The unmissable, once-a-decade Passion Play 2020

A collection of tours featuring OBERAMMERGAU with:

Austrian Villas of the Veneto Historic Ancient Hallstatt Roman Italy & Dream Castles of

PLUS - Unique 2-night Oberammergau breaks from only £995 per person EXPERIENCE AN ICON OF WORLD TRAVEL IN 2020

Taking place just once every decade, the Oberammergau Passion Play is worthy of being described as iconic. As the summer of 2020 creeps up on us, with a performance that only happens once every ten years, there is no such thing as securing your place too early. Join us in beautiful Bavaria next year for what is sure to be an experience to remember.

All Oberammergau images © Passion Play Oberammergau An extraordinary heritage 2020 will mark the 42nd performance of the now-iconic Passion Play, but its wheels were first set in motion back in 1633 when the Great Plague descended upon the residents Germany of this charming Bavarian village. Citizens made a solemn vow that if their lives were spared, they would perform a play depicting the story of Christ’s life, suffering, death and resurrection every ten years. Amazingly, there were no further deaths as a result of the plague and the Passion Play officially began a year later in 1634.

An epic performance The Oberammergau Passion Play is set to begin at 2.30pm local time and will finish at 10.30pm. On our Oberammergau tours, dinner will be included during the intermission so there will be adequate time to stretch your legs. It is helpful to note that the Passion Play is performed in German, but you will be able to obtain a playbook with an English translation at the event itself.

A spectacular setting Italy A small German village known also for its traditional wood-carvings, Oberammergau is located in beautiful Bavaria. Situated among the stunning , it is a great base from which to do some exploring. The roots of Oberammergau’s wood-carving tradition can be traced back to the Middle Ages and it is something first recorded in the year 1111, by Rottenbucher monks. Why not get a feel for the local colour with a leisurely walk in this glorious area? 2 INTERVIEW WITH ONE OF THE ACTORS PLAYING JESUS IN 2020 The 2020 production of the Oberammergau Passion Play will have two villagers playing the role of Jesus. One of whom is Frederik Mayet, who told us all about the honour of accepting such a position as well as what it’s like to live in this charming Bavarian village. that I played the role of John. Cast members show a real dedication to being part of the Passion Play. We start with the beard and hair-growing around one year ahead of the premiere. The first half of this year is spent rehearsing, while the other half is filled with performances. Almost half of our whole village is involved, and our aim is to bring a great Passion Play to the stage for our visitors. It’s not often that you find such a famous and long-standing tradition in a small village like Oberammergau – it truly is so “I was in the play for the first time in the special to be part of the play. I remember year 2000, when I played John the Apostle. back in 1990, when I was 10-years-old, I sat I was invited by the director, Christian in the audience and watched the Passion Stückl, to attend some castings and after Play with my great-grandmother. For me, turning up several times I was surprised – this is one of the best places to live.” and more than happy – when he suggested 3 Facts about the world-renowned Oberammergau Passion Play

To take part in the legendary Passion Play, you must 1 either have been born in the village of Oberammergau, married to a local for 10 years or have lived there for 20 years. No exceptions to these rules are ever made.

All costumes are made by villagers and no wigs are 2allowed, meaning that people have to grow their hair for accuracy and authenticity according to the ‘Hair & Beard Decree’. For the 2020 performance, this came into force on 6th March and will see participants growing their beards and facial hair according to the roles they were assigned.

In the upcoming performance, some scenes will be 3accompanied by up to 64 vocalists, whereas normally there are just four vocal soloists and 44 choristers. There will be a total of 55 instrumentalists sitting in the orchestra pit for next year’s event.

4 Over 2,000 citizens take part in the performance, despite 4the fact that there are only around 124 speaking roles.

For the 2020 performance, Jesus will be played by both 5Frederik Mayet (who played the same role in the 2010 production) and Rochus Rückel. Rückel has been confirmed as the second-youngest actor to play Jesus in the almost 400-year-old history of the Passion Play.

