Rhineland

Pilgrimage along the Rhine & Oberammergau, Led by The Rev'd David Youngson

Introduction

Apart from its fame as a result of the Passion Play, Oberammergau is a beautiful and picturesque Alpine village in its own right. Set in the heart of the Bavarian Alps, many of the buildings in the village are adorned with colourful frescoes, some of which depict biblical scenes, or traditional German folklore. Whilst in the village, visit the local museum and the exhibition "Passion Play in the Alps". There are two chruches in Oberammeragau, both of which are worth visiting, the Catholic Parish Church of SS Peter and Paul, and the Lutheran Kreuzkirche.

Basic Itinerary

DAY ONE - TUESDAY 1ST JUNE

Newcastle - Düsseldorf - Cologne

Scheduled flight from Newcastle to Düsseldorf. On arrival transfer by coach to Cologne for an overnight stay with dinner. Cologne is one of the few towns in Germany to pre-date the first millennium. Its Cathedral dating from the 13th century is one of the masterpieces of Gothic architecture, to be compared with Chartres and Rheims. We will have the opportunity to visit the Cathedral this afternoon.

DAY TWO - WEDNESDAY 2ND JUNE

Cologne - Koblenz

After breakfast embark from Cologne on the MS RheinEnergie, known as the "Pope's Ship", for a cruise along the middle Rhine, now a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. After a three-course lunch on board ship, we arrive at the town of Bad Hönningen and drive to the town of Koblenz for an overnight stay.

DAY THREE - THURSDAY 3RD JUNE

Koblenz - Rüdesheim

This morning we board the original paddle-steamer Goethe, and cruise to the picturesque town of Rüdesheim, past idyllic wine-growing towns, steep vineyards and dozens of castles and forts. A three-course lunch is included with today's cruise. In mid-afternoon, transfer to our hotel in Rüdesheim for an overnight stay with dinner included.

DAY FOUR - FRIDAY 4TH JUNE

Rüdesheim - Heidelberg

We make a leisuely start this morning and drive to the Romantic town of Heidelberg, which we will have the opportunity to explore, before checking into our hotel for an overnight stay with dinner included.

DAY FIVE - SATURDAY 5TH JUNE

Heidelberg - Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Oberammergau

We make an early start to visit the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber along the way south to Oberammergau, which we reach in the late afternoon. On arrival we check into out guesthouse accommodation for dinner and a two-night stay.

DAY SIX - SUNDAY 6TH JUNE

Oberammergau

This morning Eucharist will be celebrated in Oberammergau and there will be time at leisure. Around noon there will be a three-course lunch. The Passion Play commences at 2:30pm, with an interval 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 SEVEN - MONDAY 7TH JUNE

Oberammergau - Munich - Manchester/East Midlands

After breakfast transfer to Munich airport for our return flight to Manchester or East Midlands airport.

Travel Dates and Cost:

1st June 2010 - 7th June 2010
Seven Days
£1289

Book now

Terms of Payment:

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

A further payment of £200 is due by May 2009. The balance payment will be due on 1st April 2010.

Late bookings may incur a flight surcharge.

THIS TRIP INCLUDES:

Scheduled flights: Newcastle - Düsseldorf / Munich - Manchester/East Midlands, 6 nights, 3 and 4 star accommodation in shared twin-bedded rooms with private facilities in Köln, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Heidelberg and guesthouse accommodation in Oberammergau. Half board basis and lunch in Oberammergau and on each day of the cruises. All touring and transfers in Germany by air-conditioned Coach. A Pax Travel Tour Escort to accompany the group throughout the pilgrimage. Tickets for the Passion Play in Oberammergau and arrangements for religious services made. 2 Rhine cruise, with lunch included.

EXTRAS:

Travel insurance (not yet known for 2010). Single room supplement at £132 per person for the 6 nights (limited availability). Lunches (except on cruises and the day of the Passion Play), drinks & souvenirs. Coach travel within the UK.

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS AND WORSHIP:

Anglican