Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Europe in 2010
In 2010, visitors will flock to the Bavarian village of Oberammergau to see the renowned Passion Play, held once every 10 years
While most tour operators haven’t finalized their Europe programs for 2010 yet, recent booking trends are changing the way people will travel across the pond next year.
On the Rise?
The biggest emerging trend, operators agree, is waiting till the last minute to book trips. “People used to book six months in advance, then four months…Now they book three weeks in advance,” says Ady Gelber, president and CEO of IsramWorld. “It’s a very impressive booking trend, but it drives me crazy because the figures look different from month to month.”
“Even as we see more last-minute bookings to Europe for 2009, we are also seeing an upswing in 2010 bookings,” says Trafalgar Tours President Paul Wiseman, adding that the company is currently up almost 10 percent for future bookings compared with last year. “Many travelers who chose not to travel in 2008 or 2009 will be traveling in 2010 as the overall economic situation improves globally.” Wiseman believes that the company will see growth from 10 to 20 percent next year—“if not more.”
Gelber agrees, adding, “The first half of the year will be same, and we’ll see some improvement of 10 or 15 percent in the second half of the year.” Steve Born, vice president of marketing, Globus, sees an even brighter future. “Early indicators are already showing a gain of over 25 percent in year-over-year advance sales and deposits. Great pricing, good offers and—best of all—a resurgence in use of a travel agent to guide the way will put Europe back on the upswing in 2010,” he says.
Oberammergau’s Passion Play
For almost 400 years, the Bavarian village of Oberammergau has presented a medieval-style Passion Play once every decade. Every 10 years, from mid-May to early October, pilgrims arrive to witness the performance (about 2,000 townspeople take part in the play)—but with the recent trend of last-minute bookings, many tour operators still have space available on tours that include Oberammergau. Acknowledging that sales are slower than they were in 2000, the official Passion Play Office has extended tour operators’ payment-in-full deadline from September 30 to January 31 and relaxed cancellation charges.
“The market for Oberammergau has been severely affected by the global financial crisis and the subsequent crisis of consumer confidence,” acknowledges Trafalgar’s Wiseman. “As with the main European market, late bookings are the norm; so what we will see with Oberammergau is a very late booking pattern, which, for a product normally with an 18-month window, now means six to 10 months. So, sales will be hot in the months to come.” Trafalgar has 14 tours featuring one- or two-night stays in the village and tickets to the Passion Play.
While most tour operators haven’t finalized their Europe programs for 2010 yet, recent booking trends are changing the way people will travel across the pond next year.
On the Rise?
The biggest emerging trend, operators agree, is waiting till the last minute to book trips. “People used to book six months in advance, then four months…Now they book three weeks in advance,” says Ady Gelber, president and CEO of IsramWorld. “It’s a very impressive booking trend, but it drives me crazy because the figures look different from month to month.”
“Even as we see more last-minute bookings to Europe for 2009, we are also seeing an upswing in 2010 bookings,” says Trafalgar Tours President Paul Wiseman, adding that the company is currently up almost 10 percent for future bookings compared with last year. “Many travelers who chose not to travel in 2008 or 2009 will be traveling in 2010 as the overall economic situation improves globally.” Wiseman believes that the company will see growth from 10 to 20 percent next year—“if not more.”
Gelber agrees, adding, “The first half of the year will be same, and we’ll see some improvement of 10 or 15 percent in the second half of the year.” Steve Born, vice president of marketing, Globus, sees an even brighter future. “Early indicators are already showing a gain of over 25 percent in year-over-year advance sales and deposits. Great pricing, good offers and—best of all—a resurgence in use of a travel agent to guide the way will put Europe back on the upswing in 2010,” he says.
Oberammergau’s Passion Play
For almost 400 years, the Bavarian village of Oberammergau has presented a medieval-style Passion Play once every decade. Every 10 years, from mid-May to early October, pilgrims arrive to witness the performance (about 2,000 townspeople take part in the play)—but with the recent trend of last-minute bookings, many tour operators still have space available on tours that include Oberammergau. Acknowledging that sales are slower than they were in 2000, the official Passion Play Office has extended tour operators’ payment-in-full deadline from September 30 to January 31 and relaxed cancellation charges.
