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THE ALPS

ALONG THE RHINE AND DANUBE

Germany – Austria – ItalySwitzerland
See the Passion Play at Oberammergau
Oberammergau Mini-Package




A Matterhorn Travel Program
Our 4th Season at the Oberammergau Passion Play
1980 - 1990 - 2000 - 2010
Travel With Experience

Pricing   |   Departure Dates   |   Hotels   |   Terms and Conditions
The Passion Play at Oberammergau
The Passion Play at Oberammergau is a unique experience on a
grand scale. The Play combines dramatic grandeur with a faithfully
observed religious tradition. Each of our tour members will receive a
first class seat at the Play.

The history of the play dates back to 1633, when the Bubonic Plague
or "Black Death" was devastating Europe. The villagers of Oberammergau
vowed to re-enact the Passion of Christ every ten years if the village were
spared further deaths by the plague. The village was spared and,
beginning in 1634, Oberammergau has kept its promise and performed
its Passion Play for over 370 years!

The Passion Play has become world famous. Nearly half a million people
of many religious faiths and nationalities attend the Play. The performance
lasts from 2:30PM to 5:00PM and from 8:00PM to 10:30PM. More than 1,000
villagers perform in the Play.The men grow long hair and beards to conform
to the traditional images of Jesus and the Apostles.

During the evening break, there will be time to explore this charming
village. Many of its inhabitants are wood carvers and its shops are
full of wood figures, mostly of religious themes.

Scene from the Passion Play - Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem
One Week, Escorted

Includes:

  • Round trip flight to Frankfurt, Germany
  • Two nights accommodations at first class
    hotels near Frankfurt
  • One night in Regensburg on the Danube
  • Three nights accommodations at four star
    hotels in Alpine Villages in Bavaria or the Tyrol
  • Buffet breakfast and dinner each day
Siteseeing:
    Heidelberg, Regensburg, Munich, Innsbruck, Oberammergau, Rothenburg

 

Special Features:

  • First class seating at the Oberammergau Passion Play
  • Rhine River Cruise
  • Danube River boat ride
  • Dinner with entertainment at Rudesheim
    am Rhine
  • Buffet breakfast and dinner each day
  • Travel between cities via deluxe, air-conditioned
    motorcoach with English speaking tour manager
  • Round trip airport transfers
  • Hotel porterage

1st Day, Tuesday
USA – Frankfurt
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Fly this afternoon from your departure city to Frankfurt. Beverages, dinner and continental breakfast will be served
in-flight. There is also a movie for your in-flight enjoyment.

 

2nd Day, Wednesday
Frankfurt – Rhine Cruise
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The Rhine. We will cruise on the Rhine.

Arrive Frankfurt in the morning, local time. Upon arrival, we will be met
and transferred to your hotel.

Morning at leisure.

This afternoon enjoy a delightful cruise on the Rhine. See the vineyards of the famous Rhine wines,
the many barges on this busy waterway and perhaps best of all, the fairy tale castles around almost
every bend in the River. Of particular note are the famous Lorelei rocks immortalized in the classic
poem of Heinrich Heine. Set to music, the poem tells the story of boatmen lured to their death by a
beautiful maiden sitting on the rocks, combing her long blond hair while singing her fateful song.

After your cruise, arrive at Rudesheim am Rhine. Just a couple blocks from the pier is Rudesheim's
Drosselgasse. Stroll on this quaint street, dating back to medieval times.

Dinner and entertainment are included this evening at the delightful Rudesheimer Schloss, one of
the Rhine's most popular restaurants. Enjoy some of the finest wine in Germany, excellent food, and
entertainment - a lively setting for your first evening in Germany.


 

3rd Day, Thursday
Heidelberg – Regensburg on the Danube
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Along the Danube at Regensburg. We will take a boat ride
on the Danube.

“Down where the Neckar flows swiftly along
Nestles a town that is famous in song
Twilight comes stealing and moonlight shines down
Painting with silver old Heidelberg town!”
- Golden Days, from The Student Prince
     Sigmund Romberg

This morning we'll visit Heidelberg, the romantic university town nestled in the valley of
the Neckar River. Founded in 1196, Heidelberg University is the oldest in Germany. We'll see
Heidelberg Castle, overlooking the city.

Continue to Regensburg on the Danube.

A local guide will take us on a walking tour of the Old Town of Regensburg, founded as a
Roman fortress in 179 A.D.

Yesterday we were on the Rhine.Today we'll enjoy a boat ride on the Danube.The Danube has
become famous all over the world, due to the waltz of Johann Strauss. Although the Danube is not
blue, it is beautiful, nevertheless, as it flows through the German countryside, to Austria, Eastern
Europe and the Black Sea.


