13 Day Italy and Passion Play

OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY 2022

*** DAILY MASSES INCLUDED ***

Day 1: North America / Europe.  Depart the United States for our trip to Italy.  Dinner and breakfast aboard flight.

Day 2: Munich.  Upon arrival we are met and drive to Linderhoff. and Linderhoffs Castle - built by mad King Ludwig - a dazzling castle set high in the Bavarian Alps. Then on to Oberammergau, home of the world-famous Passion Play which is performed once every ten years. Dinner and overnight. 

Day 3:  Passion Play.   The entire day is devoted to attending a performance of the world famous Passion Play which is held once every ten years in this charming small Bavarian village.  Dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Oberammergau / Munich.  This morning we return to Munich. Our sightseeing tour of Munich includes the gothic Rathdus (town hall) with its famous glockenspiel, the awesome twin-spired Frauenkirche, Marienplatz, imperial residence Alte Pinakothec and other principle places of interest.  Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Day 6:  Munich / Milan.  After breakfast we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Milan. Upon arrival, our local guide awaits to begin our tour with a panoramic tour to show you the highlights including the 14th century Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore, the 15th century Sforzesco Castle, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and an interior visit to the massive Duomo.  We will also visit the Dominican refectory which contains Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”.  Check in to our hotel for dinner and overnight.  

Day 7:  Garda- Venice.  After breakfast we drive to Garda for a visit.  From Garda we head to the magical island-city of Venice.  En-route we will stop at the Basilica of St. Anthony which holds the miraculously preserved tongue of the Saint.  We are met in Venice by a local guide who will escort us on a walking tour of St. Mark’s Square, bell tower, the Doges Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto Bridge.  Afternoon at leisure to explore or shop!  We then have a short drive to dinner and overnight in our hotel.)

Day 8:  Pisa- Montecatini.  Today we head through the beautiful Tuscany countryside to Pisa.  Arriving around lunchtime you will have the afternoon at you leisure to enjoy the sights of this compact city; the Leaning Tower, the Duomo, the Baptistery and the Camposanto.  We will rejoin our motor coach to travel to the spa town of Montecatini where we enjoy dinner and overnight in our hotel.  

Day 9:  Florence.  Upon arrival in Florence, we will take a tour of the Academia, the Duomo, the Baptistery and Santa Croce aswell as some lesser known sights.  At the end of the tour you will have time to explore this magnificent city on your own before dinner and overnight in our hotel.

Day 10:  Assisi.  We arrive in Assisi, a beautiful medieval hill town which was home to St. Francis.  A local guide will show you ]the San Francesco upper church and the crypt at the lower church which is home to the tomb of the Saint.  You will also find here the Portiuncul Chapel that is the site of the beginning of the Franciscan order.  We will also see the Temple of Minerva and the Church of Santa Chiara named after Clare, Assisi’s other saint.  After some leisure time we head to Rome and check into our hotel. 

Day 11:   Rome.  Our local guide awaits to take us on a tour of “The Eternal City”.  Visits are made to the Coliseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum.  Our guide leaves us around lunchtime- the rest of your day is at leisure until dinner and overnight at our hotel.  

Day 12:   Vatican City.  This morning we head to the Vatican City.  If the Pope is in residence we’ll attend a Papal audience.  After the service, you are at leisure to explore Vatican City, to discover it’s treasures such as the Basilica di San Pietro which includes Michelangelo’s “Pieta”, andthe Sacre Grotte Vaticane, the resting place of several popes.  Close by is the world famous Sistine Chapel where you can admire the breathtaking ceiling and the paintings by Michelangelo.  After time to freshen up at the hotel, we head for a celebration dinner at La Tana dei Re where typical Italian food will be served while you are entertained by traditional folk singers.  

Day 13:   Rome / USA.   After breakfast, your Tour Manager awaits to escort you back to the airport for your return flights – the end of a memorable journey.