“The market for Oberammergau has been severely affected by the global financial crisis and the subsequent crisis of consumer confidence,” acknowledges Trafalgar’s Wiseman. “As with the main European market, late bookings are the norm; so what we will see with Oberammergau is a very late booking pattern, which, for a product normally with an 18-month window, now means six to 10 months. So, sales will be hot in the months to come.” Trafalgar has 14 tours featuring one- or two-night stays in the village and tickets to the Passion Play.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Princess 2010 Cruisetour to Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany
Princess Cruises has announced a special cruisetour in the summer of 2010 that includes the opportunity to see the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany, which is only produced every 10 years.
The new 18-day "Oberammergau & Highlights of Germany" tour features two nights in the southern German town of Oberammergau, and includes tickets to the event. Passengers will also visit a variety of other top German destinations during the eight-day land tour, including Frankfurt, the Black Forest, Munich, Nuremberg and Berlin. In addition, the tour will connect seamlessly with a 10-day Scandinavia/Russia cruise aboard Star Princess. Two departures are offered on August 2 and August 12, 2010.
Princess 2010 Cruisetour to Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Oberammergau Passion Play Added to YMT Vacation's "Must-See" List
Decennial event added to YMT Vacations' European tours. The Passion Play in Oberammergau is the main focus of the 11 day vacation package.
YMT Vacations has introduced a new vacation to their affordable travel options, featuring the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany. Although a year to a year and a half away, the specific departure dates scheduled between May and September of 2010 are an opportunity for guests to enjoy an inspirational event that occurs once a decade in addition to exploring great European highlights.
Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany
YMT has planned many trips to Europe over the years. However, this trip is truly special and unique as compared to our current European vacation itineraries.
It's not every day that an opportunity like this presents itself. The interesting tradition and amazing production surrounding the Oberammergau Passion Play is simply incredible, making YMT proud to take our guests to witness a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like this.
"YMT has planned many trips to Europe over the years. However, this trip is truly special and unique as compared to our current European vacation itineraries," commented Frank Channel, Vice President of Operations for YMT Vacations.
At the beginning of this 11-day tour, guests enjoy time to explore Munich, Germany and Salzburg, Austria before traveling into picturesque Oberammergau. An event that takes place once every decade, the highlight of this unforgettable vacation is attending the day-long Passion Play performed by over 2,000 local musicians, actors, and stage technicians depicting the life and death of Jesus Christ. The play originated when the villagers of Oberammergau vowed to hold it every decade if God would spare them from the bubonic plague and now attracts more than half a million visitors during its showing.
"It's not every day that an opportunity like this presents itself," said Frank Channel. "The interesting tradition and amazing production surrounding the Oberammergau Passion Play is simply incredible, making YMT proud to take our guests to witness a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like this."
Following the Oberammergau Passion Play, guests will continue on to explore the sights of Italy. Highlights of the remainder of the vacation include time in Verona, commonly known as the setting to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet; Florence, a gem among beautiful Tuscany region; and the "Eternal City" of Rome.
About YMT Vacations:
Since 1967, YMT Vacations has offered affordable travel packages to value-oriented adults. With itineraries to Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe - as well as specialty tours featuring the Canadian Rockies or Autumn Leaves - all guests enjoy a unique vacation experience while YMT handles the details behind hotel accommodations, included day activities, and transportation.
YMT Vacations has introduced a new vacation to their affordable travel options, featuring the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany. Although a year to a year and a half away, the specific departure dates scheduled between May and September of 2010 are an opportunity for guests to enjoy an inspirational event that occurs once a decade in addition to exploring great European highlights.
Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany
YMT has planned many trips to Europe over the years. However, this trip is truly special and unique as compared to our current European vacation itineraries.
It's not every day that an opportunity like this presents itself. The interesting tradition and amazing production surrounding the Oberammergau Passion Play is simply incredible, making YMT proud to take our guests to witness a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like this.
"YMT has planned many trips to Europe over the years. However, this trip is truly special and unique as compared to our current European vacation itineraries," commented Frank Channel, Vice President of Operations for YMT Vacations.
At the beginning of this 11-day tour, guests enjoy time to explore Munich, Germany and Salzburg, Austria before traveling into picturesque Oberammergau. An event that takes place once every decade, the highlight of this unforgettable vacation is attending the day-long Passion Play performed by over 2,000 local musicians, actors, and stage technicians depicting the life and death of Jesus Christ. The play originated when the villagers of Oberammergau vowed to hold it every decade if God would spare them from the bubonic plague and now attracts more than half a million visitors during its showing.
