Glorious Germany, the Czech Republic & the Oberammergau Passion Play
20 Superb Days
- Best seats for the Passion Play
- Leisurely 2 and 3 night stays
- Small group size from just 10 to 28
- Genuinely inclusive, no extra costs
- Designed for Australians & New Zealanders
- 'My Time' guaranteed
Tour Overview
See Berlin’s Checkpoint Charlie, Potsdam’s Palaces and ‘Bridge of Spies’, Prague’s medieval Hradcany Castle and WWII Colditz. Stand on the Bastei Bridge and giant Königstein’s ramparts. Relax in the magnificent Saxon Switzerland National Park, float on a punt through Spreewald’s marshes, cruise along the River Elbe to Dresden’s Royal Palace and glide down the Vltava in Cesky Krumlov, and experience the extraordinary Oberammergau Passion Play!
Highlights
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Stay 2 nights in vibrant Berlin
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See the famous Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden and rebuilt Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie and sections of “The Wall’
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Glide through the waterways of the ‘Spree Forest’ – a unique UNESCO listed biosphere
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Visit majestic Saxon Switzerland, walk over the Bastei Bridge far above the River Elbe and explore the ramparts of Germany’s largest fortress – Königstein
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Enjoy a walking tour of Dresden
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Stay 3 nights in the heart of glorious medieval Prague
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Be guided through the infamous ‘escape castle’ of WWII – Colditz
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Explore the massive Hradcany – Prague Castle, St Vitus Cathedral the colourful houses of Zlatá Ulièka
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Visit the historic silver city of Kutná Hora, the Sedlec Ossuary (Church of Bones), wonderful Cathedral of Saint Barbara, and a torch lit guided tour through the 500 year old silver mine
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Stay 2 nights in the heart of wonderful Cesky Krumlov
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Enjoy a walking tour including several locations from the film ‘The Sound of Music’ in Salzburg
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Spend time at leisure in Salzburg exploring the ornate squares and churches, fascinating shops and traditional coffee houses
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Spend a day exploring the magnificent Lakes District visiting the beautiful lakeside villages of Hallstatt and St Wolfgang
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Drive over the stunning Fern Pass to stay 2 nights in the ancient medieval town of Füssen
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Explore the cobblestoned city of Innsbruck and see the famous Golden Roof
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Visit Hohenschwangau to explore Ludwig’s ‘fairytale’ Neuschwanstein Castle
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Take the Tegelberg cable car high into the Bavarian Alps
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Visit the most beautiful church in Europe, Wieskirche - the ‘Church in the Meadows’
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Relax in the mountain resort town of Garmisch and visit the Abbey of Kloster Ettal
- Enjoy your ‘grand finále’ - stay 2 nights in selected 4 star hotel accommodation and enjoy Category 1 ‘best in house’ seating for the marvellous Oberammergau Passion Play
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: Berlin welcome
Your tour commences this evening in vibrant Berlin – a city now united and rebuilt in even greater glory. Join us tonight for a welcome drink before dinner in your hotel. This is an ideal chance to meet, and get to know, your Tour Manager and fellow travellers.
Meals:
D
Hotel:
Maritim proArte or similar
DAY 2: Berlin sightseeing and 'My Time'
This morning we are joined by an expert local guide for a panoramic tour to see all the major sights from the famous Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden and rebuilt Reichstag to the Victory Column in the Tiergarten, Potsdamer Platz, Checkpoint Charlie and remaining sections of “The Wall’. Your afternoon and evening is entirely at leisure. The shopping is amazing and the city brims with world class sights. Perhaps visit one of the five world class museums on UNESCO Heritage listed Museumsinsel (Museum Island) or the riveting Checkpoint Charlie museum and moving Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. This evening discover your own local restaurant for dinner. Maybe dine ‘al fresco’ in Gendarmenmarkt square, dramatically flanked by two beautiful cathedrals and the Berlin Concert Hall.
