DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly to Munich & transfer to Innsbruck

Today fly from London to Munch airport, where you will be met and transferred by coach to Innsbruck, the capital of the Austrian Tyrol, where we stay for two nights (with dinner included).

The Tyrol is a spectacular alpine playground of rugged peaks, luxuriant pastures, glacial rivers and onion-domed chapels. After being settled by Bavarian tribes in the eighth century, it was a medieval dukedom until a branch of the Habsburg house was established here.

Day 2: Explore Innsbruck

This morning enjoy a guided tour of Innsbruck, with its array of architectural styles ranging from Gothic to Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical. A visit to the Hofburg, a spectacular former Habsburg Palace that overlooks the picturesque Old Town, is included.

In the afternoon we take a scenic drive and cog train ride on the historic Achensee Railway, travelling from Jenbach to the enchanting lakeside village of Pertisau. This is the oldest cog railway in Europe and is still steam operated.

Day 3: Salzburg

Today we drive by coach to Salzburg, travelling through spectacular alpine scenery.

On arrival enjoy a guided walking tour of this sophisticated and compact city, which until 1816 was an independent city-state ruled by powerful prince-archbishops. Famous for being the birthplace of Mozart, as well as the setting for “The Sound of Music” film, there are numerous gardens and intricate architecture to enjoy. The green-grey waters of the Salzach River flow through the city, with the Old Town on its left bank. Here you can find the Hohensalzburg Fortress, an 11th century castle. For many this is quintessential Austria, boasting the best of the country’s Baroque architecture, sub-alpine scenery and a musical heritage dominated by the city’s most famous son.

Afterwards we continue to our accommodation near Oberammergau, a sleepy community situated in a forested valley in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps in Germany. We stay here for two nights, with dinner included tonight.

Day 4: Oberammergau Passion Play

This morning is free to explore Oberammergau and get an early lunch (own account).

The Passion Play starts at 14.30 and finishes around 22.30 – with a 3-hour break for dinner (an hour earlier from mid-August). A tradition that started back in 1634, the play tells the story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and has been performed faithfully by the town’s residents every ten years, in gratitude for the divine intervention that spared them from death during the plague. It is a polished production, but at its heart it remains a powerful act of worship, symbolising an unwavering commitment to an ancestral vow.

The play is in German, but there is a 45 minute English introduction, as well as an English programme. Don’t worry too much if you don’t understand the spoken word though, as this well-known biblical story is a thrilling spectacle, especially when the passionate orchestra and 64 voices choir bring down the house with their stirring renditions of the 19th century score. Acoustics are excellent, and the whole performance is made all the more jaw-dropping as the open-air stage has a natural backdrop of magnificent Bavarian mountains. All seats are under cover, but if sitting near the front it may be wise to bring a jacket or shawl should there be an evening breeze.

Note: During the 3-hour interval you will be taken to a local restaurant for an included dinner. Your tickets are Category 2.

Day 5: Neuschwanstein Castle

Heading west we cross the German border and pass through the Bavarian Alps, first to Oberammergau and then the municipality of Schwangau. Meaning ‘swan country’, Schwangau is home to these regal birds and the swan motif can be seen throughout the bewitching castles of the Bavarian kings.

On our journey along the German Alpine Road, we stop to visit perhaps the most fantastical of these - the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, intended as a home for King Ludwig II.

At the end of the day we check in to our hotel in medieval Feldkirch for two nights (with dinner included).

Day 6: Bregenz & Lake Constance

Today we visit Bregenz, situated on the shores of great Lake Constance (Bodensee) and spend the day discovering lovely gems such as Friedrichshafen and Meersburg.

We take the ferry to the beautiful city of Konstanz, situated near the Swiss border, and visit the sub-tropical paradise island of Mainau - the ‘Island of Flowers’ - which seems to have drifted up from the Mediterranean, with its colourful explosion of flora.

Day 7: Fly Home

Today transfer by coach to the airport for your flight home.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing on a half board basis. Economy flights from selected regional UK airports are included, as well as airport transfers on arrival and guided tours of Innsbruck, Salzburg & Neuschwanstein Castle. Category 2 tickets to the Oberammergau Passion Play are included.

All departure dates are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.