry into Jerusalem to the Resurrection. Performances are held in the afternoon and evening with an included dinner break in between. The play usually consists of more than 2,000 actors, singers, musicians, and technicians with rehearsals starting at least a year before the event. Oberammergau in 2010

The Passion Play Theater has an openair stage framed by magnificent alpine scenery. A covered auditorium has almost 5,000 seats.

Oberammergau is a humble village wrapped year-round in the atmosphere of the Passion Play. The town has a pervasive peacefulness untouched by 21st-century hubbub. Its hotels are like country inns, cozy and comfortable, reflecting the modesty of the village.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Wed.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2 Arrival in Munich, Germany (Thu.) Time to rest or to start exploring the Bavarian capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 3 Munich (Fri.) Sightseeing with a Local Guide of Germany’s “Secret Capital” includes the Olympic Stadium, 1,000-foot-high Television Tower, MARIENPLATZ with the Old and the New Town Halls, and the gothic Frauenkirche. (B)

Day 4 Munich–Neuschwanstein–Innsbruck, Austria–Salzburg (Sat.) Drive into the garden-like landscapes of the Bavarian Alps and visit one of King Ludwig’s magnificent castles: NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE. On to Innsbruck in the Tyrolean Mountains. Enjoy a pleasant walk through the quaint medieval lanes to Emperor Maximilian’s GOLDEN ROOF. In the afternoon, take the scenic route to Sound of Music Salzburg. (B,D)

Day 5 Salzburg (Sun.) A pleasant stroll with a Local Guide takes you through the historic center. Admire exquisite MIRABELL GARDENS, the Great Festival Hall, ST. PETER’S CHURCHYARD, and the monumental Domplatz. Also visit MOZART’S BIRTHPLACE in the charming Getreidegasse. Afternoon at leisure. You may wish to join an optional excursion to Berchtesgaden, Hitler’s
Eagle’s Nest. (B)

Day 6 Salzburg-Vienna (Mon.) Morning drive to Vienna, once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire. Meet your Local Guide and start your sightseeing with a visit to magnificent SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE. Next, enjoy vistas of Prater Park with its giant Ferris wheel, and the United Nations City on the banks of the Danube River. Then, drive along Ring Boulevard, pass the State Opera House, the Jewish quarter, and stop at the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Austrian Imperial family. Marvel at the impressive courtyards and famous Heldenplatz, and visit awesome ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL. An optional excursion to the wine village of Grinzing is a possibility tonight. (B)

Day 7 Vienna (Tue.) A whole day at leisure and lots to do! Don’t forget to savor Sachertorte and watch the jolly crowd in one of Vienna’s famous coffee houses. An optional excursion to Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, is available. Tonight, why not take in an operetta concert in one of Vienna’s elegant concert halls? (B)

Day 8 Vienna-Melk-Oberammergau, Germany (Wed.) The final touches to a lovely vacation. From Krems, enjoy a leisurely DANUBE CRUISE along the most scenic section of the river. Board your motorcoach and continue via Munich to picturesque Oberammergau. (B,D)

Day 9 Oberammergau (Thu.) Today, enjoy the highlight of your vacation: the original PASSION PLAY, held every 10 years, and performed by the residents of Oberammergau. (B,L,D)

Day 10 Oberammergau-Munich (Fri.) Return to Munich for your overnight stay. How about a stein of beer tonight in the Hofbräuhaus to celebrate the success of your vacation? (B)

Day 11 (Sat.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

Vacation Highlights

INCLUDED FEATURES

Munich:
Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit Marienplatz; farewell dinner

Neuschwanstein:
Guided visit of King Ludwig’s Castle

Innsbruck:
Walk through the Old Town to the Golden Roof

Salzburg:
Guided sightseeing, visit Mirabell Gardens, St. Peter’s Churchyard, and Mozart’s birthplace

Vienna:
Guided sightseeing, visit Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Danube River Cruise

Oberammergau:
Passion Play

INSIDE VISITS

Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

jan@gulliverstravel.com

(901) 685-6111