11 Day Oberammergau with Germany, Switzerland & Austria
From
$3539
Land Only
$4379*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
| 11 Day Oberammergau with Germany, Switzerland & Austria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Mainz | Mainz | |
| Marriott Heidelberg | Heidelberg | |
| Astoria Hotel | Lucerne | |
| Oberammergau Area Hotel | Oberammergau Area | |
| ARCOTEL Castellani Salzburg | Salzburg | |
| Westin Grand Munich | Munich | |
Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
Accommodation Details:
Final hotel information for Oberammergau will be available in 2022. Bedding configuration (twin or double) cannot be guaranteed, triples are not available and hotels of similar standard may be substituted at the sole discretion of the Passion Play organizers.
The Hilton Mainz has a very limited number of twin rooms, and availability cannot be guaranteed. A roll-away bed will be provided in a double room when a twin room is required and not available.
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Escorted Package Includes
- Flights New York-Frankfurt, Munich-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- 9 nights First Class accommodations
- 1 night Mainz
- 1 night Heidelberg or Mannheim
- 2 nights Lucerne
- 2 nights Oberammergau region
- 1 night Salzburg
- 2 nights Munich
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure datesâ€
- 15 meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 dinners with wine
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of local guides per itinerary
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Category 1 Passion Play seating
Special Features
- Enjoy a Rhine River Cruise, view hilltop castles, terraced vineyards and villages of timber-framed houses
- See the thunderous Rhine Falls, one of Europe’s largest and most powerful
- In sparkling Lucerne, in the heart of the Swiss Alps, visit the inspiring Lion Monument
- Visit Bavaria's "Mad" King Ludwig's fantasy castle of Neuschwanstein, a symbol of idealized romance
- Journey to Oberammergau, experience the world famous Passion Play
- Visit magical Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and scene of the Sound of Music
- Tour Bavarian Munich with its world-famous "dancing" Glockenspiel clock
What is the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany?
Oberammergau is a small German town tucked away in the Bavarian Alps, world-famous for its Passion Play. The play was first performed in 1634 as the result of a vow made by the townspeople that if God spared them from the Black Plague they would in exchange produce a play every ten years. The play is a dramatic recreation of Jesus' passion, covering the final days of his life from his visit to Jerusalem to his crucifixion and resurrection. The Passion Play is now performed from May through October, in an open-air stage and involves over 2,000 people including actors, singers, musicians and technical support, all required to be residents of Oberammagau.
The Passion Play Theater seats around 4,700 people with a wide stage at one end which is open to the outside with a view of the mountains behind it. The theater auditorium and seats are covered and seats rise on a gentle incline to ensure a good view. Gate 1's tickets are all in Category 1 or 2. The play is performed in German, however, an English translation is available at the time of the performance. Language is typically not an issue due to the stirring musical score performed by a large orchestra and choir. Acoustics in the theater are very good. The performance is in 2 parts. Part 1 from 2.30pm to 5pm, followed by a 3 hour intermission for dinner, then Part 2 is from 8pm to 10.30pm. Start times are 1 hour earlier from Aug 15-Oct 2.
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Is This Trip Right for You?
This moderately active trip covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect from three to four hours walking every touring day. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. The visit to Neuschwanstein Castle includes a long, steep hike up and down the hillside in order to reach the castle. Inside the castle, there will be a climb of 165 steps and a descent of 118 steps. Some hotels in Lucerne and the Oberammergau region are built in the traditional local style and have no air-conditioning. During heat waves, these hotels can become uncomfortable. This is a Classic program. For more information, click here.
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Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
This first class hotel is located on the banks of the Neckar River with lovely views and close to historic Heidelberg.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located just outside the city center in a picturesque garden setting.
Hotel Details
- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
Ascend the world's steepest cogwheel railway which winds up through lush meadows carpeted with Alpine flowers, past sparkling mountain streams and fascinating rock faces to Mt. Pilatus. After admiring splendid views of the Bernese Oberland and the snowcapped Swiss peaks from the summit at nearly 7000 feet, descend by aerial cableway and return to Lucerne.
Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
*From November to May and in the event of adverse weather, the cogwheel will be replaced by the aerial cable car.
| Day #5 | 01 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2022 | $104.00 |
Excursion into the surrounding countryside of Salzburg to the ruins of Obersalzberg, once an important mountain retreat for senior Nazi SS officers and top party members. Transfer to special motor coaches adapted for the scenic mountain climb to Hitler’s notorious "Eagle's Nest." Ascending with the original elevator to the Kehlsteinhaus, you’ll see dramatic views of the snowcapped peaks
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
This tour will not operate in April, May, late October and November. In the event of inclement weather, the Eagle's Nest will be closed and the optional will not operate.
| Day #8 | 01 Jun 2022 - 31 Oct 2022 | $72.00 |
Dachau Concentration Camp was the first of the internment camps opened after Hitler’s rise to power in 1933. The camp became a symbol and model of the horrors of the Nazi period, until its liberation by American soldiers in 1945. It serves now as a memorial to the victims of this tragic period in history. The tour will give you the opportunity to reflect on the events that happened here and the more than 40,000 victims who lost their lives under the tyrannical Nazi regime.
Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
| Day #10 | 01 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2022 | $37.00 |
What a great adventure. This was our first Gate 1 trip due to COVID cancelling 2 Christmas Market tours and i can say it was the best trip i have taken. Gate 1 took care of everything. Great dinners and hotels. Our guide Claire was so knowledgeable and had a vast knowledge of all areas and had lived in many countries. Our trips and guides provided an excellent over view and we had just enough time to venture out on our own. You cannot beat the ease of these trips or the cost. This is an extreme value that most people cannot understand unless they try a trip with you guys. So happy we have a trip already books for 2 weeks in 3 months. Cant wait see you then Gate 1. Salute to all of you there from the booking agents to the flight folks and the actual boots on the ground the guides and coach drivers you all are top notch.
Vincent R.
I have traveled quite a bit, but I have to say, this was by far the best trip I've been on. Our Director Julian was outstanding. He made us comfortable, made sure we were always together and safe. He deserves a medal and a raise. He is one of the nicest persons ever. We all loved Julian and Conrad our bus driver. Kudos to them, our trip will definitely be one of the most memorable for years to come. Thank you. I will be traveling more with gate1.
Odein S.
It was amazing voyage. As always Gate 1 provided excellent service. Monique, our tour guide made sure we were all safe. She and our bus driver Irene provided outstanding service. As always, I'd like to say thank you to Gate 1. You guys are amazing. We are looking forward to traveling with you, as long as we are going to travel. That was our 25th trip, looking for at least 25 more.
Regina R
Our trip was great. Charlotte, our guide, was very special. I’ve taken many trips and all our tour guides were very good. Charlotte, however, was bubbly, very caring, always on top of things and personable with all her passengers. Our hotels were always in a good location and comfortable according to American standards. The breakfasts were great as always and the excursions and general timing throughout the trip was perfect.
Barbara F. Escanaba, MI
We would like to thank Gate 1 Travel and staff for a GREAT vacation. This trip to Switzerland was everything we had hoped it would be and much more. The itinerary was well planned and allowed for group and personal experiences. We will definitely be traveling with Gate 1 again!
Anthony and Kim D. Saltville, VA
It was wonderful! Nadine (our tour guide) and Reinhard (our coach driver) were beyond amazing! Nadine always made sure we were comfortable and had great suggestions for things to do. Reinhard is possibly the best driver I’ve ever been in a coach with.
Allison V. Wallingford, PA
Our trip was fantastic! We had a wonderful week in Germany (went by way too fast). My wife and I were talking the other night while we were showing our parents some of the photos we took, and we were in agreement that we would both absolutely travel through Gate 1 again in the future. Our tour guide, Noel, did a wonderful job--he kept us on schedule and kept us engaged and laughing. Only wish I could have spent another week traveling around Europe with him. Overall, I wouldn't have changed a thing about our time in Germany. It was a trip we will always remember.
Collin M. Glen Burnie, MD
We couldn’t have asked for a more fantastic European trip! From our wonderful accommodations, tour guide,Marc Van Reil,who was amazing,and travel ease, it was an experience which will be remembered for years to come! Of course, last but not least,was your helpfulness,knowledge, and understanding,Josh, for making this trip so uncomplicated!
Janet P. Sewell, NJ
We enjoyed our trip so much. I cannot speak highly enough of our tour manager, Julian, as well as our bus driver, Tibor. It was our first time to travel internationally and we found the trip to be so easy and fun. We plan on booking another trip with Gate 1 within the next couple of years.