The first-ever performance, in 1634, took place at the 6cemetery next to the parish church, on the graves of the plague victims. Later, in 1830, the performance space relocated to the northern edge of the village, where it still remains today (pictured above, centre).

For any questions or to book, contact us today Brightwater Holidays: Andante Travels: 01334 766 036 01722 671 209 brightwaterholidays.com andantetravels.com

5 THE HISTORY OF THE STAGE & YOUR TICKETS

The first-ever performance, in 1634, took place at the cemetery next to the parish church, on the graves of the plague victims. Later, in 1830, the performance space relocated to the northern edge of the village, where it still remains today. The theatre itself is an impressive sight to behold and now has seating for an audience of over 4,700 people. What’s more, it boasts amazing acoustics as well as underfloor heating and modern facilities.

6 Where will I be sat? To be a ticket-holder for the once-per-decade Passion Play in Oberammergau is to be very privileged indeed. The event takes place at a purpose-built theatre in the village of Oberammergau itself, at a venue that can hold around 4,700 people at any one time. The theatre is covered with a specially created roof, which allows for comfortable viewing whatever the weather. With us, the tickets you receive will be either category one, category two or category three, but it’s worth noting that all seats in the auditorium provide a good view of the stage and the action as it unfolds. The space is accessible, it is equipped with underfloor heating and there are improved toilet facilities, all of which can help make the experience of witnessing the legendary Passion Play that bit more comfortable.

7 A Short Break in Oberammergau

Ettal monastery, Oberammergau

3 days For anyone wanting to experience the once-a-decade Oberammergau Passion Play as a standalone event – our short breaks are ideal. Fly 5 departures into this memorable Bavarian village one day before the performance takes place so that there’s just enough time to explore its history and From £995 heritage as a destination, and then it’s show time. The following day, once the event has ended for another decade, it’s time to go home. This What’s included? really is the most affordable way to experience such a legendary event. » Return flights from London Day 1 This morning we catch an early and finish at 10.30pm, with a three-hour » 3* accommodation in flight to Munich from London. Upon break in between. The August departure Oberammergau* arrival, we drive to our hotel located in the will start at 1.30pm, finish at 9.30pm and Oberammergau area. Tonight we have our also include the three-hour break with » Services of a professional tour first dinner together as a group and will dinner. then return to our hotel for the rest of the manager Breakfast this morning is sure evening. Day 3 to be abuzz with discussion following » Comfortable coach transfers Day 2 After breakfast, we have ample last night’s once-a-decade Passion Play time to explore Oberammergau itself. performance. Afterwards, we pack our 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners » A village known for its traditional bags and make our return back to the airport, where we catch our flights home. » Category two tickets in August and woodcarvers, many of the shops here both display and sell the wares of these skilled category three tickets on our June craftspeople. Elsewhere, there is the and July departures fantastic Oberammergau Museum, which showcases the area’s magnificent carvings as well as offers some artefacts uncovered in the region. Of course, the museum tells the almost unbelievable origin story of the Passion Play itself. This afternoon is the moment we’ve all been waiting for – the main event. For the June and July departures, the play will start at 2.30pm

*Due to the demand of the Passion Play, we are unable to confirm the exact hotel for the nights in the Oberammergau area. Please check our website for the most up to date information.

Start Return Price Single Supp 13th June 15th June From £1,095 £220 17th June 19th June From £995 £220 25th July 27th July From £1,095 £220 27th July 29th July From £1,095 £220 24th August 26th August From £1,195 £220

