Oberammergau 2020 UK

The unmissable, once-a-decade

OBERAMMERGAU Passion Play 2020 A collection of tours featuring OBERAMMERGAU with: Austrian Tyrol Villas of the Veneto Historic Germany Ancient Hallstatt Roman Italy Munich & Salzburg Dream Castles of Bavaria

PLUS - Unique 2-night Oberammergau breaks from only £995 per person

EXPERIENCE AN ICON OF WORLD TRAVEL IN 2020 Taking place just once every decade, the Oberammergau Passion Play is worthy of being described as iconic. As the summer of 2020 creeps up on us, with a performance that only happens once every ten years, there is no such thing as securing your place too early. Join us in beautiful Bavaria next year for what is sure to be an experience to remember.

All Oberammergau images © Passion Play Oberammergau

An extraordinary heritage 2020 will mark the 42nd performance of the now-iconic Passion Play, but its wheels were first set in motion back in 1633 when the Great Plague descended upon the residents of this charming Bavarian village. Citizens made a solemn vow that if their lives were spared, they would perform a play depicting the story of Christ’s life, suffering, death and resurrection every ten years. Amazingly, there were no further deaths as a result of the plague and the Passion Play officially began a year later in 1634.

Germany

An epic performance The Oberammergau Passion Play is set to begin at 2.30pm local time and will finish at 10.30pm. On our Oberammergau tours, dinner will be included during the intermission so there will be adequate time to stretch your legs. It is helpful to note that the Passion Play is performed in German, but you will be able to obtain a playbook with an English translation at the event itself.

A spectacular setting A small German village known also for its traditional wood-carvings, Oberammergau is located in beautiful Bavaria. Situated among the stunning Ammergau Alps, it is a great base from which to do some exploring. The roots of Oberammergau’s wood-carving tradition can be traced back to the Middle Ages and it is something first recorded in the year 1111, by Rottenbucher monks. Why not get a feel for the local colour with a leisurely walk in this glorious area?

2

Italy

INTERVIEW WITH ONE OF THE ACTORS PLAYING JESUS IN 2020 The 2020 production of the Oberammergau Passion Play will have two villagers playing the role of Jesus. One of whom is Frederik Mayet, who told us all about the honour of accepting such a position as well as what it’s like to live in this charming Bavarian village. that I played the role of John. Cast members show a real dedication to being part of the Passion Play. We start with the beard and hair-growing around one year ahead of the premiere. The first half of this year is spent rehearsing, while the other half is filled with performances. Almost half of our whole village is involved, and our aim is to bring a great Passion Play to the stage for our visitors.

Austria

“I was in the play for the first time in the year 2000, when I played John the Apostle.

I was invited by the director, Christian Stückl, to attend some castings and after turning up several times I was surprised – and more than happy – when he suggested

It’s not often that you find such a famous and long-standing tradition in a small village like Oberammergau – it truly is so special to be part of the play. I remember back in 1990, when I was 10-years-old, I sat in the audience and watched the Passion Play with my great-grandmother. For me, this is one of the best places to live.”

3

Facts about the world-renowned Oberammergau Passion Play

1

To take part in the legendary Passion Play, you must either have been born in the village of Oberammergau, married to a local for 10 years or have lived there for 20 years. No exceptions to these rules are ever made.

2

All costumes are made by villagers and no wigs are allowed, meaning that people have to grow their hair for accuracy and authenticity according to the ‘Hair & Beard Decree’. For the 2020 performance, this came into force on 6th March and will see participants growing their beards and facial hair according to the roles they were assigned.

3

In the upcoming performance, some scenes will be accompanied by up to 64 vocalists, whereas normally there are just four vocal soloists and 44 choristers. There will be a total of 55 instrumentalists sitting in the orchestra pit for next year’s event.

4

4

Over 2,000 citizens take part in the performance, despite the fact that there are only around 124 speaking roles.

5

For the 2020 performance, Jesus will be played by both Frederik Mayet (who played the same role in the 2010 production) and Rochus RĂźckel. RĂźckel has been confirmed as the second-youngest actor to play Jesus in the almost 400-year-old history of the Passion Play.

