OBERAMMERGAU Passion Play 2020 - The unmissable, once-a-decade - Andante Travel

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OBERAMMERGAU Passion Play 2020 - The unmissable, once-a-decade - Andante Travel
The unmissable, once-a-decade

OBERAMMERGAU
Passion Play 2020
A collection of
tours featuring
OBERAMMERGAU with:
Austrian Tyrol
Villas of the Veneto
Historic Germany
Ancient Hallstatt
Roman Italy
Munich & Salzburg
Dream Castles of Bavaria

PLUS - Unique 2-night
Oberammergau breaks from only
£995 per person
OBERAMMERGAU Passion Play 2020 - The unmissable, once-a-decade - Andante Travel
EXPERIENCE AN ICON OF
WORLD TRAVEL IN 2020
Taking place just once every decade, the Oberammergau Passion Play is
worthy of being described as iconic. As the summer of 2020 creeps up
on us, with a performance that only happens once every ten years, there
is no such thing as securing your place too early. Join us in beautiful
Bavaria next year for what is sure to be an experience to remember.

All Oberammergau images © Passion Play Oberammergau

An extraordinary heritage
2020 will mark the 42nd performance of the now-iconic Passion Play, but its wheels were
first set in motion back in 1633 when the Great Plague descended upon the residents            Germany
of this charming Bavarian village. Citizens made a solemn vow that if their lives were
spared, they would perform a play depicting the story of Christ’s life, suffering, death and
resurrection every ten years. Amazingly, there were no further deaths as a result of the
plague and the Passion Play officially began a year later in 1634.

An epic performance
The Oberammergau Passion Play is set to begin at 2.30pm local time and will finish at
10.30pm. On our Oberammergau tours, dinner will be included during the intermission
so there will be adequate time to stretch your legs. It is helpful to note that the Passion
Play is performed in German, but you will be able to obtain a playbook with an English
translation at the event itself.

A spectacular setting                                                                          Italy
A small German village known also for its traditional wood-carvings, Oberammergau is
located in beautiful Bavaria. Situated among the stunning Ammergau Alps, it is a great
base from which to do some exploring. The roots of Oberammergau’s wood-carving
tradition can be traced back to the Middle Ages and it is something first recorded in the
year 1111, by Rottenbucher monks. Why not get a feel for the local colour with a leisurely
walk in this glorious area?
2
OBERAMMERGAU Passion Play 2020 - The unmissable, once-a-decade - Andante Travel
INTERVIEW WITH ONE OF THE ACTORS PLAYING JESUS IN 2020
          The 2020 production of the Oberammergau Passion Play will have two villagers playing
          the role of Jesus. One of whom is Frederik Mayet, who told us all about the honour of
          accepting such a position as well as what it’s like to live in this charming Bavarian village.
                                                           that I played the role of John. Cast
                                                           members show a real dedication to being
Austria                                                    part of the Passion Play. We start with the
                                                           beard and hair-growing around one year
                                                           ahead of the premiere. The first half of this
                                                           year is spent rehearsing, while the other
                                                           half is filled with performances. Almost half
                                                           of our whole village is involved, and our aim
                                                           is to bring a great Passion Play to the stage
                                                           for our visitors.
                                                           It’s not often that you find such a famous
                                                           and long-standing tradition in a small
                                                           village like Oberammergau – it truly is so
          “I was in the play for the first time in the
                                                           special to be part of the play. I remember
          year 2000, when I played John the Apostle.
                                                           back in 1990, when I was 10-years-old, I sat
          I was invited by the director, Christian
                                                           in the audience and watched the Passion
          Stückl, to attend some castings and after
                                                           Play with my great-grandmother. For me,
          turning up several times I was surprised –
                                                           this is one of the best places to live.”
          and more than happy – when he suggested
                                                                                                       3
OBERAMMERGAU Passion Play 2020 - The unmissable, once-a-decade - Andante Travel
Facts about the
world-renowned
Oberammergau
Passion Play

1 To take part in the legendary Passion Play, you must
   either have been born in the village of Oberammergau,
married to a local for 10 years or have lived there for 20
years. No exceptions to these rules are ever made.

2  All costumes are made by villagers and no wigs are
   allowed, meaning that people have to grow their hair for
accuracy and authenticity according to the ‘Hair & Beard
Decree’. For the 2020 performance, this came into force on
6th March and will see participants growing their beards and
facial hair according to the roles they were assigned.

3  In the upcoming performance, some scenes will be
   accompanied by up to 64 vocalists, whereas normally there
are just four vocal soloists and 44 choristers. There will be
a total of 55 instrumentalists sitting in the orchestra pit for
next year’s event.

4
OBERAMMERGAU Passion Play 2020 - The unmissable, once-a-decade - Andante Travel
4Over 2,000 citizens take part in the performance, despite
 the fact that there are only around 124 speaking roles.

