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Oberammergau Passion Play and Alpine Tour HOP

August 17-25, 2010

The history of the Oberammergau Passion Play dates back to 1633.  After months of suffering from the Bubonic Plague, the people of Oberammergau took a vow to perform the Passion Play every ten years if they were spared.  Miraculously from that point on they all survived and true to their promise the first performance was in 1634.  This simple performance was held in a meadow and acted by the villagers.  After 1674 they decided to change the date, so as to fall every ten years beginning in 1680.  The only time it was not performed was during World War II.  The year 2010 marks the 41^st time the story will be presented in Oberammergau.

Today, the play is presented with the same love, reverence and devotion in which the vow was made.  The town’s people produce and star in a theatrical production of the passion of Christ.  The performance reflects centuries-old traditions in costumes, casting and staging.  Only natives or those who have lived in the town for 20 years are eligible for audition.  To add to the play’s authenticity, no wigs or make-up are allowed.  Cast members grow their hair and beards to match their roles.  Seating 5000, the theatre has an open stage and natural backdrop of blue sky and mountains.  The all-day play is performed in German.  The music and costumes are magnificent.  The Oberammergau Passion Play is an unforgettable experience and draws visitors from around the globe.

Visiting the Alpine country is a treat in and of itself.  You’ll be visiting Innsbruck where in the summer you’ll find picture-postcard Alpine scenery, cool mountain lakes and those distinctive cowbells.  Throughout the year there are villagers in lederhosen and broad-brimmed feathered hats, yodeling and zither music. 

Dreaming spires, green hills and romantic gardens – Salzburg’s attractions are loved by millions of visitors from all over the world.  With a tourist-per-capita ratio higher than Venice or Florence, the city is among the busiest places of Europe all year round.

Brenner Pass is a mountain pass through the Alps along the border between Italy and Austria and is one of the principal passes of the Alps.  It is the lowest and easiest of the Alpine passes, and one of the few in the area.  The central section, the Brenner Pass itself, covers the track between Sterzing and Matrei, through the village of Brenner.  These are just a sampling of what you will be seeing during this HOP. 

Itinerary

Day 1 and 2, depart USA, arrive Europe.

Depending on where you arrive and the time of your arrival, you may enjoy some sights in Munich or Zurich before traveling to your hotel for overnight.

Day 3, Innsbruck

The capital of Austria’s Tyrol region, Innsbruck is famous as the site of two winter Olympics.  Follow your guide through the quaint medieval streets of Old Town to the sparkling Golden Roof.  The glittering sloping roof has been an opulent landmark since the 15^th century.  You’ll view Maria Theresa's Imperial Palace, the Triumphal Arch, and visit the Hofkirche.  Plus, you’ll have time to explore the medieval city on your own. 

Day 4, Salzburg

Enjoy a musical adventure as you explore the city of Mozart’s birth, Salzburg.  You’ll visit the Cathedral and famous Horse Fountain.  You’ll view Hellbrunn Castle, Mirabell Palace, and – from across the river – see Leopoldskron Castle, which is famous as the film location for The Sound of Music.

Day 5, Passion Play

Exact day of Passion Play is subject to change due to availability of play tickets.

Day 6, Italy and the Brenner Pass

Have your camera ready as you travel through the breathtaking Brenner Pass.  Winding for 12 miles, the pass was once an important Roman road.  The pass still connects Austria with Italy and takes you to Bressanone.  The historic city of Bressanone was founded in 910.  Today its quaint beauty entices residents and visitors to linger.  You’ll enjoy a stroll past magnificent architecture and visit some of the town’s famous landmarks, including the elegant cathedral that was begun in the 10^th century and rebuilt many times.

Day 7, Castles and Churches

Today is full of photographic wonders.  You will visit the beautiful Abbey of Ettal and the picture-perfect Church in the Meadow at Wies.  You will tour the magnificent Castle of Linderhof, Mad King Ludwig’s main residence.  This small royal palace is a delightful fantasy home for any crazy king or up-and-coming mogul. 

Day 8, Neuschwanstein Castle

Make your way up the steep ramp way to the drawbridge and enter the beautiful castle of Neuschwanstein.  This tour requires you to be in good physical condition as there are many steep stairs and inclines. 

Day 9, begin your return home.

You will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home.

Pricing

Includes:

Deluxe motor coaches

Wonderful Alpine accommodations

Guided sightseeing

Entrance fees and ticket for the Oberammergau Passion Play

Entrance fees to Neuschwanstein Castle

Daily European breakfasts

Full dinner daily

All gratuities for included meals, bus drivers, and guides

Taxes/fees

Air add ons

A deposit of $300.00 per person is due at time of reservation, with the final payment due May 10, 2010.  Reservations can be made by calling Dorothy Peterson of Peterson Travel Services at 800-737-6435, or by e-mail at mailto:Dorothy@petersoncruises.com. 

Extension Tours

Also available are extension tours which you can take immediately after the HOP.  If interested, please contact Dorothy Peterson to reserve your spot. 

