Germany and Switzerland with Oberammergau
Passion Play

2020

Your Tour at a Glance

Stay: 9 days, 8 nights

Location: Switzerland and Germany

Experience the grand cities of Europe’s Alpine region and be part of history in the making when you enjoy a performance of the legendary Passion Play in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau. You’ll view the picturesque pinnacles and turrets of Neuschwanstein Castle, and then overnight in Bavaria’s mysterious Black Forest, where popular souvenirs include authentic cuckoo clocks and wood carvings. In Switzerland, highlights include a visit to the Chateau de Chillon on lovely Lake Geneva and a walking tour in Lucerne. A farewell dinner with your fellow travelers is the perfect end to this memorable tour.

LOCATIONS

Map of Germany highlighting the routes from the trip.

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Traditional style German house with a brightly colored mural on the side.

Overnight Flight

Set out to explore two distinct Alpine cultures and experience the epic Oberammergau Passion Play.

DAY 2

Traditional 1500s german house with red and green shutters.

Oberammergau, Germany – Tour Begins

Your tour opens in the quaint village of Oberammergau, renowned for woodcarvings and the Passion Play. This evening, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

DAY 3

Oberammergau – Passion Play

This afternoon, witness a performance of the epic Passion Play. The original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the citizens vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the last days of the life of Christ. The performers of this once-in-a-decade event are all native to the village. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast starts to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers. During a break in the performance, join your fellow travelers for dinner before returning for the remainder of your Passion Play performance.

DAY 4

Large stucco church with sloped black roof.

Oberammergau – Black Forrest

Visit the Church of Weis and its miraculous figure of the Scourged Savior, said to have shed tears during prayer in the 18th century. Today, fairy tales become reality at a picture stop of Bavaria’s most famous castle, King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein. Next, you are off to the heart of the stunning Black Forest, a region famous for its artisans who create authentic cuckoo clocks, Hummels and wood carvings.

DAY 5

Sandstone castle with red tile roof on the edge of a green lake.

Black Forest – Zermatt, Switzerland

Welcome to Switzerland! Your first stop en route to Zermatt is at one of the most photographed castles in the world, the Château de Chillon, located on serene Lake Geneva. Later, enjoy a short train ride aboard the Matterhorn Gottard Bahn from Tasch to the relaxing pedestrian village of Zermatt in the Swiss Alps. Take a stroll and breathe in the fresh Alpine air.

DAY 6

Wooden cabins with black roofs, nestled in the snowy hills of the Swiss Alps.

Zermatt

Today Zermatt is at your fingertips. It’s your choice! Explore on foot during a guided walking tour -OR- experience Zermatt independently before visiting the Matterhorn Museum to learn more about the triumph and tragedy of the first ascent of this imposing peak. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

DAY 7

Gorgeous city with red spires built on a lake.

Zermatt – Grimsel Pass – Lucerne

Views of glaciers, crystal clear rivers and snowcapped mountains will invigorate you as you travel through the spectacular scenery of the Grimsel Pass. Your destination is Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.”

DAY 8

Sprawling Swiss city over a lake with bridges criss crossing across it.

Lucerne

This morning, embark on a scenic walking tour of this picturesque city, including a stroll through its romantic Old Town. The remainder of the day is yours to explore independently all Lucerne has to offer. Tonight, come together with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner featuring local specialties, and toast the end of a memorable trip.

DAY 9

Wooden bridge hung with flowers crossing a lake to enter Swiss town.

Lucerne – Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close in Lucerne.

Know Before You Go

This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces, should be expected. The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour. To complete your tour, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing our airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times. Single accommodations are extremely limited. Triple and child accommodations are not available. Return flights should not be booked prior to 10:00 a.m. The included lunch in Oberammergau will be a light lunch. Due to tour scheduling, flights must arrive prior to 3:00 p.m. Our air passengers will arrive into Munich, Germany airport. All transfers will depart Munich for Oberammergau. Our air passengers will depart from Zurich, Switzerland airport. All transfers will depart Lucerne for Zurich.

Budget: $3999 – $5999

Germany and Switzerland with Oberammergau Passion Play