5  For the 2020 performance, Jesus will be played by both
   Frederik Mayet (who played the same role in the 2010
production) and Rochus Rückel. Rückel has been confirmed
as the second-youngest actor to play Jesus in the almost
400-year-old history of the Passion Play.

6  The first-ever performance, in 1634, took place at the
   cemetery next to the parish church, on the graves of
the plague victims. Later, in 1830, the performance space
relocated to the northern edge of the village, where it still
remains today (pictured above, centre).

For any questions or to book, contact us today
Brightwater Holidays:         Andante Travels:
01334 766 036                01722 671 209
brightwaterholidays.com      andantetravels.com

                                                                5
OBERAMMERGAU Passion Play 2020 - The unmissable, once-a-decade - Andante Travel
THE HISTORY OF THE STAGE
& YOUR TICKETS
The first-ever performance, in 1634,
took place at the cemetery next to
the parish church, on the graves of
the plague victims. Later, in 1830,
the performance space relocated
to the northern edge of the village,
where it still remains today. The
theatre itself is an impressive sight
to behold and now has seating for
an audience of over 4,700 people.
What’s more, it boasts amazing
acoustics as well as underfloor
heating and modern facilities.

6
OBERAMMERGAU Passion Play 2020 - The unmissable, once-a-decade - Andante Travel
Where will I be sat?
To be a ticket-holder for the once-per-decade Passion Play in Oberammergau
is to be very privileged indeed. The event takes place at a purpose-built
theatre in the village of Oberammergau itself, at a venue that can hold
around 4,700 people at any one time. The theatre is covered with a specially
created roof, which allows for comfortable viewing whatever the weather.
With us, the tickets you receive will be either category one, category two or
category three, but it’s worth noting that all seats in the auditorium provide
a good view of the stage and the action as it unfolds. The space is accessible,
it is equipped with underfloor heating and there are improved toilet facilities,
all of which can help make the experience of witnessing the legendary
Passion Play that bit more comfortable.

                                                                              7
OBERAMMERGAU Passion Play 2020 - The unmissable, once-a-decade - Andante Travel
A Short Break in
Oberammergau

                                                                                                       Ettal monastery, Oberammergau

3 days                                  For anyone wanting to experience the once-a-decade Oberammergau
                                        Passion Play as a standalone event – our short breaks are ideal. Fly
5 departures                            into this memorable Bavarian village one day before the performance
                                        takes place so that there’s just enough time to explore its history and
From £995                               heritage as a destination, and then it’s show time. The following day,
                                        once the event has ended for another decade, it’s time to go home. This
What’s included?                        really is the most affordable way to experience such a legendary event.
» Return flights from London
                                        Day 1 This morning we catch an early                  and finish at 10.30pm, with a three-hour
» 3* accommodation in                   flight to Munich from London. Upon                    break in between. The August departure
                                        arrival, we drive to our hotel located in the         will start at 1.30pm, finish at 9.30pm and
  Oberammergau*
                                        Oberammergau area. Tonight we have our                also include the three-hour break with
» Services of a professional tour       first dinner together as a group and will             dinner.
  manager                               then return to our hotel for the rest of the
                                        evening.
                                                                                              Day 3 Breakfast this morning is sure
                                                                                              to be abuzz with discussion following
» Comfortable coach transfers           Day 2 After breakfast, we have ample                  last night’s once-a-decade Passion Play
                                        time to explore Oberammergau itself.                  performance. Afterwards, we pack our
» 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners            A village known for its traditional                   bags and make our return back to the
                                        woodcarvers, many of the shops here both              airport, where we catch our flights home.
» Category two tickets in August and
                                        display and sell the wares of these skilled
  category three tickets on our June    craftspeople. Elsewhere, there is the
  and July departures                   fantastic Oberammergau Museum, which
                                        showcases the area’s magnificent carvings
                                        as well as offers some artefacts uncovered
                                        in the region. Of course, the museum tells
                                        the almost unbelievable origin story of
                                        the Passion Play itself. This afternoon is
                                        the moment we’ve all been waiting for
                                        – the main event. For the June and July
                                        departures, the play will start at 2.30pm
                                        *Due to the demand of the Passion Play, we are unable to confirm the exact hotel for the nights in the
                                        Oberammergau area. Please check our website for the most up to date information.