Meals:
B
DAY 3: Potsdam Palaces and Gardens
A full day amongst the UNESCO Heritage listed glorious palaces and gardens of Potsdam! On our way to Potsdam we enjoy a photo stop on the famous Bridge of Unity – more famously known as the ‘Bridge of Spies’. Arriving in Potsdam we enjoy a guided visit to Cecilienhof Palace, the last palace built by the German Kaiser, and the site of the 1945 Potsdam Convention where Churchill, Truman and Stalin famously met. Inside is a fascinating museum! The furniture, private reception rooms and huge conference table remain exactly as they were when these great leaders met to carve up a ravaged, post war Europe. After lunchtime in Potsdam’s pretty Dutch Quarter, accompanied by our expert local guide, we stop to admire the elegant terraces in the gardens of Fredrick the Great’s Sanssouci Summer Palace. We visit the astounding Neues Palais with its newly restored palatial rooms, including the Gottensaal (Grotto Hall) and Marmorgalerie (Marble Gallery). Later we drive south to Lübbenau in Spreewald, where we stay the next two nights.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Hotel Schloss Lübbenau or similar
DAY 4: Spreewald punt ride and Lübbenau ‘My Time’
Spreewald, or ‘Spree Forest’, is an utterly entrancing UNESCO listed biosphere reserve. Boarding our punts we are ‘poled’ silently through a dreamy forest on a lacework of channels and canals, lined with wooden cottages, jetties and hamlets. In the heart, at the village of Lehde, we enjoy a lunchtime stop at a waterside restaurant and ‘biergarten’. Back in Lübbenau, your afternoon and evening is at leisure. Free time to relax or shop in this delightful inland harbour town. For the more active maybe take a walk or a bike ride along the forested pathways. And the local food speciality? Gherkins!
Meals:
B
DAY 5: Meissen, Colditz Castle and Dresden
Travelling south we arrive mid-morning in the medieval town of Meissen. As we approach the city, the first thing that comes into view is the Burgberg (castle hill) rising over the River Elbe. The hill is home to the magnificent gothic cathedral and Albrechtsburg, a 15th century palace, designed for luxury and style rather than defence. At the base of the Burgberg is Meissen’s marketplace. Cobblestoned streets are bordered by pastel coloured Renaissance buildings – the perfect place to find a café for an early lunch. Continuing on, we reach one of the most infamous castles of WWII – Colditz. Subject of numerous books and films, this enormous castle became the prison for all the greatest POW escapees of the war. Ironically the Nazis therefore created an incredible escape training school! The museum is full of the most amazing array of escape tools and memorabilia. Our local guide will also show us some of the most impossible tunnels and escape routes. Utterly fascinating! Later we arrive in Dresden, where we stay the next three nights.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
The Westin Bellevue or similar
DAY 6: Dresden sightseeing and 'My Time'
Rebuilt after the massive bombing raids of WWII, Dresden has once again bloomed into one of the most beautiful and elegant cities in Europe, reflecting the grandeur of this capital of the Electors of Saxony, who once ruled a powerful empire. On our morning walking tour you will see the glorious Zwinger Palace, the Semper Opera House and the symbolic Frauenkirche dominating the massive, ancient market square. Following the Fürstenzug – a dramatic, 100 metre long painted porcelain mural depicting the procession of Princes - we visit the Dresden Royal Palace. We have included entrance to the museums including the Armoury, Turkish Chamber, Riesensaal (Giants’ Hall) and the fabulous New Green Vault with over 1,000 beautiful gold and silver bejewelled objects. Simply stunning! The rest of your day is at leisure to explore this delightful city.
Meals:
B
DAY 7: Saxon Switzerland National Park sightseeing and River Elbe cruise
We have an incredible day planned in Germany’s ‘Saxon Switzerland’ National Park. First stop will be at the dramatic 75 metre long (easily accessible) stone Bastei Bridge, which links the incredible rock formations, walkways and lookouts, 200 metres above the River Elbe. The panoramic views are stupendous! In the distance you will see the massive rock ramparts of Festung Königstein, which we visit next. Dating back to the 13th century, this is the largest fortress in Germany, and one of the very best castle visits in all Europe! The main entrance tunnel is so impressive, as is the 152 metre deep well, barracks and old wine cellars. The 1.5 kilometre long cliff top ramparts, often lined with restored cannon, are a thrill to walk along. Later, at Pillnitz, we stop to see the park and ornate gardens of Pillnitz Palace, before taking a cruise down the beautiful River Elbe. Journeying past palaces, mansions and the UNESCO listed river farmlands, we arrive into Dresden at Brühl’s Terrace, nicknamed ‘the balcony of Europe. This evening we have included dinner in a local restaurant.