"It's not every day that an opportunity like this presents itself," said Frank Channel. "The interesting tradition and amazing production surrounding the Oberammergau Passion Play is simply incredible, making YMT proud to take our guests to witness a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like this."
Following the Oberammergau Passion Play, guests will continue on to explore the sights of Italy. Highlights of the remainder of the vacation include time in Verona, commonly known as the setting to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet; Florence, a gem among beautiful Tuscany region; and the "Eternal City" of Rome.
About YMT Vacations:
Since 1967, YMT Vacations has offered affordable travel packages to value-oriented adults. With itineraries to Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe - as well as specialty tours featuring the Canadian Rockies or Autumn Leaves - all guests enjoy a unique vacation experience while YMT handles the details behind hotel accommodations, included day activities, and transportation.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Only Once Every Ten Years - Passion Play in Germany
The world-famous Passion Play is performed only once every decade by the townspeople of the Bavarian village of Oberammergau, Germany and tickets for the 2010 performance are in high demand.
In 1634 the Bavarian Mountain village of Oberammergau, Germany was facing the devastating plague called the “Black Death” that had decimated large parts of Europe. The citizens of Oberammergau pledged to perform a play every 10 years, portraying the “passion” or suffering of Christ, if their town would be spared from further casualties. The first play was performed on a stage set up in the cemetery, above the graves of those already lost to the plague. The town’s chronicles relate that, from this day on, there were no further victims of the plague.
In 1680, the play was moved to the first year of each decade. In the early 1800’s, music was added and today a choir and orchestra enhance the performance. A special theater was constructed in the center of Oberammergau. More than 1500 adults and 500 children are typically involved, with elaborate costumes and stage settings. In 2010, the residents of this small village in southern Germany take to the stage once again for this grand production portraying the Passion of Christ.
With performances only once every ten years from May through September, the demand for tickets to the Oberammergau Passion Play is extreme. Tickets go on sale two years in advance. Michigan-based Image Tours Inc. still has availability for select Europe tour departures including the 2010 Oberammergau Passion Play. Clients can choose from the 15-Day Heart of Europe® Tour, 22-Day Heart of Europe® Grand Tour, 14-Day Germany-Austria-Switzerland Tour, 13-Day Treasures of Italy Tour, or the 9-Day Scenic Alpine Tour. For prices, dates and more information on these Europe tours, contact a travel agent, go on line at www.imagetours.com, or call 1-800-964-3170.
Image Tours was founded in 1939 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The company began U.S. operations in 1960, with the belief that everyone, at least once in their lifetime, should experience the rich beauty, culture, and history of Europe. The company designs, markets, and operates escorted tours of Europe, with the Oberammergau Passion Play as one of the most anticipated events of each decade.
According to Justin Osbon, Image Tours Inc Sales Representative, “Clients interested in the Oberammergau Passion Play should purchase their tickets early in 2009 for the best pricing and selection of dates. Oberammergau Passion Play tickets have been known to sell out a year in advance.”
As it has been from the beginning, all the actors in the Oberammergau Passion Play are local townspeople. One year prior to the performance, the actors start rehearsals and begin growing their hair to ensure that the characters in the play look as realistic as possible. The theater seating is under cover, but the stage is in the open air with the beautiful Bavarian mountains to complete the backdrop. The actors will perform come rain or shine, with the exception of extreme weather conditions. This is truly an extraordinary event taking place in an idyllic setting.
Oberammergau is a storybook village of southern Germany, in the state of Bavaria, renowned for its natural alpine splendor, convivial atmosphere, and warm hospitality. Oberammergau lies about 45 miles to the southeast of Munich. This is a romantic setting, situated in a wide valley surrounded by unspoiled mountains, lakes, meadows and forests. The village has succeeded in preserving its medieval character, complete with farmsteads, lovely chalets adorned with pastoral paintings, and woodcarver’s workshops. Craftsmanship is a tradition in Oberammergau, where, for almost 1000 years, the inhabitants have produced wood carvings, wax figures, and cut glass.