                                         Start                      Return                  Price                         Single Supp
                                         13th June                  15th June               From £1,095                   £220
                                         17th June                  19th June               From £995                     £220
                                         25th July                  27th July               From £1,095                   £220
                                         27th July                  29th July               From £1,095                   £220
                                         24th August                26th August             From £1,195                   £220

8                                   For more information or to book call 01722 671 209 or visit andantetravels.com
OBERAMMERGAU Passion Play 2020 - The unmissable, once-a-decade - Andante Travel
Oberammergau & the Austrian Tyrol

 SAVE UP TO 5%                                                                                                                  Zell am See, Austria

6 days                                                      Tour highlights
3 departures                                                » Tier 2 tickets to witness the Oberammergau Passion Play

From £2,095                                                 » Discover the setting of the 1965 classic, The Sound of Music

                                                            » Travel on the Zillertal Steam Railway with a complimentary glass of schnapps
Join us in the sublime setting of
                                                            » Visit Tratzberg Castle and the Oberammergau Museum
the Austrian Tyrol – the setting
for The Sound of Music and also
the home of one of the world’s                              Day 1 We depart from London on a flight       Hammerstein classic, The Sound of Music.
musical geniuses, Mozart.                                   to Munich. Upon arrival we are met by a       Both excursions include visits to the castle
                                                            local coach and from here we will transfer    and cathedral.
What’s included?                                            to our hotel in Zillertal, where dinner is
                                                                                                          Day 4 Today, we enjoy a guided tour of
                                                            served later in the evening.
» Return flights from London                                                                              Innsbruck, including the old town and the
                                                            Day 2 This morning, we enjoy an excursion     famous Maria-Theresien-Strasse, making
» 4* accommodation in the Tyrol and                         aboard the historic, narrow-gauge Zillertal   a stop at Emperor Maximillian I’s rather
  Oberammergau                                              Steam Railway. As we travel through           grand ‘Golden Roof’. Later, we pay a visit
                                                            stunning Tyrolean scenery, from Jenbach       to the vaulted halls of Tratzberg Castle,
» Services of a professional tour                           to the chic ski resort of Mayrhofen, we       which has connections with the once-
  manager                                                   are served a chilled glass of schnapps for    mighty Habsburg dynasty.
                                                            an added touch of luxury. Lunch is at a
» Comfortable coach travel                                  mountainside restaurant, which we reach
                                                                                                          Day 5 After breakfast, we bid auf
  throughout                                                                                              wiedersehen to Austria and say guten
                                                            via cable car, enjoying a jaw-droppingly
                                                                                                          tag to Germany, as we transfer to
                                                            scenic journey en route. Afterwards, we
» 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch and                                                                               Oberammergau via the ski town of
                                                            return to our hotel for a group dinner.
  5 dinners                                                                                               Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The day’s
                                                            Day 3 We’re spoilt for choice today as        performance of the immersive Passion
» Site entries & category two tickets                       we head towards Salzburg, with the            Play begins at 2:30pm, with a three-
  to the Passion Play                                       opportunity to decide between two             hour break for dinner at our hotel. The
                                                            themed excursions. Classical music            performance is due to end at around
  Pay in full at the time of booking before                 aficionados will surely be enticed by         10.30pm local time.
  9th August 2019 & receive 5% off the
                                                            the Mozart option, while others will be
  cost of the holiday.
                                                            tempted to see some of the locations
                                                                                                          Day 6 This morning, we transfer to the
                                                                                                          airport for our return flight to London.
                                                            immortalised on film by the Rodgers and

                                                             Start               Return               Price                           Single Supp
                                                             13th May            18th May             From £2,145 | Save up to 5%     £280
                                                             10th August         15th August          From £2,095 | Save up to 5%     £280
                                                             12th August         17th August          From £2,095 | Save up to 5%     £280

                                             For more information or to book call 01334 766 036 or visit brightwaterholidays.com 9
 Quality garden and special interest tours
OBERAMMERGAU Passion Play 2020 - The unmissable, once-a-decade - Andante Travel
Oberammergau & Veneto

 SAVE UP TO 5%                                                                                                                   Villa Vescovi, Vento, Italy

7 days                                                         Tour highlights
                                                               » Witness the once-per-decade Passion Play in its entirety
24th - 30th August                                             » Wander the grounds of five glorious villas in beautiful areas
From £2,295                                                    » Pay a very special visit to the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua

Veneto is one of Italy’s                                       » Enjoy free time in the beautiful little town of Asolo, known as ‘the Pearl of the province
wealthiest regions and we                                        of Treviso’ and once home to both the poet Robert Browning and the explorer Dame
                                                                 Freya Stark
discover no fewer than seven
glorious villas and their                                      Day 1 We depart from London on a direct         Day 4 Today, we depart for a visit to the
stunning gardens on this                                       flight to Venice’s Marco Polo airport. Upon     gardens of the Villa Barbaro in Maser. It
picture-perfect tour.                                          arrival, we are met by a local coach and        has the unique appeal of being the only
                                                               guide, and we transfer to our hotel.            Palladian villa in Veneto to retain some
                                                                                                               of its original garden. As the gardens
What’s included?                                               Day 2 After breakfast, we are joined by a       were essentially a public space, Palladio
                                                               local guide for a walking tour of Vicenza’s     designed a secret garden behind the villa
» Return flights from London
                                                               historic centre. External views include the     – a small enclosed courtyard dominated
» 4* accommodation in Veneto and                               Corso Palladio, Palazzo Thiene, Palazzo         by an impressive nymphaeum which is
                                                               Barbaran, Palazzo Chiericati, the Basilica      decorated with statues of classical gods.
  Oberammergau
                                                               Palladiana and the Duomo. We also get           After some free time in Asolo, we make our
» Services of a professional tour                              to visit the wonderful Teatro Olimpico.         way back to the hotel and can freshen up
                                                               Afterwards, we visit the glorious Villa         before dinner at the Villa Godi Malinverni.
  manager
                                                               Rotonda, designed by Andrea Palladio in
» Comfortable coach travel                                     around 1570. In 1994, it became a UNESCO        Day 5 This morning, we have breakfast
                                                               World Heritage Site and our private visit       and then check out of our hotel, heading
  throughout
                                                               here is hosted by Count Valmarana. We           north towards Austria over the Brenner
                                                               continue on to Villa Valmarana and are          Pass. We arrive into Innsbruck in time for
» 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5
                                                               privileged to dine in a room decorated with     lunch (not included). In the afternoon, we
  dinners                                                      stunning Tiepolo frescoes.                      cross into Germany and check into our
                                                                                                               Bavarian hotel.
» Site entries and category two                                Day 3 We start our day with a visit to Villa
  tickets to the Passion Play                                  Vescovi, located in the Euganean Hills. This    Day 6 In the afternoon, we attend the
  Pay in full at the time of booking before                    afternoon we transfer to Padua and have a       performance of the legendary Passion
  9th August 2019 & receive 5% off the                         guided tour of the Basilica di Sant’Antonio.    Play. Dinner is included during the
  cost of the holiday.                                         We then continue to the Oratorio di San         intermission. Once the production ends,
                                                               Giogio and the Sculo del Santo. After           we will return to our hotel.
                                                               dinner, we have a special visit to the
                                                               Scrovegni Chapel in Padua.                      Day 7 After breakfast, we transfer to the
                                                                                                               airport for our return flights to London.

                                                                Start              Return             Price                                Single Supp
                                                                24th August        30th August        From £2,295 | Save up to 5%          £450
                                          Innsbruck, Austria

10                                                For more information or to book call 01334 766 036 or visit brightwaterholidays.com
      Quality garden and special interest tours
Oberammergau & Hallstatt

                                                                                                                     Hallstatt lakeside town

5 days                                   Tour highlights
10th - 14th August                       » Witness the once-per-decade Oberammergau Passion Play and spend two
                                           nights in the area
From £2,195
                                         » Descend underground to the visit the salt mines of Hallstatt, where
                                           thousands of years of salt-mining history await discovery
This multi-centre tour
offers the chance to explore             » Visit the Celtic museum at Hallein with its elaborate La Tène metalwork
local life through the ages,
including witnessing the iconic          Day 1 Today we fly into Munich or                     Day 4 We begin our day by going
Oberammergau Passion Play.               Salzburg, and drive onward to our hotel in            underground at the Hallstatt salt mines.
                                         the Oberammergau area.                                This is an impressive mine, with 65km
                                                                                               of tunnels and an average salt content
What’s included?                         Day 2 This morning we have the chance                 of 60%. After lunch, we proceed to the
                                         to explore Oberammergau. The village is               UNESCO-listed Hallstatt Museum, where
» Return flights from London             known for its traditional woodcarvers,                discoveries from the area’s salt mines are
                                         religious art and its frescoes of traditional         on display. These include a drinking horn,
» 4* accommodation in                    Bavarian themes. After an early lunch, we
  Oberammergau* and Hallstatt                                                                  miners’ picks and stone axes. We can also
                                         will prepare to watch the Passion Play,               observe finds from Iron Age cemeteries as
                                         Part I of which is due to commence at                 well as Roman remains. Later, we will enjoy
» Expert Guide Lecturer and a            2.30pm. We will take a lengthy break for
  professional tour manager                                                                    a farewell meal together as a group.
                                         dinner between 5pm and 7.30pm, and then
                                         the final part of the play will resume at             Day 5 Enjoy a morning at leisure before
» Comfortable coach travel               8pm until 10.30pm.                                    transferring to the airport for our return
  throughout                                                                                   flights to London.
                                         Day 3 We leave Oberammergau this
» 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4          morning and drive to the historic town
  dinners                                of Hallein, stopping for coffee on route.
                                         Upon arrival, we visit the impressive
» Entries, tips and category two         Celtic Museum with its elaborate La Tène
  tickets to the Passion Play            metalwork. This is one of Europe’s biggest
                                         museums dedicated to Celtic history
                                         and it presents a range of exhibits that
                                         include Ice Age burial sites, salt-mining
                                         on the Dürrnberg and areas of ancient
                                         settlement. This evening, we will enjoy                                           Kelheim, Germany
                                         dinner together at our hotel.

