Italy with Oberammergau

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Ask your agent for details today!Click here for terms and conditions.The treasures of Italy and a full day performance of the legendary Passion Play, performed every ten years since 1634 in the village of Oberammergau, nestled in the picturesque Bavarian Alps, make this a vacation to remember. Visit Italy’s historic cities of Rome, Florence and Venice; tour Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica; and visit the birthplace of St. Francis in Assisi. With Collette, you’ll see all the “must-see” sights along the way like the Sistine Chapel, the famous Trevi Fountain, and the Academy Gallery with Michelangelo’s impressive Statue of David. Italy’s lovely Tuscany region is highlighted by a visit to mystical Siena and a journey through central Italy is where you’ll discover the medieval city of Padua and its impressive six-domed Saints Basilica, dedicated to Saint Anthony. Experiences on tour include a glass making demonstration on Murano Island in the Venetian Lagoon, and a short course in traditional Italian techniques of leather making in Florence. Your journey concludes with a two-night stay in the Oberammergau region where in addition to the Passion Play performance, you’ll have time to explore this lovely village.

Day 1: Overnight Flight
Welcome to Italy, a land rich in history, culture, art and romance. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Rome, "The Eternal City."

Day 2: Rome, Italy - Tour Begins
You arrive in Rome today. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner at a popular local restaurant featuring regional delicacies and fine Italian wines.

Day 3: Rome - Vatican City - Papal Audience
This morning, visit Vatican City to attend the weekly papal audience* and receive the blessing given by His Holiness, Benedict XVI. Later, visit St. Peter’s Basilica, built on the site where St. Peter was martyred. Known as the grandest of the world’s churches, St. Peter’s is unsurpassed in beauty. In the Vatican Museum* you will view such historical treasures as the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s restored mural of the Last Judgment.

Day 4: Rome
This morning enjoy a locally guided panoramic tour of Rome featuring the impressive Piazza Venezia, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine and the famous Trevi Fountain. This afternoon, explore Rome on your own - perhaps visit the legendary Spanish Steps or shop for one-of-a-kind gifts.

Day 5: Rome - Assisi - Perugia
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. Today you are off to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take a guided walking tour of the old city, including the Basilica of St. Francis. Then, travel to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria. Here you will behold one of the grandest squares in Italy, the Piazza IV Novembre, and delight in the medieval palaces and ornate cathedrals.

Day 6: Perugia - Siena - Florence
A scenic journey through Tuscany’s graceful low-lying hills brings you to the mystical city of Siena. You will be delighted by its narrow Gothic streets, magnificent palaces and historic Piazza del Campo. Upon arrival in Florence, visit a family-owned leather shop and learn the traditional Italian techniques of leather making.

Day 7: Florence
In Florence, the “Cradle of Italian Renaissance,” visit the world-famous Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s incredible Statue of David. During your cultural tour of Florence, you'll also view the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this fascinating city on your own.

Day 8: Florence - Padua - Venice
Today you journey through central Italy to the medieval city of Padua to view the impressive six-domed Saints Basilica, dedicated to St. Anthony. Then it is on to the canal-laden city of Venice. This enchanting city was built on 117 tiny islands and is characterized by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges.

Day 9: Venice - Murano Island - Venice
Your day begins with a boat trip* (weather permitting) to Murano Island for an up-close glass making demonstration. Next, return to Venice and visit charming St. Mark’s Square, the lively hub of the city's activity and events. A local expert will guide you on a walking tour of the area featuring St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Clock Tower with its famous Moors.

Day 10: Venice - Trento - Oberammergau, Germany
Today you make the scenic journey to the Bavarian village of Oberammergau. En route, travel through the majestic Dolomites with a special stop made in the Alpine town of Trento. During your visit, stroll the quaint streets and admire the artistic heritage of this Renaissance-inspired center.

Day 11: Oberammergau - Passion Play
The morning is at leisure for you to explore this lovely village. This afternoon, witness a 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 in the performance, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip.

Day 12: Oberammergau - Tour Ends

Don't miss our current specials: 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)
9/13/2010 - 9/24/2010	$3,899
9/20/2010 - 10/1/2010	$3,899
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.

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