The Heartland of Europe Tour, September 6 -17 2010

As relevant today as when it was first presented in 1634, Oberammergau’s Passion Play has become a world renowned celebration of faith. Every 10 years 2000 local citizens bring the play to life in thanks for the many lives spared years ago from the Black Plague.

A guaranteed highlight of your 12 day “Heartland of Europe” tour, blending the religious and cultural traditions of Europe.

Including tours of Vienna, Salzburg, the Austrian Alps, Munich, Rothenburg and Heidelberg.

Entrance to Schoonbrunn Palace, Melk Abbey, Neuschwanstein Castle and Heidelberg Castle.

Featuring a Mozart concert Dinner, a Rhine River Cruise, a wine tasting and Vintner’s meal.

Price per person, Land only, Double, CAD: • $4400.00

This is our second offering of this tour. The first one is Sold Out! Please don’t delay & call us for the full itinerary.

Premium seating for the Passion Play

$1000.00 Deposit per person. Final Payment Due 10 May 2010

Full Itinerary:

Day 1, Sep 6: Depart Saint John
Leave Saint John to Vienna, Austria via Frankfurt.

Day 2, Sep 7: Arrive Vienna, Austria
On arrival, we will be met by our tour director and enjoy a brief panoramic tour introducing us to this charming city, as we proceed to our hotel, Courtyard Vienna, our home for the next two nights. With the remainder of the afternoon at leisure, we can take some time to relax and refresh ourselves. We gather this evening for our welcome briefing and dinner. Dinner

Day 3, Sep 8: Vienna
Vienna’s Ringstrasse was the Habsburg state boulevard, created by Emperor Franz Joseph to showcase the wealth and importance of the Empire. Here we see Austria’s magnificent state buildings, including the historic parliament, city hall, the university plus the national theater, Vienna State Opera and museums. Our city exploration continues past the Impe-rial Palace, a stately structure that evolved over the centuries and is now home to Austria’s president. We also visit Schönbrunn Palace, summer home of the imperial family and a superb example of Austrian Baroque. The afternoon and evening offers free time to explore Vienna on own. Breakfast

Day 4, Sep 9: Vienna – Abbey Melk - Salzburg
Our scenic journey to Salzburg takes us through the beautiful Wachau Valley. We then follow the Danube River Valley en route to the monastery of Melk which we will visit. Later we continue through the Lake District of the Salzkammergut, the former imperial summer residence and favourite hunting ground of the Habsburg rulers to Salzburg, the city of Mozart and the Sound of Music. Although Salzburg was a very late addition to the Habsburg Empire (1815), the city played an important role as a cultural centre. This evening we are in for a special treat - our Mozart Dinner during which young musicians perform and introduce us into the musical world of Mozart. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5, Sep 10: Salzburg
In the morning, we will set off on our guided city stroll through the centre - a pedestrian zone where we discover many historic sites related to Mozart. Salzburg which is also known as the “Rome of the North” has many magnificent monuments from both the Baroque and Renaissance periods. Designated as a World Cultural Heritage Site, Salzburg was ruled for centuries by Prince Archbishops. Highlights of our walk will include Mozart’s birthplace, St Peter’s Church, Salzburg Cathedral and the Fortress of Hohensalzburg. The afternoon has been left free to explore Salzburg on own. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6, Sep 11: Austrian Alps
This morning we head South and drive to the Austrian Alpine area. Our first stop will be at the Austrian Alpine Resort Kitzbühel. By early afternoon we will be in the beautiful Tyrolean city of Innsbruck. A local guide will introduce us to the delights of this alpine centre on a walking tour that will feature Innsbruck's old town including the Hofkirche with its royal tombs and still-functional wooden organ (installed in 1560). We then come to Oberammergau and the play that we have long anticipated. Hotel Schillingshof, H2 category hotel and 1A ticket, best seating for play. Breakfast and dinner

Day 7, Sep 12: The Passion Play
For 2010, we will have the morning free, to enjoy the colourful paintings in the village and to do a little shopping. Following lunch, the highlight of the trip, the Passion Play in Oberammergau begins! The Play was instituted in fulfillment of a vow made in 1633, when the town was stricken by plague. It was performed for the first time in 1634 and since then has been played every ten years. It’s just a short walk from the hotel to the theater, which was built in 1930 and has seating for 4,800 spectators. While the seats are covered, the stage is open to the elements, using the natural grandeur of the region as a back-drop. Hotel Schillinghof, H2 Category hotel and 1A tickets – best seating for play. Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8, Sep 13: Neuschwanstein Castle and Munich
First this morning, visit Neuschwanstein, King Ludwig’s white-turreted fairytale castle overlooking Bavaria’s forested mountainside. After a guided tour, continue and stop at the magnificent Church at Wies, a rococo masterpiece with a sublime ceiling fresco. Then, enjoy some final alpine vistas as we head north to Munich. On arrival a local guide will introduce us to the sights of Bavaria's capital, the Nymphenburg Palace, Marienplatz, Frauenkirche and the Olympic Stadium. Dinner and overnight in Munich. Breakfast and dinner

Day 9, Sep 14: Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Today, we focus on Germany’s Romantic Road, which passes the most attractive places between the River Rhine and the Alps. The highlight, beyond all doubt, is Rothenberg ob der Tauber, which with its old houses, ramparts, magnificent buildings and narrow cobbled streets became a Mecca for visitors from all over the world. After ample time, we continue to the Frankfurt area. Hotel check in for the next three nights at the Maritim Rhein-Main Hotel in Darmstadt. Breakfast and dinner

Day 10, Sep 15: Heidelberg
Spend the day in Heidelberg, the symbol of German Romanticism to the entire world. Meet a local guide who will show you this old university town dominated by the ruined red castle of the Palatine Electors, overlooking the town. Lunch and time on own, before we head back to Darmstadt for a free evening. Breakfast

Day 11, Sep 16: Rhine and Wrap-up
Enjoy a relaxing half-day Rhine river cruise, visiting some sites made famous by German folklore, including the Lorelei. This evening, we will visit a typical Rhine Valley winery for a wine tasting and vintner’s dinner. Overnight in Darmstadt. Breakfast and dinner

Day 12, Sep 17: Return Home
Breakfast & Airport transfer to Frankfurt Airport for your homebound flight.

Approx. flights schedule:

Saint John - Toronto 12:05 13:14
Toronto - Vienna 18:20 08:50+1 day
Frankfurt - Montreal 10:00 11:40
Montreal - Saint John 14:55 17:34
Air price approx. CA $1500.00 per person (All taxes included)

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