SMA TOURS
OBERAMMERGAU 2010
Experience the amazing event held only every 10 years!
Dates Selling Quickly from May-September, 2010, from $3,299 per person
Choose from 6 exciting European itineraries designed to include this Passion Play experience of a lifetime!
To check date availability or for a complete itinerary of a selected tour, contact SMA Tours at (800) 239-7444.
WHAT IS THE PASSION PLAY? Seeking reprieve from the Bubonic Plaque, the inhabitants of the village of Oberammergau vowed that if God were to spare them from the plague, they would perform a play every ten years depicting the life and death of Jesus. No one else died from the Bubonic Plague… and that first performance in 1634 spurred a heartfelt tradition that still lives on today. Two thousand residents from the village come together to create this powerful story and with open arms welcome you to be part of the truly unforgettable experience. The performance blends dramatic text, beautiful music and choral accompaniment as scenes from both the Old and New Testament are depicted for the audience. The seven-hour event, which includes a meal during intermission, can truly only be described as passionate.
Each of the Following Tour Itineraries
includes the Oberammergau Passion Play!
Exploring the Alpine Countries Tour
Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria Tour
Alpine Explorer with the Glacier Express Tour
EXPLORING THE ALPINE COUNTRIES
& OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY
13 days / 19 meals, from $3,749 per person based on double occupancy
Highlights: Vienna, Danube Cruise, Salzburg, Mozart Dinner Concert, Munich, Oberammergau Passion Play, Neuschwantstein Castle, Black Forest, Zermatt, Lucerne, Bern
Travel through three of Europe’s most picturesque countries: Austria, Germany (Bavaria), and Switzerland. Marvel at the baroque architecture of Schoenbrunn and Belvedere Palace during your stay in the Imperial city of Vienna. Watch as the beautiful scenery of the historic Wachau Valley glides past during your Danube River cruise. In the “City of Music,” Salzburg, a city tour features the Cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace, and Mirabell Gardens. Music lovers will delight in the Mozart Dinner Concert at the centuries-old St. Peter's Restaurant. In the quaint village of Oberammergau, you’ll watch as the entire village gathers to put on their world-renowned Oberammergau Passion Play. Enjoy reserve seating as you witness this event that dates back to 1634. Search for authentic cuckoo clocks, Hummels, and wood carvings in the mysterious Black Forest before arriving in the spectacular Alpine village of Zermatt. Travel to the beautiful medieval city of Lucerne for a leisurely-paced walking tour featuring the covered Chapel Bridge (1833) and the Lion Monument, carved from natural rock to commemorate the heroic Swiss Guard. Explore delightful Bern on a panoramic sightseeing tour highlighting the Bundeshaus (the Swiss Parliament), the famous Bear Pit, the Rose Gardens, and the gothic cathedral.
DISCOVER CROATIA
12 days / 18 meals, from $3,499 per person based on double occupancy
Highlights: Oberammergau Passion Play, Bled, Pletna Boat Ride, Split, Diocletian Palace, Medjugorje, Dubrovnik, Korcula Island, Wine Tasting, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zagreb
Filled with medieval architecture, tranquil lakes and rolling green hills, this is one of today’s “must see” destinations. Your journey begins in the charming town of Oberammergau with reserved seats for a performance by local villagers of the world-renowned Passion Play, whose origins date back to 1634. During a two-night stay in Bled, Slovenia, you’ll take a “pletna” boat to the island on Lake Bled to visit its 17th century cathedral, and enjoy free time to explore this charming city. In Split, Croatia, you’ll experience the impressive Roman Palace of Diocletian, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel to the small parish of Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina where you can ascend Apparition Hill to pray before the cross that commemorates the spot where the Virgin Mary first appeared to the visionaries. Visit the birthplace of Marco Polo, the island of Korcula, before sampling local wines in the Peljesac region. During your visit to the medieval city of Dubrovnik, you’ll take a guided tour of “Old Dubrovnik” and see Europe’s oldest pharmacy at the Franciscan Monastery and enjoy a home-hosted dinner. Enjoy awe-inspiring scenery as you travel through Croatia’s most beautiful national park, Plitvice Lakes, a natural phenomenon of sixteen terraced lakes surrounded by forests and thick vegetation.