6

The first-ever performance, in 1634, took place at the cemetery next to the parish church, on the graves of the plague victims. Later, in 1830, the performance space relocated to the northern edge of the village, where it still remains today (pictured above, centre).

For any questions or to book, contact us today Andante Travels: Brightwater Holidays:

01334 766 036

01722 671 209

brightwaterholidays.com

andantetravels.com

5

THE HISTORY OF THE STAGE & YOUR TICKETS The first-ever performance, in 1634, took place at the cemetery next to the parish church, on the graves of the plague victims. Later, in 1830, the performance space relocated to the northern edge of the village, where it still remains today. The theatre itself is an impressive sight to behold and now has seating for an audience of over 4,700 people.

What’s more, it boasts amazing acoustics as well as underfloor heating and modern facilities.

6

Where will I be sat?

To be a ticket-holder for the once-per-decade Passion Play in Oberammergau is to be very privileged indeed. The event takes place at a purpose-built theatre in the village of Oberammergau itself, at a venue that can hold around 4,700 people at any one time. The theatre is covered with a specially created roof, which allows for comfortable viewing whatever the weather.

With us, the tickets you receive will be either category one, category two or category three, but it’s worth noting that all seats in the auditorium provide a good view of the stage and the action as it unfolds. The space is accessible, it is equipped with underfloor heating and there are improved toilet facilities, all of which can help make the experience of witnessing the legendary Passion Play that bit more comfortable.

7

A Short Break in Oberammergau

Ettal monastery, Oberammergau

3 days 5 departures From £995

For anyone wanting to experience the once-a-decade Oberammergau Passion Play as a standalone event – our short breaks are ideal. Fly into this memorable Bavarian village one day before the performance takes place so that there’s just enough time to explore its history and heritage as a destination, and then it’s show time. The following day, once the event has ended for another decade, it’s time to go home. This really is the most affordable way to experience such a legendary event.

What’s included? »» Return flights from London

Day 1 This morning we catch an early flight to Munich from London. Upon arrival, we drive to our hotel located in the Oberammergau area. Tonight we have our first dinner together as a group and will then return to our hotel for the rest of the evening.

»» 3* accommodation in Oberammergau* »» Services of a professional tour manager »» Comfortable coach transfers »» 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners »» Category two tickets in August and category three tickets on our June and July departures

Day 2 After breakfast, we have ample time to explore Oberammergau itself.

A village known for its traditional woodcarvers, many of the shops here both display and sell the wares of these skilled craftspeople. Elsewhere, there is the fantastic Oberammergau Museum, which showcases the area’s magnificent carvings as well as offers some artefacts uncovered in the region. Of course, the museum tells the almost unbelievable origin story of the Passion Play itself. This afternoon is the moment we’ve all been waiting for – the main event. For the June and July departures, the play will start at 2.30pm

and finish at 10.30pm, with a three-hour break in between. The August departure will start at 1.30pm, finish at 9.30pm and also include the three-hour break with dinner.

Day 3 Breakfast this morning is sure to be abuzz with discussion following last night’s once-a-decade Passion Play performance. Afterwards, we pack our bags and make our return back to the airport, where we catch our flights home.

*Due to the demand of the Passion Play, we are unable to confirm the exact hotel for the nights in the Oberammergau area. Please check our website for the most up to date information.

8

Start

Return

Price

Single Supp

13th June

15th June

From £1,095

£220

17th June

19th June

From £995

£220

25th July

27th July

From £1,095

£220

27th July

29th July

From £1,095

£220

24th August

26th August

From £1,195

£220

For more information or to book call 01722 671 209 or visit andantetravels.com

Oberammergau & the Austrian Tyrol

SAVE UP TO 5%

Zell am See, Austria

6 days 3 departures From £2,095

Tour highlights »» Tier 2 tickets to witness the Oberammergau Passion Play »» Discover the setting of the 1965 classic, The Sound of Music

Join us in the sublime setting of the Austrian Tyrol – the setting for The Sound of Music and also the home of one of the world’s musical geniuses, Mozart.