                                         *Due to the demand of the Passion Play, we are unable to confirm the exact hotel for the nights in the
                                         Oberammergau area. Please check our website for the most up to date information.

                                         Start                          Return                          Price                    Single Supp
                                         10th August                    14th August                     From £2,195              £360
                                Danube

                           For more information or to book call 01722 671 209 or visit andantetravels.com                                         11
Oberammergau & the Southern Limes
9 days | 25th August - 2nd September | From £3,250

The journey begins in Trier on the River Mosel, the oldest city in Germany, and a great 4th century Christian
imperial capital. It culminates in the spectacular depiction of the events of the crucifixion in the famous
Oberammergau Passion Play. The cathedral of Trier houses relics of the crucifixion, and of St. Helena who
travelled to the Holy Land to find the True Cross. We travel the line of the Roman frontier – the Limes – from
Mainz (Moguntiacum) to Regensburg (Castra Regina), investigating the sites and museums of the longest
artificial frontier of the Roman Empire. Finally, we witness the sublime Oberammergau Passion Play, the
main highlight of our trip.

                                               Tour highlights
                                               » The monuments of imperial Trier, including the Porta Nigra city
                                                 gate, the basilica and audience hall of Constantine the Great

                                               » See the unique Museum of Roman Ships in Mainz

                                               » View the Aschaffenburg Pompejanum – an idealised 19th century
                                                 vision of a Pompeiian house, built by Ludwig I of Bavaria

                                               » Wander the southern Limes, located on the borders of Germany
 Regensburg                                    » Category one tickets to the Oberammergau Passion Play

 Trierer Dom, Germany

12
For more information or to book
call 01722 671 209 or visit andantetravels.com

Day 1 Fly into Luxembourg and on the way to our hotel in Trier,       view the Isis Temple in Mainz and the cathedral. Dinner and our
we pay a visit the funerary monument of Igel, decorated with          overnight stay are both in Mainz.
remarkable detail of wool merchants’ lives. We visit the Villa
Nennig, with its famous gladiator mosaic, followed by the
                                                                      Day 5 Today we leave the hotel and drive to Asschaffenburg,
                                                                      where we visit the Pompeiianum. We then continue along the
enterprising reconstruction of the Villa Borg. Later, we drive to
                                                                      River Main and the line of the Limes of Germania Superior to
our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
                                                                      Osterburken for the Roman fort annexe. After lunch, we visit
Day 2 Today is our first day in Imperial Roman Trier, one of the      Osterburken Roman Museum. Continue along the Limes to Aalen,
late Roman capital cities of the Western Empire, which is now an      stopping at the watchtower at Grosserlach-Grab, and the border
iconic German Rhineland town. This morning, we visit the famous       between Germania Superior and Raetia at Schwäbisch Gmünd.
Porta Nigra, the Museum am Dom with its ceiling frescoes from         Dinner tonight is at our hotel.
the palace of St. Helens, and the late Roman cathedral. In the
afternoon, we visit Constantine’s Palace and walk down to the
                                                                      Day 6 Visit Aalen Limes Museum and archaeological park and
                                                                      continue to Weissenburg. After lunch, we visit the Weissenburg
early Roman baths, the Barbarathermen, and the Roman bridge
                                                                      Roman museum, the Roman baths and fort. Drive from
over the Mosel.
                                                                      Weissenburg to Regensburg for our hotel and overnight stay.
Day 3 Another day in Trier awaits, with a walk to the Rheinsches
Landes Museum – home to a huge collection of Roman material,
                                                                      Day 7 Leave our hotel on foot and walk to the Roman Fort Gate
                                                                      in Regensburg and continue along the line of the Roman fortress
including the most extensive selection of funerary sculpture north
                                                                      of Roman Castra Regina. Leave Regensburg and drive to the area
of the Alps. After lunch, we visit the Trier Imperial Baths and the
                                                                      of Oberammergau. After lunch, we have free time to relax and
afternoon culminates with a visit to the amphitheatre.
                                                                      explore the local area before dinner.
Day 4 We drive to Mainz. This was the capital of Germania
Superior, its administrative centre and, at times, a double
                                                                      Day 8 We will be preparing for the Oberammergau Passion Play,
                                                                      Part I of which commences at 1:30pm until 4:00pm, with a dinner
legionary base. We will visit the Museum für Antike Schiffahrt for
                                                                      break from 4pm. Part II begins at 7:00pm and finishes at 9:30pm.
a tour of the excavated ships and their reconstructions. On the
way, we will stop at the Drusus Stone and the Roman aqueduct.         Day 9 Today we depart for the airport and fly home.
We continue with a walk to the Roman theatre. After lunch, we will

                                                                      Mainz, Germany

                                                                        What’s included?
                                                                        » Return flights from London

                                                                        » 4* accommodation in Trier, Mainz, Aalen,
                                                                          Regensburg and Oberammergau*

                                                                        » Expert Guide Lecturer and a professional tour manager

                                                                        » Comfortable coach travel throughout

                                                                        » 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners

                                                                        » Entries, tips and category one tickets to the Passion Play
                                                                        *Due to the demand of the Passion Play, we are unable to confirm the exact
                                                                        hotel for the nights in the Oberammergau area. Please check our website
                                                                        for the most up to date information.