8 For more information or to book call 01722 671 209 or visit andantetravels.com Oberammergau & the Austrian Tyrol

SAVE UP TO 5% Zell am See, Austria

6 days Tour highlights 3 departures » Tier 2 tickets to witness the Oberammergau Passion Play From £2,095 » Discover the setting of the 1965 classic, The Sound of Music » Travel on the Zillertal Steam Railway with a complimentary glass of schnapps Join us in the sublime setting of the Austrian Tyrol – the setting » Visit Tratzberg Castle and the Oberammergau Museum for The Sound of Music and also the home of one of the world’s Day 1 We depart from London on a flight Hammerstein classic, The Sound of Music. musical geniuses, Mozart. to Munich. Upon arrival we are met by a Both excursions include visits to the castle local coach and from here we will transfer and cathedral. to our hotel in Zillertal, where dinner is What’s included? Today, we enjoy a guided tour of served later in the evening. Day 4 » Return flights from London , including the old town and the Day 2 This morning, we enjoy an excursion famous Maria-Theresien-Strasse, making » 4* accommodation in the Tyrol and aboard the historic, narrow-gauge Zillertal a stop at Emperor Maximillian I’s rather Oberammergau Steam Railway. As we travel through grand ‘Golden Roof’. Later, we pay a visit stunning Tyrolean scenery, from to the vaulted halls of Tratzberg Castle, » Services of a professional tour to the chic ski resort of , we which has connections with the once- manager are served a chilled glass of schnapps for mighty Habsburg dynasty. an added touch of luxury. Lunch is at a After breakfast, we bid auf » Comfortable coach travel mountainside restaurant, which we reach Day 5 wiedersehen to Austria and say guten throughout via cable car, enjoying a jaw-droppingly tag to Germany, as we transfer to scenic journey en route. Afterwards, we Oberammergau via the ski town of » 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch and return to our hotel for a group dinner. 5 dinners Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The day’s Day 3 We’re spoilt for choice today as performance of the immersive Passion » Site entries & category two tickets we head towards Salzburg, with the Play begins at 2:30pm, with a three- to the Passion Play opportunity to decide between two hour break for dinner at our hotel. The themed excursions. Classical music performance is due to end at around Pay in full at the time of booking before aficionados will surely be enticed by 10.30pm local time. 9th August 2019 & receive 5% off the the Mozart option, while others will be cost of the holiday. This morning, we transfer to the tempted to see some of the locations Day 6 airport for our return flight to London. immortalised on film by the Rodgers and

Start Return Price Single Supp 13th May 18th May From £2,145 | Save up to 5% £280 10th August 15th August From £2,095 | Save up to 5% £280 12th August 17th August From £2,095 | Save up to 5% £280

For more information or to book call 01334 766 036 or visit brightwaterholidays.com 9

Quality garden and special interest tours Oberammergau & Veneto

SAVE UP TO 5% Villa Vescovi, Vento, Italy 7 days Tour highlights » Witness the once-per-decade Passion Play in its entirety 24th - 30th August » Wander the grounds of five glorious villas in beautiful areas

From £2,295 » Pay a very special visit to the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua Veneto is one of Italy’s » Enjoy free time in the beautiful little town of Asolo, known as ‘the Pearl of the province wealthiest regions and we of Treviso’ and once home to both the poet Robert Browning and the explorer Dame Freya Stark discover no fewer than seven glorious villas and their Day 1 We depart from London on a direct Day 4 Today, we depart for a visit to the stunning gardens on this flight to Venice’s Marco Polo airport. Upon gardens of the Villa Barbaro in Maser. It picture-perfect tour. arrival, we are met by a local coach and has the unique appeal of being the only guide, and we transfer to our hotel. Palladian villa in Veneto to retain some of its original garden. As the gardens What’s included? Day 2 After breakfast, we are joined by a were essentially a public space, Palladio local guide for a walking tour of Vicenza’s » Return flights from London designed a secret garden behind the villa historic centre. External views include the – a small enclosed courtyard dominated » 4* accommodation in Veneto and Corso Palladio, Palazzo Thiene, Palazzo by an impressive nymphaeum which is Barbaran, Palazzo Chiericati, the Basilica Oberammergau decorated with statues of classical gods. Palladiana and the Duomo. We also get After some free time in Asolo, we make our » Services of a professional tour to visit the wonderful Teatro Olimpico. way back to the hotel and can freshen up Afterwards, we visit the glorious Villa manager before dinner at the Villa Godi Malinverni. Rotonda, designed by Andrea Palladio in » Comfortable coach travel around 1570. In 1994, it became a UNESCO Day 5 This morning, we have breakfast World Heritage Site and our private visit and then check out of our hotel, heading throughout here is hosted by Count Valmarana. We north towards Austria over the Brenner » 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 continue on to Villa Valmarana and are Pass. We arrive into Innsbruck in time for privileged to dine in a room decorated with lunch (not included). In the afternoon, we dinners stunning Tiepolo frescoes. cross into Germany and check into our Bavarian hotel. » Site entries and category two Day 3 We start our day with a visit to Villa tickets to the Passion Play Vescovi, located in the Euganean Hills. This Day 6 In the afternoon, we attend the Pay in full at the time of booking before afternoon we transfer to Padua and have a performance of the legendary Passion 9th August 2019 & receive 5% off the guided tour of the Basilica di Sant’Antonio. Play. Dinner is included during the cost of the holiday. We then continue to the Oratorio di San intermission. Once the production ends, Giogio and the Sculo del Santo. After we will return to our hotel. dinner, we have a special visit to the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua. Day 7 After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our return flights to London.

