Passion Play southern germany & Italian Lakes

Day 1  Overnight flight

Day 2  Munich

Day 3  Munich

After breakfast you will travel to Munich. Upon arrival meet your local guide for a city tour on foot through Munich’s beautiful old town and take a look into the city’s turbulent 850 years of history. See important sights such as Marienplatz the historic town square, Munich’s oldest church Sankt Peter, the Viktualienmarkt the colourful open-air market, the Bayerische Staatsoper, the Bavarian State Chancellery, the Siegestor the Bavarian Arch of Triumph, the Field Marshall’s Hall, and the beautiful Hofgarten.  Afterwards you will visit  Nymphenburg Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in Europe.The baroque palace was the summer residence of the Bavarian monarchs and houses several outstanding collections. With its lavishly decorated interior and the famous “Gallery of Beauties” commissioned by Ludwig I, the palace is one of Munich’s favorite attractions. Among the highlights are the lavishly decorated interior, the famous “Gallery of Beauties” and the impressive banquet hall with fine ceiling frescoes by Johann Baptist Zimmermann. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure for shopping and to explore this interesting city on your own. Overnight in Munich.

Day 4  Munich – Hohenschwangau – Neuschwanstein Castle – Füssen

Departure from Munich. Enjoy the scenery while travelling to Hohenschwangau where you will visit Neuschwanstein Castle. The Fairy Tale Castle on which Walt Disney based the Castle of the Sleeping Beauty was built by King Ludwig II in 1868, who lived here only for 170 days, as he was dethroned in 1886. In the Castle you will see the influence of the operas of the composer Richard Wagner, which inspired the King.  You will see the distinctive rooms, the rich decorated sitting room, the minstrel’s room and many more. Just a few minutes from Neuschwanstein Castle and the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle, lies Bavaria’s highest town, Füssen, on the banks of the Alpine river Lech. In the romantic ancient streets of Füssen, medieval mansions alternate with impressive Baroque churches. The many cafes and terraces give the old town an almost Mediterranean flair. Remainder of the day at leisure in Füssen.
Overnight in Füssen.

Day 5   Füssen – Wieskirche – Oberammergau – Passion Play package – day of the performance

This morning you will travel to Oberammergau to attend the renowned Passion Play. You will make an on route stop at the renowned Wieskirche (Church in the Meadow) to marvel the stunning Rococo interior which is UNESCO World Heritage listed. This morning you will travel to Oberammergau to attend the renowned Passion Play. Transfer by private deluxe coach to Oberammergau. Start of first sequence of the Passion Play will be at 02:30pm (May – August) or at 01:30pm (August – October). 3-course dinner during the 3 hour break in Oberammergau (included in the package). Transfers to and from the dinner by shuttle busses, arranged by the Passion Play organization. Start of the second sequence of the Passion Play at 08:00pm (May – August) or at 07:00pm (August – October). Transfer back to the hotel by private deluxe coach. Overnight in the Oberammergau area.

Day 6  Oberammergau – Linderhof Palace – Mittenwald – Innsbruck   

You will leave Germany for Austria today, but first you will stop at the Rococo Palace Linderhof. Behind the richly decorated facade you will see  nothing but splendor; sparkling mirrors and shining gold, tapestries and paintings, velvet and silk, crystal chandeliers and abundantly decorated porcelain. Feast your eyes in the beautiful landscaped garden with its ‘Tiny King’s House’, Moroccan pavilion, caves, waterfall and lake. Afterwards, you will cross the border and pay a visit to Mittenwald, famous for violin-making. Learn all about building a violin at the small museum of the village. Alpine scenery surrounds you during your visit to the famous ski resort of Innsbruck. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. For example, you can go shopping for Innsbruck’s famous crystal or take the cable car up to Nordketten mountain. This mountain is part of Austria’s largest nature park, the Karwendel Nature Park. The breathtaking 360° view leaves a lasting memory. Overnight in Innsbruck.