·        Italy Extension 7 days $2026.00 per person

·        Day 9 The Alps and Verona
Keep your camera handy as you travel from your Austrian village through the Alps. Visit Verona, known as the city love. Romeo and Juliet’s balcony draws tourists from around the world.
Day 10 Venice City Tour
Travel by boat to the magical city of Venice. Stand in the Piazza San Marco; visit the Basilica of St. Mark. View the Bell Tower, Clock Tower and Doges’ Palace. View the sadly romantic Bridge of Sighs. Enjoy free time to explore on your own.
Day 11 Florence City
Tour Florence, home to a wealth of masterpieces. The highlights of your visit will be the Baptistery, which features Ghiberti’s famous Gates of Paradise and the Academy where you will view Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring David.
Day 12 Siena and Pisa
Beautiful Siena is built across several hills and valleys. The focal point of the city is the shell-shaped town “square.” Travel Pisa and snap a photo of the Leaning Tower.
Day 13 Assisi
Visit the Basilica of Assisi which contains the tomb of St. Francis.
Day 14 Ancient Rome
From the most sacred hill ancient Rome, Campidoglio, you’ll view the Forum. Visit the Coliseum, Mamertine Prison and the Pantheon. View the Circus Maximus, the Arch of Titus, the famous Baths of Caracalla and the Arch of Constantine. See the Victor Emanuel Monument and the Monti Region, Rome’s most ancient neighborhood.
Day 15 Christian Rome
Visit the Vatican. Enter St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel where Michelangelo’s frescoes have been restored to their full, colorful glory. Walk through the Catacombs.
Day 16 Return to USA
This morning you will be transferred to the Rome airport for your return flight home.

·        Switzerland Extension 7 days - $1820.00 per person

·        Day 9 Bern
Today, your road leads through valleys and mountains to Bern with its ancient arcaded streets and flower-decked fountains.
Day 10 Chillon, and Montreux
On a rocky island Lake Geneva is the Castle of Chillon. Walk through the royal residence and linger in the dungeon where, for six years, poor Bonivard was chained to the pillar. His destiny inspired Lord Byron to write the famous poem “The Prisoner of Chillon”. Continue to Montreux, famous for its music festivals.
Day 11 Geneva
Travel to Geneva, cultural artistic heart of Switzerland. Visit the new Reformation Museum. See the UN Palace, St. Pierre’s Cathedral and much more.  Geneva is a shoppers meca and you will have time to fill the last space in your bags with the best Switzerland has to offer.

·        Day 12 Gruyeres and Lausanne
Take time to explore the medieval stronghold of Gruyeres, a charming hilltop town surrounded by a wall dominated by a castle. You can sample the cheese and learn how it is made. Visit beautiful Lausanne, known as home to the International Olympic Committee.
Day 13 Zermatt and Gornergrat optional
Travel by train to Zermatt where only horse drawn vehicles are permitted. Explore the village and enjoy its magnificent view of the Matterhorn. Take an optional cog-wheel train ride up the Gornergrat mountain (additional cost) for breath-taking, up-close views.
Day 14 Interlaken, Brienz
Travel to Interlaken, where flower-lined streets and the surrounding peaks of the Jungfrau, Eiger and Monch will be familiar postcard images. In Brienz, learn about the Swiss art of woodcarving.
Day 15 Lucerne
Walk Lucerne’s wooden Kappel Bridge, colorfully painted to depict the city’s history. Take time to see the city’s famous Lion Monument. Carved out of a sheer sandstone cliff, it depicts a dying lion, his chin sagging on his shield.
Day 16 Return to USA
This morning you will be transferred to the Zurich airport for your return flight home.

·        Vienna and Prague Extension 7 days - $1923.00 per person

·        Day 9 Melk Abbey and Vienna
Visit the splendid Melk Abbey, perched high above the Danube. This Baroque style Benedictine abbey is famous for its library which holds countless medieval manuscripts. Travel to Vienna area for overnight.
Day 10 Vienna
Enjoy a Vienna city tour filled with castles, palaces, Opera Houses, grand boulevards, cathedrals, oversized Ferris wheels and perfectly sized coffee houses.
Day 11 Vienna Woods
Explore the romantic Vienna Woods, 100 square miles of beautiful wooded hills and rolling mountains that inspired some of the most famous waltzes of Strauss.
Day 12 and 13 Vienna and Prague
Depart Vienna and travel to Prague, one of the most spectacular cities in Europe. You will enjoy a walking tour in Prague’s Old Town. Visit Haradcany, Castle Church and the Golden Lane.
Day 14 Prague
Enjoy a morning free in Prague. After lunch, travel to Nuremberg area for overnight.
Day 15 Heidelberg and Worms
View the lightning struck Heidelberg Castle and explore the charming medieval Old Town. At Worms Luther refused to back down from his criticism of the church and you’ll view the Reformation Monument. Travel to Frankfurt area for overnight.
Day 16 Return to USA
This morning you will be transferred to the Frankfurt airport for your return flight home.

Short-term evacuation insurance is now available from SkyMed. For more information on this, you can call 337-263-3030 or e-mail Dick and Marilyn Rogers (SKP #61011) at rogers@skymed.com.

Please view the HOP Cancellation Policy.