What’s included? »» Return flights from London »» 4* accommodation in the Tyrol and Oberammergau »» Services of a professional tour manager »» Comfortable coach travel throughout »» 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 5 dinners »» Site entries & category two tickets to the Passion Play Pay in full at the time of booking before 9th August 2019 & receive 5% off the cost of the holiday.

»» Travel on the Zillertal Steam Railway with a complimentary glass of schnapps »» Visit Tratzberg Castle and the Oberammergau Museum

Day 1 We depart from London on a flight to Munich. Upon arrival we are met by a local coach and from here we will transfer to our hotel in Zillertal, where dinner is served later in the evening.

Day 2 This morning, we enjoy an excursion aboard the historic, narrow-gauge Zillertal Steam Railway. As we travel through stunning Tyrolean scenery, from Jenbach to the chic ski resort of Mayrhofen, we are served a chilled glass of schnapps for an added touch of luxury. Lunch is at a mountainside restaurant, which we reach via cable car, enjoying a jaw-droppingly scenic journey en route. Afterwards, we return to our hotel for a group dinner.

Day 3 We’re spoilt for choice today as we head towards Salzburg, with the opportunity to decide between two themed excursions. Classical music aficionados will surely be enticed by the Mozart option, while others will be tempted to see some of the locations immortalised on film by the Rodgers and

Hammerstein classic, The Sound of Music.

Both excursions include visits to the castle and cathedral.

Day 4 Today, we enjoy a guided tour of Innsbruck, including the old town and the famous Maria-Theresien-Strasse, making a stop at Emperor Maximillian I’s rather grand ‘Golden Roof’. Later, we pay a visit to the vaulted halls of Tratzberg Castle, which has connections with the oncemighty Habsburg dynasty.

Day 5 After breakfast, we bid auf wiedersehen to Austria and say guten tag to Germany, as we transfer to Oberammergau via the ski town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The day’s performance of the immersive Passion Play begins at 2:30pm, with a threehour break for dinner at our hotel. The performance is due to end at around 10.30pm local time.

Day 6 This morning, we transfer to the airport for our return flight to London.

Start

Return

Price

Single Supp

13th May

18th May

From £2,145 | Save up to 5%

£280

10th August

15th August

From £2,095 | Save up to 5%

£280

12th August

17th August

From £2,095 | Save up to 5%

£280

For more information or to book call 01334 766 036 or visit brightwaterholidays.com 9 Quality garden and special interest tours

Oberammergau & Veneto

SAVE UP TO 5%

Villa Vescovi, Vento, Italy

7 days 24th - 30th August From £2,295

Tour highlights »» Witness the once-per-decade Passion Play in its entirety »» Wander the grounds of five glorious villas in beautiful areas »» Pay a very special visit to the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua

Veneto is one of Italy’s wealthiest regions and we discover no fewer than seven glorious villas and their stunning gardens on this picture-perfect tour.

»» Enjoy free time in the beautiful little town of Asolo, known as ‘the Pearl of the province of Treviso’ and once home to both the poet Robert Browning and the explorer Dame Freya Stark

What’s included?

Day 2 After breakfast, we are joined by a local guide for a walking tour of Vicenza’s historic centre. External views include the Corso Palladio, Palazzo Thiene, Palazzo Barbaran, Palazzo Chiericati, the Basilica Palladiana and the Duomo. We also get to visit the wonderful Teatro Olimpico.

Afterwards, we visit the glorious Villa Rotonda, designed by Andrea Palladio in around 1570. In 1994, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and our private visit here is hosted by Count Valmarana. We continue on to Villa Valmarana and are privileged to dine in a room decorated with stunning Tiepolo frescoes.

»» Return flights from London »» 4* accommodation in Veneto and Oberammergau »» Services of a professional tour manager »» Comfortable coach travel throughout »» 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners »» Site entries and category two tickets to the Passion Play Pay in full at the time of booking before 9th August 2019 & receive 5% off the cost of the holiday.

Innsbruck, Austria

10

Day 1 We depart from London on a direct flight to Venice’s Marco Polo airport. Upon arrival, we are met by a local coach and guide, and we transfer to our hotel.