Jackie S. Beasley, TX
Barry and I had the best trip ever. With Julian's wonderful personality the days flew by so quickly fun fun all day long.he has such a wonderful knowledge of all the history of the cities we were in.The extra touches of chocolates, making sure we were all on the bus , we were taken care of like family. The hotels food excursions were so interesting we will always remember . Will take another trip with Gate 1 again.
Carmel S. St Thomas, ON, CA
Our trip to Germany was excellent! Our tour guide Noel was awesome. It couldn't have been any better.
Anne G. Chanhassen, MN
I had a wonderful trip to Switzerland. Our tour manager and guide, Monique was excellent. She was so knowledgeable about the culture and places we saw, and she really helped make the trip so enjoyable. Kurt, our driver, was also great. We stayed in lovely hotels, and the itinerary was wonderful, enabling us to see and do so much. I have visited Switzerland many times, but this was my first time with a tour. I would definitely consider going on another tour with Gate 1.
Joyce Z. Glenshaw, PA
The trip was great. Our tour manager was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We have learned a lot about Switzerland. Swiss people were very polite and friendly. Some towns are amazingly beautiful. The food there was good. Shopping for chocolates and watches was excellent. We have enjoyed this trip very much.
Chi-Ming H. Barrington, RI
A great experience! Beautiful weather...beautiful blue-green lakes, green pastures dotted w/grazing cattle, goats & sheep...towering white-capped Alps...even the white puffy clouds added to the overall beauty of Switzerland! We loved the sounds of cattle bells, the beautiful music of the long horns, the church bells in all all the little villages & towns...but we did miss hearing the yodeling! Our tour guide...Remo...made it all happen...we loved his wit, his knowledge...first time for a guided tour in Europe, so first Gate 1 experience, and cannot imagine not having Remo for future trips! We hated to leave Switzerland & hated saying goodbye to Remo!
Susan T. Knoxville, TN
Our trip was great and especially our Tour Guide Panareo was amusing and very knowledgeable. We definitely will consider doing another trip through Gate 1.
Akhtar P. Tucson, AZ
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip through Switzerland. Otmar was an excellent guide, very organized with lots of valuable information about the country. Hotels were very nice. Pace of activities was good and Otmar had good suggestions for activities and restaurants during our free time. Otmar was very helpful in arranging transportation to the airport from Lugano to Milan. We continue to be impressed by Gate 1's itineraries and value. We look forward to our next Gate 1 trip in May.
Kathy R. Vernon Hills, IL
We had a wonderful time. While we have toured with other companies, this was our first time with Gate 1 and we were very pleased. We had an excellent tour guide, Remo Beretta, and we enjoyed the accommodations and the food, and it was a very good trip. Even the weather cooperated. So, thanks to you, and Gate 1.
Rene S. Warminster, PA
The trip was wonderful. would like to thank you all for meticulous planning. Ottoman, our guide, was excellent.
Jaswant G. Carmel, IN
Had a great time, many thanks for all your help in getting this of the ground. Look forward to our next one.
Ken S. VIC, Australia
It was my first tour to Switzerland and second with Gate 1. The trip was amazing, and I enjoyed every minute of it. The tour was planned very well. Everything was 1st class all the way, from hotels to the transportation. Our tour guide Remo Beretta was the best I have ever had. He was personable, helpful, very professional and made everything run smoothly. I'd like to have him as the tour guide in my future travel with Gate1 (I look forward to booking my next trip with them to Italy).
Thank you Gate1 for this Tour - I have lots of wonderful memories!
Larisa S. Union, NJ
Our trip was fantastic!! What beautiful countryside in Bavaria!! Dawn, our tour guide was exceptional and very helpful. My husband is gluten free and she was a big help in translating his needs. We met many new friends with whom we intend to stay in contact.
Thank you Gate 1 for a wonderful trip. We will be using your services again.
Joan W, Olney, MD
Our trip was fantastic!!! What a beautiful country. Great people in our group who love to travel. Hotel choices superb especially in Zermatt...balcony view of the Matterhorn!!!!!! Tour bus driver, a cute Italian guy...kept the back window of the bus clean so we could take clear pictures! Tour guide from Austria informative, a pleasure. Breakfasts included, a major plus to always keep on this trip itinerary...rest of day could just sample...so many excursions...so much to eat...the cheese, the chocolate, the croissants! Able to see a sample of other countries by just traveling through Switzerland...France, Italy. Glacier express, Mt. Pilatus tour, train to the Matterhorn, lake tours, all the quaint old villages and castles...all marvelous experiences!
