Highlights of Italy plus the 2020 Oberammergau Passion Play
13 days - including travel days
Special Custom Departure for Groups of 10+
Itinerary
This is a suggested tour itinerary for private departures, adjustable to best suit your specific wishes. Price based on how many travelers, your chosen package inclusions and your chosen level of accommodation.
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
These Oberammergau Passion Play suggested itineraries are available to groups of 10 + guests.
Specific inclusions may vary depending on your specific chosen travel dates/day of the week and availability of attractions/special events.
Depart home for your overnight flight to Rome
Arrival Rome
You arrive in Rome today. The afternoon is opened for you to explore and recover from your flight as you choose.
This evening, join your fellow travellers for a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional delicacies and fine Italian wines.
Overnight in Rome
Rome - Vatican City - Papal Audience (Wednesdays only; Rome days can be adjusted accordingly)
This morning, visit Vatican City to attend the weekly papal audience* and receive the blessing given by His Holiness, Benedict XVI. Later, visit St. Peter’s Basilica, built on the site where St. Peter was martyred. Known as the grandest of the world’s churches, St. Peter’s is unsurpassed in beauty. In the Vatican Museum* you will view such historical treasures as the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s restored mural of the Last Judgment.
Overnight in Rome
Rome
This morning enjoy a locally guided panoramic tour of Rome featuring the impressive Piazza Venezia, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine and the famous Trevi Fountain. This afternoon, explore Rome on your own - perhaps visit the legendary Spanish Steps or shop for one-of-a-kind gifts.
Overnight in Rome
Rome - Assisi - Perugia
Today you are off to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take a guided walking tour of the old city, including the Basilica of St. Francis. Then, travel to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria. Here you will behold one of the grandest squares in Italy, the Piazza IV November, and delight in the medieval palaces and ornate cathedrals.
Overnight in Perugia
Perugia - Siena - Florence
A scenic journey through Tuscany’s graceful low-lying hills brings you to the mystical city of Siena. You will be delighted by its narrow Gothic streets, magnificent palaces and historic Piazza del Campo. Upon arrival in Florence, visit a family-owned leather shop and learn the traditional Italian techniques of leather making.
Overnight in Florence
Florence
In Florence, the “Cradle of Italian Renaissance,” visit the world-famous Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s incredible Statue of David. During your cultural tour of Florence, you'll also view the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this fascinating city on your own.
Overnight in Florence
Florence – Bologna - Milan
Today you journey through the beautiful Emilia-Romagna region stopping in Bologna; the city which was founded by the Etruscans and has since thrived as a popular trade and learning centre and is home to the oldest university in the world, University of Bologna, founded in 1088. This fascinating city is also informally the culinary capital of Italy and it isn't nicknamed -Bologna la grassa- which means "Bologna the fat" for nothing. Enjoy lunch before continuing to Milan.
Overnight in Milan
Milan
Visit the Duomo cathedral, the third largest Gothic cathedral in the world, to admire the intricate architecture of statues, spires and gargoyles. Don’t forget to climb up to the terrace (lifts on the left side of the cathedral) for an up-close view of the 3,600 statues and 135 spires and a closer view of the famous gilded copper ‘Madonnina’ atop the tallest spike
Overnight in Milan
Milan - Trento - Oberammergau, Germany
Today you make the scenic journey to the Bavarian village of Oberammergau. En route, travel through the majestic Dolomites with a special stop made in the Alpine town of Trento. During your visit, stroll the quaint streets and admire the artistic heritage of this Renaissance-inspired centre.
Oberammergau - Passion Play (2 night package)
This morning transfer to the delightful village in the Ammergau Alps, famous for its wonderfull Passion Play. The play has taken place every 10 years since 1634 . Time to enjoy the beautiful frescoed houses and its amazing alpine setting. Enjoy the atmosphere in the village as you build up to this once in a lifetime experience – the 2020 Passion Play.
Lunch provided at hotel
2:30PM-5:00PM Afternoon Passion Play performance
5:00PM-8:00PM Time for dinner at your hotel
8:00PM-10:00PM Evening Passion Play performance
Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Oberammergau –Augsburg – Neuschwanstein – Oberammergau
A short drive away from this village, our pilgrimage continues as we visit Wieskirche, Pilgrimage Church of the Scourged Saviour. This world famous rococo jewel became famous in the 18th century as a place of reverence for the Scourged Saviour. Out of the miracle of June 14, 1738, when tears were seen on the face of the Scourged Saviour, there rapidly developed a pilgrimage of huge proportions. Human tears were the spiritual building stones from which the church was created. Today the church lives from its spiritual and artistic richness. Celebrate Mass at Wies Kirche.
Continue our journey today to the famous UNESCO designated World Heritage Site – the fairytale castle at Neuschwanstein completed in 1886 as a private refuge from the world for King Ludwig II. Please note: Although we can include the mini bus ride up to Neuschwanstein castle, there are still 165 steps to climb up and 181 to climb down.
Return to Oberammergau to celebrate Mass.
Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
After breakfast, group transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay in Europe independently.
This is a suggested tour itinerary and can be modified to best you your individual wishes.
Suggested tour package includes: # of touring days with vehicle & exclusive services of your driver/guide/companion, your accommodation for # nights while on the tour including full breakfasts, all taxes and tips other than those you may wish to give your guide. Your price also can include dinners and/or entrance fees to attractions or these items can be left out of the up front package/to be paid directly for maximum flexibility. Airport transfers, accommodation pre and post tour, scheduled city day tours/attraction passes/transport passes or theatre/event tickets can be added to your package as you wish, subject to availability.
SGT is at your service!
This itinerary is a partner operation between SGT and Soverign Tours.
Why SGT?
The Special Group Tours Advantage is our unique and intimate understanding of what you expect traveling in the UK and Europe. We have not only visited but have spent many years living in and loving the cultures you will experience down the ‘B’ Roads and off the beaten track. We have worked with local suppliers and our guide/companion team for over a decade, creating unique special interest itineraries. Special Group Tours offers our “insider” knowledge to you.
The SGT Small Group Touring Concept is traveling with just 4 - 14 guests per departure. It is our aim to introduce you to the 'real' country and its people, not just ticking the boxes of a standardized route and treating you as an individual and not a number. Our concept allows for a leisurely touring pace and flexibility to get off the beaten track to discover hidden gems. Of course you'll see the major sites but so much more too!
At Special Group Tours, it is our priority that you have the most enjoyable holiday possible. You deserve it!
Call us Toll Free on: US 866 725 5250; or London UK 0790 552 4717
Email: Tours@SpecialGroupTours.com