 

 

 

4th Day, Friday
Munich – Tyrol Alps
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This morning we will visit Munich, the wonderful capital of Bavaria. See the National Theatre, one of the world's most beautiful opera houses, and the
baroque Theatinerkirche built in 1633. Everywhere catch glimpses of the many church steeples, including the magnificent twin towers of the
Frauenkirche, Munich's cathedral and landmark. Pass the imposing Maximilianeum, seat of the Bavarian parliament, and the Residenz, the former
Bavarian Royal Palace. The Treasury houses a fabulous collection of crown jewels, coins, and porcelains.

You may wish to visit the Hofbrauhaus. Famed in story and song, the Hofbrauhaus and its Bavarian band offer a jolly atmosphere of guaranteed fun.

Depart Munich this afternoon and proceed south into Austria. Arrive soon in the Tyrol, our home for the next three nights.

 

5th Day, Saturday
Innsbruck
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Innsbruck: Capital of Tyrol

 


Today we will visit Innsbruck.

Located on the River Inn, Innsbruck is the capital of the Tyrol. Explore this
delightful city, scene of the 1976 Olympic Games. Stroll in the quaint Old City,
filled with interesting buildings, some dating back to medieval times. Don't miss
seeing the famous Golden Roof in the Old City. Tyrolean hats and walking sticks
are popular souvenirs of Innsbruck.







 

 

 

 

6th Day, Sunday
Oberammergau
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Morning at leisure.

This afternoon and evening we will attend the Passion Play at Oberammergau.


The Oberammergau Passion Play concludes with a powerful scene: The Triumph and Glorification
of Christ.


Amid the adoring songs of the Chorus and the symphonic tones of the music, the just men of the
Old Testament gather before the Divine and Glorious Majesty: there are our First Parents, Adam
and Eve, Moses, John the Baptist, Mary, Mother of God and the Apostles. An Angel with the Cross
symbolizes the Redemption; another, with the Chalice, signifies the unbloody renewal of the sacrifice
of the Cross. All join in the chorus: “Alleluia! Praise, honour, power and glory be to Thee for ever
and ever!”




7th Day, Monday
Rothenburg – Worms – Frankfurt
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This morning proceed to Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber.

Rothenburg is completely encircled by battle scarred walls and is the best preserved medieval town in Germany. Dating from the 16th century,
the town is protected by its ramparts and overlooks the winding course of the river Tauber. There will be time to stroll among the narrow streets
of this wonderful city of the middle ages.

“Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me.”
Martin Luther at Worms

It was at Worms that Martin Luther stood on his ground against the papal authorities in 1520 and was excommunicated and outlawed. As we visit
this city by the Rhine River, we'll reflect on the courage of this great man, the Great Reformer who became the father of the Protestant faith.

We will see the monument to Luther and the Reformers - it is the largest Reformation monument in the world.

Continue to the Frankfurt area for our farewell evening.

 

8th Day, Tuesday
Frankfurt – USA
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All good things must come to an end..

This morning we will be transferred to Frankfurt Airport to board our return flight to the U.S. Beverages and meals will be served
in flight and a movie will also be available.

Arrive back in the U.S. this afternoon.
Garmisch - one of our bases in the Alps

 






Prices
Prices Per Person, Double Occupancy
From the East Boston, New York, Newark $4095
From the Mid-Atlantic Washington, Philadelphia $4195
From Chicago and the Mid-West Chicago, Detroit $4245
From the Carolinas Charlotte $4345
From Atlanta Atlanta $4295
From Florida Miami, Orlando $4345
From Texas Dallas, Ft. Worth, Houston $4395
From the West Denver, Phoenix $4445
From the Pacific Coast Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland $4495

Land Only Price: $3295 per person, double occupancy.

Single Room Supplement $247. Triple Room Reduction $20 per person.
Add $292 U.S. and foreign airport and security taxes


Stay Longer

Venice - Lake Maggiore - Swiss Alps - Rhine Falls - Black Forest

 
     
You're already over there, so it's easy -
and inexpensive - to visit Italy and Switzerland
 

 
Here's what's included:

  • Three nights in Italy and Switzerland at four star hotels

  • Breakfast and dinner each day

  • Sightseeing:
    Venice, Lake Maggiore, Swiss Alps, Rhine Falls, Black Forest

  • Travel between cities via deluxe, air conditioned motorcoach with English
    speaking guide

  • Hotel porterage and tax


 

7th Day, Monday
Venice
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This morning, drive across the Brenner Pass to Italy and proceed to Venice, perhaps the most fascinating city in Europe and certainly the most romantic.

The main "thoroughfare" of Venice is the Grand Canal. Enjoy a Vaporetto boat ride on this waterway and arrive at St. Mark's Square, called the "largest
living room in the world." Visit the Basilica of St. Mark and the famous belltower in the Square. See the palace of the Doges and the legendary Bridge of Sighs.
For more romantic sightseeing, you may wish to hire a gondola (not included). There will be time for browsing and shopping in this elegant city.

