Landmarks of Europe Including Oberammergau Passion Play and Oktoberfest

Day 1: Tuesday, September 6, 2022 • Depart USA

Your journey begins as you board the flight to Berlin, Germany

Day 2: Wednesday, September 7, 2022 • Berlin, Germany

We meet our tour manager and coach driver. A local guide joins us for a tour of the city. We see the famous Brandenburg Gate, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the Cathedral, the Reichstag building and the lively boulevards. This city has undergone momentous change in the 25 years since reunification. We stop to visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum with the afternoon to relax before our welcome dinner. D

Day 3: Thursday, September 8, 2022 • Berlin

We begin the day with the magnificent Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, one of most beautiful palace complexes in Europe. We see the antique furniture and extravagant decor inside the magnificent castle. This afternoon we return to the city center for free time to explore on our own. Perhaps a visit to the Pergamon Museum with its fabulous treasure or a visit to KaDeWe, the continent’s largest department store would be your preference. B,D 

Day 4: Friday, September 9, 2022 • Dresden

We drive to the Meissen Porcelain Factory. Opened in 1710, this factory was the first in Europe to produce true porcelain. We have the opportunity to observe artisans at work and marvel at some unique porcelain items created over the past 300 years. Then we continue to Dresden, the “Florence of the Elbe,” a city of music and culture on the Elbe River. Devastated by a fire-bombing raid in WWII, it has recovered much of its former splendor. A local guide joins us as we explore the city and take in views of the Semper Opera House, the Frauenkirche, and the elegant Baroque palace, the Zwinger. B,D 

Day 5: Saturday, September 10, 2022 • Prague, Czech Republic

Republic Today we drive to Prague where a local guide joins us on a walking tour through the castle grounds of Hradčany Castle, where the 30 Year Religious War started. We visit the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral and stroll across the famous Charles Bridge to reach the Old Town Square. Afterwards we check into our hotel and have time to  explore before dinner. B,D

Day 6: Sunday, September 11, 2022 • Prague

This morning we walk through Josefov, the old Jewish quarter and tour one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries from the 11th century. Then we have a free afternoon to stroll along Wenceslas Square and explore Staroměstské náměstí (the Old Town Square). Perhaps you want to look for bargains in Bohemian crystal or garnet jewelry or sit in a local establishment and enjoy some “pivo!” In the evening a special treat awaits us—a Czech folklore show including dinner with Czech specialties. B,D 

Day 7: Monday, September 12, 2022 • Český Krumlov

We drive south today and stop in České Budějovice where we learn about the process of making the original “Budweiser” beer at the České Budějovice Brewery. Our next stop is in Český Krumlov, the “pearl” of the Czech Republic. After an introduction from a local guide, we have free time to shop or explore this delightful medieval town. We overnight in Český Krumlov. B,D 

Day 8: Tuesday, September 13, 2022 • Salzburg

We travel through the scenic Mühlviertel (Mill Quarter) in Upper Austria and tour the local hops farm of the Josef Reiter family. We continue along the Austrian Romantic Road stopping in Steyr, known for their tractors and innovative firearms production since 1864. We experience the beauty of the Salzkammergut, as we pass through one of Austria’s favorite vacation areas and stop in Mondsee to visit St Michael’s Basilica (where Maria married Captain von Trapp in the Sound of Music film). We continue to Schleedorf and stop at a “Käserei” to sample the local cheese and learn about the process of cheese-making in Austria. This evening you might consider an optional ($75) dinner show of Sound of Salzburg at the Sternbräu Restaurant. B 

Day 9: Wednesday, September 14, 2022 • Oberammergau

In the morning a local guide takes us on a walking tour of Old Salzburg. We stroll through the picturesque Mirabell Garden to reach the Getreidegasse, walk past Mozart’s birthhouse to visit St. Peter’s Cemetery and see the catacombs. Then we drive to Schönau and relax during a cruise on the Königssee before continuing to Oberammergau. B,D 

Day 10: Thursday, September 15, 2022 • 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 Linderhof Castle, the glitziest of King Ludwig II’s castles or to 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 there. This afternoon we attend Part One of the Passion Play, the legacy of a vow made by the people of Oberammergauer in 1633 to enact the Passion story. As a result of 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 11: Friday, September 16, 2022 • Munich

After breakfast, we drive to Munich and meet our local guide for a panoramic and walking city tour of Bavaria’s fun-loving capital. We drive along the elegant Maximilian Street, pass by the colorful Viktualien Markt and see the twin-towered Frauenkirche – Munich’s landmark, plus much more. We want to be at the Marienplatz to watch the fascinating Glockenspiel performance in the tower of the City Hall. After the tour, we have free time for exploring Neuhauser Strasse, Munich’s mile-long pedestrian zone, filled with shops, department stores, and outdoor cafes! Perhaps there will be specials on lederhosen. B 

Day 12: Saturday, September 17, 2022 • Munich

Today we visit the grounds of the sprawling Nymphenburg Palace—the birthplace of King Ludwig II, where we walk around the magnificent gardens and fountains, and admire the detailed Baroque buildings. We proceed to the famed Oktoberfest for lunch and camaraderie. There is time to sample the great pretzels, the foaming festival beer, spit-roasted chicken, beef, and all the other delicious foods available at this, the “world’s biggest celebration!” For lunch, we have a reservation at one of the tents and enjoy “Gemütlichkeit”, that Bavarian blend of fun, relaxation, and good cheer! We return to the hotel in time to pack for our flight home. B,L 

Day 13: Sunday, September 18, 2022 • Return

Regretfully, our adventure comes to an end and we transfer to the Munich airport for our return trip to the United States. We return with memories of fabulous castles, magnificent landscapes, historic & enchanting cities, a great taste for European beers, Gemütlichkeit, and a wealth of new friends! “Auf Wiederseh’n!” B 

Abbreviations for Meals
B– Breakfast . –  L– Lunch –  D-Dinner

Your Tour Includes: 

• Land Transportation via private deluxe air- conditioned motor coach 
• Accommodations (double occupancy) in moderate first-class hotels 
• Meals per itinerary 

• Oktoberfest beer tent reservation 
• Services of professional tour manager 
• Local step-on guides for city tours and major attractions 
• Admission to all activities indicated in the itinerary except those listed as optional 
• Luggage handling of one piece per person at hotels 
• All taxes and tips for provided services except as noted below 

Your Tour Does Not Include: 

• Roundtrip airfare to Berlin, Germany and return from Munich, related taxes and fees 
• Meals not indicated on itinerary 
• Beverages, except with breakfast 
• End of tour gratuity for tour manager and coach driver 
• Items of a personal nature such as passport fees. 

(Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond return date.) 

• Optional travel protection

$4300.00 – Space is limited and early registration is encouraged. 

To reserve your spot!