Oberammergau - Munich & Salzburg

After breakfast this morning, we start our exploration of Munich, taking in the grandeur of the city center. This afternoon, we have the chance to visit Nymphenburg Palace, which was once the main summer residence of the former rulers of Bavaria. The palace is of Baroque style and some rooms still show their original Baroque decoration. It is now one of the most famous sights in Munich and the gardens contain two lakes, canals, fountains and Pavilions. Tonight, we have dinner at the famous Hofbräuhaus, which dates back to the 16th century and was frequented by Mozart, who claimed his opera “Idomeneo” was written after a few visits to the Hofbräuhaus, fortifying him for the task! All rooms except the historic beer hall were destroyed in the Second World War bombings.

Our morning is dedicated to Munich’s magnificent Residenz, Germany’s largest city palace and official home of the royal Wittelsbach family. The first buildings here were erected in 1385 as a castle, and over time it was transformed by its rulers into a magnificent palace. It now contains 10 courtyards and over 100 rooms. Later, we drive through the beautiful scenery of the Bavarian Alps towards the tiny town of Oberammergau, home to the world famous Passion Play that takes place just once every ten years. We have dinner at our hotel later this evening.

Following a morning at leisure to soak up the atmosphere, we gather together to attend the legendary Passion Play. The play will be a unique and traditional experience, performed by the residents of Oberammergau. Dinner is included during the intermission. Each decade sees an adjustment to the play, which is influenced by the years that have passed in between. The play itself presents the Passion of Jesus Christ, from his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, through his trial, crucifixion, resurrection and finally his Ascension.

Today we move from Oberammergau to the storybook streets of Salzburg, a city with a rich, diverse history and influential music heritage. Our morning tour includes a visit to the Mozart Residence, which is where he lived from 1773-1780. Mozart composed many of his masterpieces here and it is now a museum that takes visitors on a journey through his life and works. Tonight, we enjoy a dinner concert with a late 18th century theme, located in the candlelit surroundings of the St. Peter Monastery. The food we enjoy tonight will be from traditional 17th and 18th century recipes — the perfect way to conclude the most memorable day.

The final morning is free for you to explore at leisure or to simply relax at the hotel, before our tour comes to an end.