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Switzerland - the awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping magnificence and beauty of God’s world. The Oberammergau Passion Play – a powerful portrayal of Jesus Christ as he enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and follows him through his resurrection. This world renowned event, only performed every 10 years, combined with the high country of Europe makes our 16 days together an unforgettable, memory making experience.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 - Depart from your favorite airport and arrive in Zurich, the financial capital of Switzerland on Thursday, July 15. Our private bus will transport us to our 4-star hotel for a 2 night stay. A special welcome dinner will bring us together. (D)*
Friday, July 16 – Our morning tour will introduce us to Zurich. We will see the Fraumuenster church, the location of the famous Marc Chagall windows, as well as the Grossmuenster church. Zurich has much to offer in history, culture, cuisine and scenic beauty. The afternoon and evening is yours to explore as you choose. (B)
Saturday, July 17 – We depart in the morning for our drive into Southern Germany passing the Bodensee, the 3rd largest lake in Europe. Better known as Lake Constance to the English speaking world, this large body of water is part of the Rhine River. Switzerland, Germany and Austria share this area. One of these countries will be our lunch stop! This afternoon we arrive in Bad Kohlgrub, right outside Oberammergau, and enjoy our spa hotel! (B, D)
Sunday, July 18 – In 1633, the villagers of Oberammergau were dwindling in numbers. The 30 years war and the plague had caused much suffering and many deaths. Those left vowed to perform the “play of suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ” every year if they were spared from extinction. Now, presented every 10 years, it is a strong spiritual expression of the villager’s commitment to fulfilling their vows. For the first time since 1634, the play will be presented in the afternoon and evening, with a dinner break included. See it this historic year – do not wait another 10 years! We will experience this live production from the best location in the theater. (B, L, D)
Monday, July 19 - This morning we will return to Switzerland, with a stop in Vaduz, the capital city of Lichtenstein. We’ll have time for a city tour including a visit to the famous Postal Museum. Our destination is Chur, the capital of the Swiss Canton of Graubunden. (B, D)
Tuesday, July 20 – Chur is the oldest town in Switzerland. Romans marched through the Julier Pass in 15BC and into the city. Most of Europe has followed one of the 14 different passes into Chur over the past centuries. The influences of cultures along with the geographical location in Switzerland make for a town where 3 languages are spoken – Swiss German, Italian and Romansch. Our morning tour will point out the highlights and you will have the afternoon and evening to discover the painted streets and where they lead. (B)
Wednesday, July 21 – Today we take a short ride and head south to the world famous resort of St. Mortiz. The highest peaks in the Eastern Alps will surround us. This day is yours to enjoy this area. Take it a bit easy as you walk on the lake front or take the mountain cableway to the Corviglia where the view is spectacular. Our elevation today is over 5,000 feet! Hikers may want to explore some of the 150 miles of trails! St. Mortiz offers a wide range of leisure activities – even just sitting and taking in the incredible Upper Engadine scenery. (B, D)
Thursday, July 22 – Train enthusiast – this is your day; a dream comes true. We are taking the famous Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt, home of the world famous Matterhorn. This 7 ½ hour journey will cross 291 bridges and viaducts, go through 91 tunnels and 7 Swiss valleys. Our panoramic windows in 1st class allow viewing of all the spectacular scenery. Lunch will be served at our seats as we take in the magnificent Swiss Alps. (B, L, D)
Friday, July 23 – Step outside your Zermatt hotel to enjoy the crisp, fresh air and see the Matterhorn watching over the village. Our morning tour takes us up to the Gornergrat cog train to see the stunning view of numerous mountain peaks and an unforgettable Matterhorn scene. Make sure your camera is close at hand! The rest of the afternoon and night is yours to enjoy Zermatt. (B)
Saturday, July 24 – The Jungfrau region of the Bernese Oberland is our destination for today. We begin on a train out of Zermatt, connect with a bus, and get back on the Wengernalpbahn (cog train) which will take us to Wengen to begin our 3 night stay. Wengen sits on the side of a hill overlooking the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains surround the area. It is an ideal place to relax, hike or take one of the 15 cable cars to beautiful viewpoints. (B, D)
Sunday, July 25 - The village of Wengen is complete with churches, a swimming pool, a bit of shopping and the train or cable cars for those who enjoy hiking or just riding! Our hotel in Wengen sits across the street from the train station. An optional tour, “Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe”, is offered for those who enjoy going to the top – at 11,333 ft elevation! (B)
Monday, July 26 – This is your second day for exploring. You can create your own optional tour of visiting villages, hiking, riding cable cars of the Bernese Oberland or even maybe enjoying a waterfall! (B)
Tuesday, July 27 – We bid Wengen “auf wiedersehen” and head to the lovely city of Lucerne. Our city tour will introduce us to the famous Lion monument, the Jesuit church which dates from the 17th century and the medieval Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe. (B, D)
Wednesday, July 28 – Pilatus, the mountain that reflects in the lake surrounding Lucerne, is our destination this morning. The afternoon is yours for last minute shopping, enjoying the “Weinmarkt” in the car-free historic square of Lucerne, or walking along the top of the “Museggmauer” (the city wall built in 1400). Tonight’s special farewell dinner on Lake Lucerne will be a highlight to remember! (B, D)
Thursday, July 29 – We head back to Zurich airport after breakfast for our return flights. We take with us our memories of Swiss peaks, German performances, an appreciation for the culture and lifestyles we have encountered. (B)
LAND ONLY TOUR FEE: $4,279 per person double occupancy; $405 for single supplement. Tour fee is based on 20 participants. Tour fee may be adjusted if group size is below 20. Maximum size of group will be 20 plus 1 escort.
LAND ONLY TOUR FEE INCLUDES: 3 and 4 star hotel accommodations for 2 nights in Zurich, 2 nights in Bad Kohlgrub, 2 nights in Chur; 1 night in St. Mortiz, 2 nights in Zermatt, 3 nights in Wengen, 2 nights in Lucerne; 14 breakfast, 2 lunches, 9 dinners including special welcome dinner and farewell dinner; HC2 accommodations/1A ticketing for Oberammergau Passion Play; 1st class seating on The Glacier Express St. Mortiz-Zermatt; 2nd class seating on trains between Zermatt, Wengen and Lucerne; private, deluxe bus transportation; guided tours with English speaking guide; entrance fees as in itinerary, tips.
