Discover Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria with Oberammergau Passion Play

Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip.

Meals: 8 Breakfast(s), 6 Dinner(s)including highlight dinners in Austria's oldest restaurant & fondue in one of Bern's local restaurants.

Hotel Accommodations

Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling.

Sightseeing as per itinerary

Private transportation via a deluxe, climate-controlled motorcoach

 

Air 1: Overnight Flight
Discover spectacular Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria on a tour featuring multiple night stays in three cities. The Alpine city of Engelberg is your host for three nights while you explore the many cultural aspects and spectacular scenery that only Switzerland offers. Then, an extended stay in Innsbruck offers the perfect vantage point for exploring the delights of Austria and Bavaria. Your tour of the region concludes with a stay in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau which includes the amazing Passion Play.

Day 2: Engelberg, Switzerland - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Engelberg, a mountain-side resort nestled at the foot of Mt. Titlis. Relax in this beautiful village as you stroll the streets that are surrounded by white snowcapped peaks. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Engelberg - Bern - Engelberg
This morning you travel to the capital of Switzerland, Bern. Explore delightful Bern on a panoramic sightseeing tour featuring the Bundeshaus (the Swiss Parliament), the famous Bear Pit, the Rose Gardens, and the gothic cathedral, which dominates the Old Town skyline. Your visit to the Bear Pit will answer the question as to why bears are so revered in this beguiling city. LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Swiss cheese fondue dinner in one of Bern’s local restaurants.

Day 4: Engelberg - Lucerne - Engelberg
Today you travel to Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Enjoy a leisurely-paced Alstadt (Old Town) walking tour exploring the hidden treasures of the city. In addition to its natural charm and tranquility, Lucerne has more than 800 years of history. Explore such medieval treasures as the covered Chapel Bridge (1333); the famous Water Tower which has served as a prison, watchtower and treasury; the Renaissance-style Town Hall; the baroque Jesuit Church; and the Lion Monument, carved from natural rock to commemorate the heroic Swiss Guard.

Day 5: Engelberg - Innsbruck, Austria
Travel the picturesque highways of Switzerland to the Austrian border and the striking Olympic city of Innsbruck, the “Capital of the Tyrol.” A local guide leads a panoramic Innsbruck city tour highlighting the popular thoroughfare, Maria Theresienstrasse; the Hofburg, now a museum, but once the seat of Habsburg princes; and the “Golden Roof,” all set against the imposing backdrop of the lovely Austrian Alps. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner featuring local specialties.

Day 6: Innsbruck - Salzburg - Innsbruck
Travel through the picturesque Austrian countryside to Salzburg, a city filled with beautiful gardens and wondrous architecture. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely-paced walking tour featuring Mirabell Gardens (seen in the "Sound of Music"), the quaint Getreidegasse (site of Mozart’s birthplace), and many other highlights of this beautiful city. The afternoon is at leisure to explore and enjoy Salzburg’s fabulous sights. The day concludes with a delightful dinner in the historic city center at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant, Austria’s oldest, which may have hosted both Charlemagne and Columbus.

Day 7: Innsbruck
Today is at leisure for you to enjoy this beautiful city. You may choose to stroll through the old town and shop at many of the city’s outstanding stores or perhaps venture into one of the city’s many interesting museums. Or, you may just relax and breathe in the fresh mountain air while enjoying a beverage in the many cafés that truly make Innsbruck the charming city that it is.

Day 8: Innsbruck - Bavaria, Germany - Oberammergau
Fairy tales come to life today with a picture stop at Bavaria’s most famous castle, Neuschwanstein. Next, visit Wies Church, proclaimed a World Heritage site, before proceeding to Oberammergau. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief orientation tour of this quaint, picturesque village.

Day 9: Oberammergau - Passion Play
The morning is yours to enjoy at leisure. This afternoon, witness the performance of the Passion Play. The original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, the village of Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the villagers vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the life of Christ. The performers are native Oberammergauers. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast start to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers. During the break of the performance, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip.