Start Return Price Single Supp 24th August 30th August From £2,295 | Save up to 5% £450 Innsbruck, Austria

10 For more information or to book call 01334 766 036 or visit brightwaterholidays.com

Quality garden and special interest tours Oberammergau & Hallstatt

Hallstatt lakeside town

5 days Tour highlights 10th - 14th August » Witness the once-per-decade Oberammergau Passion Play and spend two From £2,195 nights in the area » Descend underground to the visit the salt mines of Hallstatt, where This multi-centre tour thousands of years of salt- history await discovery offers the chance to explore » Visit the Celtic museum at Hallein with its elaborate La Tène metalwork local life through the ages, including witnessing the iconic Day 1 Today we fly into Munich or Day 4 We begin our day by going Oberammergau Passion Play. Salzburg, and drive onward to our hotel in underground at the Hallstatt salt mines. the Oberammergau area. This is an impressive mine, with 65km of tunnels and an average salt content What’s included? Day 2 This morning we have the chance of 60%. After lunch, we proceed to the to explore Oberammergau. The village is » Return flights from London UNESCO-listed Hallstatt Museum, where known for its traditional woodcarvers, discoveries from the area’s salt mines are religious art and its frescoes of traditional on display. These include a drinking horn, » 4* accommodation in Bavarian themes. After an early lunch, we Oberammergau* and Hallstatt miners’ picks and stone axes. We can also will prepare to watch the Passion Play, observe finds from Iron Age cemeteries as Part I of which is due to commence at » Expert Guide Lecturer and a well as Roman remains. Later, we will enjoy 2.30pm. We will take a lengthy break for a farewell meal together as a group. professional tour manager dinner between 5pm and 7.30pm, and then the final part of the play will resume at Day 5 Enjoy a morning at leisure before » Comfortable coach travel 8pm until 10.30pm. transferring to the airport for our return throughout flights to London. Day 3 We leave Oberammergau this » 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 morning and drive to the historic town dinners of Hallein, stopping for coffee on route. Upon arrival, we visit the impressive » Entries, tips and category two Celtic Museum with its elaborate La Tène tickets to the Passion Play metalwork. This is one of Europe’s biggest museums dedicated to Celtic history and it presents a range of exhibits that include Ice Age burial sites, salt-mining on the Dürrnberg and areas of ancient settlement. This evening, we will enjoy Kelheim, Germany dinner together at our hotel.

*Due to the demand of the Passion Play, we are unable to confirm the exact hotel for the nights in the Oberammergau area. Please check our website for the most up to date information.

Start Return Price Single Supp 10th August 14th August From £2,195 £360 Danube

For more information or to book call 01722 671 209 or visit andantetravels.com 11 Oberammergau & the Southern Limes

9 days | 25th August - 2nd September | From £3,250

The journey begins in Trier on the River Mosel, the oldest city in Germany, and a great 4th century Christian imperial capital. It culminates in the spectacular depiction of the events of the crucifixion in the famous Oberammergau Passion Play. The cathedral of Trier houses relics of the crucifixion, and of St. Helena who travelled to the Holy Land to find the True Cross. We travel the line of the Roman frontier – the Limes – from Mainz (Moguntiacum) to Regensburg (Castra Regina), investigating the sites and museums of the longest artificial frontier of the Roman Empire. Finally, we witness the sublime Oberammergau Passion Play, the main highlight of our trip.

