The Art of the Passion Tour with St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Waukegan, IL featuring the Oberammergau Passion Play

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The Art of the Passion - A Word & Image Tour 2010
6-Day - June 14-19, 2010
12 Day - June 14-25, 2010
Now Booking
If your group would like this type of tour, call 1-800-303-5534 today!

Pastor Caroline Satre and Pastor Brad Davick of St. Paul's Lutheran Church invite you to join them on a tour of Germany, Switzerland and Italy. The trip includes fabulous cities, mountains, lakes and a live performance of the Passion Play in Oberammergau with excellent seats.

	Day by day itinerary Oberammergau Passion Play, plus fabulous Christian and cultural highlights in Germany, Switzerland and Italy.		What's included Passion Play tickets, hotels, expert guides, delicious meals, entrance fees, fellowship etc.
	Quality accommodations Accommodations will be in superior three star and moderate four star hotels.		What does it cost? This tour is land only based on a minimum of 35 tour participants. Air prices are now available.
	Free book All of our tour members will receive this best-selling guide all about Oberammergau.		Route map Use our interactive map to see where you will be going.

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. Each day you'll have the opportunity to join devotional time led by Pastor Caroline or Pastor Brad. 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: Monday, June 14, 2010: Overnight Flight to Munich, Germany
Our journey back in time begins with an overnight flight from the US. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight! (IF)

The Glockenspiel in Munich Day 2: Tuesday, June 15, 2010: Munich
We’ll be greeted at the Munich Airport by our driver and taken on a Munich orientation tour. We will see the Olympic Stadium and Tower, Nymphenburg Palace, the Rathaus and then stop to take a pleasant walk in the city center through Marienplatz and past the Glockenspiel. This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner with classic Bavarian cuisine and a live Bavarian folklore show at the world famous Hofbrauhaus. We'll stay at the Hotel Prinzregent and der Messe in Munich. (IF,D)

Day 3: Wednesday, June 16, 2010: Wieskirche, Linderhof, Oberammergau
Linderhof Palace After a leisurely breakfast, we depart the city of Gemutlichkeit for the Bavarian countryside stopping to tour the Wieskirche or "Church in the Meadow", a UNESCO World Heritage site with incredible Rococo art. We also tour King Ludwig II’s Castle Linderhof with its beautiful grounds and grotto. We'll finish our exciting day with our arrival in Oberammergau, 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 Hotel am Wiesenhang in Bad Kohlgrub (a spa village very close to Oberammergau) and have a delicious dinner. (B, D)

Day 4: Thursday, June 17, 2010: Oberammergau
The morning is free for exploring Oberammergau. After lunch at the Hotel Gasthof Zur Rose, we will attend the Passion Play, the highlight of our tour. The history of the Oberammergau Passion Play begins in 1633. In the middle of the Thirty Years War, after months of dying and suffering from the plague, the people of Oberammergau took a vow to perform the “Play of the Suffering, Dying and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ" every ten years. During Pentecost in 1634 they fulfilled their promise for the first time. Today we attend the 41st production of the play. After a dinner intermission at the Hotel Gasthof Zur Rose, we return to the Passion Play Theater for the rest of our production. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Friday, June 18, 2010: Liechtenstein, Lucerne
We depart Oberammergau today and stop for lunch in the postage stamp country of Liechtenstein. Then we continue on to the charming Swiss town of Lucerne, beginning with a late afternoon walking tour to view the City Walls and famous covered wooden bridges. The Kapellbrucke (Chapel Bridge) is a symbol of Lucerne and you've seen pictures of it, but now it's time for us to walk its planks. It originally dates back to the 14th century. Close by is the Spreuerbrucke (Spreuer Bridge), dating from 1408. You'll view the ornate patrician houses along the cobbled streets. We'll overnight at the Best Western Hotel Rothaus, where we'll enjoy a group dinner. (B, D)

Day 6: Saturday, June 19, 2010: Return
Today some of us return home as we transfer to the Zurich International airport about an hour to the north of Lucerne.