Day 7   Innsbruck        

This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Innsbruck”, also known as the “Jewel of Tyrol”. Stroll through the alleys of the old town where your local guide will show you hidden courtyards and architectural details. You will see the Imperial Palace and “das Goldenes Dachl” a roof of gilded copper shingles, once built in as a royal balcony. The afternoon is at leisure. You for instance could go shopping for Innsbruck’s famous crystal or take the cable car up to Nordketten mountain. This mountain is part of Austria’s largest nature park, the Karwendel Nature Park. The breathtaking 360° view leaves a lasting memory.
Overnight in Innsbruck.

Day 8  Innsbruck – Brenner Pass – Lake Braies/Pragser Wildsee – Bolzano/Bozen – Trente/Trento

This morning you will depart the Tyrolean Alps and travel cross the imposing Brenner Pass into the Dolomites also known as the Italian Rocky Mountains. Your first stop will be Lago di Braies also known as Pragser Wildsee. The lake is a magical place of outstanding beauty situated in the UNESCO nature heritage listed Prags Dolomites. You will have time to walk around the lake, take stunning pictures and to have lunch. Afterwards travel to Bolzano (Bozen) a particularly beautiful city with German, Italian and Austrian influences. Leisurely time to explore the bustling Waltherplatz, the Gothic church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the Via Portici (Laubengasse) with its traditional shops. Continue your way to Trente (Trento), a charming town with its Duomo, Piazza, Neptune Fountain and Buonconsiglio Castle.
Overnight in Trente.

Day 9  Trente/Trento – Lago di Garda – Padua   

Following breakfast, depart for the famed Italian Lakes. You will first visit the charming village of Sirmione on Lake Garda, which is the largest Lake of Italy. A local guide will take you on a walking tour to see some historical monuments like the Scaliger Castle and Grotto di Catullo. Scaliger Castle is built in the 13th century to defend Sirmione against intruders it guards the only footbridge into town. Grotto di Catullo, now ruins of a Roman villa built at the beginning of our era and situated on the north end of the Sirmione peninsula. Afterwards enjoy some time at leisure for shopping and lunch. In the afternoon you will travel to Padua,one of the most important Italian cities of art and is marked by centuries of history. There are numerous monuments to visit, particularly those built between the 13th and 15th centuries, the most flourishing period from the artistic point of view. A local guide will show you the highlights of this enchanting city. Overnight in Padua.

Day 10 Padua – Venice – Padua  

Today you will visit Venice, a legendary city built on 117 islands, which are separated by 150 canals and 400 bridges. From the Venezian Tronchetto you will travel by boat to San Marco Square. Waterfront palaces and lavishly decorated facades give the feeling that you are sailing through the Grand Canal as if you were passing through a painting. Venice is without a doubt one of the most intriguing and romantic cities in the world. Meet your local guide at the famous San Marco Square with its iconic red-brick Bell Tower. During a guided walking tour you will visit the Byzantine Basilica of Saint Mark and the Doge’s Palace which was seat of government, the law court, and a prison as well. See the Bridge of Sighs, the former path of prisoners from the Doge’s Palace to the adjacent prison. The afternoon is free to explore the winding canals, the famous Rialto Bridge, the elegant shops and many art galleries and museums on your own. Travel back to Padua. Overnight in Padua.

Day 11  Padua – Lago di Como  

This morning you will travel to Lake Como, nestled at the foot of the Alps. Lake Como provides one of the most picturesque sceneries in the world. Upon arrival you will enjoy a roundtrip Lake Como cruise. View the waterfront with palm trees and elegant pastel-colored villas, crowned by snowcapped mountains. Lake Como is the third largest Lake in Italy after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore and a popular retreat for wealthy people since Roman times; several famous people had or have homes on the shores of Lake Como. During the cruise you will disembark in Bellagio, the Pearl of Lake Como. Cruise back to Como and conclude your memorable trip by having your farewell dinner in atmospheric Como.
Overnight in Como.

Day 12  Departure

After breakfast transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport for your flight back home.