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Grand Tour of Austria & Oberammergau 2010
10 DAYS FROM £1475
Explore the picture-postcard towns and villages of Austria, combined with an evening at the spectacular 2010 Passion Play in Oberammergau.
Included Highlights
Munich Orientation drive
Lake Chiemsee
Salzburg City sightseeing
Mondsee Scenic drive
Danube River Scenic drive
Melk Abbey Visit
Vienna City sightseeing
Semmering Pass Scenic drive
Graz Visit
Grossglockner Pass Scenic drive
Tyrolean Alps Scenic drive
Innsbruck Orientation
Oberammergau Passion Play
Your Price Includes
Flights: UK - Munich - UK
Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
Meals on tour 9 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L) and 5 dinners (D)
Professional tour director on tour
Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person) - not included in the Oberammergau area
Transfers between the overseas airport and hotels
All local and airport taxes/service charges
Holiday Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Munich.
Fly to Munich, the capital of Bavaria, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 2: Munich - Lake Chiemsee - Salzburg.
Sometimes dubbed Germany's 'Secret Capital', Munich is a captivating mix of traditional Bavarian charm and modern chic and oozes 'gemutlichkeit' - a jovial atmosphere typified by its famous beer halls and breweries. Today, enjoy an included orientation drive of this magnificent city with a stop to admire its splendid Marienplatz square, old and new town halls and the twin-towered Gothic church, the Frauenkirche. This afternoon set off on our journey to Salzburg, calling en route at beautiful Lake Chiemsee, Bavaria's biggest lake, before continuing on to Mozart's charming birthplace. (B, D)
DAY 3: Salzburg (included sightseeing) - Melk - Vienna.
Immortalised as the film location of The Sound of Music, Salzburg is a feast for the eyes with its charming streets, palaces and churches set beneath an imposing 11th century castle. Take a fascinating tour of the city this morning, ambling through its historic centre to marvel at its magnificent Domplatz Cathedral, Residenzplatz, Festival Hall and medieval Getreidegasse, the cobbled street housing the building where Mozart was born, which is now a museum. Perhaps even sample one of Salzburg's famous Mozartkugel chocolates on your way! This afternoon our stop is the 1,000-year old Melk Abbey, where there's time to soak up the splendours of this building standing high on a hill above the Danube. From here, we trace the banks of the Danube through the stunning Wachau Valley, passing rich vineyards, fairytale castles and villages such as Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Arrive in Vienna, Austria's glittering capital, late this afternoon, for a two-night stay. (B)
DAY 4: Vienna. Included sightseeing.
Once the seat of the mighty Hapsburg Empire and home to Strauss, Brahms, Beethoven, Haydn and Mozart, Vienna blends ornate Baroque architecture with an irresistible musical heritage - you can almost hear the strains of some of classical music's greatest works as you stroll its streets. There's much to enthral you on our tour today with a chance to admire the fabulous State Opera House, Hofburg Palace and Parliament House amongst other monuments before visiting the superb 12th century St Stephen's Cathedral. Later, why not try some of Vienna's heavenly Sachertorte cake at a traditional coffee house or enjoy a horse-drawn Fiaker carriage ride? This afternoon, don't miss our optional excursion to the exquisite Schönbrunn Palace. Surrounded by glorious gardens and once home to Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Maria Theresa, this breathtaking palace is best known for its Hall of Mirrors, where Mozart once played, and the spectacular ceiling frescoes of its Great Gallery. Tonight enjoy an optional Viennese evening. (B)
DAY 5: Vienna - Semmering Pass - Graz.
Sit back and soak up the stunning mountain scenery of the Styrian Alps this morning as you cross the famous Semmering Pass towards Graz, Austria's second largest city, for an overnight stay. This afternoon, why not savour the many charms of this historic city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to six universities, on our optional tour? Admire its medieval main square, the Hauptplatz, with its famous painted Gemaltes Haus, covered with frescoes of the Roman gods, together with its quaint cobbled narrow streets and alleyways, impressive castle and other major landmarks. (B, D)
DAY 6: Graz - Grossglockner Pass - Innsbruck.