I would highly recommend this trip to anyone! Gate 1 Travel was highly praised by other members in our group! Thank you for providing such a trip...a very satisfied customer.
Donna F. North Reading, MA
Our trip was great! We had a wonderful tour manager, Otmar (who we also had on a Gate1 Christmas Markets tour 3 years ago), fantastic bus driver, Daown, very friendly group of fellow travelers, and the most beautiful scenery in the world. What more could we ask for? Although it was the rainy season, the sun came out just at the times we needed it to (complete view of the Matterhorn and majestic mountain views at 10,000+ feet up) and it was just cool enough for us Floridians.
Flights, tours, hotels, etc., all went well for us. We want to give special accolades to Otmar for calming my husband when he left his fanny pack on a restaurant seat on a day trip to Italy (and didn't discover it till we were back in Switzerland). Otmar took the time to call the restaurant to be sure the bag was there and plans to pick it up on his next tour there and will mail it home to us.
This was our third trip on Gate 1 and we hope to take many more. I'm sure I speak for my husband, his sister, and our friend who were also on the trip.
Patricia A. Coral Springs, FL
We had a great time. Noel did a great job of keeping things organized and on schedule. He was very friendly and easy to deal with. We loved all the sights and history. The hotels were all very nice and close to restaurants, shopping and the historic parts of each city and river. I have a big fear of heights, and our driver, Paul, always made me feel safe riding on the bus, even up in the Alps. Have already recommended Gate1 to family and friends. We'll be back for another trip. Thanks for making everything so easy.
Gretchen M. Richmond, VA
We had a fabulous trip! All aspects of the Gate 1 tour were so very well
done. Our tour guide, Sue, was very special. She really took good care of us.
She made us feel secure at all times. She was proactive about our room
assignments and other needs that we had during the trip. I could go on and on
about what a great representative of Gate 1 Sue was to my wife and I as
well
as the other 40 folks on our tour.
Our departure home from our Munich
hotel began at 4AM and we were blown away when Sue arranged for a bag full of
breakfast and lunch foods/snacks for all 16 of us going to the Munich Airport to
catch our very early flights. Sue boarded our bus and hand delivered the goodie
bag of wonderful food for our trip home. This was over and above the call of
duty. She was remarkable!
Thanks to everyone at Gate 1. This was our 2nd
Gate 1 trip. Our first was last year in Italy. We are already talking about
where we go with Gate 1 in 2015!!
My husband and I had a wonderful trip! We couldn't have asked for anything better. Gate 1 was so well organized and yet we had lots of free time to explore on our own too. We saw and did so much and our tours were awesome! Our tour guide Susie and our driver Steve were absolutely the best! Can't say enough good things about them. I am used to travelling independently and was a bit unsure about group travel. I was pleasantly surprised and would not hesitate to do it again with Gate 1.
Linda H. Cedar Falls, IA
This was our first trip to Switzerland and we are very happy that we chose Gate 1. Before the trip, our knowledge of Switzerland was limited to what we read on the internet. Now, we have an understanding of the Swiss culture which can only be experienced with a knowledgeable guide. Our tour guide Otmar's profound knowledge/understanding of the country extended beyond the typical tourist sights. He educated us on things that were not written on the tourism websites or could be researched easily. The whole group was fascinated at everything Otmar had to say.
We're so thankful that Otmar suggested the excursion to Chamonix. It was absolutely beautiful there. How could we have left Switzerland without seeing the place where the first Winter Olympic games were hosted.
Overall, we're extremely glad we toured Switzerland with Gate 1. We saw other tour groups and they were way too crowded. Our group size was perfect. During our flight back, we were already planning our next trip with Gate 1.
Selina G. Forest Hills, NY
The trip was Wonderful. What made it so was the thoughtfulness, thoroughness, ability to speak many languages, and his command of the history and general knowledge of the area. Yes I'm speaking of Otmar!! He was always in 100% control when it called for it. We could just sit back and relax. I'm so glad that we went to Chamonix to see the town and Mont Blanc. It really was the high point for me "The Matterhorn and Zermott".