Tour highlights » The monuments of imperial Trier, including the Porta Nigra city gate, the basilica and audience hall of Constantine the Great

» See the unique Museum of Roman Ships in Mainz

» View the Aschaffenburg Pompejanum – an idealised 19th century vision of a Pompeiian house, built by

» Wander the southern Limes, located on the borders of Germany

Regensburg » Category one tickets to the Oberammergau Passion Play

Trierer Dom, Germany

12 For more information or to book call 01722 671 209 or visit andantetravels.com

Day 1 Fly into Luxembourg and on the way to our hotel in Trier, view the Isis Temple in Mainz and the cathedral. Dinner and our we pay a visit the funerary monument of Igel, decorated with overnight stay are both in Mainz. remarkable detail of wool merchants’ lives. We visit the Villa Today we leave the hotel and drive to Asschaffenburg, Nennig, with its famous gladiator mosaic, followed by the Day 5 where we visit the Pompeiianum. We then continue along the enterprising reconstruction of the Villa Borg. Later, we drive to River Main and the line of the Limes of Germania Superior to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. Osterburken for the Roman fort annexe. After lunch, we visit Day 2 Today is our first day in Imperial Roman Trier, one of the Osterburken Roman Museum. Continue along the Limes to Aalen, late Roman capital cities of the Western Empire, which is now an stopping at the watchtower at Grosserlach-Grab, and the border iconic German Rhineland town. This morning, we visit the famous between Germania Superior and Raetia at Schwäbisch Gmünd. Porta Nigra, the Museum am Dom with its ceiling frescoes from Dinner tonight is at our hotel. the palace of St. Helens, and the late Roman cathedral. In the Visit Aalen Limes Museum and archaeological park and afternoon, we visit Constantine’s Palace and walk down to the Day 6 continue to Weissenburg. After lunch, we visit the Weissenburg early Roman baths, the Barbarathermen, and the Roman bridge Roman museum, the Roman baths and fort. Drive from over the Mosel. Weissenburg to Regensburg for our hotel and overnight stay. Day 3 Another day in Trier awaits, with a walk to the Rheinsches Leave our hotel on foot and walk to the Roman Fort Gate Landes Museum – home to a huge collection of Roman material, Day 7 in Regensburg and continue along the line of the Roman fortress including the most extensive selection of funerary sculpture north of Roman Castra Regina. Leave Regensburg and drive to the area of the Alps. After lunch, we visit the Trier Imperial Baths and the of Oberammergau. After lunch, we have free time to relax and afternoon culminates with a visit to the amphitheatre. explore the local area before dinner. Day 4 We drive to Mainz. This was the capital of Germania We will be preparing for the Oberammergau Passion Play, Superior, its administrative centre and, at times, a double Day 8 Part I of which commences at 1:30pm until 4:00pm, with a dinner legionary base. We will visit the Museum für Antike Schiffahrt for break from 4pm. Part II begins at 7:00pm and finishes at 9:30pm. a tour of the excavated ships and their reconstructions. On the way, we will stop at the Drusus Stone and the Roman aqueduct. Day 9 Today we depart for the airport and fly home. We continue with a walk to the Roman theatre. After lunch, we will

Mainz, Germany

What’s included? » Return flights from London

» 4* accommodation in Trier, Mainz, Aalen, Regensburg and Oberammergau*

» Expert Guide Lecturer and a professional tour manager

» Comfortable coach travel throughout

» 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners

» Entries, tips and category one tickets to the Passion Play

*Due to the demand of the Passion Play, we are unable to confirm the exact hotel for the nights in the Oberammergau area. Please check our website for the most up to date information.

