Alpine Explorer & the Glacier Express Train with Oberammergau Passion Play
Alpine Explorer & the Glacier Express Train with Oberammergau Passion Play
12 Days Starting in Austria and ending in Switzerland
Visiting: Stresa, Lake Maggiore, Zermatt, Saint Moritz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Neuschwanstein Castle, Oberammergau, Passion Play, Munich
Tour operator:
Tour code:
13788
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 44
Physical rating:
Medium, Activity Level 3
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Collette with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Behold spectacular Alpine vistas and enjoy a performance of the famed Oberammergau Passion Play on this journey through Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. In Zermatt, climb aboard the Glacier Express for an unforgettable train ride through the Alpine scenery of majestic mountains, verdant valleys, picturesque canyons, glistening glaciers and snowcapped peaks. The birthplace of Mozart and Mirabell Gardens are featured during your leisurely tour of Salzburg, Austria, before treating your taste buds to a scrumptious dinner and Mozart concert at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant. In Germany’s Bavarian capital of Munich, see the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel and the Olympic Park. Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, one the most iconic castles in Europe. Your final destination Oberammergau, a quaint village nestled in the Bavarian Alps, is where you’ll witness a performance of the world-renowned Passion Play, whose origins date back to 1634. Watch as the entire village comes together to fulfill their vow to perform a play every ten years in honor of Christ’s life if they were spared from the Black Plague.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: Stresa
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Breathtaking Alpine vistas await as you travel through Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. From amazing railways to the thrilling Passion Play, experience the wonders only found in the heart of Europe.
Day 2 : Stresa, Italy (Lago Maggiore*) - Tour Begins
Location: Stresa, Lake Maggiore
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive in Stresa (Lago Maggiore) and take some free time to explore this beautiful lakeside town on your own. Your evening begins with a cocktail party in a wine shop before we cruise to our welcome dinner on Isola dei Pescatori, the most beautiful of the Borromean Islands.
Day 3 : Stresa
Location: Stresa
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we make our way to an ancient village nestled in the mountains. Stop at a family farm to learn about the artisan cheeses they produce. Sample delicious creations and discover how to pair them with local wines. Return to Stresa for an afternoon at leisure.
Day 4 : Stresa - Zermatt, Switzerland
Location: Stresa, Zermatt
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,
Depart Lago Maggiore for a scenic drive into the heart of the mountains. The incredible views of the Italian and Swiss Alps are sure to leave a lasting impression. Upon arrival in Tasch, board a local train for a ride to the spectacular pedestrian village of Zermatt in the Swiss Alps.
Day 5 : Zermatt
Location: Zermatt
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, Zermatt is at your fingertips. It’s your choice! Tour Zermatt’s best-known landmarks by foot with a local expert -OR- enjoy a visit to the Matterhorn Museum where you’ll learn more about the triumph and tragedy behind the first ascent of this imposing peak. The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Day 6 : Zermatt - Glacier Express Train - St. Moritz
Location: Zermatt, Saint Moritz
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch,
Traverse bridges and tunnels while aboard the world-renowned narrow gauge Glacier Express, the most charming express train in the world. Enjoy the natural beauty of this route through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Filled with forests, fragrant meadows, streams and deep valleys, it’s a mountain dream come to life. Relax and enjoy a three-course lunch while onboard. Arrive in St. Moritz, playground of the rich and famous.
Day 7 : St. Moritz - Innsbruck, Austria
Location: Saint Moritz, Innsbruck
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive through the picturesque Engadine Valley to Innsbruck, Austria, capital of the Austrian Tyrol. Join a local expert and explore the city’s medieval pedestrian streets including Maria Theresian Strasse, the Hofburg and the Golden Roof.
Day 8 : Innsbruck - Salzburg - Innsbruck
Location: Innsbruck, Salzburg, Innsbruck
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,
Travel the Austrian countryside to historic Salzburg, one of Europe's most beautiful and romantic spots. Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Salzburg’s historic Old Town - the Altstadt. See highlights such as the Cathedral, Mozart's birthplace and Mirabell Gardens. Film buffs will be able to pick out locations from The Sound of Music. This evening, enjoy a delightful Mozart dinner concert at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant, central Europe’s oldest restaurant.
Day 9 : Innsbruck - Neuschwanstein Castle - Oberammergau
Location: Innsbruck, Neuschwanstein Castle, Oberammergau
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,
Today we head to the frontier of Germany, crossing the border into Bavaria. Make a special stop to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany’s most famous castle and the inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty. Continue on to the quaint village of Oberammergau, nestled in the Bavarian Alps, and your home for the next two nights.
Day 10 : Oberammergau - Passion Play
Location: Oberammergau, Passion Play
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
This afternoon, witness a performance of the epic Passion Play. The original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Years' War, Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the citizens vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the last days of the life of Christ. The performers of this once-in-a-decade event are all native to the village. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast start to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers. During a break in the performance, join your fellow travelers for dinner before returning for the remainder of your Passion Play performance.
Day 11 : Oberammergau - Munich
Location: Oberammergau, Munich
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,
Enjoy a leisurely morning before departing for the Bavarian capital of Munich. Join a local expert for a tour featuring the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel and Olympic Park. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant celebrating the end of an unforgettable journey.
Day 12 : Munich - Tour Ends
Location: Munich
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour comes to a close today.
What's Included
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Train Tickets
(if train occurs once tour starts and before tour ends – i.e. not airport transfers)
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Meals – Half Board
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Drinks with Meals
(non-alcoholic)
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Accommodation
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Fully Guided
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Country Entry Visas
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Tipping and Gratuities
Experiences
- Spend two nights in lovely Stresa, located on the banks of picturesque Lago Maggiore.
- Experience the most legendary of Alpine railway journeys: the Glacier Express.
- Explore Salzburg’s historic and charming Old Town – the Altstadt.
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Yes. Baggage is limited to 1 checked bag and 1 carry per person.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes, an experienced Tour Manager, with the passion for travel, discovery and the destination - will guide you through your journey from start to finish,
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Varies by tour.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No, the fees associated with required Visa’s are an additional expense.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, with few exception.
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What is the tipping policy?
Igratuities for included meals and accommodation housekeeping are included. It is customary to tip you Tour Manager and driver at the end of the tour.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Effective immediately and until further notice, all guests will be required to bring one of the following: proof of vaccination (official vaccination certificate in paper or electronic form), proof of recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result (FDA Approved diagnostic) for a test performed 72-hours or less from the start date of the tour with you on tour to verify information you will be pr
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, our Customer Care center would be happy to help.
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What is the maximum group size?
Varies by tour.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Local currency.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
That will vary by country of residence and country destination.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
We can accommodate children as young as 5 years old, provided they are traveling / rooming with a parent or legal guardian.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Absolutley. Out tours are crafted with that in mind – striking a balance between included experiences and time to explore on your own.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes, you will receive full information within the weeks leading up to your departure.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Yes, it varies by tour.
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Varies by tour, but typically thjey are 4* / 4*+, and an occaissional 5*
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes, most likely. Our tours draw travelers from the United States, Canada and Australia, predominatly.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Primarily, yes. All of the coaches used must meet rigourous safety and cleanliness standards.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No, unless you purchase and land and air package from Collette.
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Collette requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of collette charges.
Up to 300 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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