This morning, more scenic wonders await with your journey through pretty Klagenfurt and around Lake Worth to the Grossglockner Pass. This breathtaking pass is the highest in Austria and one of the most spectacular in Europe, with thrilling views over the 3,798-metre Grossglockner mountain, lush dairy pastures and picturesque villages. Once through the Pass, continue your journey via beautiful Kitzbühel. Overnight in Innsbruck, the capital of Austria's wondrous Tyrol. (B, D)
DAY 7: Innsbruck - Oberammergau area.
Surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, the Tyrolean capital is undoubtedly one of Austria's prettiest cities. This morning, enjoy an orientation drive followed by time at leisure where there's an opportunity to explore the charms of Innsbruck and delve into its delightful streets. Admire the resplendent Golden Roof, a 15th century, gold-and-copper roofed balcony built to provide Emperor Maximilian I with a royal box for viewing tournaments in the square below, and marvel at the handsome Hofburg Palace. Alternatively, enjoy some last-minute Austrian souvenir shopping, maybe snapping up some of the legendary Swarovski crystal, which was first produced in the nearby town of Wattens. This afternoon, bid farewell to beautiful Innsbruck as you leave for the Oberammergau area in Germany. (B, D)
DAY 8: The Passion Play in Oberammergau.
The quaint alpine resort of Oberammergau enjoys an idyllic location and is World renowned for its spectacular Passion Play, which is performed by its inhabitants every 10 years. This morning is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure. The highlight of the tour will undoubtedly be the performance of the Passion Play, which will be enjoyed today. The play will begin in the afternoon and will continue into the evening, with a break for dinner in between. (B, L, D)
DAY 9: Oberammergau area - Munich.
This morning, depart Upper Bavaria as you continue your journey back to Munich. The rest of the day will be at leisure for you to explore independently. (B)
DAY 10: Munich - UK.
Transfer to Munich airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Check prices and availability for this holiday
Accommodation on Tour
Munich: Econtel (3*); Salzburg: Austria Trend Airportcenter (4*); Vienna: Bellevue (4*) or Sachsengang in Gross Enzersdorf (3*); Graz: Ibis (3*); Oberammergau area: HK3 category accommodation; Innsbruck: Dollinger or similar (3*); Munich: Econtel (3*).
The Passion Play
The background
The quaint village of Oberammergau is renowned Worldwide for its spectacular Passion Play, which is performed by locals once every 10 years.
In 1633 the Black Death swept through Europe decimating its population. However, Oberammergau remained untouched until a homesick villager returned one night, unknowingly carrying the disease. As a result, more than 80 villagers lost their lives.
Frightened survivors vowed that if God protected them from the plague, they would perform a Passion Play once every 10 years in memory of the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. Since 1634, the inhabitants of Oberammergau have kept their promise and this long standing tradition which dates back over 370 years continues to play an integral part of village life.
About the Play
The Play portrays the Passion of Christ, commemorating his journey into Jerusalem, his death and resurrection. It takes place on a vast open-air stage, which is framed by spectacular alpine scenery and is performed exclusively by amateur actors, singers and musicians who have all lived in the village for over 20 years.
In 2010 the performances will be held in the afternoon and will continue through to the evening with an included dinner break in between.
Your accommodation in the Oberammergau area
Accommodation in the Oberammergau area has been categorised by the Passion Play Committee, according to the size of the rooms and its facilities.
This holiday includes two nights in the Oberammergau area with prices based on HK3 category accommodation.
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HK3 Hotel
A superior middle-class hotel with comfortably furnished rooms. All rooms have a shower or bath and WC and are equipped with a minibar or range of drinks, colour television, telephone, radio and hairdryer.
This accommodation is offered in combination with a 1st class category ticket to the Passion Play.
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