###
Website: http://www.ImageTours.com
In 1634 the Bavarian Mountain village of Oberammergau, Germany was facing the devastating plague called the “Black Death” that had decimated large parts of Europe. The citizens of Oberammergau pledged to perform a play every 10 years, portraying the “passion” or suffering of Christ, if their town would be spared from further casualties. The first play was performed on a stage set up in the cemetery, above the graves of those already lost to the plague. The town’s chronicles relate that, from this day on, there were no further victims of the plague.
In 1680, the play was moved to the first year of each decade. In the early 1800’s, music was added and today a choir and orchestra enhance the performance. A special theater was constructed in the center of Oberammergau. More than 1500 adults and 500 children are typically involved, with elaborate costumes and stage settings. In 2010, the residents of this small village in southern Germany take to the stage once again for this grand production portraying the Passion of Christ.
With performances only once every ten years from May through September, the demand for tickets to the Oberammergau Passion Play is extreme. Tickets go on sale two years in advance. Michigan-based Image Tours Inc. still has availability for select Europe tour departures including the 2010 Oberammergau Passion Play. Clients can choose from the 15-Day Heart of Europe® Tour, 22-Day Heart of Europe® Grand Tour, 14-Day Germany-Austria-Switzerland Tour, 13-Day Treasures of Italy Tour, or the 9-Day Scenic Alpine Tour. For prices, dates and more information on these Europe tours, contact a travel agent, go on line at www.imagetours.com, or call 1-800-964-3170.
Image Tours was founded in 1939 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The company began U.S. operations in 1960, with the belief that everyone, at least once in their lifetime, should experience the rich beauty, culture, and history of Europe. The company designs, markets, and operates escorted tours of Europe, with the Oberammergau Passion Play as one of the most anticipated events of each decade.
According to Justin Osbon, Image Tours Inc Sales Representative, “Clients interested in the Oberammergau Passion Play should purchase their tickets early in 2009 for the best pricing and selection of dates. Oberammergau Passion Play tickets have been known to sell out a year in advance.”
As it has been from the beginning, all the actors in the Oberammergau Passion Play are local townspeople. One year prior to the performance, the actors start rehearsals and begin growing their hair to ensure that the characters in the play look as realistic as possible. The theater seating is under cover, but the stage is in the open air with the beautiful Bavarian mountains to complete the backdrop. The actors will perform come rain or shine, with the exception of extreme weather conditions. This is truly an extraordinary event taking place in an idyllic setting.
Oberammergau is a storybook village of southern Germany, in the state of Bavaria, renowned for its natural alpine splendor, convivial atmosphere, and warm hospitality. Oberammergau lies about 45 miles to the southeast of Munich. This is a romantic setting, situated in a wide valley surrounded by unspoiled mountains, lakes, meadows and forests. The village has succeeded in preserving its medieval character, complete with farmsteads, lovely chalets adorned with pastoral paintings, and woodcarver’s workshops. Craftsmanship is a tradition in Oberammergau, where, for almost 1000 years, the inhabitants have produced wood carvings, wax figures, and cut glass.
###
Website: http://www.ImageTours.com
Friday, January 02, 2009
A European adventure: Remembering a vow made to God
In 1634, the Black Death decimated Europe’s population. In the small village of Oberammergau, as the plague began taking lives, the villagers joined together and made a vow to God. They offered to perform a play every ten years depicting the life and death of Jesus if their village would be spared. The death rate subsided and the villagers knew God heard their plea and honored their vow.
The first Passion Play of Oberammergau was performed in 1634. It is now performed over the last five months of every year ending in zero, and will be performed again in 2010.
The Oberammergau Passion Play involves over 2,000 people, all of whom are residents of the village. Rehearsals begin at least one year before the event. The Passion Play Theater has an open-air stage framed by magnificent alpine scenery. The covered auditorium has almost 5,000 seats.
The play portrays the Passion of Christ, from the entry into Jerusalem to the Resurrection. Performances run over seven hours and are held in the afternoon and evening and include a dinner break in between.
Oberammergau is a modest, humble alpine village, where hotels are more like country inns, cozy and comfortable. Many tour operators do not offer rooms in Oberammergau, and most of those who do required double occupancy. In other words, if you are traveling alone you will be required to share a room for an overnight stay in Oberammergau.
In order to maximize this once in a lifetime opportunity, your viewing of the Oberammergau Passion Play should be combined with a tour of the region.