Meals:
B
D
DAY 8: Prague Sightseeing
Early afternoon we arrive in Prague, where we stay three nights in the very heart of the old city. On arrival we are joined by our expert local guide for a tour through this fascinating city to the Hradcany – Prague Castle. Covering 7 hectares it is the largest ancient castle in the world. We also visit St Vitus Cathedral and the colourful houses of Zlatá Ulièka, or Golden Lane, named after the goldsmiths who lived here in the 17th century. Dinner this evening will be authentic Czech cuisine in a local restaurant.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Hotel Adria
DAY 9: Prague ‘My Time’
Your day is completely at leisure to explore the laneways, churches and bridges of this beautiful, UNESCO Heritage listed city. Prague is justifiably known as one of the truly great cities of Europe and the old town is right on your doorstep. Your ‘My Time’ today will so relaxing and rewarding.
Meals:
B
DAY 10: Kutná Hora sightseeing
Join us today on a full day excursion to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Kutná Hora. Fortune-hunters flocked to Kutná Hora in the 13th century to dig out the silver rich ore discovered here. Once bigger than medieval London, the city minted coins used all across Europe, and its wealth
underpinned the power of the Bohemian kings. Here we will visit the Sedlec Ossuary (Church of Bones), with macabre décor of bone art, followed by the wonderful Cathedral of Saint Barbara, a masterpiece of late Gothic fantasy. You will also have free time to relax and explore the lovely old town.
For those at ease within narrow, dark spaces we have also included an incredible torch lit guided tour through the 500 year old silver mine labyrinth, deep under the city.
Meals:
B
DAY 11: Třeboň and Cesky Krumlov
Driving south we spend lunchtime in the spa town of Třeboň, an undiscovered gem that sits in the heart of this UNESCO listed biosphere. Since the 14th century, man has transformed the surrounding land into an idyllic countryside filled with over 6,000 lakes and islands and it is famous for its … fishponds! The town centre, Schloss and Masaryk Square are a delightful mixture of colourful renaissance buildings and ‘al fresco’ cafés serving fish, and there are so few tourists! Later we continue to the perfectly preserved 13th century city of Cesky Krumlov. Originally built as a hamlet around the impressive castle, the wealth from the silver and gold mining, plus Catholic aristocrats seeking refuge during the Reformation, made Cesky Krumlov the most important city in southern Bohemia. We stay the next two nights in the very heart of this extraordinary, UNESCO World Heritage listed time capsule. On arrival we board large wooden rafts to enjoy a leisurely float slowly down the placid River Vltava. From your seats you will get the very best views up onto the castle walls and into the old town. What better way to introduce you to the city?
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Hotel Ruze or similar
DAY 12: Cesky Krumlov tour and ‘My Time’
This morning we have included the services of an expert local guide to bring to life the history and background of this extraordinary town. You will also enjoy a guided tour of the Castle’s Renaissance and Baroque state rooms. Your afternoon and evening is at leisure in UNESCO Heritage listed Cesky Krumlov to relax and enjoy free time amongst the cobblestoned streets, cafés, restaurants, shops and ancient winding alleys.
Meals:
B
DAY 13: Salzburg guided tour and 'My Time'
Heading into Austria we soon reach Salzburg – the baroque city of Mozart, where we spend the next 3 nights. On arrival a local guide will accompany us on a walking tour of this enchanting UNESCO Heritage listed city, from the Mirabelle Palace Gardens to the magnificent city squares, including several locations used in the film ‘The Sound of Music’. This evening we have included a memorable dinner at the St Peter Stiftskeller. First mentioned as an Inn as far back as the year 803, this is the oldest known restaurant in central Europe!
