Oberammergau Passion Play

The Oberammergau Passion Play takes place for one summer each decade and it is a re-enactment of a play of life and death. Back in the 17th Century, after months of suffering and death from the plague, the villagers of Oberammergau swore on oath that if the village was spared further suffering, they would perform a play dedicated to the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ every ten years. Since 1634, the villagers have fulfilled their holy pledge. The picturesque village of Oberammergau is located in the beautiful mountains of Bavaria and is also known for its colourfully decorated buildings and for wood carvings. Our coach holiday to the Passion Play includes two nights accommodation in Oberammergau (we recommend this, rather than just one night) which we feel is essential to fully enjoy Oberammergau and the incredible Passion Play performance. We also spend three enjoyable nights in Austria where we include three days of wonderful excursions to SALZBURG & THE SOUND OF MUSIC TOUR, ZELL AM SEE & ALPS TOUR and INNSBRUCK. Finally with the inclusion of two overnight hotel stops, we ensure a relaxing and restful 7 nights duration. Gold Crest Holidays offers a choice of departure dates for the Oberammergau Passion Play coach holiday in 2010 from May through to September, including all the 'key' dates. However, these will sell early, so please book especially early if you would like to have choice of when to travel. The Passion Play is performed at the Passion Play theatre in Oberammergau, which has a large open air stage and more than 4,500 comfortable seats. The cast is made up from more than 2000 citizens of Oberammergau. From Ash Wednesday they will follow the "Hair Decree" which means from this date on all the men in Oberammergau taking part in the play are requested to let the hair on their heads and faces grow. The Passion Play performance lasts for five hours, as the villagers retell the story of Jesus of Nazereth, from his entry into Jerusalem to his death on the cross and his resurrection. For viewing comfort, the Passion Play is performed in two halves, with a break for dinner in between. With the opportunity to enjoy the Passion Play limited to once every ten years, make 2010 your year to visit Oberammergau and leave yourself with memories to last a lifetime.

Day 1 - Travel. Travel to your overnight hotel in Belgium / Holland.
Day 2 - AUSTRIA VIA GERMANY'S RHINE. Travel to your Austrian hotel with a lunch break on the Rhine.
Day 3 - SALZBURG & THE SOUND OF MUSIC TOUR. Included full day excursion.
Day 4 - ZELL AM SEE & ALPS TOUR. Included full day excursion.
Day 5 - INNSBRUCK & OBERAMMERGAU. Travel to Innsbruck where you will have time at leisure. Optional guided tour available. In the afternoon we depart Innsbruck and travel to Oberammergau arriving early evening.
Day 6 - OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY. Morning free in Oberammergau with lunch provided. The Passion Play commences at 14.30 (cat 2 tickets) with an included dinner after the first half (1700). The play re-commences at 20.30 until 22.30. You will then be transferred back to your hotel
Day 7 - Travel. Leave Oberammergau after breakfast and travel to your overnight hotel in Germany/Holland.
Day 8 - Travel. Channel crossing and coach journey home

This 8 day Oberammergau Passion Play tour includes 7 nights accommodation. You will stay for three nights in Austria, two nights in Oberammergau and have two overnight stops, one in Belgium/Holland and the other in the Germany/Holland area. Hotels in Austria will be 3-star and in Oberammergau category 3 Guest Houses with well furnished en-suite bedrooms as well as a comfortable bar dining room where breakfast and dinner will be included throughout your stay. On the overnight stops you will be accommodated on a continental breakfast basis.