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 2020 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!
We know 2020 is a ways off, so we have included comprehensive travel insurance to ensure that you’re covered should unforeseen circumstances prevent you from traveling. We’re also offering Cancel for Any Reason insurance starting at just $299.
Peggy Crull, President & Founder Per Person Double Occupancy
$7899
Single Supplement: $1849
July 7-18, 2020
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)
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)
Munich, Germany
Today we head to the frontier of Germany, crossing the border into Bavaria. Arrive in the Bavarian capital of Munich for a walking tour featuring the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel and Olympic Park. Next, depart for the quaint village of Oberammergau, nestled in the Bavarian Alps. (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
Travel to nearby Linderhof Palace, one of the most artistic and stylistically complex ensembles of the 19th century. It is the only palace King Ludwig II of Bavaria was able to complete. Next, enjoy free time exploring medieval Füssen, the romantic town in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable journey.
Tour Ends
Today fly back to the USA, reflecting on your journey though Europe and an unforgettable performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play.
Inclusions
Included
- International airfare from Chicago
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Oberammergau Passion Play tickets
- Glacier Express Train tickets
- Sightseeing as described in the itinerary
- 17 meals (10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 6 dinners)
- Baggage handling
- Modern, air conditioned coach transportation
- Airport transfers
- Expert English speaking guides
- Professional Tour Manager
- Taxes & fees as of 1/1/18 (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
- Gratuities to drivers & guides
- Items of a personal nature
- Checked baggage fees (if applicable)
- Increase in taxes & fees after 1/1/18
Testimonials
Rates
Business Class Air Upgrade – Please Inquire
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENT: A $1500 per person deposit is required with your reservation. A second deposit in the amount of $1500 per person is due 11/2/2018. A third deposit in the amount of $1500 per person is due 6/21/2019. Final payment is due 2/18/2020. All payments can be made by credit card, check or cash. Please be advised that there is a 2.5% discount for making all payments by check or cash.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: Due to the nature of this special event, all deposits and subsequent payments are non-refundable. This policy supersedes any other published cancellation and refund policy. Cancellation must be made in writing to Cruise & Tour. It is understood and agreed that in the event of cancellation, if flights are purchased other than the designated group flights, separate airline penalties may apply. If any other arrangements outside of the group package have been made, penalties may apply and are not the responsibility of Cruise & Tour. For cancellations and refunds within the covered terms of the included RoamRight Travel Insurance Policy, you must apply to RoamRight Insurance for your refund in accordance with policy terms and conditions. Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing by RoamRight.
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
RoamRight Insurance
Pro Plan
Alpine Pilgrimage – Glacier Express Train & Oberammergau Passion Play includes comprehensive travel insurance.
- Click here to view and print the RoamRight Pro Groups brochure.
- Indicate on your reservation form whether you would like to increase your coverage to Cancel For Any Reason Insurance.
- If increasing your coverage, include your insurance payment with your initial deposit.
To view and print the Description of Coverage, 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.