Day 10: Oberammergau/Garmisch-Partenkirchen-Tour Ends

Don't miss our current specials: Free or Reduced Companion Air to Europe Check out these last minute SAVINGS provided by our airline partners who have offered special pricing for specific tours and dates only. As a result, we're delighted to offer you FREE or reduced companion air on select tours. See list of tours for details on our last minute offer applied to that specific tour when you make your air-inclusive booking. Some restrictions may apply, please call 800-942-3301 for details. Italian Vistas This 13 day trip has everything you've always wanted in a trip to Italy. Enjoy multiple night stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi coast and Stresa in the Lakes District. Discover the treasures of Classical and Christian Rome. Walk in the footsteps on the ancients in Pompeii. See the gems of the Renaissance in Florence's Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo's David. Visit Lugano, Switzerland, and cruise to Isola Bella, one of the scenic Borromean Islands. Reflections of Italy Revel in the magic of Italy on this 10-day tour that explores the cities of Rome, Florence, Venice, Assisi and Perugia. Travel the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, exploring medieval hill towns and visiting the birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi. Discover the masterpieces of the Renaissance in Florence and see hot glass transformed into exquisite art on Murano Island. Linger in Venice for two nights before ending your journey in the lovely Italian Lake region. Cross the border and explore the Swiss resort town of Lugano. Spain's Classics Spain is a colorful pageant of art, history and culture, set against a backdrop that spans sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountain ranges, dotted with groves of oranges and olives. Explore the priceless treasures in Madrid’s Prado Museum. Visit the exotic and expansive Alhambra palace, resplendent with Moorish regal flair. See Columbus’ tomb. Feel the passion of the Flamenco with reserved seating at a performance in Seville. Explore Valencia, Barcelona, Granada, Cordoba and Toledo. Travel the Sierra Nevada Canada's Winter Wonderland Immerse yourself in the ultimate winter wonderland — the Canadian Rockies. Hop aboard VIA Rail Canada's Snow Train Express and head for Jasper with spectacular views. Travel across the Icefields Parkway with breathtaking scenery. Relax at three Fairmont properties: Jasper Park Lodge, Château Lake Louise, and the Banff Springs Resort, each magically decorated for the holiday. Enjoy a cooking demonstration, kitchen tour and learn how to make your own holiday pastries FREE Door to Door Service Now Vacations Start at HOME! Don't worry about getting to the airport... because a vacation should be worry-free. With Collette Vacations, enjoy free round trip sedan service that takes you from your home to the airport when you purchase an air-inclusive Collette tour.* This personalized service - including gratuities - is available on new air-inclusive bookings to the South Pacific, Canada, and Europe; and on ALL Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures and Explorations by Collette tours. On departures May 2010 and beyond, Door to Door transfers are included with air-inclusive bookings to all destinations Great Savings • Added Comfort • More Convenience
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
9/6/2010 - 9/15/2010	$3,299
9/11/2010 - 9/20/2010	$2,999
9/18/2010 - 9/27/2010	$3,299
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Visit Bern and explore this delightful capital city, including the intriguing Bear Pit.

Enjoy some of Switzerland’s finest shopping in Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake”.

Travel to Bavaria and see the famous Neuschwanstein Castle.

Spend a day exploring Salzburg’s historic past and charming old town.

Passion Play Performance

 

Please Note:
To make your trip more hassle-free, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.

Please note that single accommodations are extremely limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. If you wish to secure single accommodations it is highly recommended that you book early. Also, triple and child rates are not available.

All tours will be subject to the finalization of play tickets. In the event that Collette cancels the tour, you will be refunded 100%.

Due to flight restrictions, you may require an early morning departure from your hotel.

Included Breakfasts are Buffet Breakfasts.

PAYMENTS:
A per person deposit of $500 Per Person is due with passenger names. Second Deposit of $1,000 Per Person is Due One Year Prior to Departure. The second deposit is applicable for all tours that include Oberammergau. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure.

IDENTIFICATION
Passports are required for this tour at your expense. Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.

IMPORTANT:
We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.

Cancellation Charges for this tour:
For Oberammergau: Deposits are non-refundable; A cancellation fee of 75% will apply for cancellation between 120-90 days prior to departure; A cancellation charge of 100% will apply for cancellation less than 90 days prior to departure. Cancellation protection is highly recommended and must be purchased at time of deposit. Air rates are subject to change until tour is paid in full. Cancellation charges also apply to reservations made for "pre" and "post" night accommodations. Purchase of Waiver and Insurance guarantees a full refund of all payments (including deposit), except the Waiver and insurance fee itself, made to Collette Vacations for travel arrangements in case of cancellation of your travel plans for any reason prior to the day of departure. The Waiver and Insurance does not cover any single supplement charges which arise from an individual’s Traveling companion electing to cancel for any reason prior to departure. Please see your sales agent for more information, or review our brochure for details.

MEALS ON TOUR:As specified in each itinerary. Meals are based on the hotel's or restaurant's buffet or set menu. In general, beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Delicious welcome and farewell dinners featuring local cuisine.

SIGHTSEEING: Expert local guides who give insightful, personalized tours as only locals can. Private Transportation via deluxe, climate controlled motor coach.

BAGGAGE: Although every effort is made to handle passengers’ luggage as carefully as possible, the tour company is not responsible for and does not assume liability or accept claims for loss of or damage to luggage due to breakage, theft or wear and tear through hotel and group carrier handling.

It is recommended for your own self interest and protection that you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Check with your sales agent for low cost insurance to cover these risks.

TOUR RATES All rates on foreign tours are subject to fluctuations of currency and may be changed when necessary without advance notice prior to deposit.

All rates published are per person as indicated and are based on double occupancy when only one rate is shown. Reservations will be accepted subject to availability at the time of a request and will be considered confirmed only upon receipt of a minimum deposit. Child rates are available upon request. Please call for details.

ITINERARY AND HOTEL AMENDMENTS: Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, due to unforeseen circumstances the local Tour Operator and/or Hotel(s) may have to make last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, in the sequence of the tour and/or hotels. We therefore reserve the right to adjust the sequence and/or substitute any hotels with others of similar category. In such cases there will be no cost adjustment.

Free or Reduced Companion Air to Europe

FREE Door to Door Service

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