Best of Germany with Oberammergau

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Best of Germany with Oberammergau

Circle north, south, east and west to see medieval Rothenburg, and the devotion of the villagers of Oberammergau at the remarkable Passion Play.

Holiday Highlights

CITY TOUR in Berlin
CRUISE along the River Rhine
ORIENTATION of Frankfurt, Cologne, Hamburg, Dresden, Nuremberg, Rothenburg and Heidelberg
SEE the Lorelei Rock, Cologne Cathedral and Bavarian Alps
PREMIUM TICKETS for the 2020 Passion Play in Oberammergau
VISIT Hamelin, the Berlin TV Tower, Mödlareuth Open Air Museum and Neuschwanstein castle

What's Included

11 hot buffet breakfasts
1 lunch (Be My Guest)
6 dinners
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Hand-picked Insider Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
VIP entry to many sights

Itinerary

Day Day 1 - Arrive Frankfurt

Welcome to Frankfurt - a city renowned for its old-world charm and modern sophistication which you will have a brief opportunity to explore before meeting your Travel Director this afternoon for an orientation of the medieval Römerplatz and dynamic financial district. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception with your fellow travellers, including a light meal and welcome drink to kick off your discovery of the best of Germany and a memorable Oberammergau experience.

Day Day 2 - Frankfurt – Rhine Cruise – Cologne

Resist the alluring calls of Lorelei and board your leisurely cruise along the Rhine. Glide past vineyard-clad hills, stopping to 'Connect with Locals' for a Be My Guest lunch at a 13th- century castle perched high above the river valley. Share stories of knights and feuding lords and ladies over lunch before continuing to Cologne. Here, we will view the Gothic spires of its magnificent cathedral during our orientation of the city.

Day Day 3 - Cologne – Hamelin – Hamburg

Journey through the lush green landscape of Lower Saxony, stopping in the legendary town of Hamelin, immortalised in the medieval tale of the Pied Piper. We continue to the international trade centre of Hamburg, where we'll join our Travel Director for an orientation tour of the city's iconic sights. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the city's seafaring heritage. Wander along the trendy Mönckebergstrasse, visit one of the city's brewhouses or consider a guided cruise along the city's waterways and discover why Hamburg is called Germany's 'Gateway to the World'.

Day Day 4 - Hamburg – Berlin Sightseeing (2 Nights)

Cross the former 'Iron Curtain' to Berlin, whose once-turbulent history has shaped its rebirth as a charismatic capital city. Join your Local Specialist to explore the iconic landmarks of a unified Berlin. See the neo-Renaissance Reichstag, Tiergarten, Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden Boulevard and Kurfürstendamm, renowned for its shopping and entertainment. Enjoy some time at leisure this afternoon to explore the city on your terms. Relax with an Ebbelwei on the Friedrichstrasse and watch the world go by.

Day Day 5 - Berlin Sightseeing

'Dive into Culture' and ascend the iconic Berlin TV Tower for 360° views of the city and Spree River. You have some free time to see the remnants of the Berlin Wall, visit the infamous Checkpoint Charlie or join an Optional Experience to the District of Potsdam, the former Prussian royal seat, for sightseeing and an unforgettable meal.

Day Day 6 - Berlin – Dresden

A short drive south brings us to Dresden, the 'Florence on the Elbe', where we'll hear about the city's restoration following its devastation during World War II as you admire its beautiful Baroque façades. See the Semper Opera, Zwinger Palace and fully reconstructed Frauenkirche. Consider delving into the treasures of Dresden, joining an Optional Experience to explore this elegant city.

Day Day 7 - Dresden – Mödlareuth – Nuremberg

Visit the village of Mödlareuth, which inherited the moniker of "Little Berlin" due to its wall separating 'east' and 'west'. Gain insights into a divided Germany at its open-air museum and see a section of the original wall with its security features. This afternoon, arrive in the Bavarian city of Nuremberg, once the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire and today the economic, social and cultural capital of Franconia. See the mighty castle ramparts and St. Sebald's Cathedral on your orientation tour of the city, then spend the rest of your evening at leisure indulging in grilled Nürnberger and sauerkraut.

Day Day 8 - Nuremberg – Rothenburg – Oberammergau (2 Nights)

Embark on an orientation walk past the half-timbered houses of Rothenburg, perhaps the most well-preserved medieval town in Germany. Shop for wooden Christmas ornaments, before following parts of the Romantic Road through villages and countryside to Oberammergau in the Bavarian Alps. Dine at your hotel tonight.

Day Day 9 - Oberammergau (Passion Play Performance)

Witness a Trafalgar Highlight and display of unwavering faith as you take your premium seat for a poignant afternoon spent watching the Passion Play. The villagers of Oberammergau give thanks to God for sparing them from the ravages of the plague in the 17th century. Their gratitude is reflected in this dramatic depiction of the life and death of Jesus Christ. Dine at a local restaurant this evening before returning to your seat for the captivating second half of this performance as night falls.

Day Day 10 - Oberammergau – Neuschwanstein – Black Forest

From the grace of God to the fairy tale land of King Ludwig II, we journey to Neuschwanstein castle, a hilltop retreat built as an homage to Richard Wagner. Continue through the hills and past lakes as you admire the scenery on your way to the Black Forest.

Day Day 11 - Black Forest – Heidelberg – Frankfurt

Witness the centuries-old craft of cuckoo clock making as you 'Dive into Culture' in Heidelberg. View the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps, as well as the Baroque-style Old Town with its bustling market squares and colourful façades. Spend the rest of the afternoon finishing up some last-minute shopping before continuing on to Frankfurt. Tonight we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with newfound friends, reminiscing over the iconic and unexpected highlights of our trip.

Day Day 12 - Depart Frankfurt

After breakfast, we say a fond farewell to Frankfurt after a memorable holiday. Transfers to Frankfurt Airport are available. Conditions apply.

Hotel Info

Oberammergau Accommodation: Trafalgar has secured hotel accommodation either in Oberammergau or close by in the picturesque villages of the Bavarian Alps. Please note that single and triple rooms are not available for the Oberammergau stay. Solo travellers and triple share guests will be matched and accommodated in a twin room with a fellow solo Trafalgar traveller, of the same gender, for the duration of the stay.

Hotel Info

Hotel Information: Final hotel accommodation will be confirmed in 2019.

Special Departures

Since 1634, the tiny picturesque Bavarian village of Oberammergau has performed the Passion Play every ten years. This tragic and deeply moving chronicle depicts the Passion of Christ at the time of the crucifixion. The cast comprises local villagers exclusively and equals any professional production in both sheer spectacle and emotion; attracting visitors from around the world. It is an experience that will exceed every expectation.

Web

Visit trafalgar.com for availability and up-to-date itinerary information.

Day Day 3 - Cologne – Hamelin – Hamburg

Day Day 4 - Hamburg – Berlin Sightseeing (2 Nights)

Day Day 5 - Berlin Sightseeing

Day Day 6 - Berlin – Dresden

Day Day 7 - Dresden – Mödlareuth – Nuremberg

Day Day 8 - Nuremberg – Rothenburg – Oberammergau (2 Nights)

Day Day 9 - Oberammergau (Passion Play Performance)

Day Day 10 - Oberammergau – Neuschwanstein – Black Forest

Day Day 11 - Black Forest – Heidelberg – Frankfurt

Day Day 12 - Depart Frankfurt

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At a glance