DAY 1: UK - Munich.
Fly to Munich where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in the Munich area for an overnight stay .
DAY 2: Munich area - Innsbruck.
Quite a fascinating itinerary today. Drive south for a stop to visit Linderhof Castle, set deep in a valley in the forest of the Ammergau Alps. Journey into Austria and, by way of beautiful Seefeld, reach Innsbruck for an overnight stay. You'll have time to admire its famous Golden Roof. (B, D)
DAY 3: Innsbruck - Vaduz - Stans - Lake Lucerne.
Admire glorious alpine landscapes as you journey through the Tyrol to the Arlberg Tunnel and down into the Vorarlberg region before crossing the border to Vaduz, the capital of the tiny but wealthy principality of Liechtenstein. Later, journey into Switzerland and arrive in Stans to take advantage of the optional excursion by funicular and cable car to the 6,227-foot summit of Mount Stanserhorn. Then to the shores of lovely Lake Lucerne, for overnight. (B)
DAY 4: Lake Lucerne - Berne - Lausanne area.
This morning visit one of Switzerland's finest cities, nestled amid snowcapped Alps, surrounded by its lake, and embellished by the clear mountain waters of the River Reuss. See the impressive city walls, a covered wooden bridge, ornate patrician houses lining cobblestone streets, and the Lion Monument - a masterful stone sculpture. An optional lake cruise excursion is also available. Then drive along the shores of Lake Thun to the beautiful capital, Berne with its arcaded shops, carved fountains and towers. The visit features the Bear Park and the monumental Federal Palace. On to the Lausanne area for an one night. (B)
DAY 5: Lausanne area - Chillon Castle - Täsch.
This morning enjoy time in Lausanne before visiting Chillon Castle, residence of the Counts of Savoy in the 12th-century. More alpine scenery on the way to the typical Swiss village of Täsch. (B, D)
DAY 6: Täsch - Zermatt at leisure- Täsch.
Start the day with a short alpine train ride from Täsch to the picturesque mountain resort of Zermatt. Zermatt has a variety of shops, cafés and bars for you to enjoy at your leisure. Also, don't miss the opportunity of taking the optional excursion to the Gornergrat, Europe's highest rack-railway (3,131 metres). (B)
DAY 7: Zermatt - The Glacier Express to Andermatt - Lugano.
The alpine train journey to Andermatt is an unforgettable experience which takes you through the unspoilt beauty of the Alps. From Andermatt you then rejoin the coach for the journey to the shores of Lake Lugano, for an overnight stay. (B)
DAY 8: Lugano - Venice area.
This morning travel to Venice, a city of unparalleled beauty. This afternoon you will take a picturesque boat ride along the Giudecca Canal to Piazza San Marco and visit a typical Venetian glass blowing workshop. (B, D)
DAY 9: Venice area - Dolomites - Salzburg.
Today leave the flat and fertile plains of the River Po Valley and journey into the splendid scenery of the Dolomites, making a stop in the famous winter resort of Cortina. In the afternoon cross into Austria and ascend the road over the Grossglockner; a stop to admire the surrounding alpine scenery will be made during this part of the journey. Next to the Salzburg for an overnight stay. (B)
DAY 10: Salzburg - Oberammergau area.
This morning is free for you to relax or explore independently, before departing for the Oberammergau area. (B, D)
DAY 11: 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 12: Oberammergau area - Munich area.
Leave Upper Bavaria today and travel to the delightful city of Munich, for an overnight stay. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your own leisure. (B)
DAY 13: 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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