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Passion Play and Martin Luther's Pilgrimage to Rome
Join us June 18-29, 2010
If your group would like this type of tour, call 1-800-303-5534 today!
Attend the 2010 Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany

Pastor Bob and Lynn Helton and Pastor Carl and Debra Yost invite you on a leisurely 12 day tour beginning with the 2010 Oberammergau Passion Play. The tour will travel through Bavaria, Austria and Italy and end in Rome. The highlights include Salzburg, Venice, Florence, Orvieto and Rome, with the option of a day out in either Pompeii and Naples or Capri. Experience the culture, learn about your Christian heritage, meet the locals and be inspired in your faith!

Tickets are now confirmed, so book today!



What will we see each day?

Our itineraries are designed to be not too full - or too empty! Each day we'll have breakfast at our hotel, followed by the day's activities. In the evenings, you'll have the opportunity to join the devotional time. Enjoy browsing the proposed itinerary. Back to top

IF = In flight meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Click here for pre-tour options

Day 1: Friday, June 18, 2010: Departure
Our journey begins with our flight across the Atlantic Ocean to Munich, Germany. If you would like to arrive early, we are happy to arrange accommodations. (IF)

Day 2: Saturday, June 19, 2010: Munich, Oberammergau
On arrival in Munich, we will be met by our Reformation Tours' Tour Director and we’ll begin with a short orientation tour of the city, including the Olympic grounds, the Glockenspiel, the grounds of Nymphenburg Castle, and the pedestrian zone. On the way to Oberammergau, we'll visit Linderhof Castle, the glitziest of King Ludwig II’s castles. Oberammergau is home to the world famous Passion Play, depicting the story of Christ, acted out for hundreds of years by the villagers. We’ll check into the Riessersee-Hotel Betriebsgesel for the first of two nights and have a delicious dinner, followed by a stroll through the village. (D)


Day 3: Sunday, June 20, 2010: Oberammergau

Today is the highlight of the tour, the world famous Passion Play. We’ll have a relaxed morning, followed by afternoon and evening performances. (B/L/D)

Day 4: Monday, June 21, 2010: Salzburg
On the way to Salzburg, we’ll stop at Oberndorf where we’ll see the Silent Night Chapel, where Father Josef Mohr wrote Silent Night and sang it for the first time. We will continue to Salzburg and enjoy some free time. This evening we will have a Mozart Concert during dinner at the famous St. Peter’s Restaurant. Seated in Baroque opulence, with candles and linen, we’ll savor the cuisine of Mozart’s day. Superb musicians play some of his most famous compositions to round out a great day in Austria. We will overnight in Salzburg at the Central Hotel Gablerbräu. B/D

Day 5: Tuesday, June 22, 2010: Salzburg
A morning walking tour of Salzburg will introduce us to this city. We’ll visit the Salzburg Cathedral, the Getreidegasse (pedestrian zone) the market and Mozart’s home. We are free in the afternoon, and will have dinner on our own. B

Day 6: Wednesday, June 23, 2010: Venice (Mestre)
Today will be wonderful as we drive to Italy, seeing the change in cultures and landscapes from our comfortable coach. Italy will be very special, so much to see, so different from the Germany and Austria that we left yesterday. We’ll stop en route to see Lake Garda and have some time to savor special moments in this legend of Italy. Our destination today is fabulous Venice–La Serenissima, the “Serene One.” Built upon 117 islands, Venice is a mosaic of canals, plazas, fascinating markets, and colorful chaos! Italy never disappoints us. (B/D)

Day 7: Thursday, June 24, 2010: Venice (Mestre)
Today we'll visit the most famous sights in Venice including St. Mark's Basilica, which is built over the tomb of the evangelist Mark and the Doges Palace, the former seat of government in Venice. The afternoon is free to enjoy shopping, visit a glass blowing shop on the island of Murano, or discover the winding back streets of this romantic island. This evening, we'll take a gondola ride through the charming canals. We have an opportunity to enjoy wonderful restaurants with smiling waiters and tempting pasta on our own before returning to our hotel tonight. (B)

