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Group Travel Directors crosses oceans, overcomes walls, and bridges boundaries to bring our travelers the history, culture and people like no other tour company. When others could only read about East Germany, GTD travelers were welcomed into the very towns, churches and castles where history was being made.
For over 35 years GTD has been creating Passion Play experiences combined with destinations throughout Europe, Scandinavia and the Holy Land. Let us help you put the “passion” in your entire Passion Play tour! Call 800-747-2255 to learn how itineraries perfected over three decades can make yours the journey of lifetime. |
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Passion Play Itineraries
Journey of Faith to Lutherland and the Passion Play in Oberammergau |
click on each day to see the itinarary
Day 1 Depart U.S
Begin your journey of discovery and faith today. Depart the U.S. on your transatlantic overnight flight to Europe.
Day 2 Arrive BeRLIN
Connect in Europe this morning with the continuing flight to Berlin. Upon arrival your national guide and driver will be waiting to welcome you. Enjoy a panoramic overview tour of Berlin en route to the hotel. In the West, see the memorial along the famous Kurfurstendamm Street (Kudamm) – Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche (Memorial Church), which represents the horrors of war and the promise of the future. In the East, see the Brandenburg Gate, once the symbol of the division of West and East and now of unified Berlin. Drive to a remaining portion of the wall that separated East and West Berlin during the Cold War until the fall of Communism in 1989. After hotel check-in and time to refresh, gather for a welcome dinner.
Day 3 Wittenberg/Leipzig
This morning drive to Lutherstadt Wittenberg, home of Martin and Katie Luther for 36 years. Take a locally guided tour of the town including visits to the Castle Church, where Luther posted his 95 Theses; St. Mary’s Church, where he preferred to preach; and the Lutherhalle, which was Martin and Katie’s home and is now the world’s largest Reformation museum. Continue to Leipzig, city of Bach and books, for a two-night stay. This evening enjoy dinner at Auerbach's Keller, mentioned in Goethe's "Faust."
Day 4 Leipzig
This morning take a guided tour of the city center of Leipzig. Over the centuries Leipzig has been known as the center of commerce and trade fairs, especially in publishing. Its many publishing houses and libraries still attest to this tradition. During the tour visit Market Square and see the beautifully restored commercial buildings. Enter the Nikolaikirche, the center of the peaceful demonstrations that brought about the fall of Communism in 1989. Visit the Thomaskirche, where Bach was organist for 27 years and where Luther preached in 1539.
Day 5 Eisleben/Erfurt
Depart for Eisleben, where Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483, and where he died on February 18, 1546. Visit the late Gothic house where Luther was born and the house where he died, both now museums depicting different phases of Luther's life. Also see the church of St. Peter and Paul where he was baptized, St. Andrew’s church where he lay in state, and Market Square with its Luther Memorial. Continue to Buchenwald Concentration Camp to walk a sobering pilgrimage through the grounds as a reminder of human cruelty during WWII. Between July 1937 and April 1945, altogether 250,000 persons from all countries of Europe were imprisoned in Buchenwald, including Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The number of victims is estimated at approximately 56,000. Later this afternoon arrive in Erfurt, capital of Thuringia. Martin Luther attended university and entered the monastic life here—this is his spiritual home.
Day 6 Eisenach/Erfurt
Travel to nearby Eisenach, where Martin Luther attended parish school as a youth and where Johann Sebastian Bach was born in 1685. Take a walking tour through town passing Cotta House where Luther lodged as a schoolboy, and visit the Bach Haus where the young J.S. Bach lived. Tour Wartburg Castle; it was here that Luther retreated after returning from the Worms debate and where he translated the New Testament from its original Greek into common German. This afternoon return to Erfurt. On July 2, 1505, during a violent thunderstorm, Martin Luther vowed to become a monk. On July 17, Luther walked through the gates of Erfurt’s Augustinian Monastery to enter monastic life. Take a guided tour of the Augustinian Cloister; the monastery is now a home to Protestant nuns. Also visit the Cathedral where he was ordained a priest.
