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THE ALPS
ALONG THE RHINE AND DANUBE

Germany – Austria – Italy – Switzerland

See the Passion Play at Oberammergau

Oberammergau Mini-Package

A Matterhorn Travel Program

Our 4th Season at the Oberammergau Passion Play
1980 - 1990 - 2000 - 2010
Travel With Experience

Trip Itineraries | Pricing | Departure Dates | Hotels | Oberammergau Mini Package
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Scene from the Passion Play - Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem

The Passion Play at Oberammergau is a unique experience on a grand scale. The Play combines dramatic grandeur with a faithfully observed religious tradition. Each of our tour members will receive a first class seat at the Play.

The history of the play dates back to 1633, when the Bubonic Plague or "Black Death" was devastating Europe. The villagers of Oberammergau vowed to re-enact the Passion of Christ every ten years if the village were spared further deaths by the plague. The village was spared and, beginning in 1634, Oberammergau has kept its promise and performed its Passion Play for over 370 years!

The Passion Play has become world famous. Nearly half a million people of many religious faiths and nationalities attend the Play. The performance lasts from 2:30PM to 5:00PM and from 8:00PM to 10:30PM. More than 1,000 villagers perform in the Play.The men grow long hair and beards to conform to the traditional images of Jesus and the Apostles.

During the evening break, there will be time to explore this charming village. Many of its inhabitants are wood carvers and its shops are full of wood figures, mostly of religious themes.

Fly this afternoon from your departure city to Frankfurt. Beverages, dinner and continental breakfast will be served in-flight. There is also a movie for your in-flight enjoyment.

The Rhine. We will cruise on the Rhine.

Arrive Frankfurt in the morning, local time. Upon arrival, we will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Morning at leisure.

This afternoon enjoy a delightful cruise on the Rhine. See the vineyards of the famous Rhine wines, the many barges on this busy waterway and perhaps best of all, the fairy tale castles around almost every bend in the River. Of particular note are the famous Lorelei rocks immortalized in the classic poem of Heinrich Heine. Set to music, the poem tells the story of boatmen lured to their death by a beautiful maiden sitting on the rocks, combing her long blond hair while singing her fateful song.

After your cruise, arrive at Rudesheim am Rhine. Just a couple blocks from the pier is Rudesheim's Drosselgasse. Stroll on this quaint street, dating back to medieval times.

Dinner and entertainment are included this evening at the delightful Rudesheimer Schloss, one of the Rhine's most popular restaurants. Enjoy some of the finest wine in Germany, excellent food, and entertainment - a lively setting for your first evening in Germany.

This morning we will visit Munich, the wonderful capital of Bavaria. See the National Theatre, one of the world's most beautiful opera houses, and the baroque Theatinerkirche built in 1633. Everywhere catch glimpses of the many church steeples, including the magnificent twin towers of the Frauenkirche, Munich's cathedral and landmark. Pass the imposing Maximilianeum, seat of the Bavarian parliament, and the Residenz, the former Bavarian Royal Palace. The Treasury houses a fabulous collection of crown jewels, coins, and porcelains.

You may wish to visit the Hofbrauhaus. Famed in story and song, the Hofbrauhaus and its Bavarian band offer a jolly atmosphere of guaranteed fun.

Depart Munich this afternoon and proceed south into Austria. Arrive soon in the Tyrol, our home for the next three nights.

Innsbruck: Capital of the Tyrol

Today we will visit Innsbruck.

Located on the River Inn, Innsbruck is the capital of the Tyrol. Explore this delightful city, scene of the 1976 Olympic Games. Stroll in the quaint Old City, filled with interesting buildings, some dating back to medieval times. Don't miss seeing the famous Golden Roof in the Old City. Tyrolean hats and walking sticks are popular souvenirs of Innsbruck.

Morning at leisure.

This afternoon and evening we will attend the Passion Play at Oberammergau.

The Oberammergau Passion Play concludes with a powerful scene: The Triumph and Glorification of Christ.

Amid the adoring songs of the Chorus and the symphonic tones of the music, the just men of the Old Testament gather before the Divine and Glorious Majesty: there are our First Parents, Adam and Eve, Moses, John the Baptist, Mary, Mother of God and the Apostles. An Angel with the Cross symbolizes the Redemption; another, with the Chalice, signifies the unbloody renewal of the sacrifice of the Cross. All join in the chorus: “Alleluia! Praise, honour, power and glory be to Thee for ever and ever!”

This morning proceed to Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber.

