Oberammergau Passion Play and the Austrian Tyrol – St. Anton, Innsbruck and Lake Constance Tour Package

Day 1

Depart the UK

Drive to Dover and take the short sea ferry crossing to France.  Continue through France and into Belgium making an overnight stop in the Namur area.  Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Day 2

Travel to Oberammergau

We will depart after breakfast and continue the journey through Belgium and into Germany, making comfort stops en-route before arriving at our hotel in the Oberammergau region for the next 2 nights.  After check-in there may be some time to explore the village before dinner together.

Day 3

Oberammergau Passion Play

After breakfast, we will have a full day in Oberammergau. In the morning there will be the option to visit the Passion Play theatre for an introduction talk by one of the cast members to learn about the production of the Passion Play.  After this, there will be free time to explore this picturesque village with the beautifully painted houses, shops and buildings, as well as the Rococo church and many wood-carving shops.

Lunch will be included in one of the local restaurants before we take our seats for the first half of the Passion Play performance which is followed by a 3-hour interval during which time we will enjoy a 3-course dinner with drinks before the second half commences.

At the end of the play, which is around 10.00pm, we return to the hotel.

Day 4

Travel to the Austrian Tyrol

Say goodbye to Oberammergau as we leave after breakfast for a visit of the amazing fairy-tale palace of Linderhof which will include entrance and a short guided tour.  Renovated in the style of a 19th century French Chateau by the eccentric King Ludwig II, this spectacular Baroque building is known as Little Versailles.  The interior features lavish furnishings and decorations.  Outside, beautiful fountains, lawns and symmetric gardens and flower arrangements form a stunning landscape.

After the visit we will continue to the nearby village of Ettal for free time and lunch.  Optional visit for prayer or contemplation maybe possible at the spectacular Ettal Abbey founded in 1330 and restored in the Baroque style in the 18th century.  The monastic buildings include a basilica, monastery, school, restaurant, shop and brewery.

From here, we will continue the journey over the alps into Austria, making a brief stop in Telfs to see the ‘Peace Bell’ weighing in at 10,450 kilos and commemorates the founding of the ‘Working Community of Alpine Countries’ in 1973 and was cast by the Grassmayr bell foundry in Innsbruck which we will visit during our stay in Austria.  (Coach parking nearby and short easy walk to the bell)

Continue to St. Anton for the next 4 nights.  After check-in there may be time to explore the local surroundings before enjoying dinner together this evening.

Note:  All hotel guests will be given a FREE ‘Summer Card’ which gives free/reduced rates on local transport and some activities and attractions in the town such as admission to the St. Anton Museum, entry to the Gand Exhibition Mine, entry to the Tyrolean Evening and much more. 

For those who wish to partake in a Mass or Church Service in St. Anton – the hotel will be happy to provide information.

Day 5

St. Anton at leisure and Tyrolean Evening (Drivers’ rest day)

Today will be spent at leisure in St. Anton exploring the town, relaxing, sightseeing or shopping.  Make use of your free ‘St. Anton Summer Card’ which is valid for free local transport and discounts on many activities in the region including a ride on the cable-car up into the mountains for more spectacular views of the region.

After dinner at the hotel, enjoy a traditional Tyrolean Evening held in the local square with the folk group d’Arlberger.  Experience authentic customs, traditional music and dancing during this unforgettable 2 hour show.  (Usually Tuesdays or Wednesdays/May-September subject to confirmation for 2030. Itinerary for St. Anton will be adjusted accordingly depending upon show schedules).  

Day 6

Stams Abbey and Innsbruck

After breakfast we will depart by coach for a visit of Stams Abbey, a magnificent baroque monastery with an orangery, shop and cafe.   At the centre of the monastery is the collegiate church, a basilica since 1984, a crypt, a magnificent pulpit, impressive vault and wall paintings, and the Tree of Life altar, a sacred work of art and a centrepiece of Tyrolean culture.

From here continue to Innsbruck, the ‘Capital of the Tyrol’.  With a spectacular backdrop of snow-capped mountains, Innsbruck offers a picture-book old town full of historical buildings that includes the Imperial Palace and the famous ‘Goldenes Dachl’ (Golden Roof), the symbol of the city.

On a guided walking tour of the old town, we will also visit the family-run Grassmayr bell foundry, where the Peace Bell in Telfs was cast. The foundry has been casting bells for over 400 years.  In the casting-hall see the old wood-burning furnace which is still used today and watch the casters at work in the modern and colourful bell foundry.

After the visit and tour there will be time to explore further. Maybe make a visit of Innsbruck Cathedral which towers majestically over the roofs of Innsbruck and part of one of the most important medieval Christian pilgrimage routes – the Way of St. James.  The highlight is the “Maria Hilf” painting – a masterpiece that has become the most popular image of the Madonna and Child in the Alps. It is also home to the  “Mariahilferglocke” – the second largest bell in Tyrol, which was cast at the historic Grassmayr Bell Foundry.

Return to St. Anton for dinner and evening at leisure.

Day 7

Bregenz, Cable Car, Lake Constance Cruise and Lindau

Lake Constance is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in central Europe, sitting at the meeting point of Austria, Germany and Switzerland.  Our first stop is Bregenz, the oldest town on the lake, which offers a famous floating theatre.  Take a ride on the Pfänderbahn cable car and in only a few minutes arrive at the summit for a unique panoramic view of the entire lake and 240 Alpine peaks in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. There is a wild-life park, self-service restaurant and observation deck.  After the descent, make a short walk and embark on a relaxing half-hour cruise across the lake to the beautiful lakeside town of Lindau.  Known as the ‘town on the island’ there are centuries-old buildings and picturesque alleyways which lead to a beautiful lakeside promenade guarded by a lighthouse and sculptures of two Bavarian lions.

After some free time, return to the hotel for dinner and evening at leisure.

Day 8

Optional extra day/s or excursions

St. Gallen – Cathedral, Abbey and Picturesque Appenzell (Switzerland)

With its UNESCO listed Cathedral and Abbey there is plenty to explore in St. Gallen with its historic alleyways and lanes.  A self-guided visit has been included to the Abbey Library, Switzerland’s oldest, and one of those few places in the world that will take your breath away!  After some free time continue to the typically Swiss town of Appenzell with its decorated houses adorned with wood carvings and maybe sample seom traditional Swiss cheese or ginger-bread?  Enjoy a tour of a local brewery before finishing off with a tasting of Appenzell beer (Thursdays only)

Medieval Feldkirch, Leichtenstein and Vaduz

A leisurely drive along the scenic Arlberg Pass to the medieval town of Feldkirch.  There will be time to explore the well-preserved old town and maybe visit the imposing Schattenburg Castle built in 1260 (entrance payable locally).  Continue to Vaduz, capital of the tiny principality of Leichtenstein overlooked by the 700-year old Vaduz Castle, the palace and official residence of the Prince of Leichtenstein.  Enjoy a 35 minute city tour by tourist train around the historical part of old Vaduz, past vineyards including a stop below the famous Red House which is an ideal spot to take a picture of the panoramic view of Vaduz Castle. The tour continues through the magnificent,green countryside and past the “Rheinpark Stadium”, Liechtenstein’s main sports stadium.  (Optional walking tours available – please ask for details).