Oberammergau Passion Play

The Passion Play was first performed by Oberammergau´s citizens in 1634, after the village escaped a local plague epidemic. Today the play is major cultural event involving over 2,000 Oberammergau residents as actors, singers, musicians and technicians.

The Passion Play recounts the life and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and is performed in Oberammergau every ten years. For most people seeing the Oberammergau Passion Play is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Oberammergau Passion Play is the centerpiece of this summer´ tour through Bvaria, through the Austrian and Italian Alps and the spectacular Dolomite Mountains to romantic Venice! Spend a night in Munich, Bavaria´s capital, before continuing on to Oberammergau, where you´ll spend two nights near the Passion Play performance venue at the boutique Hotel Maximilian and watch the spectacular Passion Play unfold premier seats in the best category available.

You’ll also explore Austria´s famous alpine playground, Innsbruck, and attend a very special evening at a grand castle in the Italian Alps.

2010 Daily Tour Activities

Willkommen nach München!
Welcome to marvelous Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of the most enchanting cities in Germany. A transfer from Munich´s airport to your five-star hotel in the center of the city is included.

Your Oberammergau travel adventure begins in in Bavaria at the Bayerischer Hof hotel with a welcome cocktail reception where you´ll meet for dinner at a traditional Bavarian restaurant across the square from the State Opera House.

Meals: Dinner Lodging: Bayerischer Hof, Munich, Germany

Behold Bavaria
A walking tour of Munich´s Old Town reveals a fascinating history as you stroll through the bustling Marienplatz, the heart of the city where the lively marketplace buzzed with buyers and sellers and where tournaments, festivals and the occasional execution took place during the Middle Ages.

View the Altes Rathaus (The Old Town Hall),
first built in 1474 and reconstructed according to the original architect´s specifications in the 1970s. The same architect, Jörg von Halsbach, guided the construction of the huge Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady).

Leaving the city center behind, travel to Schloss Nymphenburg, the palatial summer home built by Ferdinand
Maria and Henriette Adelaide of Saxony, members of the ruling Wittelsbach family, in honor of the birth of their son Maximilian II Emanuel in 1664; tour the palace and the elaborate gardens.

Then, it´s on through the picturesque countryside and into the Bavarian Alps to the village of Oberammergau and the Hotel Maximilian, your stylish accommodations for the next two nights of your ultimate Oberammergau travel experience.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Hotel Maximilian, Oberammergau, Germany

The passions of Oberammergau
The charming Bavarian village of Obermmergau is, of course, world-famous for the Passionsspiele Passion Play, but did you know that its residents have been passionate about producing intricate and beautiful woodcarvings since the Middle Ages? Today, there are approximately 120 active wood sculptors in the village.

The house facades decorated with the traditional art form art of Lüftlmalerei, or frescoes, depicting fairytales or religious scenes enhance the town´s charm.

After a morning at leisure to explore Oberammergau on your own and lunch at your hotel, the event that you’ve come so far to see.

Beginning in the afternoon and continuing after a break for dinner, the Passion Play features dramatic
scenes of the Passion performed in High German, musical performances and Old Testament scenes.

Over 2,000 actors, musicians and technicians, all of whom must be residents of the village, are involved in staging this huge production. You´ll see it all from Tauck’s premier seats, in the best category available – a highlight of Tauck’s Oberammergau travel experience.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Hotel Maximilian, Oberammergau, Germany

Alpine Innsbruck and the Italian Alps
Leaving Germany behind, your Oberammergau travel experience continues through Austria´s awesome Alps to the town of Innsbruck, well known as the host city for the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympic Games. But, there´s more to Innsbruck than just winter sports.

The town was the Imperial capital of Habsburg Emperor Maximilian I during the 15th and 16th centuries and its architecture from the period is a delight to behold.

Visit the Hofkirche, the Court Church, and see the ornate black-marble tomb prepared for Maximilian, that he never occupied, and the 24 larger-than-life statues of his ancestors, both legendary and real, surrounding it.