End of 6 Day Tour

Day 6: Saturday, June 19, 2010: Lucerne Area
The rest of us enjoy the beauty of God's creation with a trip to the famous alpine railway station of Kleine Scheidegg, with views of Eiger (Bear), Mönch (Monk) and Jungfrau (Maiden) peaks. We begin this two valley roundtrip excursion with a stop at the spectacular Trümmelbach Falls. From nearby Lauterbrunnen, we take a cog wheel train to Kleine Scheidegg. Dinner is on our own tonight. (B)

Day 7: Sunday, June 20, 2010: Torino
We start early this morning passing through the beautiful Italian Lakes area en route to the Piedmont area where some of the Waldenses were located, going back to at least the 11th century. We will visit the cathedral named Il Duomo of Torino e Capella della Sacra Sindone, where the Shroud of Turin is kept. Although we can’t see the original, there is a photographic reproduction on display. We will also visit the Museo della Sindone. The rest of the day is free to enjoy Torino. We'll overnight at the Jolly Hotel Ligure. (B)

Day 8: Monday, June 21, 2010: Montecatini Terme
We continue south along the Ligurian Sea to the fishing villages known as the Cinque Terra. We begin with a boat ride along the sea, and then return by train and on foot, with a lovely stroll down Lovers Lane, a spectacular walk along the sea. These villages have a special character, as we observe the life of the fishermen and the abodes to which they return. Afterwards we drive to Montecatini Terme our home for several days, atstay at the Hotel Ercolini & Savi. (B, D)

Day 9: Tuesday, June 22, 2010: Florence
Our entire day is devoted to Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance. Upon arrival in Florence we meet a local guide for 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 Baptistry 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 Fra Angelico and the cells of Savonarola, who was prior of St. Mark’s. (B)

Day 10: Wednesday, June 23, 2010: Florence
Today is a free day in Florence to either explore this fascinating city or take an optional excursion (ask Kim for details). We can explore and shop along the Ponte Vecchio. 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 the 16th century. Explore the leather markets, visit the Uffizi Gallery, and much more. Dinner is on our own tonight. (B)

Day 11: Thursday, June 24, 2010: Monteriggioni and Siena
This morning we visit delightful Siena, where our local guide will take us on a walking tour, followed by free time for lunch. We will then depart for Monteriggioni, another small medieval town that is still enclosed in its fortified walls. We will end our day with a tour of the Fattoria Poggio Alloro vineyard and winery highlighted by a farewell wine tasting dinner in the gentle hills of the Chianti countryside. (B, D)

Day 12: Friday, June 25, 2010: Return/Rome
Some of the group transfer to the airport for the return flight home and the rest of us head to Rome. On arrival we will meet our local guides for a walking tour of Ancient Rome with headsets, including the Colosseum. This evening is free to dine at the restaurant of our choice. We will be staying at the Hotel Torino. (B)

Day 13: Saturday, June 26, 2010: Rome
After a relaxed breakfast, we will meet our tour guide at the Vatican, for a tour of this amazing museum. Our farewell dinner is at our hotel this evening.

Day 14: Sunday, June 26, 2010: Return
We depart to the airport after breakfast and arrive back in Chicago later the same day.

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. The current currency rate used is 1€ = $1.54.

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.

Your tour hosts

Pastor Caroline Satre, Pastor Brad Davick and Kim Ball

What's included in the land price?
Price based on a minimum of 35 participants and a currency rate of 1 Euro = $1.54. The price will be assessed in December 2009 with the current exchange rate and a reduction in price is possible at that time.

	Land price	Single Supplement	Air price
6 day tour	$2,299	$885	$1,279
12 day tour	$3,499	$1,039	$1,279

Transportation: via deluxe air-conditioned coaches
Accommodations (double-occupancy) in superior 3-star and moderate 4-star hotels
Tickets to the Oberammergau Passion Play in seating area 1 (pale blue in image)
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 except as indicated below

What's not included in tour price?

Air transportation
Single supplement (subject to availability)
Comprehensive travel insurance - click here for details
Meals and beverages not identified in itinerary
Items of a personal nature, such as passports and visas. Passports must be valid until at least January 25, 2011.
Gratuities for driver

Cancellation Policy:

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

From time of deposit until December 13, 2009 a $175 per person penalty will be charged for cancellation.
From December 14, 2009 – February 13, 2010 a $500 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.
From February 14, 2010 to April 13, 2010 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.
From April 14, 2010 to date of departure there is no refund.
If anyone cancels, but finds an “approved” substitute, a $300 fee will be assessed and the substitute would be responsible for the full value of the tour and flight.

Please make all checks payable to St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Thank you.

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.

The group flights information will be posted here shortly. We are waiting on confirmation of the change of date and return airport.

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 Prinz Regent Hotel in Munich for $71 per person in a double and $101 in a single, including breakfast. The transport from the airport is approximately $95 per taxi or $15 per person using local transport.

Post-Tour
Details will be posted as soon as the details at the end of the tour are confirmed.

Route Map

View Larger Map

What are the accommodations like?

Our hotels are chosen for their quality, amenities and proximity to areas of interest. The hotel names will be added once they are all confirmed. 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!

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The information on this site is presented for Christians to learn more about their heritage. While every effort for accuracy has been made, please contact us if you notice anything that needs to be brought to our attention.

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