                                                                         Start                  Return                Price         Single Supp
                                                                         25th August            2nd September         From          £530
                                                                                                                      £3,250

                                                                                                                                             13
Oberammergau & the Archaeology of Northern Italy
7 days | 13th - 19th June | From £2,595
Experience seven glorious days discovering the history and archaeology of locations in both Italy and
Germany, ahead of journeying to Oberammergau to watch a performance of the legendary Passion Play.
Starting out in historic Brescia, not far from Milan, we explore a range of sites that tell the stories of
this wonderful city. From here, we tour ruined Roman villas replete with mosaics, we go underground
to observe subterranean remains and we pay a memorable visit to the mummified remains of Ötzi the
Iceman. As our week draws to a close, we move on to the Ammergau Alps, where the once-a-decade
Passion Play awaits.

                                               Tour highlights
                                               » Go underground in Trento to discover the remains of a Roman road,
                                                 parts of the city wall, and some ruined houses and workshops

                                               » Come face-to-face with the mummified remains of Ötzi the Iceman
                                                 at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology

                                               » Take a walking tour of the lesser-visited historic city of Brescia,
                                                 home to some of northern Italy’s best-preserved Roman remains

                                               » Enjoy two nights in the surrounding area of Oberammergau, known
                                                 for its traditional woodcarving as well as the legendary Passion
                                                 Play, which we experience while we’re here

 Goldenes Dachl at Innsbruck, Austria
                                               » Journey to the ‘pearl’ of Lake Garda, Sirmione, and explore the ruins
                                                 of the Caves of Catullus

 Harbour, Desenzano

14
For more information or to book
call 01722 671 209 or visit andantetravels.com

Day 1 Arrive in Munich and drive to our hotel in the                  which is housed in a monastic complex of Lombard origin.
Oberammergau area.                                                    Collections in this museum include a selection of Roman in situ
                                                                      mosaics as well as important Lombard remains. Next, we take a
Day 2 Today we will bear witness to the once-in-a-lifetime event      break for lunch and then it’s on to the UNESCO-listed Capitolium,
that is the Oberammergau Passion Play. Part I is due to begin         known locally as the Capitolium of Brixia (its ancient Roman name)
at 2.30pm and it will come to an end at 10.30pm. There will, of       and around 2,000 years old. This evening, we will dine at a local
course, be a sizeable break for dinner from 5-8pm.                    restaurant before returning to our hotel.
Day 3 This morning we depart Oberammergau and drive to                Day 6 A morning journey to nearby Desenzano, situated in
Bolzano, located in the north of Italy. En route, we stop for lunch   the southwest corner of Lake Garda. Here, we will view one of
in Innsbruck or its surrounding area.                                 the best surviving villas of the late Roman age, along with its
Day 4 The first visit of the day is to the fabulous South Tyrol       magnificent mosaics. These remains were discovered in 1921 and
Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano. This museum is famous for           images depicted in mosaics here include cupids gathering grapes,
being home to the incredible remains of Ötzi, the Iceman. Stored      chariot racing and wild animals. After this captivating visit, we
in a cold cell, the mummy and his tools can be seen through a         take the ferry back to Sirmione – regarded as the ‘pearl’ of Lake
window. After lunch, we have the chance to explore the Spazio         Garda – and make our way to the villa known as the Caves of
Archeologico Sotteraneo del SAS Tridentium. Here, we will see         Catullus. Dinner follows later and we make our return to Brescia,
local red-stone slabs, sewer pipes and the remains of a tower.        where we stay overnight.
It was also the seat of the Council of Trent (1545-1563), where       Day 7 This morning we will transfer to either Milan or Verona
the Catholic Church worked out its response to the Protestant         airport for our return flight to London.
Reformation. Tonight we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5 This morning we leave Bolzano and drive to Brescia. This
is a charming Italian city, not far from Milan, which dates back
to the Iron Age. However, we can also find traces of earlier
settlements here and Brescia itself is home to some of the best-
preserved Roman remains in all of northern Italy. This morning
we will see the Romanesque Duomo Vecchio, recognisable for its
characteristic circular structure, and the Santa Giulia Museum,

                                                                      Caves of Catullus, Italy

                                                                         What’s included?
                                                                         » Return flights from London

                                                                         » 4* accommodation in Oberammergau*, Bolzano and
                                                                           Brescia

                                                                         » Expert Guide Lecturer and a professional tour manager

                                                                         » Comfortable coach travel throughout

                                                                         » 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners

                                                                         » Entries, tips and category two tickets to the Passion Play
                                                                         *Due to the demand of the Passion Play, we are unable to confirm the exact
                                                                         hotel for the nights in the Oberammergau area. Please check our website
                                                                         for the most up to date information.

