A Week in Bavaria, The Dolomites & Venice including The Passion Play

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive Munich

  Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Bayerischer Hof. Welcome to Munich! A transfer is included from Munich Airport to the Bayerischer Hof. Your five-star hotel, a Munich landmark since it opened back in 1841, is ideally located on the Promenadeplatz in the heart of Bavaria's capital city. We invite you to join us for tonight's welcome reception followed by dinner at the Spatenhaus, a cozy Bavarian restaurant set just across the square from Munich's reconstructed State Opera House. Meals D

• Day 2: Munich / Schloss Nymphenburg

  Beer halls alive with song... traditional colorful Bavarian costumes... the world-famous Oktoberfest. It's all part of the scene in Munich - and you'll explore it today with Tauck! Stroll around Marienplatz and through Old Town on a walking tour; see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), the rebuilt Frauenkirche, and St. Mary's Column. After lunch, head to the outskirts of the city for a visit to Schloss Nymphenburg, one of Europe's most beautiful palaces.
  
  Journey through pristine forests dotted with quaint villages and sparkling lakes into the Bavarian Alps, arriving late afternoon in the village of Oberammergau for two nights at the five-star, chalet-style Hotel Maximilian. Enjoy dinner tonight at your luxury boutique hotel adjacent to the village's historic center - exclusive to Tauck during your stay! Meals BLD

• Day 3: Oberammergau / Passionsspiele

  Awaken in Oberammergau this morning to spend time exploring this lovely Bavarian village - known not only for its famous Passion Play, but also for its centuries-old reputation for producing exquisite woodcarvings; return to your hotel for lunch. Then it's time for a true highlight of your journey - Tauck's premium seating at a performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play (or Passionsspiele).
  
  Produced only once every ten years (from May through September), this world-renowned tradition began in 1634, when the citizens of Oberammergau promised to perform a play about the life of Jesus in gratitude for being spared from the effects of the devastating plague then raging throughout Europe. Now performed in the first year of each decade, and involving the talents of over 2,000 actors, technicians and musicians - all of whom are village residents today's Passionsspiele includes dramatic scenes of the Passion (in German), musical performances and tableaux vivants depicting scenes of the Old Testament; for your enhanced enjoyment, Tauck provides an English libretto.
  
  You'll witness the 2010 Passion Play from Tauck's premier seating, in the best category available; the performance begins in the afternoon. Following a break for dinner at your hotel, the Passionsspiele continues into the evening. It's a once-in-a-lifetime event, experienced in inimitable Tauck Style! Meals BLD

• Day 4: Innsbruck / Bolzano / Castle Evening

  Say goodbye to Oberammergau today and set out on a breathtaking drive across the Austrian border and through the spectacular Austrian Alps to Innsbruck, chief city of the Tyrol region and host to the Winter Olympic Games of 1964 and 1976. You'll have time to explore at leisure as well as visit the Hofkirche, containing the emperor's mausoleum, adorned with 28 gigantic bronze statues of his royal ancestors.
  
  Enjoy lunch on your own in Innsbruck, then continue into the Italian Alps for a twonight stay in Bolzano at the Parkhotel Laurin. Tonight, travel to Prissiano for a very special evening at Castel Katzenzungen, a restored Renaissance-era castle perched high on a hill overlooking the Alps. A medieval trumpet fanfare welcomes you to an outdoor reception followed by a sumptuous four-course meal served in one of the castle's unique, richly furnished rooms. Meals BD

• Day 5: A remarkable day in the Dolomites

  Picturesque Bolzano is your base for a memorable day spent exploring the section of the Alps known as the Dolomites, named for the carbonate rock that gives them their distinctive shape and color. Standing like sentinels against the sky, the mountains' sheer rock walls create remarkable vistas enjoyed by travelers, skiers and hikers year-round.
  
  You'll get an eyeful of this scenic splendor yourself throughout the day - winding your way from Bolzano to Passo Pordoi, then boarding a cable car for a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the Dolomites from your gondola as you ride to the top. Visit the alpine village of Ortisei for some time exploring at leisure before returning to your hotel in Bolzano for the rest of the day and evening spent just as you please. Meals BL

• Day 6: Lago Di Garda / Verona / Venice

  Journey to Italy's largest lake, Lago di Garda (Lake Garda); explore some of the villages along its shores, enjoy lunch, and take a private boat cruise across this lovely glacial lake from Limone sul Garda to Malcesine. Then it's on to Verona, idyllic setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet; a guided orientation among its Roman ruins and cobbled streets lined with pink limestone villas reveals its rich history. Enjoy free time before continuing on to Venice and your hotel set on Giudecca Island, with inspiring views of the city's legendary canals. Meals BL

• Day 7: Discover Venice, city of canals

  A water shuttle whisks you to Piazza San Marco to begin your day in this amazing 'city of canals' with a walking tour of the city's highlights. Discover St. Mark's Basilica, with its exquisite mosaics and detailed carvings; explore the Doges' Palace, former residence of the rulers of Venice, with its famous Bridge of Sighs.
  
  Spend the rest of the day exploring Venice as you please. Cap your extraordinary journey this evening with a reception at your hotel's rooftop bar overlooking the city, followed by a farewell dinner. Meals BD

• Day 8: Journey home

  Tour ends: Venice. A transfer is included from Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice to Venice's Marco Polo Airport. Allow 21/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B

* All prices shown are for low season, per person, twin share. Click here to see full Terms & Conditions.