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt or similar
DAY 14: A full day at leisure exploring baroque Salzburg
Your day is completely at leisure. ‘My Time’ exploring the myriad of narrow, cobblestoned streets, ornate squares and churches, fascinating shops and traditional coffee houses. The views from the enormous Festung (Fortress), sitting high above the city, are magnificent. Dinner tonight is included.
Meals:
DAY 15: The Austrian Lakes District, Hallstatt and St Wolfgang
Driving deep into the Lakes District we stop in the picturesque town of Hallstatt, considered the oldest inhabited village in Europe and perhaps the most beautiful in Austria. Later we follow the shores of Wolfgangsee (lake) to enjoy lunchtime in the flower bedecked town of St Wolfgang. The remainder of your afternoon and evening is at leisure in Salzburg - arguably one of the most interesting and beautiful cities in the world.
Meals:
B
DAY 16: Innsbruck in the Tyrol and over the Fern Pass into Bavaria
Following the dramatic Inn Valley through the rolling Tyrolean hills we visit the nearby winter resort city of Innsbruck. There will be time at leisure to explore the sights of the Altstadt (old town) such as the Hofburg Imperial Palace, cobblestoned streets and the renowned Golden Roof. Passing pretty Alpine villages we drive over the Fern Pass into the Bavarian Alps and the ancient historic town of Füssen, where we stay the next 2 nights.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Hotel Hirsch in Füssen or similar
DAY 17: Neuschwanstein Castle and Tegelberg
We start the day in Hohenschwangau. On one hill overlooking the little village you have the neo-gothic castle of Hohenschwangau and on the other side above the village is a wooded mountain spur and Neuschwanstein – the fairytale castle of ‘mad’ King Ludwig. We take a leisurely stroll up the wooded road to enjoy a guided tour through Neuschwanstein Castle’s state rooms, king’s apartments, halls and throne room; all reminiscent of a Wagner operatic saga. Later this afternoon we will take a cable car ride up to Tegelberg to take in the excellent views down onto the fairytale castles far below. Your evening is at leisure in Füssen.
Please note: The guided tour through Neuschwanstein Castle incorporates climbing up and down a number of staircases and, as there are no elevators, the inside visit to the castle this morning may not be suitable for those with walking difficulties or limitations.
Meals:
B
DAY 18: The Church in the Meadows, Garmisch and the Abbey of Kloster Ettal
Driving through Bavarian farmlands and forests we will stop at arguably the most beautiful church in Europe – Wieskirche (the ‘Church in the Meadows’). Surrounded by green fields, the interior of this World Heritage Listed church is an astounding Rococo creation. Later we enjoy ‘My Time’ in Garmisch-Partenkirchen to relax in one of the traditional beer gardens or restaurants, or shop in the broad pedestrian mall. We will also visit the 14th century baro
Your hotel in the Oberammergau area
As an appointed Tour Operator for the 2020 Oberammergau Passion Play, and handling such a large number of Oberammergau packages, we have been fortunate to be allocated stays in a variety of excellent, 4 star hotels in Oberammergau itself, as well as in the nearby towns of Murnau, Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Bad Kohlgrub.
Meals:
B
D
DAY 19: An incredible Oberammergau Passion Play Experience
An easy start to the day before we enjoy time exploring the colourful village of Oberammergau with its beautiful houses and buildings adorned with “Lüftlmalerei” - ornately painted murals depicting assorted religious scenes. Throughout the afternoon and evening we enjoy the huge spectacle that is the Passion Play from our Category 1 seats. The famous Passion Play has been performed every ten years since 1633, a time when the Thirty Year’s War and Bubonic Plague were ravaging Europe causing so much suffering and death. With a backdrop of Kofel Peak and surrounded by the Ammergau Mountains, the massive open-air stage erupts with colour, music, song and up to 2,000 local inhabitants enacting the story of the Passion of Christ.
Meals:
B
D
DAY 20: To Munich
This morning we drive to nearby Munich where your tour ends on arrival, mid-morning. Drop off points will be in the city centre and Munich airport. We recommend you book flights or trains that depart Munich after 2pm.
