Alpine Explorer

Alpine Explorer - with the Glacier Rail Express & Oberammergau Passion Play

The Oberammergau Passion Play is an event that happens only once every 10 years. This 11 day tour will take us on a tour through Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. Our route will take us through Lago Maggiore in Italy, through Stresa & Zermatt in Switzerland, along the famous Glacier Express narrow-gauge railway to St. Moritz, past the Imperial Cities of Innsbruck and Salzburg... eventually, settling in the quaint village of Oberammergau, nestled in the Bavarian alps.

The Passion Play is based on the life of Christ and dates back to the 17th century. The town of Oberammergau vowed that if God were to spare them from the effects of the bubonic plague ravaging the region, they would perform a play every 10 years depicting the life and death of Jesus. The villagers believed they were spared after they kept their part of the vow when the play was first performed in 1634. The play, now performed repeatedly over the course of 5 months, during the first year of each decade, involves over 2,000 performers, musicians and stage technicians - all of whom are residents of the village.

Follow this link to view a video of the Oberammergau Passion Play - just click here!

11 Days
May 18 - 28, 2010

Your Tour Includes

Round trip air from Ottawa

Transportation to/from Ottawa Airport (Pembroke to Ottawa)

Air taxes, fees ad surcharges of $360 (subject to increase until paid in full)

All accommodation and transportation on tour

Hotel transfers

Tour escort/director for duration of tour

9 Breakfasts

1 Lunch

6 Dinners

Escorted by Art and Dot Jamieson

Tour Pricing
Double (2 per room) - $5799 per person
(all prices are in Canadian $)

Insurance
Deluxe Cancellation and Full Medical flat rate and insurance of $375 per person (regardless of age). Cancellation insurance only is available for $325 per person.

Booking Details
To reserve this tour please forward a deposit of $1500 (per person) plus insurance if purchasing. Insurance must be purchased at time of booking. The final payment is due 120 days prior to departure.

Alternative Dates - Newly Added
We've added a 2nd departure in conjunction with the Arch Dieses of Pembroke for a slightly different tour of 13 days. The dates of this tour are September 1-13, 2010. Price is $5795/person (based on double occupancy). Please call our office at 613-582-7011 for more details on this tour.

Itinerary

DAY 1
Overnight Flight
Begin your tour with an overnight flight to Europe.

DAY 2
Stresa, Lago Maggiore, Italy - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in picturesque Stresa on Log Maggiore. Tonight you are transported by boat to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the most characteristic islands of the Borromeo Gulf. Enjoy a delicious meal while surrounded by beautiful scenery. Today, dinner will be included.

DAY 3
Stresa - Lugano, Switzerland - Stresa, Italy
Today, drive through the beautiful Lake District of Italy, cross into Switzerland and the lakeside resort of Lugano. Here you will enjoy beautiful views of Lake Lugano and excellent shopping opportunities. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the lake area. Today, breakfast will be included.

DAY 4
Stresa - Zermatt, Switzerland
Depart Stresa for a scenic motorcoach ride into the heart of the Alpine mountains. The breathtaking views of the Italian and Swiss Alps will leave a lasting impression on you. Upon arrival in Tasch, board a local train for the short ride to the spectacular Alpine village of Zermatt. Today, breakfast and dinner will be included.

DAY 5
Zermatt
Following an orientation tour of the village, the balance of the day is at leisure. Get an up-close look a the famed Matterhorn, enjoy some fine shopping or just relax at your hotel. Today, breakfast will be included.

DAY 6
Zermatt - Glacier Express - St. Moritz
Today you board the famous Glacier Express. Be prepared for an unforgettable train ride on the world's most exciting narrow-gauge railway. You travel through a series of tunnels and bridges as you traverse some of the most spectacular Alpine scenery in the world: majestic mountains, verdant valleys, picturesque canyons, glistening glaciers and snowcapped peaks. Your destination is St. Moritz, playground of the rich and famous. Today, breakfast and dinner will be included.

DAY 7
St. Moritz - Innsbruck, Austria
Enjoy your drive through the picturesque Engadine Valley. Shortly, you cross into Austria and continue along the scenic Inn Valley. Arriving in the capital of the Austrian Tyrol, Innsbruck, time is allowed for lunch, independent sightseeing and shopping. Be sure not to miss the famous Golden Roof. Today, breakfast will be included.

DAY 8
Innsbruck - Salzburg - Innsbruck
Drive through the Austrian countryside to historic Salzburg, one of Europe's most beautiful and romantic spots. Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Salzburg's historic "Old Town" - the Altstadt. Your sightseeing includes such highlights as the Cathedral, Mozart's birthplace and Mirabell Gardens. You will not be able to miss locations from the "Sound of Music". The afternoon will be at leisure. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the centuries -old St. Peter's Restaurant. Today, breakfast and dinner will be included.

DAY 9
Innsbruck - Munich, Germany - Oberammergau
You drive a short distance to the frontier of Germany, crossing the border into Bavaria. Soon, you arrive in the Bavarian capital of Munich where you have a walking tour featuring the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel and the Olympic Park. Next, depart for the quaint village of Oberammergau, nestled in the Bavarian Alps. Today, breakfast and dinner will be included.

DAY 10
Oberammergau - Passion Play
This afternoon, witness a performance of the Passion Play. The original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, the village of Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the villagers vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honour the life of Christ. The performers are native Oberammergauers. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast start to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers. During the break of the performance, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip. Today, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

DAY 11
Oberammergau - Tour Ends
Depart for home with many fond memories of your Alpine adventure! Today, breakfast will be included.