Germany, Austria & the Passion Play

DAY 1 – Depart USA

We begin our journey with a flight to Frankfurt.

DAY 2 – Rüdesheim, Germany

Upon arrival in Frankfurt, we drive to Rüdesheim on the Rhine. You soon see that this a major wine-producing region, particularly known for their Reislings. Rüdesheim is towered over by a Medieval castle housing a lovely wine museum, for anyone who would like to stretch their legs on the climb up the hill. We enjoy a wine tasting welcome party upon arrival. (D)

DAY 3 – Rüdesheim

We walk to the river this morning and board a ship for an excursion along the most beautiful section of the Rhine. After passing the famous Lorelei Rock, we disembark at St. Goarshausen, have lunch, and drive further along the Rhine to the Marksburg Castle. After dinner, we might like to stroll through the Drosselgasse, a small lane filled with wine bars and live music. (B,D)

DAY 4 – Meersburg

We take a picturesque drive south today along the Rhine to the Black Forest. We have lunch in Gutach, while visiting a fabulous Open Air Farm Museum. We continue on toward Meersburg on Lake Constance for our overnight. Meersburg retains its medieval roots, with a lower city along the water once inhabited by the merchants and tradespeople, and the fortified upper city for the gentile classes. (B,D)

DAY 5 – Innsbruck, Austria

We venture out to the Island of Mainau, located in the middle of Lake Constance. It is known as the “flower island” due to its beautiful gardens. Later we drive through the tiny principality of Liechtenstein to Innsbruck. (B,D)

DAY 6 – Oberammergau, Germany

This morning we have a tour of Innsbruck, including the Wilten Basilica, the Golden Roof and Court Church. We drive to Bavaria, where we visit Linderhof Castle, the glitziest of King Ludwig II’s castles. We overnight in Oberammergau. (B,D)

DAY 7 – Oberammergau

We enjoy a relaxed morning in Oberammergau, admiring the bright frescoes that adorn many of the homes and businesses, perhaps shopping for a souvenir woodcarving for which the village is famous. We might choose to take the regional bus to nearby Ettal for a visit to the impressive Benedictine abbey. During WW II, the Protestant theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and the Jesuit Priest, Rupert Mayer, both active in the resistance against the Nazi regime and later martyred, were given refuge here. This afternoon we attend Part One of the Passion Play, the legacy of a vow made by the Oberammergauers in 1633 to enact the Passion story. Due to the ravages of the Thirty Years War, the plague had taken its toll in lives. But many of the people were spared, and the following year, 1634, the first Passion Play was performed on a stage set up in the cemetery. After dinner we attend Part Two. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 – Salzburg, Austria

We have a beautiful drive through the alpine region to Berchtesgaden today. Near the site of the former Nazi mountain retreat, Obersalzberg, we board a smaller bus and traverse narrow roads up the Kehlstein Mountain. Our trip continues with a walk through a tunnel into the mountain and ends with an elevator ride to the summit. We arrive in the tea house known as the “Eagle’s Nest,” which was presented as a birthday gift to Adolf Hitler in 1933. The view on a clear day is magnificent! Listen for the hills to come alive “with the sound of music” as we continue on to Salzburg for our overnight. (B,D)

DAY 9 – Salzburg

A morning walking tour of Salzburg introduces us to this city. We visit the Salzburg Cathedral, the Getreidegasse (pedestrian zone), the market area, the Peter’s Church and more. We enjoy a musical performance this evening. (B,D)

DAY 10 – Munich, Germany

We drive to Munich today, where we have a short orientation tour of the city, including the Olympic grounds, the Glockenspiel, the grounds of Nymphenburg Castle, and the pedestrian zone. We will visit the famous Hofbräuhaus in the evening where you can choose from the menu. (B)

DAY 11 – Rothenburg

We drive along portions of the Romantic Road en route to Rothenburg on the Tauber River. Upon arrival we take a short walking tour of this medieval walled city. We enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel this evening. (B,D)

DAY 12 – Return

We transfer to Frankfurt for our return flight. (B)