Start Return Price Single Supp 25th August 2nd September From £530 £3,250 13 Oberammergau & the Archaeology of Northern Italy 7 days | 13th - 19th June | From £2,595

Experience seven glorious days discovering the history and archaeology of locations in both Italy and Germany, ahead of journeying to Oberammergau to watch a performance of the legendary Passion Play. Starting out in historic Brescia, not far from Milan, we explore a range of sites that tell the stories of this wonderful city. From here, we tour ruined Roman villas replete with mosaics, we go underground to observe subterranean remains and we pay a memorable visit to the mummified remains of Ötzi the Iceman. As our week draws to a close, we move on to the , where the once-a-decade Passion Play awaits.

Tour highlights » Go underground in Trento to discover the remains of a Roman road, parts of the city wall, and some ruined houses and workshops

» Come face-to-face with the mummified remains of Ötzi the Iceman at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology

» Take a walking tour of the lesser-visited historic city of Brescia, home to some of northern Italy’s best-preserved Roman remains

» Enjoy two nights in the surrounding area of Oberammergau, known for its traditional woodcarving as well as the legendary Passion Play, which we experience while we’re here

Journey to the ‘pearl’ of Lake Garda, Sirmione, and explore the ruins Goldenes Dachl at Innsbruck, Austria » of the Caves of Catullus

Harbour, Desenzano

14 For more information or to book call 01722 671 209 or visit andantetravels.com

Day 1 Arrive in Munich and drive to our hotel in the which is housed in a monastic complex of Lombard origin. Oberammergau area. Collections in this museum include a selection of Roman in situ mosaics as well as important Lombard remains. Next, we take a Day 2 Today we will bear witness to the once-in-a-lifetime event break for lunch and then it’s on to the UNESCO-listed Capitolium, that is the Oberammergau Passion Play. Part I is due to begin known locally as the Capitolium of Brixia (its ancient Roman name) at 2.30pm and it will come to an end at 10.30pm. There will, of and around 2,000 years old. This evening, we will dine at a local course, be a sizeable break for dinner from 5-8pm. restaurant before returning to our hotel. Day 3 This morning we depart Oberammergau and drive to Day 6 A morning journey to nearby Desenzano, situated in Bolzano, located in the north of Italy. En route, we stop for lunch the southwest corner of Lake Garda. Here, we will view one of in Innsbruck or its surrounding area. the best surviving villas of the late Roman age, along with its Day 4 The first visit of the day is to the fabulous South Tyrol magnificent mosaics. These remains were discovered in 1921 and Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano. This museum is famous for images depicted in mosaics here include cupids gathering grapes, being home to the incredible remains of Ötzi, the Iceman. Stored chariot racing and wild animals. After this captivating visit, we in a cold cell, the mummy and his tools can be seen through a take the ferry back to Sirmione – regarded as the ‘pearl’ of Lake window. After lunch, we have the chance to explore the Spazio Garda – and make our way to the villa known as the Caves of Archeologico Sotteraneo del SAS Tridentium. Here, we will see Catullus. Dinner follows later and we make our return to Brescia, local red-stone slabs, sewer pipes and the remains of a tower. where we stay overnight. It was also the seat of the Council of Trent (1545-1563), where Day 7 This morning we will transfer to either Milan or Verona the Catholic Church worked out its response to the Protestant airport for our return flight to London. . Tonight we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Day 5 This morning we leave Bolzano and drive to Brescia. This is a charming Italian city, not far from Milan, which dates back to the Iron Age. However, we can also find traces of earlier settlements here and Brescia itself is home to some of the best- preserved Roman remains in all of northern Italy. This morning we will see the Romanesque Duomo Vecchio, recognisable for its characteristic circular structure, and the Santa Giulia Museum,

Caves of Catullus, Italy

What’s included? » Return flights from London

» 4* accommodation in Oberammergau*, Bolzano and Brescia

» Expert Guide Lecturer and a professional tour manager

» Comfortable coach travel throughout

» 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners

» Entries, tips and category two tickets to the Passion Play *Due to the demand of the Passion Play, we are unable to confirm the exact hotel for the nights in the Oberammergau area. Please check our website for the most up to date information.