Day 3 We start our day with a visit to Villa Vescovi, located in the Euganean Hills. This afternoon we transfer to Padua and have a guided tour of the Basilica di Sant’Antonio.

We then continue to the Oratorio di San Giogio and the Sculo del Santo. After dinner, we have a special visit to the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua.

Day 4 Today, we depart for a visit to the gardens of the Villa Barbaro in Maser. It has the unique appeal of being the only Palladian villa in Veneto to retain some of its original garden. As the gardens were essentially a public space, Palladio designed a secret garden behind the villa – a small enclosed courtyard dominated by an impressive nymphaeum which is decorated with statues of classical gods.

After some free time in Asolo, we make our way back to the hotel and can freshen up before dinner at the Villa Godi Malinverni.

Day 5 This morning, we have breakfast and then check out of our hotel, heading north towards Austria over the Brenner Pass. We arrive into Innsbruck in time for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, we cross into Germany and check into our Bavarian hotel.

Day 6 In the afternoon, we attend the performance of the legendary Passion Play. Dinner is included during the intermission. Once the production ends, we will return to our hotel.

Day 7 After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our return flights to London.

Start

Return

Price

Single Supp

24th August

30th August

From £2,295 | Save up to 5%

£450

For more information or to book call 01334 766 036 or visit brightwaterholidays.com Quality garden and special interest tours

Oberammergau & Hallstatt

Hallstatt lakeside town

5 days 10th - 14th August From £2,195

Tour highlights »» Witness the once-per-decade Oberammergau Passion Play and spend two nights in the area

This multi-centre tour offers the chance to explore local life through the ages, including witnessing the iconic Oberammergau Passion Play.

What’s included? »» Return flights from London »» 4* accommodation in Oberammergau* and Hallstatt »» Expert Guide Lecturer and a professional tour manager »» Comfortable coach travel throughout »» 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners »» Entries, tips and category two tickets to the Passion Play

»» Descend underground to the visit the salt mines of Hallstatt, where thousands of years of salt-mining history await discovery »» Visit the Celtic museum at Hallein with its elaborate La Tène metalwork Day 1 Today we fly into Munich or Salzburg, and drive onward to our hotel in the Oberammergau area.

Day 2 This morning we have the chance to explore Oberammergau. The village is known for its traditional woodcarvers, religious art and its frescoes of traditional Bavarian themes. After an early lunch, we will prepare to watch the Passion Play, Part I of which is due to commence at 2.30pm. We will take a lengthy break for dinner between 5pm and 7.30pm, and then the final part of the play will resume at 8pm until 10.30pm.

Day 3 We leave Oberammergau this morning and drive to the historic town of Hallein, stopping for coffee on route.

Upon arrival, we visit the impressive Celtic Museum with its elaborate La Tène metalwork. This is one of Europe’s biggest museums dedicated to Celtic history and it presents a range of exhibits that include Ice Age burial sites, salt-mining on the Dürrnberg and areas of ancient settlement. This evening, we will enjoy dinner together at our hotel.

Day 4 We begin our day by going underground at the Hallstatt salt mines.

This is an impressive mine, with 65km of tunnels and an average salt content of 60%. After lunch, we proceed to the UNESCO-listed Hallstatt Museum, where discoveries from the area’s salt mines are on display. These include a drinking horn, miners’ picks and stone axes. We can also observe finds from Iron Age cemeteries as well as Roman remains. Later, we will enjoy a farewell meal together as a group.

Day 5 Enjoy a morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for our return flights to London.

Kelheim, Germany

*Due to the demand of the Passion Play, we are unable to confirm the exact hotel for the nights in the Oberammergau area. Please check our website for the most up to date information.

Danube

Start

Return

Price

Single Supp

10th August

14th August

From £2,195

£360

For more information or to book call 01722 671 209 or visit andantetravels.com

11

Oberammergau & the Southern Limes 9 days | 25th August - 2nd September | From £3,250 The journey begins in Trier on the River Mosel, the oldest city in Germany, and a great 4th century Christian imperial capital. It culminates in the spectacular depiction of the events of the crucifixion in the famous Oberammergau Passion Play. The cathedral of Trier houses relics of the crucifixion, and of St. Helena who travelled to the Holy Land to find the True Cross. We travel the line of the Roman frontier – the Limes – from Mainz (Moguntiacum) to Regensburg (Castra Regina), investigating the sites and museums of the longest artificial frontier of the Roman Empire. Finally, we witness the sublime Oberammergau Passion Play, the main highlight of our trip.

