0930AA0 - Oberammergau Passion Play Pilgrimage 10 days from San Francisco

Today, we depart San Francisco to connect with our transatlantic overnight flight to Munich aboard a wide-bodied jet.

Upon arrival, we are greeted by our Unitours guide who will remain with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. Our first stop is for Mass at St. Paul’s Church, followed by an exciting drive through the Bavarian capital. We drive past the Olympic village and stadium, along the Leopold Strasse with the Triumphal Arch and Hall of Generals, plus the Theatine Church and Residence Palace. We visit the Nymphenburg Palace and, a stop to see the famous Glockenspiel at the new Gothic City Hall completes our tour. We continue to Altötting for dinner and overnight.

Today after breakfast we celebrate Mass in Altötting, at the most visited Marian Shrine in Germany. Here in this tiny octagonal chapel, we learn of the miracle which occurred, and view the statue of Our Lady, venerated for 500 years. As we continue our pilgrimage, we stop briefly at the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, to view the inspiration for Cinderalla's Castle at Disney World, before crossing the border to Austria! Upon arrival in beautiful Innsbruck, Austria we see the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), a landmark structure located in the Altstadt section of town. It is Innsbruck’s most famous symbol constructed to mark the wedding of Emperor Maximilian I to Bianca Maria Sforza. We enjoy free time for lunch and exploring this delightful town. We check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we board our bus and drive to Oberammergau! Upon arrival, we explore the village, visiting the many craft shops and the Oberammergau Museum. We enjoy free time for lunch, before proceeding to the theatre for the Passion Play. In the middle of the Thirty Years War, after months of suffering and dying due to the plague, the people of Oberammergau vowed to perform "The Play of the PASSION of our LORD JESUS CHRIST" every ten years. At Whitsun 1634, they kept their promise for the first time, on a stage which they had set up in the cemetery, over the graves of those who had succumbed to the plague. In 2020, Oberammergau will, for the 42nd time, perform the play that has been carried on over the centuries in a unique continuity. The play depicts Christ’s Passion, beginning with the entry into Jerusalem and ending with the resurrection. 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. The Passion Play runs from 2:30-5PM and concludes from 8-10:30 PM. We enjoy an included dinner during the interval. Overnight at our hotel in Oberammergau.

We depart Oberammergau early this morning and journey to Salzburg, ancient seat of the Archbishop and the location for the Sound of Music. We begin with Mass at the Cathedral. We see the colorful old section of the town, including the Residenz Fountain and Tower, plus the Geburtshaus, Mozart's birthplace. We enjoy the unusual architecture, which lends much to the character and charm of the city. In the afternoon we visit Hellbrunn Castle with its waterplays and then take a drive to see the church in Mondsee where the Von Trapp's wedding was filmed. We check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Today we travel to Vienna, passing through the Wachau Region, considered the most picturesque section of the Austrian Danube Valley. We will stop in Melk and celebrate Mass in the towering, architecturally superb, baroque Abbey of Melk. If possible, we will join the monks of Melk for their sung noon service. Tonight we enjoy a Heuriger dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at our hotel in Vienna.

We awaken in one of the most impressive cities in the world. After breakfast we tour Vienna, by coach and on foot! We view the Prater and arrive in Vienna's famous Ringstrasse, touted as the most beautiful boulevard in the world. On the site of the ring fortifications, Emperor Franz Josef constructed some of the most impressive buildings in the city. We pass by the Opera house, Charles Church, Parliament and City Hall. After this first impression, we have a guided tour through the Hofburg, winter residence of the Hapsburg Emperors and continue to the Hundertwasser house with its colorful facades and golden onion towers. We celebrate Mass, then the afternoon is free for individual exploration, shopping or perhaps a visit to the Palace of Schonbrunn, the Hapsburg summer residence. This evening we can sample the culinary delights of Vienna- as dinner is on our own. Overnight at our hotel in Vienna. You may decide to enjoy an optional concert performance in Vienna tonight (not included).

This morning we journey to Prague. We travel across the rolling hills of Southern Moravia, passing through towns which have still retained much of a medieval atmosphere. We cross the border, leaving Austria by way of the Danube valley, arriving this afternoon in Prague. We celebrate Mass before checking into our hotel. We enjoy a typical Czech dinner tonight. Overnight at our hotel in Prague.

Today, we spend the day exploring beautiful Prague, starting with Castle Hill and St. Vitus Cathedral, Vladislav Hall and Golden Lane. We visit the famous Infant Jesus of Prague at the Church of Our Lady of Victory, where we celebrate Mass. Our afternoon tour of Prague includes the Old Town with the Astronomical clock, the Jewish Quarter and Charles Bridge. We enjoy our Farewell dinner tonight in a local restaurant. Overnight Prague.

We transfer to the airport for our flight home with unforgettable memories to cherish always.