In 1634, the Black Death decimated Europe, including almost 100 deaths in Oberammergau, Germany. The remaining villagers vowed that if God saved them from the plague, once every 10 years, they would reenact the Agony and Death of Jesus Christ. From then on, there were no further deaths from the plague, and the villagers have fulfilled their promise ever since. The play itself portrays the Passion of Jesus Christ, featuring more than 2000 actors, singers, musicians and technicians. The Passion Play Theater is an open-air stage framed by magnificent Alpine scenery and a covered auditorium with almost 5000 seats.
DAY 1 – Boston-Intermediate City-Munich
Depart Boston’s Logan International Airport aboard our transatlantic flight to Munich (via an intermediate city) with full meal and beverage service, as well as stereo headsets, while aloft.
DAY 2 – Munich-Innsbruck
Arrival at the airport in Munich, Germany where we will be met by our Tour Escort who will assist with our transfer. Board our private motorcoach for the scenic drive to Innsbruck, Austria and check-in at the Hotel Gauer Bär (or similar). The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to familiarize ourselves with our surroundings. “Welcome Reception” with wine and cheese, dinner and an orientation meeting with our Tour Escort at our hotel this evening. Overnight. Hotel Gauer Bar (or similar), Innsbruck (D)
DAY 3 – Innsbruck, Austria
Breakfast at our hotel. Morning guided sightseeing tour of many of Innsbruck’s most famous and historic landmarks. In the afternoon, we will visit the Swarovski Crystal Museum in nearby Wattens and Castle Tratzburg, a beautiful 16th century Gothic structure originally designed to protect the border against the marauding Bavarians. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. Gauer Bar (or similar), Innsbruck (BB, D)
DAY 4 – Salzburg, Austria
Breakfast at our hotel. Today is one of the highlights of our tour, as we travel to the magical city of Salzburg, home of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and "The Sound of Music" for a full-day of sightseeing and shopping. A local guide will take us on a tour of the city, including a visit to Mozart’s birthplace. We will explore the wonderful architecture and historic sites of Salzburg, and browse the beautiful shops on Getreidegasse. Return to Innsbruck for dinner and overnight. Gauer Bar (or similar), Innsbruck (BB, D)
DAY 5 – Bolzano, Italy
Breakfast at our hotel. Day trip across the border to the Northern Italy town of Bolzano to visit the Southern Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, which is home to the Iceman Exhibit. This prehistoric mummy (circa 3300 BC), whose nickname is “Ötzi the Iceman”, was discovered in the nearby Schnalstal Glacier in the Ötztal Alps in 1991, is Europe's oldest natural human mummy, and offers an unprecedented view of Chalcolithic (Copper Age) Europeans. Return to Innsbruck for dinner and overnight. Gauer Bar (or similar), Innsbruck (BB, D)
DAY 6 – Munich, Germany
Breakfast at our hotel. We are off this morning for a full-day of guided sightseeing in Munich, Germany. Our tour will include many of the city’s most renowned venues and historic sites, as well as a tasty lunch with Bavarian folklore show and German beer at the famous Hoffbräuhaus (or similar). Return to Innsbruck for dinner and overnight. Gauer Bar (or similar), Innsbruck (BB, L, D)
DAY 7 – Switzerland-Germany
Breakfast at our hotel. Today we depart Austria through the cantons of Switzerland for a panoramic sightseeing tour of the vast splendors of this Alpine country with many photo opportunities that will last a lifetime. Arrive in the German town of Bad Kohlgrub and check in to our first-class hotel (Das Johannesbad, or similar) for dinner and overnight. Das Johannesbad (or similar), Bad Kolgrub (BB, D)
DAY 8 – Oberammergau, Germany
Breakfast at our hotel. Morning departure for the highlight of our tour – the Passion Play 2010 in Oberammergau, Germany! Our stay in Oberammergau includes paid admission, and reserved seating. Lunch is also included today. Dinner and overnight in Bad Kohlgrub. Das Johannesbad (or similar), Bad Kolgrub (BB, L, D)
DAY 9 – Munich-Boston
Following breakfast and hotel check-out, we will transfer to the airport in Munich to board our return flight to Boston (via an intermediate city) with full meal and beverage service, as well as stereo headsets, while aloft. (BB)