Tour highlights »» The monuments of imperial Trier, including the Porta Nigra city gate, the basilica and audience hall of Constantine the Great »» See the unique Museum of Roman Ships in Mainz »» View the Aschaffenburg Pompejanum – an idealised 19th century vision of a Pompeiian house, built by Ludwig I of Bavaria »» Wander the southern Limes, located on the borders of Germany Regensburg

Trierer Dom, Germany

12

»» Category one tickets to the Oberammergau Passion Play

For more information or to book call 01722 671 209 or visit andantetravels.com Day 1 Fly into Luxembourg and on the way to our hotel in Trier, we pay a visit the funerary monument of Igel, decorated with remarkable detail of wool merchants’ lives. We visit the Villa Nennig, with its famous gladiator mosaic, followed by the enterprising reconstruction of the Villa Borg. Later, we drive to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2 Today is our first day in Imperial Roman Trier, one of the late Roman capital cities of the Western Empire, which is now an iconic German Rhineland town. This morning, we visit the famous Porta Nigra, the Museum am Dom with its ceiling frescoes from the palace of St. Helens, and the late Roman cathedral. In the afternoon, we visit Constantine’s Palace and walk down to the early Roman baths, the Barbarathermen, and the Roman bridge over the Mosel.

Day 3 Another day in Trier awaits, with a walk to the Rheinsches Landes Museum – home to a huge collection of Roman material, including the most extensive selection of funerary sculpture north of the Alps. After lunch, we visit the Trier Imperial Baths and the afternoon culminates with a visit to the amphitheatre.

Day 4 We drive to Mainz. This was the capital of Germania Superior, its administrative centre and, at times, a double legionary base. We will visit the Museum für Antike Schiffahrt for a tour of the excavated ships and their reconstructions. On the way, we will stop at the Drusus Stone and the Roman aqueduct.

We continue with a walk to the Roman theatre. After lunch, we will

view the Isis Temple in Mainz and the cathedral. Dinner and our overnight stay are both in Mainz.

Day 5 Today we leave the hotel and drive to Asschaffenburg, where we visit the Pompeiianum. We then continue along the River Main and the line of the Limes of Germania Superior to Osterburken for the Roman fort annexe. After lunch, we visit Osterburken Roman Museum. Continue along the Limes to Aalen, stopping at the watchtower at Grosserlach-Grab, and the border between Germania Superior and Raetia at Schwäbisch Gmünd.

Dinner tonight is at our hotel.

Day 6 Visit Aalen Limes Museum and archaeological park and continue to Weissenburg. After lunch, we visit the Weissenburg Roman museum, the Roman baths and fort. Drive from Weissenburg to Regensburg for our hotel and overnight stay.

Day 7 Leave our hotel on foot and walk to the Roman Fort Gate in Regensburg and continue along the line of the Roman fortress of Roman Castra Regina. Leave Regensburg and drive to the area of Oberammergau. After lunch, we have free time to relax and explore the local area before dinner.

Day 8 We will be preparing for the Oberammergau Passion Play, Part I of which commences at 1:30pm until 4:00pm, with a dinner break from 4pm. Part II begins at 7:00pm and finishes at 9:30pm.

Day 9 Today we depart for the airport and fly home.

Mainz, Germany

What’s included? »» Return flights from London »» 4* accommodation in Trier, Mainz, Aalen, Regensburg and Oberammergau* »» Expert Guide Lecturer and a professional tour manager »» Comfortable coach travel throughout »» 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners »» Entries, tips and category one tickets to the Passion Play *Due to the demand of the Passion Play, we are unable to confirm the exact hotel for the nights in the Oberammergau area. Please check our website for the most up to date information.

