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This
wonderful program takes begins in Vienna and
wanders south to Salzburg and Innsbruck
before taking in the Passion Play.
Afterwards, we visit Munich where September
visitors can enjoy the wonderful Oktoberfest
before traversing the Swiss Alps finishing
with two nights in Alpine Lucerne
Switzerland.
Day 1 - DEPART USA -
Today, we depart our home city to connect with our transatlantic overnight
flight to Vienna aboard a wide-bodied jet. We are served complementary
beverages, in-flight movies, dinner and breakfast aloft.
Day 2 - VIENNA - Upon arrival in Vienna, we are
met and transferred to the hotel.
Day 3 - VIENNA - This morning, we drive to the
Hofburg, visit the Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral and the 17th century Capuchin
Church containing the Imperial Vaults. We also see City Hall, the Burg
Theater, Houses of Parliament, two State Museums, the Opera and the Schonbrunn
Castle with its vast French Park. This afternoon, we have an excursion to
the historic Vienna Woods, driving pas Liechtenstein Castle to the ancient
Heiligenkreuz Cistercian Abbey and on to Mayerling, the former Imperial Hunting
Lodge. On our return to Vienna for dinner and overnight, we pass the
famous Spa of Baden.
Day 4 - VIENNA/SALZBURG - Today we motor to
Salzburg, ancient seat of the Archbishop and the location for the "Sound of
Music." We arrive in time for city sightseeing. See the Castle of
Hellbrunn, Residenz Fountain and Tower, and enjoy the unusual architecture,
which lends much to the character and charm of the city. See the colorful old
section with narrow streets, the Cathedral and Mozart's birthplace before going
to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 - SALZBURG /INNSBRUCK -
This morning we leave Salzburg and travel through the Tyrol to Innsbruck.
We begin our city tour in Tyrol's Olympic City of Innsbruck, where we view the
"Golden Roof" and Hofburg Palace. Then we visit the famous Olympic
village and enjoy the beauty of this lovely city tucked deep within the
Alps. We then proceed to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 6 - INNSBRUCK /OBERAMMERGAU
- This morning, we have a scenic drive on our way to Oberammergau. We
visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle and the Linderhof Castle, which were
both built by mad King Ludwig. We stop at the Monastery in Etal before
continuing to Oberammergau. We check into our
accomodations for dinner and
overnight.
Day 7 - OBERAMMERGAU/PASSION PLAY - Every 10
years this beautiful Bavarian village of craftsmen becomes world famous by
hosting a Passion Festival. After a black plague epidemic in 1634 that
miraculously was cut short, the inhabitants vowed to produce the festival. With
inner conviction the amateur actors, all from the village, again present the
life and sufferings of Our Lord. The play shows the story of Christ's Passion,
beginning with the entry into Jerusalem and ending with the resurrection and
transfiguration. The structure of the play is living pictures from the Old
Testament and acted scenes from the New Testament. The Play employs a large
choir and orchestra. Our performance begins at 9:00 AM and concludes at
5:30 PM following a three-hour lunch break. Afterwards, we return to our
hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 8 - MUNICH - This morning our tour
includes the University, St. Paul's Church, German Museum, the 'Frauenkirche,'
the Obelisk, Theatinir Church, Feldherrnhalle, English Gardens, Schwabing
Artists Colony, Buergerbrau Kellar, and a visit to Nymphenburg Palace.
The rest of the day is yours for personal adventure, to shop or just
relax. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
(September Pilgrims can enjoy Munich's
famous Oktoberfest).
Day 9 - MUNICH /LUCERNE - Today we travel
through the peaceful countryside of Bavaria to Lake Constance's Island Resort,
Lindau. We then continue through Switzerland to Einsiedeln and visit the
Shrine of the Black Madonna. Our drive continues through a picture book
Swiss Alpine setting to the area of Lucerne, another lovely lakeside
town. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 10 - LUCERNE - Today we have a full day
sightseeing tour of Mount Rigi and Lucerne. We ascend by cable car to
Rigi Kaltbad. We then continue by cogwheel train to the top, Rigi Kulm
(6000 feet) to enjoy a panoramic view of the Alps. This afternoon, we
visit Lucerne and the beautiful Lake Lucerne. We see the Chapel Bridge,
the Lion Monument, Hofkirche, the Musegg Towers and Weinmarket Fountain.
Return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 11 - LUCERNE/ZURICH/NEW YORK
- We continue our journey home to the Sates today remembering the good times we
had and happy for the new friends we made. Upon arrival in New York, you
are transferred to your domestic airline for the flight home.
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