DISCOVER SWITZERLAND, AUSTRIA & BAVARIA
10 days / 15 meals, from $2, 999 per person based on double occupancy
Highlights: Engelberg, Bern, Bear Pit, Lucerne, Innsbruck, Austrian Alps, Salzburg, Mirabell Gardens, St. Peter’s Restaurant, Bavaria, Oberammergau Passion Play
The distinct cultures of Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria await you. Explore delightful Bern on a panoramic sightseeing tour featuring the Bundeshaus (the Swiss Parliament), the famous Bear Pit, the Rose Gardens, and the gothic cathedral. Your time in Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake,” includes a leisurely-paced Alstadt (Old Town) walking tour exploring the city’s treasures – the covered Chapel Bridge (1833) and the Lion Monument, carved from natural rock to commemorate the heroic Swiss Guard. Discover Innsbruck’s sites on a panoramic tour and then enjoy a full day of leisure in this Olympic city. Upon your arrival in beautiful Salzburg, you’ll embark on a leisurely-paced walking tour showcasing the Mirabell Gardens and the quaint Getreidegasse (site of Mozart’s birthplace). Have dinner where Columbus might once have when you travel Austria’s oldest restaurant, St. Peter’s Restaurant, for dinner. Fairy tales come to life with a picture stop at Bavaria’s most famous castle, Neuschwanstein. Your amazing vacation concludes in the charming village of Oberammergau. Here you’ll witness a spectacular performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play, whose origins date back to 1634. Watch as the entire village comes together to present you with their rendition of this Biblical story.
ALPINE EXPLORER WITH THE GLACIER EXPRESS
11 days / 16 meals, from $3,499 per person based on double occupancy
Highlights: Stresa, Lago Maggiore, Lugano, Zermatt, Glacier Express Train Ride, St. Moritz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, St. Peter’s Restaurant, Munich, Oberammergau Passion Play
Behold spectacular Alpine vistas and enjoy a performance of the famed Oberammergau Passion Play on this journey through Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. After a drive through Italy’s Lake District, cross over to Switzerland for views of Lake Lugano or a chance to peruse the shops. 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 walking tour of Salzburg, Austria, before treating your taste buds to a scrumptious dinner at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant. You’ll cross the border into Germany and the Bavarian capital of Munich, where a walking tour includes the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel and the Olympic Park. Your final destination finds you in Oberammergau, a quaint village nestled in the Bavarian Alps. Here, you’ll witness a performance of the world-renowned Passion Play, whose origins date back to 1634, when the villagers of Oberammergau vowed to perform a play every ten years in honor of Christ’s life if they were spared from the Black Plague.
IMPERIAL CITIES
10 days, 15 meals, from $2,999 per person based on double occupancy
Highlights: Budapest, Hungarian Horse Show, Mathias Church, Fishermen’s Bastion, Renaissance Dinner, Vienna, Schoenbrunn Palace, Grinzing Evening, Danube River Cruise, Prague, Hradcany Castle, Oberammergau Passion Play
Great sightseeing, traditional entertainment and fabulous cultural elements await you on your amazing tour of the Imperial cities of Central Europe. During a visit to a typical Hungarian horse farm, you’ll learn the unique culture and history of the Hungarian horsemen and watch in amazement as they put on a spectacular horse show. An informative city tour of Budapest features the Mathias Church, where many kings have had their coronations. Travel back in time with a visit to a 14th century castle, where knights with colorful costumes and authentic weaponry recreate the days of chivalry. In the grand city of Vienna, stand in awe of the baroque marvels of Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty. “Waltz” across the breathtaking Danube and travel through the historic Wachau Valley during your scenic Danube River cruise. Explore the 11th century Melk Abbey, famous for its production and collection of manuscripts. While in Prague, you’ll see the amazing Hradcany Castle and walk the famous Golden Lane. Your tour concludes with a memorable and moving performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play, whose origins date back to 1634.
ITALY
12 days / 17 meals, from $3,899 per person based on double occupancy
Highlights: Rome, Papal Audience, Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Perugia, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Padua, Venice, Murano Island, Trento, Oberammergau Passion Play
Come experience Italy’s history, culture, art and romance. While in Rome, you’ll attend the weekly papal audience and receive the blessing given by His Holiness, Benedict XVI. You’ll also visit St. Peter’s Basilica and view such artistic treasures as the Sistine Chapel. A guided panoramic tour of the “Eternal City” features the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, and the famous Trevi Fountain. Explore the birthplace of St. Francis when you travel to Assisi. A scenic journey through Tuscany’s low-lying hills brings you to the mystical city of Siena, with its narrow Gothic streets, magnificent palaces and historic Piazza del Campo. Learn the traditional Italian techniques of leather making during a visit to a family-owned leather shop in Florence. Here, a visit to the world-famous Academy Gallery reveals Michelangelo’s Statue of David. Explore the hub of Venetian life, St. Mark’s Square and travel to Murano Island for an up-close glass making demonstration when you spend two nights in Venice. Conclude your amazing journey with a performance of the world-renowned Oberammergau Passion Play in Oberammergau, Bavaria. Watch as the entire village gathers together to present you with their rendition of this biblical story.