Start

Return

Price

Single Supp

25th August

2nd September

From £3,250

£530

13

Oberammergau & the Archaeology of Northern Italy 7 days | 13th - 19th June | From £2,595 Experience seven glorious days discovering the history and archaeology of locations in both Italy and Germany, ahead of journeying to Oberammergau to watch a performance of the legendary Passion Play.

Starting out in historic Brescia, not far from Milan, we explore a range of sites that tell the stories of this wonderful city. From here, we tour ruined Roman villas replete with mosaics, we go underground to observe subterranean remains and we pay a memorable visit to the mummified remains of Ötzi the Iceman. As our week draws to a close, we move on to the Ammergau Alps, where the once-a-decade Passion Play awaits.

Tour highlights »» Go underground in Trento to discover the remains of a Roman road, parts of the city wall, and some ruined houses and workshops »» Come face-to-face with the mummified remains of Ötzi the Iceman at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology »» Take a walking tour of the lesser-visited historic city of Brescia, home to some of northern Italy’s best-preserved Roman remains »» Enjoy two nights in the surrounding area of Oberammergau, known for its traditional woodcarving as well as the legendary Passion Play, which we experience while we’re here Goldenes Dachl at Innsbruck, Austria

Harbour, Desenzano

14

»» Journey to the ‘pearl’ of Lake Garda, Sirmione, and explore the ruins of the Caves of Catullus

For more information or to book call 01722 671 209 or visit andantetravels.com Day 1 Arrive in Munich and drive to our hotel in the Oberammergau area.

Day 2 Today we will bear witness to the once-in-a-lifetime event that is the Oberammergau Passion Play. Part I is due to begin at 2.30pm and it will come to an end at 10.30pm. There will, of course, be a sizeable break for dinner from 5-8pm.

Day 3 This morning we depart Oberammergau and drive to Bolzano, located in the north of Italy. En route, we stop for lunch in Innsbruck or its surrounding area.

Day 4 The first visit of the day is to the fabulous South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano. This museum is famous for being home to the incredible remains of Ötzi, the Iceman. Stored in a cold cell, the mummy and his tools can be seen through a window. After lunch, we have the chance to explore the Spazio Archeologico Sotteraneo del SAS Tridentium. Here, we will see local red-stone slabs, sewer pipes and the remains of a tower.

It was also the seat of the Council of Trent (1545-1563), where the Catholic Church worked out its response to the Protestant Reformation. Tonight we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

which is housed in a monastic complex of Lombard origin.

Collections in this museum include a selection of Roman in situ mosaics as well as important Lombard remains. Next, we take a break for lunch and then it’s on to the UNESCO-listed Capitolium, known locally as the Capitolium of Brixia (its ancient Roman name) and around 2,000 years old. This evening, we will dine at a local restaurant before returning to our hotel.

Day 6 A morning journey to nearby Desenzano, situated in the southwest corner of Lake Garda. Here, we will view one of the best surviving villas of the late Roman age, along with its magnificent mosaics. These remains were discovered in 1921 and images depicted in mosaics here include cupids gathering grapes, chariot racing and wild animals. After this captivating visit, we take the ferry back to Sirmione – regarded as the ‘pearl’ of Lake Garda – and make our way to the villa known as the Caves of Catullus. Dinner follows later and we make our return to Brescia, where we stay overnight.

Day 7 This morning we will transfer to either Milan or Verona airport for our return flight to London.

Day 5 This morning we leave Bolzano and drive to Brescia. This is a charming Italian city, not far from Milan, which dates back to the Iron Age. However, we can also find traces of earlier settlements here and Brescia itself is home to some of the bestpreserved Roman remains in all of northern Italy. This morning we will see the Romanesque Duomo Vecchio, recognisable for its characteristic circular structure, and the Santa Giulia Museum,

Caves of Catullus, Italy

What’s included? »» Return flights from London »» 4* accommodation in Oberammergau*, Bolzano and Brescia »» Expert Guide Lecturer and a professional tour manager »» Comfortable coach travel throughout »» 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners »» Entries, tips and category two tickets to the Passion Play *Due to the demand of the Passion Play, we are unable to confirm the exact hotel for the nights in the Oberammergau area. Please check our website for the most up to date information.