Rothenburg is completely encircled by battle scarred walls and is the best preserved medieval town in Germany. Dating from the 16th century, the town is protected by its ramparts and overlooks the winding course of the river Tauber. There will be time to stroll among the narrow streets of this wonderful city of the middle ages.

“Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me.”
Martin Luther at Worms

It was at Worms that Martin Luther stood on his ground against the papal authorities in 1520 and was excommunicated and outlawed. As we visit this city by the Rhine River, we'll reflect on the courage of this great man, the Great Reformer who became the father of the Protestant faith.We will see the monument to Luther and the Reformers - it is the largest Reformation monument in the world.

Continue to the Frankfurt area for our farewell evening.

All good things must come to an end..

This morning we will be transferred to Frankfurt Airport to board our return flight to the U.S. Beverages and meals will be served
in flight and a movie will also be available.

Arrive back in the U.S. this afternoon.

Garmisch - one of our bases in the Alps

Stay Longer

Venice - Lake Maggiore - Swiss Alps - Rhine Falls - Black Forest

You're already over there, so it's easy -
and inexpensive - to visit Italy and Switzerland

This morning, drive across the Brenner Pass to Italy and proceed to Venice, perhaps the most fascinating city in Europe and certainly the most romantic.

The main "thoroughfare" of Venice is the Grand Canal. Enjoy a Vaporetto boat ride on this waterway and arrive at St. Mark's Square, called the "largest living room in the world." Visit the Basilica of St. Mark and the famous belltower in the Square. See the palace of the Doges and the legendary Bridge of Sighs. For more romantic sightseeing, you may wish to hire a gondola (not included). There will be time for browsing and shopping in this elegant city.

Dinner this evening is at a popular restaurant in Venice.

Isola Pescatori, Lake Maggiore

This morning we will proceed to the Italian Lake Region and arrive at Stresa,beautifully located on the shores of Lake Maggiore. The Lake Region is the most beautiful part of Italy and one of the most beautiful regions in all of Europe.

This afternoon is at leisure to browse, shop and sightsee in the lovely town of Stresa.

You may wish to take a boat ride on the lake and visit one or more of the islands - Isola Bella (Beautiful Island), Isola Madre (Mother's Island) and Isola Pescatori (Fisherman's Island). Shuttle boats run about every half hour.

Or, just swim, stroll, and take it easy in this beautiful Italian lakeside setting.

Say arrive derci to Italy this morning and drive into Switzerland. Today's journey will show us the magnificent scenery of the Swiss Alps - an unforgettable panorama of mountain majesty and beauty.

Drive across the San Bernardino Pass into Switzerland, where we will overnight amidst the splendor of the Swiss Alps.

Last week we were on the Rhine River. This morning we will see the Rhine again - way upstream - as the largest water falls in Europe. The Rhine Falls were formed in the last ice age - about 14,000 to 17,000 years ago.

Next, we will return to Germany and enter the Black Forest. Along with lovely scenery and friendly people, the Black Forest is famous for
cuckoo clocks.

We will drive northwest through the forest before joining the autobahn and proceeding to Worms.

“Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me.”
Martin Luther at Worms

It was at Worms that Martin Luther stood his ground against the papal authorities in 1520 and was excommunicated and outlawed. As we visit this city by the Rhine River, we'll reflect on the courage of this great man, the Great Reformer who became the father of the Protestant faith.

We will see the monument to Luther and the Reformers - it is the largest Reformation monument in the world.

Continue to our hotel near Frankfurt for our farewell evening in Germany.

All good things must come to an end.

This morning we will be transferred to Frankfurt Airport to board our return flight to the U.S. Beverages and meals will be served in flight
and a movie will also be available.

Arrive back in the U.S. in the afternoon.

Oberammergau Mini-Package

3 Nights

See the Passion Play Without a Tour

Friday afternoon, 5:00 pm
Begin Matterhorn arrangements

Transfer via motorcoach from Garmisch Train Station to your four star hotel.

Participants with their own car can drive directly to the hotel.

Saturday
This morning is at leisure to savour the beautiful scenery of the Alps.

This afternoon visit Innsbruck.

Sunday
Attend the Passion Play at Oberammergau.

Round trip transfers and first class ticket are included.

Monday
Transfer this morning to Garmisch Train Station. End Matterhorn arrangements.

Participants with their own car can proceed directly from the hotel to their next destination.

Your holiday is operated by Matterhorn Travel.
Established in 1966, Matterhorn Travel has carried over 50,000 passengers to Europe. Matterhorn officers have a combined experience of 102 years with the company.

Please note the all-inclusive nature of our trips. There are no hidden optional costs. We include all features for a complete holiday – breakfasts, dinners every evening, and full sightseeing.