Day 7 Erfurt/Nürnberg
Begin traveling southward today with the day’s destination being Nürnberg, the first city to embrace Reformation thought. The Old Town was demolished in WW II and has been lovingly restored to its former medieval charm. Take a driving tour of the outer environs passing by the parade grounds where Hitler displayed his massive army and the courthouse where the famous Nürnberg Trials were held. Take a walking tour of the Old Town including the restored home of the Renaissance painter Albrecht Dürer. Enjoy a bit of time to explore on your own in the marktplatz - be sure to sample some of the tasty lebkuchen (gingerbread) for which the city is known or visit one of the Christmas shops. Check in at your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 8 Munich/Oberammergau
En route to the Alps visit Munich, the “Big Apple” of Bavaria. The city is known for its unique sense of conviviality or “gemütlichkeit” with which locals live life and visitors are welcomed. Drive by Nymphenburg Palace, once the summer home to five generations of Bavarian royalty. Then embark on a walking tour of the centrum highlighting landmarks such as Frauenkirche, the late-Gothic cathedral, which is a signature image of the city. Hear the chimes of the famed glockenspiel at Marienplatz and enjoy time on your own for lunch, perhaps at the famous Hofbräuhaus. This afternoon continue to the charming Alpine village of Oberammergau for a two-night stay in lodging arranged by the Oberammergau Passion Play Committee.
Day 9 Oberammergau
This morning visit one of the castles built by King Ludwig II, either the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle or the Rococo Linderhof Castle. Return to Oberammergau for lunch followed by a performance of the world-famous Passion Play. In 1633 the quaint alpine village of Oberammergau was threatened by the deadly and contagious disease known as the Black Plague that scourged Europe, killing two-thirds of the population of Germany. The people of Oberammergau vowed that if the village could be spared, a re-enactment of the life and suffering of Christ would be performed and commemorated every ten years. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alps, the play takes place during the afternoon and evening with a break to enjoy a true Bavarian dinner.
Day 10 Augsburg
Leave the Alps and drive to Augsburg, where Martin Luther debated on the authority of the Bible, Church, and Pope: creed, conscience, and freedom. At the Imperial Diet of 1530 the Confession of Augsburg was declared and today it forms the basis of doctrine for some sixty evangelical churches. Actually, Augsburg has been a melting pot of many reformative movements: Zwinglians, Lutherans and Anabaptists as well as others. Learn about this remarkable history during a tour of the city and a visit to St. Annakirche with a painting of Luther by Lucas Cranach (Luther stayed here in October 1518). Visit the Church of the Holy Cross and Luther's "Dahinab," part of the city wall where Luther secretly fled the city in 1518. After hotel check-in, gather for a farewell dinner.
Day 11 Return to U.S.
This morning transfer to Munich for the return flights to the U.S. Arrive home this same day enriched with your journey of faith, friendship and discovery. (B, Meals in-flight)
Itinerary & Passion Play Packages subject to confirmation/change
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Italy and the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany 11 Days
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Day 1
Begin your journey today as you depart the U.S. on the transatlantic overnight flight to Europe.
Day 2 ROME
Connect in Europe this morning with the continuing flight to Rome. Upon arrival your national guide and driver will be waiting to welcome you. Take an orientation of Rome as you enter the city this afternoon. Following hotel check-in, gather for a welcome dinner.
Day 3 rOME
Embark on a tour of Imperial Rome. The ancient city of Rome, traditionally founded on April 21, 753 B.C., was already then known as the “Eternal City.” It was the capital of the Roman Empire and the cultural center of Europe for over 1500 years. View sites such as Piazza della Republica, Trajan’s Market, Piazza Venezia, Capitoline Hill, a panoramic view of the Roman Forum, Arch of Constantine, and Circus Maximus. Also visit the Church of St. Peter-in-Chains (Michelangelo’s statue of Moses), and the Colosseum.