Start Return Price Single Supp 13th June 19th June From £2,595 £500

15 Oberammergau, Munich & Salzburg

Salzburg, Austria

7 days Tour highlights 2 departures » Experience the once-per-decade Oberammergau Passion Play From £2,245 » Enjoy a candlelit dinner concert inside of Salzburg’s St Peter Monastery » Visit the and walk among its glorious gardens Enjoy excursions in vibrant Munich and picture-perfect » Dine at the Hofbräuhaus, a famous 16th century restaurant in Munich Salzburg, where visits to sites Day 1 We fly from London to Munich and Day 4 Following a morning at leisure of significance, architectural transfer to our hotel. Later, we have an to soak up the atmosphere, we gather marvels and cultural orientation tour of the city and then a together to attend the legendary Passion encounters await. welcome dinner at our hotel follows. Play. Dinner is included during the lengthy intermission. Day 2 After breakfast, we explore Munich What’s included? and its city centre. This afternoon, we Day 5 Today we explore the storybook » Return flights from London visit Nymphenburg Palace, once the main streets of Salzburg, a city with a rich summer residence of the former rulers history and influential music heritage. » 4* accommodation in Munich, of Bavaria. Tonight, we enjoy dinner at Our tour includes a visit to the Mozart Oberammergau* and Füssen the Hofbräuhaus, which dates back to Residence, where the great composer the 16th century and was frequented lived from 1773-1780. Tonight, we sit » Expert Guide Lecturer and a by Mozart, who claimed that his opera down to a dinner concert with a late professional tour manager was written after a few visits 18th century theme, in the candlelit there. All of the rooms – except for its surroundings of the St Peter Monastery. » Comfortable coach travel historic beer hall – were destroyed in the World War II bombings. Day 6 Free time awaits this morning and throughout then we transfer to the airport for our Day 3 Our morning is dedicated to return flights back to London. » 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 Munich’s Residenz – Germany’s largest dinners city palace and the official home of the royal Wittelsbach family. Later, we drive » Entries, tips and category two through the beautiful tickets to the Passion Play towards Oberammergau, home to the Passion Play. We have dinner at our hotel later tonight.

*Due to the demand of the Passion Play, we are unable to confirm the exact hotel for the nights in Oberammergau. Please check our website for the most up to date information.

Start Return Price Single Supp 29th June 4th July From £2,245 £495 11th July 16th July From £2,245 £495 The Hofbräuhaus, Munich

16 For more information or to book call 01722 671 209 or visit andantetravels.com Oberammergau & the ‘Dream Castles’ of Bavaria

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

6 days Tour highlights 4th - 9th June » Witness the Oberammergau Passion Play with category one tickets From £2,150 » Enjoy the stunning Herrenchiemsee Palace just outside of Munich, referred to as the ‘Bavarian Versailles’

Experience the fairytale castles » Stay in majestic alpine surroundings in Füssen, near to the world-renowned of Bavaria, including the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, before sitting down to the memorable Day 1 We fly from London to Munich and Day 5 Today is dedicated to Ludwig’s head to our hotel, stopping for lunch crowning glory and the embodiment Oberammergau Passion Play, on the way. Later, join us on an optional of his wildest romantic fantasies – held just once per decade! walking tour of Munich or explore at Neuschwanstein Castle. We will spend leisure before dining at the Hofbräuhaus. most of the day here before returning What’s included? in the afternoon to our hotel. Dinner is Day 2 Today we drive to the Chiemsee, included later tonight. » Return flights from London where Ludwig realised his final castle dream by building Herrenchiemsee Palace Day 6 After breakfast, we return to » 4* accommodation in Munich, on Herreninsel Island. After lunch (not Munich via Castle Berg. This manor house Oberammergau* and Salzburg included), we explore the palace grounds was where the king was confined after before returning to Munich, where free his deposition and declared insane. A few » Expert Guide Lecturer and a time awaits. days later, he and his physician were found professional tour manager drowned in the lake. We visit his tomb in Day 3 Following a relaxing morning, we Munich’s St Michael’s Church and head to » Comfortable coach travel drive through the beautiful Bavarian the airport for our flight back to London. throughout Alps, stopping for lunch en route to Oberammergau. We check in to our hotel » 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches and and attend the legendary Passion Play. 3 dinners Dinner is included during the intermission. Day 4 After our late night at the play, the » Entries, tips and category one morning is spent at a relaxed pace. We tickets to the Passion Play travel the short journey to Füssen, located in the heart of the Bavarian countryside and full of Ludwig history. On the way, we stop at Hohenschwangen, Ludwig’s childhood home, for a guided tour. Fraueninsel Island

