Oberammergau Passion Play with Alpine Explorer & Glacier Express Train
May 22 – June 2, 2022
4,999* per person | 12 Days • 17 Meals
Behold spectacular Alpine vistas and enjoy a performance of the famed Oberammergau Passion Play on this journey through Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.
In Zermatt, climb aboard the Glacier Express for an unforgettable train ride through the Alpine scenery of majestic mountains, verdant valleys, picturesque canyons, glistening glaciers and snowcapped peaks. The birthplace of Mozart and Mirabell Gardens are featured during your leisurely tour of Salzburg, Austria, before treating your taste buds to a scrumptious dinner and Mozart concert at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant. In Germany’s Bavarian capital of Munich, see the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel and the Olympic Park.
Your final destination Oberammergau, a quaint village nestled in the Bavarian Alps, is where you’ll witness a performance of the world-renowned Passion Play, whose origins date back to 1634. Watch as the entire village comes together to fulfill their vow to perform a play every ten years in honor of Christ’s life if they were spared from the Black Plague.
Your Tour Highlights at a glance…
- Spend two nights in lovely Stresa, located on the banks of picturesque Lago Maggiore.
- Experience the most legendary of Alpine railway journeys: The Glacier Express.
- Explore Salzburg’s historic and charming Old Town – the Altstadt.
- Witness a performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play.
- Soak up the mountain air with two nights in the village of Zermatt.
- Visit Linderhof Palace, one of the most artistic and stylistically complex ensembles of the 19th century.
- Relish Italian cuisine on Isola del Pescatori in Italy’s Lago Maggiore.
- Enjoy a wine and cheese pairing at an Italian family farm.
- Delight in dinner and a Mozart concert at the 1,200-year-old St. Peter’s Restaurant, central Europe’s oldest.
Your Itinerary for May 22 – June 2, 2022 (exact 2022 travel dates and itinerary subject to some adjustments) Note: tour inclusions and available options may vary, and programming is subject to change.
Day 1 – Overnight Flight
Breathtaking Alpine vistas await as you travel through Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. From amazing railways to the thrilling Passion Play, experience the wonders only found in the heart of Europe.
Day 2 – Stresa, Italy (Lago Maggiore*) – Tour Begins
Arrive in Stresa (Lago Maggiore) and take some free time to explore this beautiful lakeside town on your own. Your evening begins with a cocktail party in a wine shop before we cruise to our welcome dinner on Isola dei Pescatori, the most beautiful of the Borromean Islands.
Meals: Dinner | Temperature: High 74° Low 64° | Hotel: Zacchera Hotels
Day 3 – Stresa
Today we make our way to an ancient village nestled in the mountains. Stop at a family farm to learn about the artisan cheeses they produce. Sample delicious creations and discover how to pair them with local wines. Return to Stresa for an afternoon at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast | Temperature: High 74° Low 64° | Hotel: Zacchera Hotels
Day 4 – Stresa – Zermatt, Switzerland
Depart Lago Maggiore for a scenic drive into the heart of the mountains. The incredible views of the Italian and Swiss Alps are sure to leave a lasting impression. Upon arrival in Tasch, board a local train for a ride to the spectacular pedestrian village of Zermatt in the Swiss Alps.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner | Temperature: High 63° Low 48° | Hotel: Hotel Alex
Day 5 – Zermatt
Today, Zermatt is at your fingertips. It’s your choice! Tour Zermatt’s best-known landmarks by foot with a local expert; or, enjoy a visit to the Matterhorn Museum where you’ll learn more about the triumph and tragedy behind the first ascent of this imposing peak. The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast | Temperature: High 63° Low 48° | Hotel: Hotel Alex
Day 6 – Zermatt – Glacier Express Train – St. Moritz
Traverse bridges and tunnels while aboard the world-renowned narrow-gauge Glacier Express, the most charming express train in the world. Enjoy the natural beauty of this route through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Filled with forests, fragrant meadows, streams and deep valleys, it’s a mountain dream come to life. Arrive in St. Moritz, playground of the rich and famous.
Meals: Breakfast | Temperature: High 61° Low 37° | Hotel: Hotel Steffani
Day 7 – St. Moritz – Innsbruck, Austria
Drive through the picturesque Engadine Valley to Innsbruck, Austria, capital of the Austrian Tyrol. Join a local expert and explore the city’s medieval pedestrian streets including Maria Theresian Strasse, the Hofburg and the Golden Roof.
Meals: Breakfast | Temperature: High 67° Low 47° | Hotel: Hotel Innsbruck
Day 8 – Innsbruck – Salzburg – Innsbruck
Travel the Austrian countryside to historic Salzburg, one of Europe’s most beautiful and romantic spots. Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Salzburg’s historic Old Town – the Altstadt. See highlights such as the Cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace and Mirabell Gardens. Film buffs will be able to pick out locations from The Sound of Music. This evening, enjoy a delightful Mozart dinner concert at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant, central Europe’s oldest restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner | Temperature: High 67° Low 47° | Hotel: Hotel Innsbruck
Day 9 – Innsbruck – Munich, Germany – Oberammergau
Today we head to the frontier of Germany, crossing the border into Bavaria. Arrive in the Bavarian capital of Munich for a walking tour featuring the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel and Olympic Park. Next, depart for the quaint village of Oberammergau, nestled in the Bavarian Alps.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner | Temperature: High 67° Low 47° | Hotel TBA
- Hotel: Oberammergau Regional Hotel
Day 10 – 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 start 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Temperature: High 67° Low 47° | Hotel TBA
- Hotel: Oberammergau Regional Hotel
Day 11 – Oberammergau – Linderhof Palace – Füssen – Munich
Travel to nearby Linderhof Palace, one of the most artistic and stylistically complex ensembles of the 19th century. It is the only palace King Ludwig II of Bavaria was able to complete. Behind the Baroque façade is a Rococo world, rich in abundant ornamentation. Next, enjoy free time exploring medieval Füssen, the romantic town in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps. Make a special picture stop at Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany’s most famous castle and the inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable journey.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner | Temperature: High 68° Low 50° | Hotel: Sheraton Munich Westpark Hotel
Day 12 – Munich – Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close today. Personal post-tour options available on request. Meals: Breakfast
*Tour rate is based on double occupancy. Airfare add-on from Seattle available upon request. 2020 Pricing subject to change based on availability at time of reservation request. (exact 2022 travel dates and itinerary to be advised)