Meals:
B
Incredible Value Inclusions
- Category 1 seating for the Oberammergau Passion Play
- ALL excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrances as described
- Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager
- Travel in a first class air-conditioned touring coach
- 19 nights specially selected hotel accommodation
- Hotel porterage (1 bag per person)
- 30 Meals – including breakfast daily (B) and 11 dinners (D)
- Welcome drink in Berlin
- Hand Selected Albatross Experiences – Spreewald punt ride, Elbe River cruise, Vltava raft ride, Kutná Hora silver mine visit, ‘SaxonSwitzerland’
- Local guides as described in the itinerary
- ALL tips for your Tour Manager, Driver and local guides
- Personal audio system whilst on tour
- Free WiFi at hotels
NO additional ‘on tour’ costs!
Oberammergau Passion Play - FAQs
What is the history of the Oberammergau Passion Play?
The Passion Play origins date back to 1633, when the community of Oberammergau found itself under threat from the Bubonic plague – the town pledged that if God were to spare them death, they would perform a play each decade to celebrate the life and death of Jesus. Thankfully the vow appeared to work, and as a result the locals were true to their promise – the very first play happened during Pentecost in 1634, where a stage was erected in the local cemetery. Nowadays the performances take place on a much larger scale, with over 2000 of the village’s residents working together to ensure the spectacle honours the vow of their ancestors. Such is the dedication of the residents, all male actors performing in the plays take part in a “Hair Decree”– from Ash Wednesday in 2021, all men are requested to let the hair on their heads and face grow to ensure they have an authentic look in time for 2022!
What are the performance dates?
There will be up to 103 performances between 14 May and 2 October 2020.
5 performances each week, on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
How long is the play?
The play is 5 hours long. It is held throughout the afternoon and evening with a 3-hour break for an included 3 course dinner. Based on the 2010 programme we are assuming there will be 11 Acts featured in the 2022 Passion Play programme.
Performance times
14 May - 14 August | Part I : 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm Part II : 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Later in the season when the sun sets earlier the times change by one hour
15 August – 2 October | Part I : 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm Part II 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Do we have good seats?
Yes, the best! You will have Category 1 seating – the best seats in house.
How many seats are there?
The audience section is fully covered and contains 4,720 comfortable covered seats.
What language is the show in?
The shows will be exclusively in German. You can buy a programme with an English translation of the text on the day of the performance.
If the stage is open air what happens if it rains?
The massive open air stage has a fabulous backdrop of Kofel Peak and is surrounded by the Ammergau Mountains, all of which enhances the drama. However if it does rain, at the push of a button a giant mechanical cover will extend out and over the stage.
How big is the show?
Enormous! There will be 100 choristers, a 55-piece orchestra and 2,000 actors - all locals. There will be music, singing, vivid and colourful stage settings, tableaux vivants (living pictures) depicting biblical scenes, speeches and dramatic re-enactments of the story of the Passion of Christ - from his entry into Jerusalem until his death on the cross and his subsequent resurrection.
Who are the actors?
They are all locals, and to be eligible they must have lived in Oberammergau for at least 20 years. This means that about 3,000 of the town’s 5,000 inhabitants hold the right to perform; since 2000 people participate, that’s more than 60 percent of the eligible townsfolk!
What is the ‘Hair decree’?
Such is the dedication of the residents, all male actors performing in the play take part in a ‘Hair Decree’. From Ash Wednesday in 2021, all men will be requested to let the hair on their heads and face grow to ensure they have an authentic look in time for 2022! (The ‘Romans’ have shaved heads!)
Who organises the Passion Play?
The local community have an organisation called ‘Passionsspiele Oberammergau’. They appoint the artistic director and his team. They consolidate all ticket sales in co-ordination with all attached accommodation allocations in Oberammergau and within the immediate area.
Where is Oberammergau?
Located in Bavaria about 100 kms south of Munich, Oberammergau is nestled in a beautiful valley in the Ammergau Alps. The village is known for its beautifully painted houses and woodcarving shops. The whole region is delightful. Nearby towns include lively Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Unterammergau, Ettal with its magnificent Kloster Abbey, Murnau am Staffelsee - close to Lake Staffelsee, and the spa town of Bad Kohlgrub.
View our range of Oberammergau Passion Play 2022 Tours