|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
currently unavailable |
Includes airfare, fuel surcharges, great hotels, transfers, many meals, touring and more!
This tour program is currently unavailable.
To be the first to know when we have more departures available, subscribe to our
If you've dreamed of an off-the-beaten track vacation in Central Europe, then our Austrian Adventure is the tour for you. This two-part tour takes you first to the rugged and spectacularly beautiful Alpine region of Tyrol in Western Austria. With its abundance of sights and activities, including lakes, forests, snow-capped mountains, Gothic cathedrals and architecture, art-covered buildings, castles, and excellent food and shopping, the Tyrolean region has something for every traveler. The idyllic village of Seefeld will serve as your home base for the week, offering easy access to other nearby attractions in the region, such as Salzburg, Chiemsee, and the Krimml Waterfalls.
Your tour then culminates with a visit to the village of Oberammergau, where you'll have the opportunity to view the famed Oberammergau Passion Play. A religious and cultural tradition dating back to 1633, this very special event takes place only every ten years and attracts visitors from around the world. Flights, transfers, great hotels, many meals, a comprehensive sightseeing tour program, and tickets to the Passion Play are all included in this amazing deal. But, hurry to reserve your space—this once-in-a-lifetime vacation package is sure to sell out quickly!
Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating journey begins as you depart this evening on your overnight flight bound for Munich, Germany.
Day 2: Munich, Germany. Arrive today in Munich, Germany. After customs formalities, proceed to your deluxe motor coach and set out on a short, scenic drive through the majestic landscapes of the Bavarian Alps. Cross the Austrian border and arrive in the charming Alpine village of Seefeld, your home base for the next week. Ferienhotel Kaltschmid Hotel (D)
Day 3–4: Seefeld, Austria. Enjoy two full days at leisure for independent sightseeing in Seefeld. This idyllic mountain village offers picturesque Alpine landscapes that are perfect for hikes or walking tours.
Other local attractions include Seekirchl, a quaint, 17th century domed church; St. Oswald Parish Church, a pilgrimage church that dates from the mid 13th century; and a pleasant pedestrian walkway lined with boutiques and cafes, located in the center of town. Seefeld's convenient location also provides easy access to other nearby villages. Explore on your own, or join optional sightseeing tours in the area. (B,D)
Day 5: Chiemsee & Seefeld. Travel through the romantic village of Reit im Winkl on today's full day excursion to Lake Chiemsee. Nicknamed the "Bavarian Sea," Chiemsee is Bavaria's largest freshwater lake. Upon arrival, enjoy a short boat ride to Herren Island. Disembark for a visit to the Castle Herrenchiemsee, a replica of Versailles built by "Mad" King Ludwig of Bavaria. Return to Seefeld in time for dinner. (B,D)
Day 6: Salzburg & Seefeld. After breakfast this morning, depart for nearby Salzburg. Thanks to its numerous cultural and historical attractions, the charming city of Salzburg ranks as one of Austria's most beloved cities. Today's walking tour will introduce you to some of these attractions, including the impressive Cathedral, the Hohensalzburg, one of Europe's finest medieval fortresses, and Nonnberg Abbey, the oldest women's religious house in the German-speaking world and the monastery featured in the Sound of Music.
Finish your tour in Salzburg's Altstadt (old town), a UNESCO World Heritage site, at busy Getreidegasse Street, one of the oldest in Salzburg. Nestled among its numerous boutiques and cafés, you'll find "House No. 9," where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born and lived until he was 17.
Return to Seefeld in time for dinner. (B,D)
Day 7: Krimml Waterfalls & Seefeld. Today, experience one of Austria's greatest natural wonders—the Krimml Waterfalls. Spanning three levels and reaching heights of 1250 feet, the Krimml Waterfalls are the highest in Europe. From every turn, you'll be able to take in spectacular views of the fast—flowing rapids, rainbow—filled clouds, and verdant pine forests that surround the Falls. (B,D)
Day 8: Oberammergau. Bid farewell to Seefeld this morning as board your touring coach for the journey to Oberammergau. Enjoy sightseeing en route as you drive via Innsbruck.
Cross the German border near Fussen, and watch as the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle comes into view. Commissioned by King Ludwig II, Neuschwanstein served as part of Walt Disney's inspiration for Cinderella's Castle and is considered by many to be the most splendid castle in Western Europe.
Continue winding through the Alps until you arrive in Ettal, a quaint village that serves as the perfect base for visiting nearby Oberammergau. Soak up the beautiful countryside and take time to rest and relax before tomorrow's long-awaited performance. Posthotel Ettal (B,D)
Day 9: Oberammergau Passion Play. Your journey culminates today with a spectacular performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play. Watch more than 350 years of tradition unfold during this unforgettable presentation of Christ's Last Days and Passion. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Depart Germany/Arrive USA. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the USA. Your exciting journey ends as you touch down in the USA later today. (B)
In 1633, the villagers of Oberammergau, located in Bavaria, southern Germany, were in the grip of war, poverty and worst of all, the plague that was ravaging Europe. They made a pledge that if their village was spared death from the plague, they would perform a "passion play" every ten years which re-enacts the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. They were, in fact, spared, and the villagers performed the first Oberammergau Passion Play in 1634. Descendants of the original Oberammergau villagers have carried out that vow and for the past four centuries, the tradition has continued every ten years.
About half a million visitors viewed the last performance of the play in 2000, and more than twice that many were disappointed at not being able to obtain the coveted tickets. In 2010, Friendly Planet is delighted to offer our travelers three different tours, all featuring a Passion Play performance in Oberammergau. As with all Friendly Planet programs, each tour is full-featured and each departure is priced to save our travelers hundreds of dollars off similar programs. As in 2000, space is very limited, and once tickets are gone, it will be another ten years before the next performance of the Passion Play.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Germany.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Austria.
Sorry, there are no currently available tour dates.
Confirmation is based on availability at time of reservation.
|
||||||
|
||||||||||
|
* Singles are on a request basis only. Confirmation will be received within 72hours if the space is available. |
||||||||||
Transfers: Transfers for this tour are provided on a group basis only. Since passengers may arrive in Munich on different flights, the wait time for the group transfer from the airport to the hotel may be 1 to 3 hours.