After lunch on your own, continue on into the Italian Alps to lovely Bolzano for a two-night stay at the Parkhotel Laurin in the historic center of the town. A special treat awaits you this evening at Castel Katzenzungen, first mentioned in the year 1244, with its splendid views of the Dolomites. You´ll be greeted with a trumpet fanfare, enjoy a regal reception, and partake in a four-course dinner in one of the castle’s richly historic rooms.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner Lodging: Parkhotel Laurin, Bolzano, Italy

Dolomite Delights
The Dolomites are named for the French mineralogist Deodat Gratet de Dolomieu, who was the first to describe dolomite, a type of rock that creates the characteristic color and shapes of the mountains in this part of the Alps. Everywhere you look today, you´ll see the alpine splendor that makes the Dolomites so astounding. Board a cable car at Passo Pordoi for a memorable ride through a wonderland of craggy, snow-capped peaks reaching toward the sky.

Stop in the lovely mountain village of Ortisei, with its lively historic pedestrian center, en route back to Balzano to enjoy the remainder of the day as you please.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch Lodging: Parkhotel Laurin, Bolzano, Italy

Romance is everywhere
Your Bavaria, Italy and Oberammergau travel adventure continues to Limone sul Garda on the shores of Lago di Garda in the Riviera Gardone.

Having carefully preserved its small-town charm, Limone´s historic town center, ancient homes and narrow streets invite your exploration.

Board a boat for a memorable cruise across the sparkling lake, Italy´s largest, surrounded by spectacular scenery and bordered by lemon orchards, charming villages and impressive villas. Then it´s on to your final destination for today – magical Venice, where you´ll spend two nights at an opulent five-star luxury hotel.

Set directly on the Grand Canal in the heart of the city, the Hotel Danieli Venezia began life more than six centuries ago as the palace of the Doge Dandolo, one of the rulers of Venice.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch Lodging: Hotel Danieli Venezia, Venice, Italy

Venice awaits
Venice, the world-famous city of canals where the streets are paved with water, beckons today.

Accompanied by a local guide, begin your exploration in Piazza San Marco, the huge living room of Venice so popular with locals, tourists… and pigeons. Resplendent St. Mark´s Basilica will inspire you with its architecture, amazing gold-touched mosaics depicting stories from the Bible, numerous sculptures, and the Treasure of St. Mark´s consisting of gold and silver, precious stones, ornamental glass and painting and its centerpiece, the Pala d´Oro.

As you discover the Doges´ Palace, you may think that you hear a sigh as you cross the Bridge of Sighs, linking the Ducal Palace with the prison section; the sighs of prisoners seeing the light of day for the last time as they crossed it gave the bridge its name. The remainder of the day is yours to savor Venice as you choose.

Please join us this evening to salute the end of your Oberammergau travel experience at our farewell reception followed by dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner Lodging: Hotel Danieli Venezia, Venice, Italy

Homeward bound
The Oberammergau travel experience ends in Venice. An included transfer will take you from the Hotel Danieli Venezia to Venice’s Marco Polo Airport for your flight home.

Please allow 2 ½ hours for airport check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home. Meals: Breakfast

3 Other Tour Packages

Romantic Germany

• 14 days
• Wiesbaden/Heidelberg/Baden-Baden/Lake Constance/Oberammergau/Munich/ Weimar/Dresden/Potsdam/Berlin
• Includes two nights at the five-star Hotel Maximilian in Oberammergau

Alpine Interlude

• 12 days
• Zurich/Bern/Interlaken/Oberammergau/Innsbruck/Salzburg/Vienna
• Includes two nights at the Hotel Obermuehle near Oberammergau

Munich/Oberammergau City Extension

• 4 days, dates TBA
• Munich/Oberammergau/Munich
• Includes one night at the five-star Hotel Maximilian in Oberammergau Introductory sightseeing, local concierge service and all ground
• transportation included

Tour packages have limited availability and can change without notice. For reservations, contact one of our European specialist and find the right Oberammergau tour package for you.

May email Italy Tour package and Cruises

It looks like a great summer for finding vacation values that we have not seen in many years. We have great prices on Alaska Cruises, new customized packages to Italy, and new Georgia Resident Prices from Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

The Jewels Of Italy Tour Package
Explore Italy in all of its tastes, colors, sites and sounds on this Italy Revealed banner tour! This unique country is a beautiful and complex land that has more than 2,800 years of civilization to discover.