*Due to the demand of the Passion Play, we are unable to confirm the exact hotel for the nights in the Oberammergau area. Please check our website for the most up to date information.

Start Return Price Single Supp 4th June 9th June From £2,150 £495

For more information or to book call 01722 671 209 or visit andantetravels.com 17 Which Oberammergau Passion Play tour is right for you? From a ride aboard a classic steam train and an excursion to Neuschwanstein Castle, to a tour of an Italian villa led by a member of the aristocratic family which owns it – choose your experience here:

Quality garden and special interest tours Dates Prices from Oberammergau & the Austrian Tyrol 13th - 18th May from £2,145 see full itinerary on page 9 10th - 16th August from £2,095 12th - 17th August from £2,095

Oberammergau & Veneto 24th - 30th August from £2,295 see full itinerary on page 10

Dates Prices from

Oberammergau & the ‘Dream Castles’ of Bavaria 4th - 9th June from £2,150 see full itinerary on page 17

Oberammergau & the Archaeology of Northern Italy 13th - 19th June from £2,595 see full itinerary on page 14

A Short Break in Oberammergau 13th - 15th June from £1,095 see full itinerary on page 8 17th - 19th June from £995 25th - 27th July from £1,095 27th - 29th July from £1,095 24th - 26th August from £1,195 Oberammergau, Munich & Salzburg 29th June - 4th July from £2,245 see full itinerary on page 16 11th - 16th July from £2,245

Oberammergau & Hallstatt 10th - 14th August from £2,195 see full itinerary on page 11 25th August - Oberammergau & the Southern Limes from £3,250 see full itinerary on page 12 2nd September

18 HOW TO BOOK YOUR 2020 OBERAMMERGAU PLACE

To ensure you don’t miss this once-per-decade experience, you can either book your place online via our websites or call our friendly teams, who can help secure this iconic trip. However you choose to book, we can’t wait to welcome you on tour.

Contact us today Depending on the Oberammergau tour you want to join, just get in touch via the contact details below and we’ll do the rest.

Brightwater Holidays: Andante Travels: 01334 766 036 01722 6 71 209 brightwaterholidays.com andantetravels.com [email protected] [email protected]

Quality garden and special interest tours

©Passion Play Oberammergau

19 If you’d like a different kind of holiday...

...our brand new brochures for 2020 are available now. Journey to the ancient world with Andante Travels – a company celebrating its 35th anniversary – or choose between gardens, scenic Scottish and archaeology tours with Brightwater Holidays.

» Andante Travels’ new brochure for 2020 includes 15 brand new itineraries, as well as two tours that will put you in the audience for the once-a-decade performance of the Passion Play in Oberammergau » Tours operated by Andante Travels range from far-flung destinations such as Lebanon, Easter Island and Uzbekistan, to European archaeology hotspots like Pompeii, the rock art caves of Altamira and Crete » Brightwater Holidays offers escorted coach tours to gardens such as Highgrove, events like the Chelsea Flower Show and to historic homes » Also with Brightwater Holidays, you can explore the Caribbean island of Grenada, travel aboard a steam train through Scottish countryside and follow in the footsteps of Queen Victoria on the Isle of Wight

Request your 2020 brochure now

Brightwater Holidays: Andante Travels: 01334 766 036 01722 671 209 brightwaterholidays.com andantetravels.com 5009 [email protected] [email protected]