The Oberammergau Passion Play is famous across the world for its marvelous retelling of the Passion of the Christ.
Embark on a wonderful 7-night cruise on the magnificent Rhine River before celebrating an unforgettable play.
Day 1 – London to Amsterdam
Meet your tour escort and fellow travelers in our dedicated Departure Office in London St Pancras, and board the high-speed Eurostar for your journey to Amsterdam. We board our luxury river cruise ship, the Amadeus Cara, at the terminal.
This evening, after you have settled into your well-appointed cabin, enjoy a welcome cocktail in the lounge.
Overnight on ship.
Includes – Dinner
Day 2 – Amsterdam Sightseeing
After breakfast this morning, there are three excursions, the first of which is a city tour of Amsterdam. One of Amsterdam’s most famous European cities is as modern as historic, as young as old. This city boasts something for everyone, from idyllic canals and extensive parks to contemporary art galleries and futuristic architecture.
The second option is a train ride to Hoorn, where you’ll ride the Medemblik Steam Train, which is a treat.
Your third option is a half-day trip to the Floriade. The world-famous horticulture shows that Flora has been showcasing once a decade since 1960. The theme of 2022 is to build green cities and be filled with beauty and innovation.
Visit exhibitors from more than 40 countries, meander through the colorful arboretum, and immerse yourself in Dutch culture.
Overnight on ship.
Includes – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Cologne
Arriving in Cologne this afternoon, we venture forth into this vibrant German city on a walking tour. We visit the resplendent cathedral, a centuries-old building that survived 14 aerial strikes during World War II.
We also wander through the many labyrinthine streets, bustling squares, and observe Romanesque townhouses.
Overnight on ship.
Includes – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – The Middle Rhine & the Drachenfelsbahn
This morning, we depart from Cologne to discover the Middle Rhine, a stretch of river characterized by lush green meadows and postcard villages. Our cruise director talks about the history of this area and points out places of interest.
We’re docking in Koenigswinter this afternoon, where we’ll take a ride on the Drachenfelsbahn. This railroad goes over the mountains and through the forests for superb views of the Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany. Tonight we’ll be sailing to Koblenz for a gourmet dinner.
Overnight on ship.
Includes – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Rüdesheim & the Rhine Gorge
This morning we explore Koblenz. As we sail through the Rhine Gorge this afternoon, we will see one of the most beautiful river sections and the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The riverbanks are covered in deep forests and miles of green vineyards, rising above the river below, giving the waterways an almost ethereal feel. Our cruise director provides a running commentary during this passage.
Today’s lunch is a Bavarian buffet with a suckling pig as the dramatic centerpiece, and other smaller dishes make up the rest. Tonight we sail to the German town Rüdesheim am Rhein, known for its formidable wine production, especially the dry Riesling varieties.
Overnight on ship
Includes – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Speyer & Heidelberg
We arrive this morning in Speyer, where there is plenty of time to explore. This town has a vast collection of cars at the Technik Museum Speyer. This museum features an entire jumbo jet, army vehicles, emergency vehicles, a submarine, and much more. It’s a treasure trove of vehicular delights and worth a visit.
This afternoon, take an excursion to Heidelberg, where we get a guided tour of the town. Heidelberg is famous for its castle, which is perched on a hill overlooking the city.
Overnight on ship
Includes – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Strasbourg
Our ship docks today in the charming German town of Kehl. Strasbourg, across the Rhine from Kehl, is a beautiful city with a long history of changing hands between Germany and France. Strasbourg is an excellent example of both cultures, with its colorful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets.
You have two touring choices here. Your first option is a tour of Strasbourg, uncovering its charm and history. The other way is to take the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse through the Black Forest. Tonight’s Gala dinner is a chance to dress up and have dinner with the captain and crew.
Overnight on ship
Includes – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Basel to Fussen by Train
After breakfast, we’ll disembark the ship in Basel. The cruise portion of the tour is over. We head to the train station with our tour manager. We’re going to Germany, on a train. We’ll go to Mannheim, Munich, Garmisch, and Oberammergau.
Overnight in Fussen
Includes – Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 – The Oberammergau Passion Play
The Oberammergau Passion Play is held only once every ten years and is worth the wait. This theatrical extravaganza, featuring a cast and crew of thousands and dazzling props, costumes, and backdrops, depicts the final days of Jesus Christ.
The Passion Play is the oldest in the world. The villagers first put on it in 1634 as a plea to God to save them from the plague flooding Germany. They decided to put on a play every ten years after that, to celebrate the plague’s disappearance. The result is a marvelous display, which the villagers produce for thousands of international visitors each decade.
We split the performance into two halves, with a dinner break in between, so you can enjoy the afternoon atmosphere in the town.
Overnight in Fussen
Includes – Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 – Fussen at Leisure
Füssen is a beautiful little town located on the German Romantic Road. The day’s free for you to explore the charming town brimming with colorful houses and historic castles.
Overnight Fussen.
Includes – Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 – Train to Stuttgart
We have breakfast, then take a train to Stuttgart, where we spend the night.
Overnight Stuttgart.
Includes – Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 – Tour Conclusion
After breakfast we’ll take the train to Paris, then we’ll take the Eurostar to London, where the tour concludes.
Includes – Breakfast
This is an exciting opportunity to travel by rail and river cruise and also enjoy the Oberammergau Passion Play. 2030 is the next year for this amazing event. May not be time to plan for that trip yet, but we can find another similar river cruise. Book your free consultation now!