The European Reformation Tour begins in Geneva and also visits Zurich, Heidelberg, Worms, Mainz, Rhineland, Coburg, Erfurt, Wittenberg, Eisenach, Nuremberg, Rothenburg, and Augsburg with a grand finale in Oberammergau touring the town and viewing the Passion Play. This is a 12-day tour.
Catholic Germany and the Alps begin with arrival in Munich. Your group will visit Neuschwanstein, Oberammergau (two night stay here so you can experience the Passion Play and tour the town), Innsbruck, Liechtenstein, Einsiedeln, Lucerne, Karlsruhe, Trier, Aachen, Cologne, Rudesheim, and Frankfurt This is a ten- day tour.
Grand Catholic Italy is a 14-day tour beginning in Rome, and touring Montecassino, San Giovanni Rotondo, Monte Sant’ Angelo, Lanciano, Loreto, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Padua, Venice, Innsbruck, and the grand finale, Oberammergau.
Of course you may also enjoy Oberammergau as part of a secular tour, such as the 14-day Enchanting Europe, or 13-day Imperial Splendors. Munich, Salzburg and Vienna include Oberammergau in the 11-day tour, and The Best of Austria includes it in the 16-day tour. Oberammergau is included in an 11 day German Highlight tour and a 16 day Alpine Countries Tour. The 13-day European Charm Tour begins in Amsterdam, ends in Paris, and includes Oberammergau.
With so many ways incredible to experience the once-every-decade Oberammergau Passion Play, you need to begin your research now and book early. 2010 will be a great year to add the Oberammergau Passion Play to your life story.
The first Passion Play of Oberammergau was performed in 1634. It is now performed over the last five months of every year ending in zero, and will be performed again in 2010.
The Oberammergau Passion Play involves over 2,000 people, all of whom are residents of the village. Rehearsals begin at least one year before the event. The Passion Play Theater has an open-air stage framed by magnificent alpine scenery. The covered auditorium has almost 5,000 seats.
The play portrays the Passion of Christ, from the entry into Jerusalem to the Resurrection. Performances run over seven hours and are held in the afternoon and evening and include a dinner break in between.
Oberammergau is a modest, humble alpine village, where hotels are more like country inns, cozy and comfortable. Many tour operators do not offer rooms in Oberammergau, and most of those who do required double occupancy. In other words, if you are traveling alone you will be required to share a room for an overnight stay in Oberammergau.
In order to maximize this once in a lifetime opportunity, your viewing of the Oberammergau Passion Play should be combined with a tour of the region.
The European Reformation Tour begins in Geneva and also visits Zurich, Heidelberg, Worms, Mainz, Rhineland, Coburg, Erfurt, Wittenberg, Eisenach, Nuremberg, Rothenburg, and Augsburg with a grand finale in Oberammergau touring the town and viewing the Passion Play. This is a 12-day tour.
Catholic Germany and the Alps begin with arrival in Munich. Your group will visit Neuschwanstein, Oberammergau (two night stay here so you can experience the Passion Play and tour the town), Innsbruck, Liechtenstein, Einsiedeln, Lucerne, Karlsruhe, Trier, Aachen, Cologne, Rudesheim, and Frankfurt This is a ten- day tour.
Grand Catholic Italy is a 14-day tour beginning in Rome, and touring Montecassino, San Giovanni Rotondo, Monte Sant’ Angelo, Lanciano, Loreto, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Padua, Venice, Innsbruck, and the grand finale, Oberammergau.
Of course you may also enjoy Oberammergau as part of a secular tour, such as the 14-day Enchanting Europe, or 13-day Imperial Splendors. Munich, Salzburg and Vienna include Oberammergau in the 11-day tour, and The Best of Austria includes it in the 16-day tour. Oberammergau is included in an 11 day German Highlight tour and a 16 day Alpine Countries Tour. The 13-day European Charm Tour begins in Amsterdam, ends in Paris, and includes Oberammergau.
With so many ways incredible to experience the once-every-decade Oberammergau Passion Play, you need to begin your research now and book early. 2010 will be a great year to add the Oberammergau Passion Play to your life story.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Tauck Announces Four Oberammergau Packages For 2010
Tauck World Discovery has announced that it will include performances of the historic "Passion Play" in Oberammergau, Germany, on four of its European packages for 2010. Each of Tauck’s four Oberammergau packages will include premier reserved seating for the "Passion Play" in the theater’s best section, Tauck says.
