Alpine Pilgrimage - Featuring the Glacier Express Train & the Oberammergau Passion Play
Nearly 400 years ago, much of Europe was devastated by the plague and the village of Oberammergau was no exception. In 1633, the villagers made a promise to God to perform a play depicting the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ every ten years if the rest of the villagers were spared from the plague. The death stopped and the play began. In 2022 the 42nd Passion Play will take place in Oberammergau.
Imagine this: Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. You’re not just going to the Passion Play. You’re taking a once-in-a-lifetime journey beginning with the picturesque Italian Lakes District, then winding through the soaring Alps to discover the quintessential European towns of Salzburg, Innsbruck, Zermatt and St. Moritz. And then you arrive at one of the most sought after events in the world. Wow!
Put your travel worries aside as all of the details will be taken care of by a world-class tour manager. All you have to do is show up and soak it all in.
Peggy Crull, Chairwoman & FounderPer Person Double Occupancy
$7499
Single Supplement: $1749
July 26-Aug. 6, 2022
12 Days / 11 Nights
Limited to Just 42 Participants!
Itinerary
Depart USA
Relax on your overnight flight to Europe.
Stresa, Italy
Arrive at Lago (Lake) Maggiore in Stresa and take some free time to explore this beautiful lakeside town on your own. Your evening begins with a cocktail party in a wine shop before we cruise to our welcome dinner on Isola dei Pescatori, the most beautiful of the Borromean Islands. (D)
Stresa, Italy
Today we make our way to an ancient village nestled in the mountains. Stop at a family farm to learn about the artisan cheeses they produce. Sample delicious creations and discover how to pair them with local wines. Return to Stresa for an afternoon at leisure. (B)
Zermatt, Switzerland
Depart Lago Maggiore for a scenic drive into the heart of the mountains. The incredible views of the Italian and Swiss Alps are sure to leave a lasting impression. Upon arrival in Tasch, board a local train for a ride to the spectacular pedestrian village of Zermatt in the Swiss Alps. (B, D)
Zermatt, Switzerland
Today, Zermatt is at your fingertips. It’s your choice! Tour Zermatt’s best-known landmarks by foot with a local expert; or, enjoy a visit to the Matterhorn Museum where you’ll learn more about the triumph and tragedy behind the first ascent of this imposing peak. The remainder of your day is at leisure. (B)
FEATURED EXPERIENCE:
Glacier Express Train
Traverse bridges and tunnels while aboard the world-renowned narrow gauge Glacier Express, the most charming express train in the world. Enjoy the natural beauty of this route through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Filled with forests, fragrant meadows, streams and deep valleys, it’s a mountain dream come to life. Arrive in St. Moritz, playground of the rich and famous. (B, L)
Innsbruck, Austria
Drive through the picturesque Engadine Valley to Innsbruck, Austria, capital of the Austrian Tyrol. Join a local expert and explore the city’s medieval pedestrian streets including Maria Theresian Strasse, the Hofburg and the Golden Roof. (B)
Salzburg, Austria
Travel the Austrian countryside to historic Salzburg, one of Europe’s most beautiful and romantic spots. Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Salzburg’s historic Old Town – the Altstadt. See highlights such as the Cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace and Mirabell Gardens. Film buffs will be able to pick out locations from The Sound of Music. This evening, enjoy a delightful Mozart dinner concert at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant, central Europe’s oldest restaurant. (B, D)
Neuschwanstein Castle
Today we head to the frontier of Germany, crossing the border into Bavaria. Make a special stop to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany’s most famous castle and the inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty. Continue on to the quaint village of Oberammergau, nestled in the Bavarian Alps, your home for the next two nights. (B, D)
FEATURED EXPERIENCE:
Oberammergau Passion Play
This afternoon, witness a performance of the epic Passion Play. The original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the citizens vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the last days of the life of Christ. The performers of this once- in-a-decade event are all native to the village. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast start to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. During a break in the performance, join your fellow travelers for dinner before returning for the remainder of your Passion Play performance. (B, L, D)
Oberammergau to Munich
Enjoy a leisurely morning before departing for the Bavarian capital of Munich. Join a local expert for a tour featuring the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel and Olympic Park. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant celebrating the end of an unforgettable journey. (B, D)
Tour Ends
Today fly back to the USA, reflecting on your journey though Europe and an unforgettable performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play. (B)
Inclusions
Included
- International airfare from Chicago
- Oberammergau Passion Play tickets
- Glacier Express Train tickets
- Sightseeing as described in the itinerary
- 18 meals (10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinners)
- Baggage handling
- Modern, air conditioned coach transportation
- Airport transfers
- Expert English speaking guides
- Professional Tour Manager
- Taxes & fees as of 1/1/21 (subject to change regardless of payment status)
- Complete services of Cruise & Tour
Accommodations:
Days 2 & 3: Zacchera Hotels, Lago Maggiore
Days 4 & 5: Hotel Alex, Zermatt
Day 6: Hotel Steffani, St. Moritz
Days 7 & 8: Hotel Innsbruck
Days 9 & 10: Oberammergau hotel
Day 11: Sheraton Munich Westpark Hotel
Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities to drivers & guides
- Items of a personal nature
- Checked baggage fees (if applicable)
- Increase in taxes & fees after 1/1/21
COVID-19 NOTICE: Effective immediately and until further notice, all guests may be required to provide one of the following in order to be able to travel: proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from COVID-19 (based upon a defined time frame specified by entry country), or a negative COVID-19 test result (based upon a defined time frame and test type specified by entry country). Specific requirements will vary by destination governing bodies and travel vendor/operator and are subject to change at any time. Cruise & Tour does not have any control over these requirements. Masks may be required to be worn during portions of your trip and specific requirements will vary by destination governing bodies and travel vendor/operator. Cruise & Tour does not have any control over these requirements. Any costs associated with these requirements shall be at the travelers’ expense. This shall not release the passenger from the cancellation policy or be grounds for adjustment of the price of the travel arrangements reserved.
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Rates
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DEPOSITS AND PAYMENT:
$1500 per person deposit required with your reservation
$3000 per person second deposit due 7/16/21
Final payment due 2/25/22
All payments can be made by check or cash.
How to Book
- Call Cruise & Tour at (800) 383-3131 or REQUEST A CALL
- Ask to have a place held on this trip
- You will receive an email with a link to our online registration form
Fill it out and you’re in!
It’s that easy. Give us a call today!
Travel Insurance Information
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Cruise & Tour recommends that you purchase travel insurance.
To purchase travel protection insurance:
- Click here to view and print the Travel Insured International brochure which has a brief summary of coverage.
- After making your travel reservation and deposit, a Cruise & Tour representative will create an insurance quote for you. You will receive that travel insurance quote from Travel Insured International Customer Care.
- From here you will be able to view the quote, add additional coverage options such as Cancel for Any Reason, and purchase your policy all in the Travel Insured International Portal.
Please Note: Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion will be waived if you purchase the protection plan within 21 days of the date of your initial trip payment. Options such as Cancel for Any Reason or Interrupt for Any Reason must also be purchased within 21 days of the date of your initial trip payment.
To view and print the Explanation of Benefits, click here.
Cancellation/Interruption
Passport Information
SPECIAL NOTE: Travel outside of the U.S. requires a passport with an expiration date six months or more beyond your return date. If you have a valid passport, please include a copy of the picture page with your completed reservation form. See below for more information on passport application or renewal. The name on your reservation must match the first and last name on your passport. Non-U.S. citizens must consult the appropriate consulates to determine if any visas are needed and are responsible for obtaining all visas and entry documents.