merano

The Sublime & The Sacred, A Pilgrimage to Merano and Oberammergau led by the Rev'd Stephen Heygate. June 2010

Introduction

The pilgrimage to Oberammergau starts with 5 days at Merano, a favourite little town of mine in the north of Italy. The town is resplendent with parks and walks with a river running through its heart. Within an hour or so of Merano we have some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery in Europe with the Dolomites, being my favourite playground. Within our five days we will have the opportunity to look and be amazed, have a stroll amongst the towns and those who are more adventurous I can lead some walks into the hills. Otzi the ice man is now in Bolzano museum and that might be a trip worth doing, the possibilities are endless. In the evenings we can promenade along the river and for those who wish finish with night prayer.

Day 6 will take us to Innsbruck with some time to enjoy a lovely little city and we will stay in a hotel in that area before driving to Oberammergau for the passion play the next day, one night there and then with heavy hearts for many reasons due to the subline and the sacred we will need to travel home.

Basic Itinerary

DAY ONE - SATURDAY 12TH JUNE

London - Brescia - Merano

Scheduled flight from Stansted to Brescia. Onward transfer (about 2 hours) by coach to the attractive spa town of Merano, situated in the upper adige. Franz Kafka loved this town "Everlasting snow and rocky areas overlook subtropical paradises, a small representation of the continent from Scandinavia to the Riviera, from Ice deserts to sweet lands in bloom". Check into our comfortable, centrally-located hotel, The Europa-Splendid, for a five night stay. Dinner will be in our hotel on each night of our stay in Merano.

DAY TWO - SUNDAY 13TH JUNE

Merano

Today we get our bearings in Merano, and recommended are two walks; the first runs along the Passirio River and is known as the Summer Promenade, where we walk through a delightful park with palm trees and pines. For an overview of the town, there is a second walk, the passeggiata Tappeiner, which is situated high above the town, from which there are breathtaking views as far as the Tyrol. Back in the town, the Gothic Cathedral of St Nicholas is worth a visit, as well as the arcaded Via Dei Portici, which was the main street in medieval times.

DAY THREE - MONDAY 14TH JUNE

Bolzano

We take a trip by coach to the capital of the region, Bolzano, which is a real gem containing arcaded streets and gabled houses, shops, cafes, beer cellars and wonderful to browse in or just relax. The cathedral which dates back to the 6th century, should be our first port of call, as well as the Chiesa dei Domenicani (the Dominican church) dating from the 14th century and containing the Chapel of San Giovanni with frescoes from the Giotto school. Don't forget the Piazza Walther, in the heart of Bolzano and the Via Dei Portici, with its enchanting houses. Return to Merano in the late afternoon.

DAY FOUR - TUESDAY 15TH JUNE

Dolomites

Today we drive up to Selva, for those who wish you can take the ski lift up to the top of the mountains and walk the pass of Val Gardena where the coach will be waiting for us. We have time for lunch at Corvara, famous for its apple strudel, before continuing around the Sella Ronda returning to Merano.

DAY FIVE - WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE

Merano

At leisure, with a chance to take to the waters, shop, or visit a local winery or just to relax. There could be a chance for a guided walk today.

DAY SIX - THURSDAY 17TH JUNE

Merano - Innsbruck Area

Early departure from Merano. Drive north into Austria to the Innsbruck area for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY SEVEN - FRIDAY 18TH JUNE

Oberammergau

Morning departure to Oberammergau where we deposit our luggage in the guesthouse before enjoying a three-course lunch. The Passion Play commences at 2:30pm, the interval is at 5pm, during which we will be served a three-course dinner, before witnessing the second part of the Passion Play which starts at 8pm and finishes at 10:30pm, after which we transfer to our guesthouse.

DAY EIGHT - FRIDAY 18TH JUNE

Munich Area

After breakfast transfer to Munich airport for our return flight to London Stansted.

Travel Dates and Cost:

12th June 2010 - 19th June 2010
£998

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Terms of Payment:

A deposit payment of £100 plus a completed booking form is required to secure your booking.

A further payment of £200 is due by May 2009.

The balance payment is due on 12th April 2010.

THIS TRIP INCLUDES:

Tickets for the Passion Play in Oberammergau, scheduled flights Stansted - Brescia / Innsbruck - East Midlands or Munich - Stansted. UK, Italy and Austria airport taxes, 15kg luggage allowance per person. 6 nights 3-star accommodation in Merano and the Innsbruck area on half board basis, 1 night guesthouse accommodation in Oberammergau on full board basis, all touring and transfers in Italy, Austria and germany by air-conditioned coach as per the itinerary. Pax Travel Tour Escort to accompany the group throughout the pilgrimage.

EXTRAS:

Travel insurance (as yet unknown for 2010), single room supplement at £112 per person for the 7 nights (limited availability). Lunches, except in Oberammergau, drinks and souvenirs. Travel within the UK.

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS AND WORSHIP:

Anglican