Day 4 ROME
Begin the day with a tour of the Vatican City, including the Vatican Museums, which occupy part of the palaces built by the Popes from the 13th century onward. A visit to the Raphael Rooms, the Pinacoteca, and the Sistine Chapel will provide you with a glimpse of some of the world’s greatest art treasures. Continue to St. Peter’s Square, designed by Bernini (1656-1667), and the Basilica begun by Emperor Constantine (324 A.D.). Michelangelo’s Pieta and Dome of the Basilica are evidence to his creative genius. The afternoon is at leisure for personal pursuits.
Day 5 rOME/fLORENCE
Travel to Siena, perhaps Italy’s loveliest medieval city. Siena sits over three hills with the huge piazza del Campo at its heart. The Campo is dominated by the red Palazzo Pubblico and its tower, Torre del Mangia, along with the Gothic Duomo of Siena. Enjoy lunch on own before traveling through the Tuscan countryside to Florence.
Day 6 FLORENCE
No one knows whether it was a miraculous coincidence or simply in the nature of the surrounding countryside that Dante, Giotto, Brunelleschi, Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and so many other giants were all Florentines. Start this morning with a tour of the Accademia to wonder at Michelangelo's magnificent statue of David. Then on to the Cathedral with its dome by Brunelleschi, its bell tower by Giotto, and the Baptistry with the bronze “Doors of Paradise” cast by Ghiberti in the middle 1400s. Continue to the Piazza della Signoria with the Loggia Lanzi and the Palazzo Vecchio. Finally visit the Church of Santa Croce, to see the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo.
Day 7 FLORENCE/VENICE
Travel from Florence to Venice today with a stop in Ravenna en route. There will be time to enjoy a leisurely lunch, or explore the mosaics for which Ravenna is known. Continue to Venice Founded in 811 A.D., the city is built on 117 islands, with 150 canals, and has over 400 bridges. The protector and patron saint of Venice is St. Mark the Evangelist. His remains were brought to Venice from Alexandria in 823 A.D.
Day 8 Venice
Enjoy a morning tour beginning with a private motor-launch ride along the Grand Canal. Discover the highlights of Venice including St. Mark’s Square and St. Mark’s Basilica with its exquisite mosaics. See the impressive Doges’ Palace, which frames the history of this great trading center and view the legendary Bridge of Sighs. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the bridges and byways of this magical city.
Day 9 Venice/Oberammergau
Embark on a breathtaking, day-long journey through the Dolomite Alps of Italy and across the Brenner Pass into Germany. This afternoon arrive in the charming Alpine village of Oberammergau for a two-night stay in lodging arranged by the Oberammergau Passion Play Committee.
Day 10 Oberammergau
This morning visit one of the castles built by King Ludwig II, either the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle or the Rococo Linderhof Castle. Return to Oberammergau for lunch followed by a performance of the world-famous Passion Play. In 1633 the quaint alpine village of Oberammergau was threatened by the deadly and contagious disease known as the Black Plague that scourged Europe, killing two-thirds of the population of Germany. The people of Oberammergau vowed that if the village could be spared, a re-enactment of the life and suffering of Christ would be performed and commemorated every ten years. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alps, the play takes place during the afternoon and evening with a break to enjoy a true Bavarian dinner.
Day 11 Return
This morning transfer to Munich for the return flights to the U.S. Arrive home this same day enriched with your journey of faith, friendship and discovery.
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Central Europe and the Passion Play: 10 Days
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Depart USA
Begin your journey of discovery and faith today. Depart on your overnight flight to Europe.
Day 2 Prague, Czech Republic
Connect in Europe this morning with the continuing flight to the Czech Republic’s capital, “Golden” Prague. The city rests on the banks of the Moldau River, the main artery of the Bohemian waterways. Upon arrival meet your tour escort and driver for the transfer to your hotel. After check-in and time to freshen up, gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 Prague
After breakfast, set off on a tour of Prague, including a visit to Hradcany—the Prague Castle and its massive complex including palaces, churches and museums. Enjoy a walking tour of the castle area and visit St. Vitus Cathedral. Prague and its architectural treasures survived World War II virtually intact. Cross over the lovely pedestrian-only Charles Bridge, lined with statues and ornate lampposts to visit the Old Town and see the famous 15th century astronomical clock at the Old Town Hall. This afternoon continue with a walking tour through the historic and memorable Jewish Quarter, which houses Europe's oldest synagogue and Jewish cemetery. Tonight enjoy traditional Czech foods and music during dinner and a folklore show in Prague.