Start

Return

Price

Single Supp

13th June

19th June

From £2,595

£500

15

Oberammergau, Munich & Salzburg

Salzburg, Austria

7 days 2 departures From £2,245 Enjoy excursions in vibrant Munich and picture-perfect Salzburg, where visits to sites of significance, architectural marvels and cultural encounters await.

What’s included? »» Return flights from London »» 4* accommodation in Munich, Oberammergau* and Füssen »» Expert Guide Lecturer and a professional tour manager »» Comfortable coach travel throughout »» 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners »» Entries, tips and category two tickets to the Passion Play

Tour highlights »» Experience the once-per-decade Oberammergau Passion Play »» Enjoy a candlelit dinner concert inside of Salzburg’s St Peter Monastery »» Visit the Nymphenburg Palace and walk among its glorious gardens »» Dine at the Hofbräuhaus, a famous 16th century restaurant in Munich

Day 1 We fly from London to Munich and transfer to our hotel. Later, we have an orientation tour of the city and then a welcome dinner at our hotel follows.

Day 2 After breakfast, we explore Munich and its city centre. This afternoon, we visit Nymphenburg Palace, once the main summer residence of the former rulers of Bavaria. Tonight, we enjoy dinner at the Hofbräuhaus, which dates back to the 16th century and was frequented

by Mozart, who claimed that his opera Idomeneo was written after a few visits there. All of the rooms – except for its historic beer hall – were destroyed in the World War II bombings.

Day 3 Our morning is dedicated to Munich’s Residenz – Germany’s largest city palace and the official home of the royal Wittelsbach family. Later, we drive through the beautiful Bavarian Alps towards Oberammergau, home to the Passion Play. We have dinner at our hotel later tonight.

Day 4 Following a morning at leisure to soak up the atmosphere, we gather together to attend the legendary Passion Play. Dinner is included during the lengthy intermission.

Day 5 Today we explore the storybook streets of Salzburg, a city with a rich history and influential music heritage.

Our tour includes a visit to the Mozart Residence, where the great composer lived from 1773-1780. Tonight, we sit down to a dinner concert with a late 18th century theme, in the candlelit surroundings of the St Peter Monastery.

Day 6 Free time awaits this morning and then we transfer to the airport for our return flights back to London.

*Due to the demand of the Passion Play, we are unable to confirm the exact hotel for the nights in Oberammergau. Please check our website for the most up to date information.

The Hofbräuhaus, Munich

16

Start

Return

Price

Single Supp

29th June

4th July

From £2,245

£495

11th July

16th July

From £2,245

£495

For more information or to book call 01722 671 209 or visit andantetravels.com

Oberammergau & the ‘Dream Castles’ of Bavaria

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

6 days 4th - 9th June From £2,150 Experience the fairytale castles of Bavaria, including the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, before sitting down to the memorable Oberammergau Passion Play, held just once per decade!

What’s included? »» Return flights from London »» 4* accommodation in Munich, Oberammergau* and Salzburg »» Expert Guide Lecturer and a professional tour manager »» Comfortable coach travel throughout »» 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners »» Entries, tips and category one tickets to the Passion Play

Tour highlights »» Witness the Oberammergau Passion Play with category one tickets »» Enjoy the stunning Herrenchiemsee Palace just outside of Munich, referred to as the ‘Bavarian Versailles’ »» Stay in majestic alpine surroundings in Füssen, near to the world-renowned Neuschwanstein Castle Day 1 We fly from London to Munich and head to our hotel, stopping for lunch on the way. Later, join us on an optional walking tour of Munich or explore at leisure before dining at the Hofbräuhaus.

Day 2 Today we drive to the Chiemsee, where Ludwig realised his final castle dream by building Herrenchiemsee Palace on Herreninsel Island. After lunch (not included), we explore the palace grounds before returning to Munich, where free time awaits.

Day 3 Following a relaxing morning, we drive through the beautiful Bavarian Alps, stopping for lunch en route to Oberammergau. We check in to our hotel and attend the legendary Passion Play.

Dinner is included during the intermission.

Day 5 Today is dedicated to Ludwig’s crowning glory and the embodiment of his wildest romantic fantasies – Neuschwanstein Castle. We will spend most of the day here before returning in the afternoon to our hotel. Dinner is included later tonight.