On Seabourn
Come and join Terry Brennan, President of Williamsburg-American Express, on a special sailing on the all suite Seabourn Spirit, sailing round trip from St Thomas December 2 – 9, 2009.

In addition to an American Express Cocktail Reception, there will also be an Intimate Shoreside Experience, only for this group!

Cruise the beautiful waters of the Caribbean, visiting Deshaies, Antigua, St. Barts, St. Martin and Prickly Pear Island. Live your dream on board ship as your every whim is indulged by the staff, nearly one staff member per guest.

Enjoy the open bar, the in-suite bar and refrigerator stocked with your preferred beverages, and the numerous dining options, all included in your cruise price, with no tipping required or expected. It is luxury at its finest!

The Seabourn Suite, Category A, your wonderful accommodations, is priced at the remarkably low rate of $1951.45 per person!

Don’t Delay! Call and reserve your Suite today!

From Royal Caribbean
Just wanted to be sure you all know about our amazing new Ga Resident Summer Pricing on the fabulous Freedom of the Seas, now sailing from Port Canaveral. This is the best family vacation every so check it out. Shop online at Royal Caribbean.

Let us help you plan your next vacation.

Galapagos and Machu Picchu

This active, adventurous
Galapagos – Machu Picchu cruise and tour
combines the ancient empire of the Incas with the
timeless natural world of the Galapagos Islands.

A highlight of your
Galapagos -Machu Picchu cruise and tour
is a visit to the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu,
the spectacular Lost City of the Incas
and one of the must-see destinations on earth.

Embark on a memorable cruise aboard one of the finest expeditionary-style yachts in the Galapagos for amazing wildlife viewing and an opportunity to get up close to giant Galapagos tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas, and penguins.

Enjoy lunch on a Peruvian farm, dinner at a Colonial home, two nights in a converted monastery, and tours of Lima, Cusco, and Guayaquil; at the end of your land tour in Peru cruise the extraordinary waters of the Galapagos.

This is an active journey that includes a fair amount of walking, often on uneven terrain; Zodiac-style rafts are used for shore excursions. We may not visit each of the islands in the order here, but typically visit two different sites per day.

Cruise Itineraries are approved by the Galapagos National Park Service 30 to 60 days before departure and are subject to change. Inquire upon booking.

2009 Itinerary

Day 1: Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima, Peru

The best Galapagos – Peru cruise and tour begins Lima Your Galapagos / Peru cruise
and tour begins at the Miraflores Park Hotel. A transfer is included from Lima’s
Jorge Chavez International Airport to the five-star Miraflores Park Hotel, located
in an oceanfront section of Lima.

Day 2: Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima, Peru

Discover colonial Lima In Lima, sightseeing highlights include a visit to a ranch
for an impressive performance by Peruvian prancing horses, followed by lunch –
definitely a highlight on Tauck’s Galapagos / Peru cruise and tour.

Enjoy welcome cocktails and dinner at Casa Aliaga, a 66-room home built in
1535 that has remained in the same family for generations.

Day 3: Sol & Luna Lodge & Spa, Yucay Valley, Peru

Sacred Valley of the Incas Fly to Cusco, and enjoy lunch at a traditional farm
on your way to El Valle Sagrado, the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Visit the great fortress of Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved Inca settlement
and a National Archaeological Park. Dating to the 15th century, it features an
intricate walled complex.

Day 4: Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, Aguas Calientes, Peru

Machu Picchu, Galapagos / Peru cruise and tour highlight Journey by rail to the
spectacular, mystical ruins of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.

Join a local guide for in-depth exploration, climbing up to the well-preserved remains.

Explore the extensive terracing and intricate stonework found on nearly vertical
terrain, surrounded by soaring jungle peaks and the Andes Mountains.

Your hotel enjoys stunning views of the Andes Mountains and is located close
to the entrance to the ruins – which means you can visit the Inca citadel when
you please.

Day 5:Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru

Sunrise over Machu Picchu Take the opportunity to experience the spiritual complex
of Machu Picchu at sunrise, a highlight of any Galapagos, Peru cruise and tour.

