DAY 1: UK - Zurich.
Fly to Zurich where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. (D)
DAY 2: Zurich - Appenzell - Liechtenstein - St Moritz.
Drive amongst the spectacular scenery of some of Switzerland's most famous cantons, stopping first at the old town of Appenzell with its quaint wooden houses and legendary 'Landsgemeindeplatz', a centuries-old meeting place. Next, head east through the tiny principality of Liechtenstein to its ancient capital Vaduz, before travelling through the Rhine Valley and the impressive Julier Pass, an important transport route since Roman times. Tonight, stay one night in the stylish Swiss spa resort of St Moritz, famous for its stunning mountain scenery and superb shopping. (B)
DAY 3: St Moritz - Bernina Express to Tirano - Lugano.
Today, experience a memorable railway trip aboard the Bernina Express. Crossing the Alps to Tirano in Italy, this spectacular rail journey takes you to heights of more than 2,000 metres. Later, rejoin your coach for a journey along the shores of beautiful Lake Como, crossing the Swiss border to the lovely lakeside city of Lugano for an overnight stay. (B)
DAY 4: Lugano - Lake Maggiore - Täsch area.
In the morning there's time to explore Lugano, described as having the 'gaiety and romance of Italy, encased in a Swiss precision watch', before heading into Italy and on to view the glorious, crystal-clear waters of Lake Maggiore, surrounded by towering mountains and lush countryside. There's a chance to take an optional boat trip to lovely Isola Bella, one of the Borromean Islands and famed for its picturesque gardens, before heading back into Switzerland, via the scenic Simplon Pass, and on to the Täsch area for an overnight stay. (B, D)
DAY 5: Täsch area - Zermatt - Lake Geneva - Lausanne area.
This morning enjoy an included excursion by train to Zermatt at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn, famous for having some of the best views in Switzerland. In the afternoon, drive through the vineyards of the lower Rhône Valley to the northern shore of Lake Geneva and the historic city of Lausanne area for an overnight stay. (B)
DAY 6: Lausanne area - Gruyère - Berne - Interlaken - Lucerne.
First stop is the famous cheese-making town of Gruyère and a visit to a local cheese factory. Then it's on to Switzerland's beautiful capital, Berne, standing on a rocky peninsula overlooking the Aare River and offering lots of opportunities for sightseeing and shopping. The visit features the Bear Park (the name Berne derives from 'bear') and the monumental Federal Palace. Continuing along the shores of Lake Thun, enjoy a stop in Interlaken, magnificently set in the foothills of the Jungfrau Mountains at an altitude of 570 metres, before headng across the Brunig Pass to the Lucerne for an overnight stay. (B)
DAY 7: Lucerne - Zurich.
See the best of Lucerne, one of Switzerland's most charming medieval cities, on an included visit. Later there's a chance to take an exciting funicular and cable car to the 1851 metre summit of the Stanserhorn or a boat cruise on the lake, before leaving for Zurich in the late afternoon. (B)
DAY 8: Zurich - Oberammergau area.
We leave Zurich this morning and travel to the Oberammergau area, via beautiful Lake Constance. (B, D)
DAY 9: 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 10: Oberammergau area - Munich.
This morning, depart Upper Bavaria and continue to the delightful city of Munich, for an overnight stay. The afternoon will be free to explore at your leisure. (B)
DAY 11: Munich - UK.
Transfer to Munich airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
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.
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