Day 6 After breakfast, we return to Munich via Castle Berg. This manor house was where the king was confined after his deposition and declared insane. A few days later, he and his physician were found drowned in the lake. We visit his tomb in Munich’s St Michael’s Church and head to the airport for our flight back to London.

Day 4 After our late night at the play, the morning is spent at a relaxed pace. We travel the short journey to Füssen, located in the heart of the Bavarian countryside and full of Ludwig history. On the way, we stop at Hohenschwangen, Ludwig’s childhood home, for a guided tour.

Fraueninsel Island

*Due to the demand of the Passion Play, we are unable to confirm the exact hotel for the nights in the Oberammergau area. Please check our website for the most up to date information.

Start

Return

Price

Single Supp

4th June

9th June

From £2,150

£495

For more information or to book call 01722 671 209 or visit andantetravels.com 17

Which Oberammergau Passion Play tour is right for you?

From a ride aboard a classic steam train and an excursion to Neuschwanstein Castle, to a tour of an Italian villa led by a member of the aristocratic family which owns it – choose your experience here:

Quality garden and special interest tours

Dates

Prices from

13th - 18th May

from £2,145

10th - 16th August

from £2,095

12th - 17th August

from £2,095

24th - 30th August

from £2,295

Dates

Prices from

Oberammergau & the ‘Dream Castles’ of Bavaria

4th - 9th June

from £2,150

see full itinerary on page 17

Oberammergau & the Archaeology of Northern Italy

13th - 19th June

from £2,595

see full itinerary on page 14

A Short Break in Oberammergau

13th - 15th June

from £1,095

see full itinerary on page 8

17th - 19th June

from £995

25th - 27th July

from £1,095

27th - 29th July

from £1,095

24th - 26th August

from £1,195

29th June - 4th July

from £2,245

11th - 16th July

from £2,245

Oberammergau & Hallstatt

10th - 14th August

from £2,195

see full itinerary on page 11

Oberammergau & the Southern Limes

25th August 2nd September

from £3,250

see full itinerary on page 12

Oberammergau & the Austrian Tyrol

Oberammergau & Veneto

Oberammergau, Munich & Salzburg

18

see full itinerary on page 9

see full itinerary on page 10

see full itinerary on page 16

HOW TO BOOK YOUR 2020 OBERAMMERGAU PLACE To ensure you don’t miss this once-per-decade experience, you can either book your place online via our websites or call our friendly teams, who can help secure this iconic trip. However you choose to book, we can’t wait to welcome you on tour.

Contact us today Depending on the Oberammergau tour you want to join, just get in touch via the contact details below and we’ll do the rest.

Brightwater Holidays:

Andante Travels:

01334 766 036

01722 6 71 209

brightwaterholidays.com info@brightwaterholidays.com

andantetravels.com tours@andantetravels.com

Quality garden and special interest tours

©Passion Play Oberammergau

19

If you’d like a different kind of holiday... ...our brand new brochures for 2020 are available now. Journey to the ancient world with Andante Travels – a company celebrating its 35th anniversary – or choose between gardens, scenic Scottish and archaeology tours with Brightwater Holidays.

»» Andante Travels’ new brochure for 2020 includes 15 brand new itineraries, as well as two tours that will put you in the audience for the once-a-decade performance of the Passion Play in Oberammergau »» Tours operated by Andante Travels range from far-flung destinations such as Lebanon, Easter Island and Uzbekistan, to European archaeology hotspots like Pompeii, the rock art caves of Altamira and Crete »» Brightwater Holidays offers escorted coach tours to gardens such as Highgrove, events like the Chelsea Flower Show and to historic homes »» Also with Brightwater Holidays, you can explore the Caribbean island of Grenada, travel aboard a steam train through Scottish countryside and follow in the footsteps of Queen Victoria on the Isle of Wight

Request your 2020 brochure now Brightwater Holidays:

Andante Travels:

01334 766 036

01722 671 209

brightwaterholidays.com info@brightwaterholidays.com

andantetravels.com tours@andantetravels.com

5009