Alpine Explorer with Glacier Express & Oberammergau Passion Play
August 13-23, 2010
$5935 Double, $6603 Single
Price Reduction as of 2/24/09! $5845 Double, $6513 Single
Tour includes airport transfers, airfare, taxes and fees, Perkiomen escort, lodging and meals, sights, attractions listed in the itinerary, and travel insurance. We recommend optional Travel Insurance for this tour. Please ask for a brochure.
On your way to Oberammergau to experience the Passion Play, (which is only performed every 10 years), you’ll view the Italian & Swiss Alps, see the famous Matterhorn, and ride on the unforgettable Glacier Express to St. Moritz. Explore the wonder of old Europe when sightseeing in Innsbruck, Salzburg and Munich. Don’t miss out on this opportunity, or you’ll have to wait until 2020 for the next performance!
Friday, August 13
Begin your tour with an overnight flight to Europe.
Saturday, August 14
Your stay in Europe begins in picturesque Stresa on Lago Maggiore, Italy. Tonight you are transported by boat to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the most characteristic islands of the Borromeo Gulf. Enjoy a delicious meal while surrounded by beautiful scenery. D
Sunday, August 15
Today, drive through the beautiful Lake District of Italy, cross into Switzerland and the lakeside resort of Lugano. Here you will enjoy beautiful views of Lake Lugano and excellent shopping opportunities. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the lake area. B
Monday, August 16
Depart Stresa for a scenic motorcoach ride into the heart of the Alpine mountains. The breathtaking views of the Italian and Swiss Alps will leave a lasting impression on you. Upon arrival in Taesch, board a local train for the short ride to the spectacular Alpine village of Zermatt, Switzerland. B, D
Tuesday, August 17
Following an orientation tour of the village, the balance of the day is at leisure. Get an up-close look at the famed Matterhorn, enjoy some fine shopping or just relax at your hotel. B
Wednesday, August 18
Today, you board the famous Glacier Express. Be prepared for an unforgettable train ride on the world’s most exciting narrow-gauge railway. You travel through a series of tunnels and bridges as you traverse some of the most spectacular Alpine scenery in the world; majestic mountains, verdant valleys, picturesque canyons, glistening glaciers and snowcapped peaks. Your destination is St. Moritz, playground of the rich and famous. B,D
Thursday, August 19
Enjoy your drive through the picturesque Engadine Valley. Shortly, you cross into Austria and continue along the scenic Inn Valley. Arriving in the capital of the Austrian Tyrol, Innsbruck, time is allowed for lunch, independent sightseeing and shopping. Be sure not to miss the famous Golden Roof. Continue the drive through the Austrian countryside to historic Salzburg, one of Europe’s most beautiful and romantic spots. B
Friday, August 20
Begin your day with a leisurely walking tour of Salzburg’s historic “Old Town” – The Alstadt. Your sightseeing includes such highlights as the Cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace and Mirabell Gardens. You will not be able to miss locations from the “Sound of Music”. The afternoon will be at leisure. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant. B,D
Saturday, August 21
You’ll drive a short distance to the frontier of Germany, crossing the border into Bavaria. Soon you arrive in the Bavarian capital of Munich where you have a walking tour featuring the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel and the Olympic Park. Next, depart for the quaint village of Oberammergau, nestled in the Bavarian Alps. B,D
Sunday, August 22
This afternoon, witness a performance of the Passion Play. The original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, the village of Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the villagers vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the life of Christ. The performers are native Oberammergauers. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast start to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers. During the break of the performance, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip. B,L,D
Monday, August 23
Depart for home with many fond memories of your Alpine adventure! B