                                                                          Start              Return              Price             Single Supp
                                                                          13th June          19th June           From £2,595       £500

                                                                                                                                              15
Oberammergau, Munich & Salzburg

                                                                                                                           Salzburg, Austria

7 days                                  Tour highlights
2 departures                            » Experience the once-per-decade Oberammergau Passion Play

From £2,245                             » Enjoy a candlelit dinner concert inside of Salzburg’s St Peter Monastery

                                        » Visit the Nymphenburg Palace and walk among its glorious gardens
Enjoy excursions in vibrant
Munich and picture-perfect              » Dine at the Hofbräuhaus, a famous 16th century restaurant in Munich
Salzburg, where visits to sites
                                        Day 1 We fly from London to Munich and                Day 4 Following a morning at leisure
of significance, architectural          transfer to our hotel. Later, we have an              to soak up the atmosphere, we gather
marvels and cultural                    orientation tour of the city and then a               together to attend the legendary Passion
encounters await.                       welcome dinner at our hotel follows.                  Play. Dinner is included during the lengthy
                                                                                              intermission.
                                        Day 2 After breakfast, we explore Munich
What’s included?                        and its city centre. This afternoon, we               Day 5 Today we explore the storybook
» Return flights from London            visit Nymphenburg Palace, once the main               streets of Salzburg, a city with a rich
                                        summer residence of the former rulers                 history and influential music heritage.
» 4* accommodation in Munich,           of Bavaria. Tonight, we enjoy dinner at               Our tour includes a visit to the Mozart
  Oberammergau* and Füssen              the Hofbräuhaus, which dates back to                  Residence, where the great composer
                                        the 16th century and was frequented                   lived from 1773-1780. Tonight, we sit
» Expert Guide Lecturer and a           by Mozart, who claimed that his opera                 down to a dinner concert with a late
  professional tour manager             Idomeneo was written after a few visits               18th century theme, in the candlelit
                                        there. All of the rooms – except for its              surroundings of the St Peter Monastery.
» Comfortable coach travel              historic beer hall – were destroyed in the
                                        World War II bombings.                                Day 6 Free time awaits this morning and
  throughout                                                                                  then we transfer to the airport for our
                                        Day 3 Our morning is dedicated to                     return flights back to London.
» 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5         Munich’s Residenz – Germany’s largest
  dinners                               city palace and the official home of the
                                        royal Wittelsbach family. Later, we drive
» Entries, tips and category two        through the beautiful Bavarian Alps
  tickets to the Passion Play           towards Oberammergau, home to the
                                        Passion Play. We have dinner at our hotel
                                        later tonight.

                                        *Due to the demand of the Passion Play, we are unable to confirm the exact hotel for the nights in
                                        Oberammergau. Please check our website for the most up to date information.

                                         Start                     Return                  Price                      Single Supp
                                         29th June                 4th July                From £2,245                £495
                                         11th July                 16th July               From £2,245                £495
              The Hofbräuhaus, Munich

16                                      For more information or to book call 01722 671 209 or visit andantetravels.com
Oberammergau & the ‘Dream Castles’ of Bavaria

                                                                                                         Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

6 days                                Tour highlights
4th - 9th June                        » Witness the Oberammergau Passion Play with category one tickets

From £2,150                           » Enjoy the stunning Herrenchiemsee Palace just outside of Munich, referred
                                        to as the ‘Bavarian Versailles’
Experience the fairytale castles      » Stay in majestic alpine surroundings in Füssen, near to the world-renowned
of Bavaria, including the iconic        Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle, before
sitting down to the memorable          Day 1 We fly from London to Munich and                Day 5 Today is dedicated to Ludwig’s
                                       head to our hotel, stopping for lunch                 crowning glory and the embodiment
Oberammergau Passion Play,             on the way. Later, join us on an optional             of his wildest romantic fantasies –
held just once per decade!             walking tour of Munich or explore at                  Neuschwanstein Castle. We will spend
                                       leisure before dining at the Hofbräuhaus.             most of the day here before returning
What’s included?                       Day 2 Today we drive to the Chiemsee,
                                                                                             in the afternoon to our hotel. Dinner is
                                                                                             included later tonight.
» Return flights from London           where Ludwig realised his final castle
                                       dream by building Herrenchiemsee Palace               Day 6 After breakfast, we return to
» 4* accommodation in Munich,          on Herreninsel Island. After lunch (not               Munich via Castle Berg. This manor house
  Oberammergau* and Salzburg           included), we explore the palace grounds              was where the king was confined after
                                       before returning to Munich, where free                his deposition and declared insane. A few
» Expert Guide Lecturer and a          time awaits.                                          days later, he and his physician were found
  professional tour manager                                                                  drowned in the lake. We visit his tomb in
                                       Day 3 Following a relaxing morning, we                Munich’s St Michael’s Church and head to
» Comfortable coach travel             drive through the beautiful Bavarian                  the airport for our flight back to London.
  throughout                           Alps, stopping for lunch en route to
                                       Oberammergau. We check in to our hotel
» 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches and          and attend the legendary Passion Play.
  3 dinners                            Dinner is included during the intermission.
                                       Day 4 After our late night at the play, the
» Entries, tips and category one       morning is spent at a relaxed pace. We
  tickets to the Passion Play          travel the short journey to Füssen, located
                                       in the heart of the Bavarian countryside
                                       and full of Ludwig history. On the way,
                                       we stop at Hohenschwangen, Ludwig’s
                                       childhood home, for a guided tour.                                                Fraueninsel Island

