WORLD YOUTH DAY 2011

MADRID, SPAIN
AUGUST 15-21 
  

OBERAMMERGAU 2010 - THE PASSION PLAY

“A play of life and death, promised in a moment of mortal threat” - so began the history of the Oberammergau Passion Play in 1633. In the middle of the Thirty Years War, after months of suffering and death from the plague, the Oberammergauers swore an oath that they would perform the "Play of the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ" every ten years. At Pentecost 1634, they fulfilled their pledge for the first time on a stage they put up in the cemetery above the fresh graves of the plague victims.” In the year 2008, the Community of Oberammergau will perform the Passion Play they have preserved throughout the centuries with singular continuity for the 42^nd time.

We have several dates available for a variety of Tour Options, including:

Imperial Cities featuring Budapest, Vienna, Prague & Innsbruck and the Oberammergau Passion Play   
$2,999.00/double  or $3749/single  plus air 
Great sightseeing, traditional entertainment and fabulous cultural elements await you on your amazing tour of the Imperial cities of Central Europe. During a visit to a typical Hungarian horse farm, you’ll learn the unique culture and history of the Hungarian horsemen and watch in amazement as they put on a spectacular horse show. An informative city tour of Budapest features the Mathias Church, where many kings have had their coronations. Travel back in time with a visit to a 14th century castle, where knights with colorful costumes and authentic weaponry recreate the days of chivalry. In the grand city of Vienna, stand in awe of the baroque marvels of Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty. “Waltz” across the breathtaking Danube and travel through the historic Wachau Valley during your scenic Danube River cruise. Explore the 11th century Melk Abbey, famous for its production and collection of manuscripts. While in Prague, you’ll see the amazing Hradcany Castle and walk the famous Golden Lane. Your tour concludes with a memorable and moving performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play, whose origins date back to 1634.
Highlights: Budapest, Mathias Church, Fishermen's Bastion, Renaissance Dinner, Hungarian Horse Show, Vienna, Schoenbrunn Palace, Danube River Cruise, Grinzing Evening, Prague, Hradcany Castle, Innsbruck, Oberammergau Passion Play  

Discover Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria with Oberammergau’s Passion Play

$2,999.00/double  or $3599/single  plus air  

The distinct cultures of Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria await you. Explore delightful Bern on a panoramic sightseeing tour featuring the Bundeshaus (the Swiss Parliament), the famous Bear Pit, the Rose Gardens, and the gothic cathedral. Your time in Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake,” includes a leisurely-paced Alstadt (Old Town) walking tour exploring the city’s treasures – the covered Chapel Bridge (1833) and the Lion Monument, carved from natural rock to commemorate the heroic Swiss Guard. Discover Innsbruck’s sites on a panoramic tour and then enjoy a full day of leisure in this Olympic city. Upon your arrival in beautiful Salzburg, you’ll embark on a leisurely-paced walking tour showcasing the Mirabell Gardens and the quaint Getreidegasse (site of Mozart’s birthplace). Have dinner where Columbus might once have when you travel Austria’s oldest restaurant, St. Peter’s Restaurant, for dinner. Fairy tales come to life with a picture stop at Bavaria’s most famous castle, Neuschwanstein. Your amazing vacation concludes in the charming village of Oberammergau. Here you’ll witness a spectacular performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play, whose origins date back to 1634. Watch as the entire village comes together to present you with their rendition of this Biblical story. 
Highlights: Engelberg, Bern, Bear Pit, Lucerne, Innsbruck, Austrian Alps, Salzburg, Mirabell Gardens, St. Peter’s Restaurant, Bavaria, Oberammergau, Passion Play

For more details, including a full listing of tour options, please contact our Group Tour Specialist, Karen Hall.