Day 4 Vienna
Depart Prague for the southbound drive to Austria. En route stop in lovely Cesky Krumlov, a charming medieval town in such fine condition that it is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue to Vienna, the seat of the Habsburg Empire for five centuries. Check in at your hotel and this evening enjoy dinner at a local Heurigen restaurant in the wine district.
Day 5 Vienna
Vienna's architecture reflects the wealth of its heritage and this morning’s tour will highlight the elegance of Austria’s capital city. View such famous sights as the State Opera House, the elegant Kärntner Ringstrasse, St. Stefan's Cathedral, the vibrant Hundertwasser House, as well as the Upper and Lower Belvedere Palaces. This afternoon and evening are free to enjoy the myriad delights of the city. Perhaps listen to a Strauss concert in the newly renovated Kursalon, visit the Museum Quarter or Albertina, or enjoy some famous Sacher Torte in one of the traditional Vienna coffee houses.
Day 6 Salzburg
Leave Vienna for Krems and board a cruiser for a leisurely sail through the Wachau Valley. This is one of the most scenic stretches of the Danube with hilltop castles, lush vineyards, and quaint villages. At the point where the Danube enters the region of the Wachau lies the little town of Melk, dominated by the massive bulk of the Benedictine abbey, one of the best known and most splendid monastic houses in Austria. Melk Abbey was begun over 900 years ago and assumed its present high baroque form in the early 18th century. Enjoy a tour of the abbey, then depart for Salzburg - the drive through the Alps provides a spectacular entry into Salzburg, "city of Mozart." This evening a special treat awaits you at the famous Stiftskeller St. Peter. Musicians in historic costumes perform some of Mozart’s most famous compositions during an elegant candlelight dinner prepared according to traditional recipes from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Day 7 Oberammergau
Salzburg is defined by its music, although it is humbly sprung from the salt mining industry. Learn of the city’s rich history during a morning walking tour of Old Salzburg. Stroll through the picturesque Mirabell Gardens to reach the Getreidegasse, where you visit Mozart's birth house, then St. Peter's Cemetery and its catacombs. Also visit the impressive Salzburg Cathedral with its statues and ornamentation. After free time for lunch on your own, depart for the charming Alpine village of Oberammergau (or vicinity) for a two-night stay in lodging arranged by the Oberammergau Passion Play Committee.
Day 8 Oberammergau
This morning visit one of the castles built by King Ludwig II, either the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle or the Rococo Linderhof Castle. Return to Oberammergau for lunch followed by a performance of the world-famous Passion Play. In 1633 the quaint Alpine village of Oberammergau was threatened by the deadly and contagious disease known as the Black Death that scourged Europe, killing two-thirds of the population of Germany. The people of Oberammergau vowed that if the village could be spared, a re-enactment of the life and suffering of Christ would be performed and commemorated every ten years. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alps, the play takes place during the afternoon and evening with a break to enjoy a true Bavarian dinner.
Day 9 Munich
Depart Oberammergau for Munich, the vibrant, versatile capital city of Bavaria known as the “Big Apple” of Germany. Upon arrival embark on a city sightseeing tour, which highlights the best of Munich including views of Nymphenburg Palace and the famous Glockenspiel at the Marktplatz. For groups in late September: This noon have lunch at the Hippodrome tent and join in the gemütlichkeit of Munich’s world-renowned Oktoberfest – a celebration of traditional Bavarian foods, “oompah” entertainment and, of course, beer! Be sure to pack your dirndls and lederhosen!