I'm always concerned about bus accidents overseas. David was excellent. He was young, happy, and kind. He was always on his game. I never second- guessed one hairpin turn he made. I wish I could say the same for the ride we took to Milan from Lugano on the last day.
We got off in Andermatt and I had read that the rest of the ride was more picturesque. I would have like to have seen the Olympic Musuem but it was closed. Also possibly to extend for one day and do St. Moritz. A memorable trip!!
Dale W. Ft Myers, FL
My trip was fabulous! It exceeded my expectations, especially as we went
places that were not on the original itinerary. Our tour director was a very
knowledgeable and personable man, offering interesting information about all of
the places we visited. All in all, this was a wonderful
experience.
It was a trip of a lifetime!!! Hotels were great and especially our tour guide Noel was fabulous!!! This was my first experience with Gate 1 Travel and I will definitely book another trip. Thanks for making my first trip to Europe a memorable one!
Cindy R. Bethlehem, PA
Our Germany, Switzerland, Austria trip was so good! Gate 1 keeps delivering a superb experience.
On arrival in Frankfurt we were immediately met by a Gate 1 representative and put in a cab that went right to our hotel in Mainz. That night we met our wonderful guide, Derek. He was knowledgable, personable and had a great sense of humor. I would like to go on other tours that he leads. The itinerary was just as stated in the brochure and we enjoyed every minute. The bus was comfortable and clean and Derek made sure that everyone rotated their seats each day and we all had a chance to sit in the front seat and talk to other people.
The people on our trip were from all over the U.S., Canada and some Australians. They were an interesting group of people and we enjoyed talking to each other about past Gate 1 trips. I am looking forward to my trip to Turkey in October. We love your website- it is so easy to manage. I love seeing all the flights that are available for each trip. Other companies do not give us the information that Gate 1 does. Keep up the fantastic work. We will keep traveling with Gate 1!
Pamela C. Stewart Manor, NY
We had a great time, even though it rained 70% of the time. We made new friends and met good people. Our Tour Director, Ann Marie, was sweet and caring. She offered lots of options (dining, site-seeing, souvenirs, etc.), and made sure everyone was comfortable and happy (for the most part). Our Hungarian driver, Jyula, got us to our destinations safely. The local tour guides, Huerta (Salzburg) and Ilona (Munich) were very knowledgeable. They tried very hard to make it entertaining and educational, despite the rain and cold weather. One of the optional tours was canceled due to weather, but Ann Marie had offered a Sound of Music and Berchtesgaden Tour instead, which was great.
The hotels were stayed in were great - the rooms were clean and the amenities were nice. The Castellani Hotel in Salzburg stands out for us because the hotel and our room were nicely appointed. We also liked our hotel in Innsbruck, Grauer Bar, because it was more spacious. It had a handicap-accessible bathroom, which we didn't mind. Breakfasts at the hotels, particularly in Germany and Austria, offered lots of variety and very tasty. The coffee is always good; smoked salmon and pickled herring are great options although they may not be popular for the American pallet. The dinners were meat and potatoes - very hearty.
I would have to say, the highlight on our trip was the optional tour of Mount Pilatus, in Lucerne. We could not have asked for a more perfect weather. All in all, the trip was very memorable and is highly recommended.
Julie O. Dublin, CA
The trip was great! Our tour guide, Sue, did a fantastic job. She has a wealth of knowledge at her fingertips. In spite of a lot of rain, Germany and the Netherlands were lovely. We got a nice flavor for each country on our journey. It was also fun getting to know other people from the US in our small tour group. Breakfasts were all wonderful. Each of the 3 dinners got progressively better. A big thank you to Gate 1 for all of their assistance in booking this trip!
Anita G. Santa Rosa, CA
The trip was amazing! The itinerary allowed us adequate time to explore and become oriented with each city we visited. The hotels were convenient and comfortable. Included breakfast buffets were great. The excursions to Bratislava and the Austrian wine tavern were top notch. Our guide, Michael, was a true professional. He was highly organized, clear in his instructions, and was an outstanding teacher. My girlfriend,Tina, and I are considering visiting Germany and Austria in the future with Gate 1 and Michael as a result. Our driver, Lazlo, was awesome. First and foremost he was a safe and skilled driver. He made everyone feel at ease even in the most difficult driving conditions such as a snow covered Alpine road or a tight turn on a Viennese street.
Bart G. Delray Beach, FL