Switzerland and Germany with Oberammergau Booklet

2019 - 2020

SWITZERLAND

& GERMANY WITH OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY

OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY • BLACK FOREST • CHÂTEAU DE CHILLON • LAKE GENEVA • GRIMSEL PASS 8 DAYS • FROM $4,999PP* 13 Meals • 7 Breakfasts • 1 Lunch • 5 Dinners

The Passion Play ©Passionsspiele Oberammergau 2010

experience the grandeur OF THE ALPINE REGION

Experience the grand cities of Europe’s Alpine region and be part of history in the making when you enjoy a performance of the legendary Passion Play in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau. Watch as the entire village comes together to present you with their rendition of this Biblical story. You’ll view the picturesque pinnacles and turrets of Neuschwanstein Castle, and then overnight in Bavaria’s mysterious Black Forest, where popular souvenirs include authentic cuckoo clocks and wood carvings. In Switzerland, highlights include a visit to the Chateau de Chillon on lovely Lake Geneva and a walking tour in Lucerne. A farewell dinner with your fellow travellers is the perfect end to this memorable tour.

The Passion Play ©Passionsspiele Oberammergau 2010

Grimsel Pass

Chateau de Chillon

Cuckoo clocks

DISCOVER GERMANY & SWITZERLAND cultural • • •

EXPERIENCES

Visit the Pilgrimage Church of Weis, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Admire the art of cuckoo clock making in the heart of the Black Forest.

Discover Lucerne’s romantic Old Town and famous Chapel Bridge during a walking tour.

must-see • • •

INCLUSIONS

Be moved by a performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play.

Step inside Switzerland’s most visited historic monument: Chateau de Chillon.

Take in the snowcapped mountains as you travel through the Grimsel Pass.

culinary • •

•

INCLUSIONS

Dine on Bavarian favourites.

Savour the flavours of the Black Forest at a dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients.

Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring local Swiss specialties.

SWITZERLAND AND GERMANY OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY WITH

ITINERARY

Day 1: Oberammergau, Germany - Tour Begins Your tour opens in the quaint village of Oberammergau, renowned for woodcarvings and the Passion Play. This evening meet your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

Day 2: 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 honour 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 starts to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers. During a break in the performance, join your fellow travellers for dinner before returning for the remainder of your Passion Play performance.

Day 3: Oberammergau - Black Forest Visit the Church of Weis and its miraculous figure of the Scourged Saviour, said to have shed tears during prayer in the 18th century. Today, fairy tales become reality at a picture stop of Bavaria’s most famous castle, King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein. Next, you are off to the heart of the stunning Black Forest, a region famous for its artisans who create authentic cuckoo clocks, Hummels and wood carvings.

Day 4: Black Forest - Zermatt, Switzerland Welcome to Switzerland! Your first stop en route to Zermatt is at one of the most

Lucerne

photographed castles in the world, the Château de Chillon, located on serene Lake Geneva. Later, enjoy a short train ride aboard the Matterhorn Gottard Bahn from Tasch to the relaxing pedestrian village of Zermatt in the Swiss Alps. Take a stroll and breathe in the fresh Alpine air.

Day 5: Zermatt Today Zermatt is at your fingertips. It’s your choice! Explore on foot during a guided walking tour -OR- experience Zermatt independently before visiting the Matterhorn Museum to learn more about the triumph and tragedy of the first ascent of this imposing peak. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Day 6: Zermatt - Grimsel Pass - Lucerne Views of glaciers, crystal clear rivers and snowcapped mountains will invigorate you as you travel through the spectacular scenery of the Grimsel Pass. Your destination is Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.”

Day 7: Lucerne This morning, embark on a scenic walking tour of this picturesque city, including a stroll through its romantic Old Town. The remainder of the day is yours to explore independently all Lucerne has to offer. Tonight, come together with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner featuring local specialities, and toast the end of a memorable trip.

Day 8: Lucerne – Tour Ends Your tour comes to a close in Lucerne.

HOTELS Days 1, 2

Oberammergau Regional Hotel, Oberammergau

Day 3

Hofgut Sternen, Titisee g

Days 4, 5

Hotel Alex, Zermatt

Days 6, 7

Radission Blu Hotel Lucerne, Lucerne

Economy air rate and schedule are applicable for groups of 10 or more traveling on the same flights and dates. To complete your tour, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing our airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times. The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour. The included lunch in Oberammergau will be a light lunch. *Danube River Cruise is available mid-April to mid-October. Single accommodations are extremely limited. Triple and child accommodations are not available. Our air passengers will depart from the Zurich, Switzerland airport. All transfers will depart Lucerne for Zurich. Return flights should not be booked prior to 10:00 a.m. IDENTIFICATION: Passports are required for this tour at your expense. Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity from date of return home. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements. IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.

This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces, should be expected.

can’t-miss

EXPERIENCES IN SWITZERLAND CUCKOO CLOCKS & THE BLACK FOREST The birthplace of the cuckoo clock is in the German Black Forest. They have become the symbol of the region. The clocks were made in the winter time when the farms were snowed in, and then sold in the summer time. There are two main types of cuckoo clocks and all clocks are hand carved with some of the most beautiful detailing in the world.

SWISS CHOCOLATE

Swiss chocolate is unlike any other chocolate in the world. The Swiss are known as the masters of this sweet treat, inventing the chocolate bar, milk chocolate, and several chocolate-related manufacturing processes. Swiss producers like Francois-Lois Cailler, Rudolf Sprüngli-Ammann, and Rodolphe Lindt are just a few of the industry titans that helped Switzerland corner the chocolate market.

THE MATTERHORN

Straddling the border of Switzerland and Italy, this imposing mountain is one of the country’s most iconic geological wonders. With its iconic hook-shaped peak, the Matterhorn is said to be one of the most highlyphotographed mountains in the world. See it looming over the magical landscape of Zermatt during your stay.

OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY

Nestled in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps, less than a two-hour drive from Munich, the quaint little village of Oberammergau is one of Europe’s most unique destinations. One of its most well-known events is its once-in-a-decade Passion Play – an epic event that traces Jesus’ life, death and resurrection with a moving feast of drama and music.

This powerful play is not to be missed.

relax, we’re on it...

UNPACK LESS, ENJOY MORE PERFECTED TOUR PACING Most of our tours feature zero one-night hotel stays. It means you’ll spend the right amount of time in each destination and less time packing and unpacking.

GUARANTEED TO GO BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE Choose from many guaranteed departure dates.

Reserve with complete confidence as these selected departures are guaranteed to operate.

TRAVEL PROTECTION PEACE OF MIND Our industry-leading, worry-free travel protection plan offers you a full refund unlike many plans that only offer a voucher. Cancel for any reason right up to the day prior to departure.

PRIVATE CHAUFFEUR SERVICE INCLUDED PERSONAL TOUCHES Leave the hassle of getting to the airport behind. Enjoy round-trip home to airport chauffeur service with the purchase of air. It’s the perfect way to begin (and end) your journey.

THE

Collette Passport CLUB

RECOGNISING OUR LOYAL GUESTS Travel with Collette to become members of Collette’s loyalty program, the Collette Passport Club (formerly Travel Loyalty by Collette or TLC). Members automatically earn a $150 credit every time they travel along with various other benefits. Former TLC members with existing credits will have them automatically applied to their account.

always

included...

• Expertly crafted itineraries • 4-star+ accommodation • Skilled and engaging tour managers • Expert local guides with insider knowledge • Attraction entrance fees with preferential access • Many meals full of local flavour • Unparalleled sightseeing • Enriching cultural experiences • Comfortable on-tour transportation • Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling • Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour

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