Oberammergau PASSION PLAY & the Legendary Danube River Cruise

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Join Fr. Matthew Gerlach & Fr. Gary Kastl on the
Oberammergau PASSION PLAY
& Legendary Danube River Cruise

July 2-13, 2020

 

(Click here to download brochure & registration form)

Itinerary

July 2&3 – DEPART THE US and ARRIVE IN MUNICH

Depart the US and arrive in Munich where you will be met by our local representatives. Enjoy a tour of historic Munich, including a stop at the Rathaus (Town Hall) to watch the Glockenspiel. This historic clock from 1908 chimes its 43 bells and enchants viewers with its 32 life‐size moving figures three times per day. You will also see the Opera House and the Hofbrauhaus. Enjoy some time to shop before transferring to your hotel. (D)

July 4 – INNSBRUCK

The capital of Austria’s Tyrol region, Innsbruck is famous as the site of two winter Olympics. Follow your guide on your half‐day morning tour through the quaint medieval streets of Old Town to the sparkling Golden Roof. The glittering sloping roof has been an opulent landmark since the 15th century. You’ll view Maria Theresa’s Imperial Palace, Triumphal Arch and visit the Hofkirche. Plus, you’ll have time to explore the medieval city on your own. This afternoon, you may opt to take one of the two optional afternoon tours to either the Stubai Glacier or Swarovski Crystal Worlds. (B,D)

July 5 – ABBEY OF ETTAL – OBERAMMERGAU

This morning you will visit the spectacular Ettal Abbey, a Benedictine order populated by 50 monks, contains a brewery, distillery, bookstore, publishing house, cheese factory and other ventures. You will see jewel‐encrusted crosses containing religious relics, frescoes and richly embroidered vestments, as well as the abbey’s priceless collection of medieval manuscripts. Journey to Oberammergau this afternoon. After the Black Plague, that was rampant in Europe, left their small village, the grateful people of Oberammergau promised God that they would show their gratitude by putting on a Passion Play. Over 380 years later you will get to enjoy this one‐of‐a‐kind, six hour musical and dramatic performance. You will have reserved seats, a guided tour of the town and motorcoach transfers to and from the play’s theater. Dinner in Oberammergau is included. (Note: exact day of this Passion Play experience is subject to change due to availability of play tickets.) (B,D)

July 6 – NEUSCHWANSTEIN – CRUISE EMBARKATION

Enjoy a visit to the fairy tale caste of Neuschwanstein that inspired Walt Disney. Then make your way up the steep ramp‐way to the drawbridge and enter the beautiful castle. Note: This tour, while popular with visitors, requires you to be in good physical condition as there are many steep stairs and inclines. After touring today, transfer to the port of Nuremberg to embark your river cruise ship. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg. (B,D)

July 6 – NUREMBERG

Enjoy a visit to the fairy tale castle of Neuschwanstein that inspired Walt Disney. Then make your way up the steep ramp-way to the drawbridge and enter the beautiful castle. Note: This tour, while popular with visitors, requires you to be in good physical condition as there are many steep stairs and inclines. After touring today, transfer to the port of Vilshofen to embark your river cruise ship. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner. (B,D)

July 7 – VILSHOFEN - PASSAU

This morning, you are free to explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before cruising to Passau. This afternoon, you will have a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, Rathaus, Domplatz and Residenzplatz squares, as well as St. Stephen’s Cathedral. (B,L,D)

July 8 – LINZ, AUSTRIA

The ship arrives this morning in Linz. Enjoy a walking tour of the second largest city in Austria or choose a guided bike tour that will show you around the Old City Center, along the Danube River, and past the ultra-modern Ars Electronica Center. Later, you will have a choice of three different excursions. The first option is an excursion to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center made famous by The Sound of Music. The second option is an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. The third option is a visit to the Austrian Lake District, the scenic Salzkammergut region. All three regions are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. (B,L,D)

July 9 – WEISSENKIRCHEN

Cruise through the narrow Strudengau this morning en route to Weissenkirchen. You have three choices of how to explore Dürnstein today. The first is a walking tour along the town’s cobblestone streets. Alternatively, you may join a hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held for ransom, or enjoy an Apricots and Sweets tasting instead. Tonight, after dinner on board, enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery. (B,L,D)

July 10 – VIENNA

This morning, you will have a chance to savor the Baroque elegance of romantic Vienna through your choice of one of three different excursions. The first option is a panoramic tour of Vienna that guides you past the majestic Opera House, the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburg Emperors, Parliament, Town Hall and Vienna University. Afterwards, you will visit Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Graben and the world famous Spanish Riding School. The second option is a walking tour of Vienna’s hidden treasures that takes you to secret places and sights like Ankeruhr, a whimsical Art Nouveau clock. Your third option is a guided bike tour along the Danube and through the Donaupark. This afternoon, you can join a guided bike ride to Klosterneuburg Monastery, or explore at your leisure. Be sure to sample some Viennese coffee and pastries. (B,L,D)

July 11 – BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Bratislava, where you will have three choices of excursions. The first is a walking tour that includes the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral. The second is a Slovakian Specialties tasting where you will enjoy a welcome glass of sparkling wine, sample a creamy soup made from sheep’s cheese and learn how to prepare stuffed potato ravioli. Finally, you can also join a hike up to Bratislava Castle, which includes visits to the Castle Upper Terrace and Court of Honor. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own. (B,L,D)

July 12 – BUDAPEST

Your morning excursion includes sightseeing in the cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. You will see famed Heroes’ Square and Castle Hill, home to Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church and spectacular views of the Danube. Alternatively, you may also opt to join a hike up to Castle Hill on which you will see Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion and Parliament Square. After dinner, the ship will sail a special Illuminations Cruise past the glittering riverfront of Budapest. (B,L,D)

July 13 – BUDAPEST - DISEMBARKATION

Your European adventure comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight today. (B)

INCLUDED FEATURES

  • 7 Nights Deluxe River Cruise Accommodation
  • Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary
  • Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Free Internet, Hit Movies, Music Library & English TV Stations
  • Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush bedding in all Staterooms
  • Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
  • Free-flowing Red & White Wines from Europe’s great Wine Regions, beer & soft drinks with every Dinner
  • Bottled Water in every stateroom replenished daily
  • Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain’s Gala Dinner
  • Special Highlights including Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
  • Use of Bicycles to explore on your own

 

Oberammergau Play History

Since 1634, the most famous Passion Play in the world has taken place in Oberammergau. The tradition, maintained and experienced almost without interruption for over 380 years, of putting on the play about the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ every ten years, will be continued for the 42nd time in 2020. It is regarded as the most important Passion Play in the world. The village at the edge of the Bavarian Alps expects approximately 500,000 visitors for the passion play, over half of which will be international guests. A special law is in effect to insure that all actors of the world’s largest amateur dramatic performance come from the village. All participants, from actors playing the big speaking parts such as Jesus, Mary or Judas, through members of the choir, orchestra members, firemen and ushers, must have been born in Oberammergau or lived there for at least 20 years. Over 2,000 Oberammergau villagers will participate in the 2020 Passion Play.

 

NOTE: PRICES INCLUDE AIRFARE FROM NEW YORK. FOR FLIGHTS FROM TULSA, ESTIMATE AN ADDITIONAL $400