                                       *Due to the demand of the Passion Play, we are unable to confirm the exact hotel for the nights in the
                                       Oberammergau area. Please check our website for the most up to date information.

                                        Start                Return              Price                     Single Supp
                                        4th June             9th June            From £2,150               £495

                                   For more information or to book call 01722 671 209 or visit andantetravels.com 17
Which Oberammergau Passion Play tour is right for you?
From a ride aboard a classic steam train and an excursion to Neuschwanstein
Castle, to a tour of an Italian villa led by a member of the aristocratic family
which owns it – choose your experience here:

Quality garden and special interest tours

                                                    Dates                  Prices from
 Oberammergau & the Austrian Tyrol                  13th - 18th May        from £2,145   see full itinerary on page 9
                                                    10th - 16th August     from £2,095
                                                    12th - 17th August     from £2,095

 Oberammergau & Veneto                              24th - 30th August     from £2,295   see full itinerary on page 10

                                                    Dates                  Prices from

 Oberammergau & the ‘Dream Castles’ of Bavaria      4th - 9th June         from £2,150   see full itinerary on page 17

 Oberammergau & the Archaeology of Northern Italy   13th - 19th June       from £2,595   see full itinerary on page 14

 A Short Break in Oberammergau                      13th - 15th June       from £1,095   see full itinerary on page 8
                                                    17th - 19th June       from £995
                                                    25th - 27th July       from £1,095
                                                    27th - 29th July       from £1,095
                                                    24th - 26th August     from £1,195
 Oberammergau, Munich & Salzburg                    29th June - 4th July   from £2,245   see full itinerary on page 16
                                                    11th - 16th July       from £2,245

 Oberammergau & Hallstatt                           10th - 14th August     from £2,195   see full itinerary on page 11
                                                    25th August -
 Oberammergau & the Southern Limes                                         from £3,250   see full itinerary on page 12
                                                    2nd September

18
HOW TO BOOK YOUR 2020 OBERAMMERGAU PLACE
To ensure you don’t miss this once-per-decade experience, you can either book your place online
via our websites or call our friendly teams, who can help secure this iconic trip. However you
choose to book, we can’t wait to welcome you on tour.

            Contact us today
            Depending on the Oberammergau tour you want to join, just get in
            touch via the contact details below and we’ll do the rest.

            Brightwater Holidays:                       Andante Travels:
            01334 766 036                               01722 6 71 209
            brightwaterholidays.com                     andantetravels.com
            info@brightwaterholidays.com                tours@andantetravels.com

            Quality garden and special interest tours

                                                                               ©Passion Play Oberammergau

                                                                                                       19
If you’d like a different kind of holiday...
...our brand new brochures for 2020 are available now. Journey to the ancient world
with Andante Travels – a company celebrating its 35th anniversary – or choose
between gardens, scenic Scottish and archaeology tours with Brightwater Holidays.

» Andante Travels’ new brochure for 2020 includes 15 brand new itineraries,
  as well as two tours that will put you in the audience for the once-a-decade
  performance of the Passion Play in Oberammergau
» Tours operated by Andante Travels range from far-flung destinations such as
  Lebanon, Easter Island and Uzbekistan, to European archaeology hotspots like
  Pompeii, the rock art caves of Altamira and Crete
» Brightwater Holidays offers escorted coach tours to gardens such as
  Highgrove, events like the Chelsea Flower Show and to historic homes
» Also with Brightwater Holidays, you can explore the Caribbean island of
  Grenada, travel aboard a steam train through Scottish countryside and follow
  in the footsteps of Queen Victoria on the Isle of Wight

Request your 2020 brochure now
Brightwater Holidays:                       Andante Travels:
01334 766 036                               01722 671 209
brightwaterholidays.com                     andantetravels.com                        5009

info@brightwaterholidays.com                tours@andantetravels.com
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