Day 8: Friday, June 25, 2010: Florence
Our local guide will take us on a walking tour of historic Florence to see Michelangelo’s incomparable “David” at Accademia, the Piazza della Signoria and the breathtaking view from Piazzale Michelangelo; then Giotto’s Belfry and Duomo, and the Baptistery with its renowned “Gate of Paradise.” We also visit the Convent and Museum of St. Mark, a former Dominican monastery which contains important frescoes by Friar Andelico and the cells of Savonarola, who was prior of St. Mark’s. Later this afternoon we explore and shop along the Ponte Vechio. This bridge, built in 1345 is a riot of life and color and is famous for rows of shops lining both sides that have been reserved for gold and silversmiths since 16th century. We'll stay overnight at the Grand Hotel Mediterraneo (or similar). B/D

Day 9: Saturday, June 26, 2010: Orvieto, Rome
This morning we continue in a southerly direction and make a stop in beautiful Orvieto for a locally guided tour of the city and its Duomo. We drive on to Rome where after dinner we’ll be free to have a walking tour with our escort. We will see Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and Navonna Square. We'll stay at the Grand Hotel Palatino. (B/D)


Day 10: Sunday, June 27, 2010: Rome
The highlight this morning will be a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel-containing the stunning ceiling artworks of Michelangelo- and St. Peter’s Basilica- considered to be the greatest Church in Christendom. In the afternoon we’ll enjoy a guided visit of the Imperial and Classical heart of Rome: Circo Massimo, Coliseum, San Pietro in Vincoli Church with Michelangelo’s Moses, the Mamertine Prison and the Forum – the market place of old Rome. (B/D)


Day 11: Monday, June 28, 2010: Rome

Today is a free day to enjoy Rome or take an optional day trip to Capri or Naples and Pompeii.This evening is free to sample local restaurants at our leisure . B/D

Day 12: Tuesday, June 29, 2010: Return
We drive to the Airport for our return flight, with our escort taking us all the way to security. We’ll return home with many wonderful memories of incredible Italy, awesome Austria, and gorgeous Germany. “Ariva Derce”, as the Italians would say “Good bye.” B.

Click here for post-tour options

Reformation Tours reserves the rights to alter itineraries without notice should it become necessary. While on tour, if conditions necessitate changes, or if certain features are unavailable or limited, we reserve the right to vary or substitute alternatives. All prices are calculated at the exchange rate in effect at the time of this quotation. Should currency fluctuations necessitate an adjustment in tour price the adjusted price will be reflected in the final invoice.

Free book for all our tour participants
This best-selling Guide proved an essential tool for visitors who spent time in this delightful corner of Bavaria, providing concise information about the Village of Oberammergau, the Area, the Play, the Theatre, the History and Traditions, the Organization and Background.

Written by David Houseley - who produced similar books in 1970,1980 and 1990, and Raymond Goodburn, the book is in lavish color with maps, photographs and biographies of the actors who took the leading roles. There is also an important Introduction by Otto Huber, Deputy Director of the Play who explains the thinking behind the radical changes which were made for 2000. Finally, there is a Synopsis of the Play, provided by Prof. Ingrid Shafer, the Official Translator of the Text into English.

What's included in the land price of $3,495?
Price based on a minimum of 35 participants

  • Transportation: via deluxe air-conditioned coaches
  • Tickets to the Oberammergau Passion Play in seating area 1 (pale blue in image)
  • Accommodations (double-occupancy) in superior 3-star and moderate 4-star hotels
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Professional tour escort throughout the tour
  • Local step-on guides for city tours and major attractions
  • Entrance fees included as per itinerary
  • All transfers, as a group
  • Baggage handling (1 piece of baggage per guest)
  • All taxes and tips other than for bus driver and tour director
What's not included in tour price?
  • Air transportation ($1,375 for group flight including taxes and fees)
  • Single supplement (subject to availability) of $700
  • Passenger trip cancellation insurance (details sent with reservation form)
  • Meals and beverages not identified in itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature, such as passports and visas. Passports must be valid for months beyond return date.
  • Tips for bus driver and tour director

Payment for the tour is in installments:

  • Deposit of $350 will secure your place on the tour
  • Second deposit of $1,000 is due no later than July 1, 2009
  • The air price will be available at the end of July, 2009
  • The final price adjustment (in case of low numbers or currency changes) will be made in the middle of December, 2009
  • Final invoices will be sent in December 2009
  • Final payments will be due no later than February 18, 2010

Cancellation Policy:

All cancellations must be in writing and the date of postmark will determine the amount of refund due.

