14 Day Germany, Passion Play and Best of Italy
OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY 2022
DAY 01: NORTH AMERICA / EUROPE. Depart North America aboard our trans-Atlantic jet bound for Europe. Dinner and breakfast served aboard.
DAY 02: FRANKFURT / HEIDELBERG. Upon arrival in Frankfurt, we begin our city tour of Frankfurt with the Church of St. Paul's the Cathedral Romer (City Hall) Gothe House, the Old Opera, banking district, Hauptwache and Museum Section. We then proceed to the romantic city of Heidelberg, situated at the banks of the Neckar River and regarded as one of Germany's most beautiful cities: a gorgeous combination of the castle in its impressive setting and the old town amidst mountains, vineyards, forests and the river. Visit the famous castle ruins, showpiece of German Romanticism and see the world's largest wine barrel while listening to the funny story of legendary "Perkeo". Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
DAY 03: HEIDELBERG / STUTTGART / OBERAMMERGAU. Morning sightseeing of old world Heidelberg will include the famous stone bridge, university and ruined castles. Heidelberg is the city famous for the tale of the Student Prince. Drive to Stuttgart, situated in the beautiful countryside and famous for fruit growing. On through Ulm to Oberammergau for dinner and overnight
DAY 04: PASSION PLAY. The entire day is devoted to attending a performance of the world famous Passion Play which is held once every ten years in this charming small Bavarian village. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 05: OBERAMMERGAU / INNSBRUCK / VENICE. Morning sightseeing in Innsbruck will include the famed Maria Theresiastrasse as well as the Emperor Maximillian's "Golden Roof". Leaving Innsbruck we enter Italy via the Europa Bridge over the imposing Brenner Pass. Through the smart Dolmite resort of Cortina before descending from the Veneto Plain to Venice, a dream city riding the waves, for dinner and overnight.
DAY 06: MESTRE / VENICE. After a good breakfast we will have a half day tour of Venice, including St. Mark's Cathedral, Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Byzantine Basilica. The rest of the day is at leisure for free time in Venice. Enjoy an optional gondola ride. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Mestre.
DAY 07: VENICE / PISA / FLORENCE. After breakfast we will drive to Pisa and visit the famous Leaning Tower. Then we drive across serene Tuscan countryside to Florence, the city considered to be the cultural heart of Italy and former stronghold of the Medici family. Dinner and overnight in Florence.
DAY 08: FLORENCE. Today we begin our beautiful trip by visiting the Piazza della Signoria, where the Neptune Fountain stands. Then we visit the baptistery with it's "Gates of Paradise" doors, and the Academia that houses the Michelangelo's original statue of David. We will also see the Santa Croce Church, the famous church where Dante, Michelangelo, Leonard da Vinci and many others are buried. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
DAY 09: FLORENCE / SORRENTO. Morning departure from Florence and drive south through the Neapolitan countryside. Continue to Sorrento for a breathtaking view of the Bay of Naples. Dinner and overnight in Sorrento.
DAY 10: SORRENTO / CAPRI / SORRENTO. Morning departure from Sorrento to Capri for a full day excursion of the lush little isle that has entranced the world. Transfer by minibus from Sorrento coach terminal to the pier and meet with English speaking guide. Jetfoil ride from Sorrento to Capri. A minibus tour of the island is planned plus an optional visit to the Blue Grotto by rowing boats (weather conditions permitting). In the afternoon jetfoil ride from Capri to Sorrento. Transfer by minibus from Sorrento pier to the coach terminal. Dinner and overnight in Sorrento.
DAY 11: SORRENTO / POMPEII / ROME. After breakfast we proceed to Pompeii and a visit to the excavations and the well preserved temples, baths and theaters. Continue to Rome - the Eternal City. Leisure time in Rome after arrival. Dinner awaits you at your hotel.
DAY 12: ROME. Early morning we attend an Audience with Our Holy Father (Wednesdays, if available). This afternoon we visit the City Hall, the Trevi Fountain and the Coliseum. Dinner is on our own tonight to taste the local flavors. Overnight at our hotel.
DAY 13: ROME. This morning we visit The Vatican City including the Vatican Museum and Gallery, Raphael's Rooms, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Afternoon at leisure to see Rome on our own. Dinner is on our own tonight. Overnight at our hotel.
DAY 14: ROME / U.S.A. Early departure from Rome to the United States. The end of a most enjoyable journey.