Day 10 Return to USA
This morning transfer to the Munich airport for the return flights to the U.S.A. Arrive home this same day enriched with your journey of faith, friendship and discovery.
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Alpine Wonders and the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany
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Day 1 Depart
Begin your journey today as you depart the U.S. on the transatlantic overnight flight to Europe.
Day 2 Zurich/Interlaken
Connect in Europe this morning with the continuing flight to Zurich. Upon arrival your national guide and driver will be waiting to welcome you. Travel the short distance to Interlaken, which lies on an alluvial plain between two lakes and is presided over by the three mighty mountains: Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Day 3 Interlaken
Marvel at breathtaking scenery during the day’s alpine excursion. From the famous mountain resort of Grindelwald take the cogwheel train to the highest railway station in Europe. Amidst a stunning high-Alpine wonderland of ice, snow and rock, you’ll be amazed by the panoramic views from the Sphinx Observation Terrace. Then walk through the tunnels of the Ice Palace, located in the heart of the glacier for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Descend by the cogwheel train past the holiday resort town of Wengen before arriving in Lauterbrunnen, for the return trip to Interlaken.
Day 4 Interlaken/Lindau
Travel to the tiny principality of Liechtenstein – one of the smallest, yet richest countries in the world. The country is tucked in a lovely mountain setting between Austria and Switzerland. Stop for a brief tour of the capital city, Vaduz, which sits in the Rhine Valley across from Switzerland. There will be time for lunch on own, before continuing to Lindau, Germany, on the shores of the Bodensee
Day 5 Lindau
Travel to the south side of the Bodensee to visit St. Gallen, Switzerland. Here is the landmark of the town: the UNESCO World Heritage Abbey precinct with its Baroque cathedral and Abbey Library with 170,000 documents, some of which are over a thousand years old. Return to Lindau’s old town, which is situated on an island in Lake Constance. This distinctive setting charms visitors with its centuries-old buildings, lively squares and picturesque alleyways.
Day 6 Lindau/Salzburg
Savor a splendid mountain drive through the Alps to Salzburg, Austria. Salzburg is defined by its music, although it is humbly sprung from the salt mining industry.
Day 7 Salzburg
The city is home to the annual Salzburg Festival as well as being a mecca for musical studies. A sightseeing tour features Salzburg’s favorite son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and sites from the “Sound of Music.” Mozart’s birthplace is situated in the heart of Salzburg’s busiest little street, the Getreidegasse. Enter the yellow house and see sets from his operas as well as his violins, clavichord and the hammerklavier on which he composed “The Magic Flute.” View the Salzburg Cathedral, the Peterskirche, and Mirabel Gardens.
Day 8 Salzburg/Oberammergau
After leaving Salzburg, stop for a tour of the Royal Palace of Herrenchiemsee. In 1873 King Ludwig II of Bavaria acquired the Herreninsel (an island in the Chiemsee lake) as the location for his palace which was to be modelled on Versailles and built as a "Temple of Fame" for King Louis XIV of France, whom the Bavarian monarch fervently admired. The "Bavarian Versailles" was begun in 1878 and when Ludwig II died in 1886, the palace was still incomplete, and sections of it were later demolished. Wander in the formal gardens and enjoy lunch on own in the museum café. This afternoon continue to the charming Alpine village of Oberammergau for a two-night stay in lodging arranged by the Oberammergau Passion Play Committee.
Day 9 Oberammergau
Enjoy a morning at leisure. In 1633 the quaint alpine village of Oberammergau was threatened by the deadly and contagious disease known as the Black Plague that scourged Europe, killing two-thirds of the population of Germany. The people of Oberammergau vowed that if the village could be spared, a re-enactment of the life and suffering of Christ would be performed and commemorated every ten years. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alps, the play takes place during the afternoon and evening with a break to enjoy a true Bavarian dinner.
Day 10 Return
This morning transfer to Munich for the return flights to the U.S. Arrive home this same day enriched with your journey of faith, friendship and discovery.
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