The morning mist adds to the mystery of the site’s origins and why it was abandoned.
Depart for Cusco, where your lodgings are in a lavishly restored historic monastery.

Day 6: Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru

Curious Cusco, a Galapagos / Peru cruise and tour gem Your Galapagos / Peru cruise
and tour continues with sightseeing in Cusco, once the powerful capital of the
ancient, sophisticated Inca empire.

See Plaza de Armas, a large square that was the center of the ancient city;
the Cathedral; and colonial buildings dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.

A guided walking tour of Sacsayhuaman explores the ruins of this Inca military
fortress, providing great views of the city below.

Day 7:Hilton Colón Guayaquil, Ecuador

Journey to Ecuador Your Galapagos / Peru cruise adventure begins! Fly to Lima
and take a connecting flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city.

It’s renowned as a major port and enjoys a pleasant tropical climate.

Day 8: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galapagos Islands

Greetings GalapagosBlue-footed Boobie Birds Fly to the Galapagos Islands, 600
miles off the coast and home to wildlife found nowhere else in the world.

Enjoy a seven-night cruise aboard Tauck’s exclusive expeditionary-style yacht,
topped by an observation deck.

The cruise itinerary is flexible, allowing the ship to access many remote islands, choosing beaches that are full of wildlife. Landings are made in a panga, a Zodiac-style
raft, and may require wading ashore in shallow water. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging:

Day 9: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galapagos Islands

Explore Hood Island on landings wet and dry Both wet and dry landings by panga take you to Hood Island to visit with its friendly sea lions and observe finches, mockingbirds and other birdlife.

Ride a glass-bottom boat in Gardner Bay, walk across volcanic landscapes to check out unique seabird colonies at Punta Suarez, or spend some time snorkelingin crystal-clear waters.

Day 10: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galapagos Islands

Flamingos and more on Floreana Island On Floreana Island, join your expert naturalist
guide on an easy nature hike to a lovely lagoon, where you’ll see flamingos in
their pristine habitat.

Explore Post Office Bay, where a primitive island “post office” has been in
use for hundreds of years, and land by panga to visit turtles, rays and other
wildlife up close.

Day 11: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galapagos Islands

In Darwin’s footsteps on Santa Cruz Island Head for the inland highlands on Santa
Cruz Island, as well as the craters of Los Gemelos and a Scalesia forest.

Meet giant tortoises and observe a wide variety of flora – such as the giant
prickly-pear cactus – and fauna at the Charles Darwin Research Station, where
you’ll also learn about the history of the islands.

Day 12: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galapagos Islands

Birds galore on Tower Island Land by panga in a lovely natural habor on Tower
Island to view thousands of incredible birds – including large colonies of frigate
birds, storm petrels, Nazca boobies and many more.

In most cases, the birds and animals of the Galapagos are unafraid of humans,
so you can get right up close to them.

Day 13: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galapagos Islands

Cross the Equator to Isabela and Fernandina Cross the Equator aboard Isabela II
today en route to Isabela and Fernandina, the youngest of the Galapgos Islands
(they’re only about 5 to 10 million years old).

Arrive at Isabela’s Tagus Cove to see Darwin Crater; you’ll also have an opportunity
to do some snorkeling, as well as view Sally Lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas and
sea lions on Fernandina.

Day 14: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galapagos Islands

More wonders on James and Bartolomé Islands Stroll across the ancient lava flows
of James Island and spot marine iguanas, fur seals and myriad birds.

There are even more wonders in store – on a climb to the top of Bartolomé Island
and on a panga ride around Pinnacle Rock where you may get a look at Galapagos
penguins.

Day 15: Hilton Colón Guayaquil, Ecuador

Explore Guayaquil Disembark Isabela II, and fly to Guayaquil. A tour of the city
precedes some free time, perhaps to stroll the waterfront promenade, El Malecon.

Share favorite experiences from your Galapagos and Peru cruise and tour at
the farewell dinner.

Day 16: Goodbye Galapagos / Peru cruise and tour Tour ends in Guayaquil.

A transfer is included from the Hilton Colón Guayaquil to Guayaquil International
Airport; allow 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals: Breakfast

This Machu Picchu tour package has been put together by Tauck. Contact one of our tour specialist and find the right tour package for you.