Three of the four Tauck programs will also feature luxury accommodations within the heart of the alpine village of Oberammergau at the five-star Hotel Maximilian. The fourth package offers accommodations in a nearby village, at a historic property that has been family-owned and operated since the early 1600s.
"The Passion Play" recounts the life and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and is performed in Oberammergau every 10 years. The play was first performed by Oberammergau’s citizens in 1634, after the village escaped a local plague epidemic. Today the play is major cultural event involving over 2,000 Oberammergau residents as actors, singers, musicians and technicians.
“For most people seeing the Oberammergau Passion Play is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Tauck CEO Dan Mahar. “We recognize that this is a very, very special occasion for our guests, and each of our four Oberammergau packages has been crafted to deliver that same high level of authentic, engaging experience throughout the entire itinerary. While the Passion Play is certainly a high point, it is just one of many special memories our guests will take away from their journey.”
As an example, Mahar pointed to a private four-course dinner at historic Castel Katzenzungen in the Tyrolean Alps, where Tauck guests are greeted with a medieval trumpet fanfare. Mahar also cited a private tour of Linderhof Palace near Munich, which was inspired by the Palace of Versailles, and a cog railway trip up to the Jungfraujoch, a 10,500-foot saddle between two peaks in the Swiss Alps, for stunning views of the surrounding terrain.
Tauck will include performances of the "Passion Play" on two existing escorted land tours, in a third new escorted tour, and as part of an optional non-escorted extension package for guests on Tauck’s Blue Danube river cruise departures.
Visit www.tauck.com.
Three of the four Tauck programs will also feature luxury accommodations within the heart of the alpine village of Oberammergau at the five-star Hotel Maximilian. The fourth package offers accommodations in a nearby village, at a historic property that has been family-owned and operated since the early 1600s.
"The Passion Play" recounts the life and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and is performed in Oberammergau every 10 years. The play was first performed by Oberammergau’s citizens in 1634, after the village escaped a local plague epidemic. Today the play is major cultural event involving over 2,000 Oberammergau residents as actors, singers, musicians and technicians.
“For most people seeing the Oberammergau Passion Play is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Tauck CEO Dan Mahar. “We recognize that this is a very, very special occasion for our guests, and each of our four Oberammergau packages has been crafted to deliver that same high level of authentic, engaging experience throughout the entire itinerary. While the Passion Play is certainly a high point, it is just one of many special memories our guests will take away from their journey.”
As an example, Mahar pointed to a private four-course dinner at historic Castel Katzenzungen in the Tyrolean Alps, where Tauck guests are greeted with a medieval trumpet fanfare. Mahar also cited a private tour of Linderhof Palace near Munich, which was inspired by the Palace of Versailles, and a cog railway trip up to the Jungfraujoch, a 10,500-foot saddle between two peaks in the Swiss Alps, for stunning views of the surrounding terrain.
Tauck will include performances of the "Passion Play" on two existing escorted land tours, in a third new escorted tour, and as part of an optional non-escorted extension package for guests on Tauck’s Blue Danube river cruise departures.
Visit www.tauck.com.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Scenic Tours releases Oberammergau brochure for 2010
The Passion Play occurs only once a decade, in Oberammergau, a village of Bavaria, and Scenic Tours are giving travellers the opportunity to witness the historic European event.
The release of their 2010 Oberammergau brochure describes details of the Passion Play, performed by over 2000 locals, actors, singers, musicians and stage technicians, for the 41st time.
The tradition grew from the early 17th Century, where the village of Oberammergau swore to regularly perform the “Play of the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ’ to stave off the Black Death.
Scenic Tours have managed to secure some scarce Category 1 tickets to the play, and incorporated the event into several of their itineraries.
The tours involve a 14 night river cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest, onboard the Australian own Scenic “Space-Ships.”
A collection of regional highlights tours are available in conjunction with the cruise and the Passion Play.
Scenic Tours traveller will be accommodated at the visually stunning Riessersee Spa Resort, which is set by the idyllic Lake Riessersee and features panoramic views of the Alps.
The Scenic Tours Oberammergau brochure also includes a collection of unique events that will enhance customers immersion in local culture, ‘Scenic Enrich’.