  • From time of deposit to until 190 days prior to departure a $175 per person penalty will be charged for cancellation.
  • From 189-145 days prior to departure a $300 per person penalty will be charged for cancellation, plus any non refundable deposit, if applicable
  • 144-30 days prior to departure a $1,000 per person penalty will be charged for cancellation, plus any unrecoverable out of pocket expenses to ground suppliers, as well as any penalties imposed by airlines will be assessed. If anyone cancels but finds their own substitute up to 120 days prior to departure, only a $100 change fee will be assessed.
  • 29 days or less prior to departure-no refund.

Flight Information:

We can either assist you with flight bookings, or you are welcome to choose your own flights. If you are using frequent flyer miles, you'll need to contact your airline directly. We can also arrange for extra hotel nights before or after the tour. Please ensure we have a copy of your flight itinerary for our records no later than 30 days before departure.

Group Flights

Airline Date Departs Arrives Departure Time Arrival Time Layover
Lufthansa 429 6/18/2010 - 6/19/10 Charlotte Munich 5:25 PM 8:10 AM  
              
Lufthansa
3867
6/29/10 Rome Munich 6:40 AM 8:15 AM 3hr 25 min
Lufthansa 428 6/29/10 Munich Charlotte 11:40 PM 3:30 PM  

Arrival: If you aren't on the group flights above, please plan on arriving in Munich on Saturday, June 19, 2010 by 8:30 AM. If you are traveling early, we can arrange for accommodation in Munich.

Departure: Flights can be arranged anytime on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 from Rome.

Pre- and post-tour options:

If you are planning on arriving early or staying after the tour, we can help with these arrangements. We would appreciate you letting us know as soon as possible, so that we can hold the hotel space.

Pre-Tour
We are offering a pre-tour night at the Hotel St. Paul in Munich for $82 per person in a double and $127 in a single, including breakfast. The transport from the airport is approximately $95 per taxi or $15 per person using local transport.

Post-Tour
We are offering a post-tour night at the Grand Hotel Palatino in Rome for $136 per person in a double and $188 in a single, including breakfast. The taxi to the airport is approximately $82 per taxi.

 

Tour Hosts:

Your tour hosts are Pastor Carl and Debra Yost and Pastor Bob and Lynn Helton

Pastor Carl and Debra Yost are both originally from North Carolina. Ordained in 1983, Carl has served Lutheran congregations in Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina. He currently serves as Lead Pastor of Community in Christ Lutheran Church located in the Lake Norman area of Charlotte, NC. As an avid historian, he believes that travel is an excellent way to experience and teach the faith.

Carl has traveled in countries of Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and the Orient. He is a graduate of Lenior-Rhyne University and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. In addition to his parish leadership, he is also a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserves. Carl and Debra have been married for 27 years and have 3 children. They are especially looking forward to the birth of their first grandchild in early 2009!

Pastor Yost believes that when it comes to traveling with the faith community, it is much more than just a tour. It becomes a pilgrimage – a journey of walking together in faith.


What are the accommodations like?

Our hotels are chosen for their quality, amenities and proximity to areas of interest. Whenever possible, we choose hotels in town centers, so that you are able to go off and explore in your free time. It may be necessary for us to substitute hotels for others of equal quality. You will be fully informed of any changes that affect you. Enjoy your stay!

Yes, please tell me more about this tour!

Please write your question in the space below or leave a phone number and a convenient time to call and we'll respond to your request. We're here to enable you to have a fabulous trip, so don't hesitate - contact us today!

You can also contact us if this is the kind of tour that YOUR church would like to take. We arrange fully customizable trips for Christian groups. Just jot down your details and we'll guide you every step of the way.
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