Dinner this evening is at a popular restaurant in Venice.

 

8th Day, Tuesday
Stresa, Lake Maggiore
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Isola Pescatori, Lake Maggiore

This morning we will proceed to the Italian Lake Region and arrive at Stresa,
beautifully located on the shores of Lake Maggiore. The Lake Region is the
most beautiful part of Italy and one of the most beautiful regions in all of Europe.

This afternoon is at leisure to browse, shop and sightsee in the lovely town of Stresa.

You may wish to take a boat ride on the lake and visit one or more of the islands - Isola Bella
(Beautiful Island), Isola Madre (Mother's Island) and Isola Pescatori (Fisherman's Island).
Shuttle boats run about every half hour.

Or, just swim, stroll, and take it easy in this beautiful Italian lakeside setting.








9th Day, Wednesday
Switzerland
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Say arrive derci to Italy this morning and drive into Switzerland. Today's journey will show us the magnificent scenery of the Swiss Alps - an unforgettable
panorama of mountain majesty and beauty.

Drive across the San Bernardino Pass in Switzerland, where we will overnight amidst the splendor of the Swiss Alps.

 

10th Day, Thursday
Rhine Falls – Black Forest – Worms – Frankfurt
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Last week we were on the Rhine River. This morning we will see the Rhine again - way upstream - as the largest water falls in Europe.
The Rhine Falls were formed in the last ice age - about 14,000 to 17,000 years ago.

Next, we will return to Germany and enter the Black Forest. Along with lovely scenery and friendly people, the Black Forest is famous for
cuckoo clocks.

We will drive northwest through the forest before joining the autobahn and proceeding to Worms.

“Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me.”
Martin Luther at Worms

It was at Worms that Martin Luther stood his ground against the papal authorities in 1520 and was excommunicated and outlawed.
As we visit this city by the Rhine River, we'll reflect on the courage of this great man, the Great Reformer who became the father of
the Protestant faith.

We will see the monument to Luther and the Reformers - it is the largest Reformation monument in the world.

Continue to our hotel near Frankfurt for our farewell evening in Germany.

 

11th Day, Friday
Frankfurt – USA
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All good things must come to an end.

This morning we will be transferred to Frankfurt Airport to board our return flight to the U.S. Beverages and meals will be served in flight
and a movie will also be available.

Arrive back in the U.S. in the afternoon.

 


Inclusive Cost for Extension

$1495 Per Person, Double Occupancy
Single Room Supplement $212



Eleven Departures / 2010
Depart USA Return from Frankfurt
(One Week)
Return from Frankfurt
(Ten Days)
June 8 June 15 June 18
June 15 June 22 June 25
June 22 June 29 July 2
June 29 July 6 July 9
July 6 July 13 July 16
July 13 July 20 July 23
July 20 July 27 July 30
July 27 August 3 August 6
September 14 September 21 September 24
September 21 September 28 October 1
September 28 October 5 October 8





Oberammergau Mini-Package

3 Nights

See the Passion Play Without a Tour


Here's what's included:

  • First class seating at the Oberammergau Passion Play

  • Three nights accommodations at four star hotels near Garmisch

  • Buffet breakfast each morning; dinner each evening

  • Round trip transfer from Garmisch Train Station to hotel

  • Round trip transfer from hotel to Oberammergau

  • Visit to Innsbruck

  • Hotel porterage



Friday afternoon, 5:00 pm
Begin Matterhorn arrangements

Transfer via motorcoach from Garmisch Train Station to your four star hotel.

Participants with their own car can drive directly to
the hotel.

Saturday
This morning is at leisure to savour the beautiful scenery of the Alps.

This afternoon visit Innsbruck.

Sunday
Attend the Passion Play at Oberammergau.

Round trip transfers and first class ticket are included.


Monday
Transfer this morning to Garmisch Train Station.
End Matterhorn arrangements.

Participants with their own car can proceed directly
from the hotel to their next destination.

Inclusive Cost for Mini-Package

$1495 Per Person, Double Occupancy
Single Room Supplement $124




WEEKEND MINI-PACKAGES
   
Meet at Garmisch Train Station Return to Garmisch Train Station
Friday Afternoon, 5:00 pm Monday morning, 9:00 am
   
June 11 June 14
June 18 June 21
June 25 June 28
   
July 2 July 5
July 9 July 12
July 16 July 19
July 23 July 26
July 30 August 2
   
September 17 September 20
September 24 September 27
October 1 October 4
   



A Matterhorn Travel Program
Our 4th Season at the Oberammergau Passion Play
1980 - 1990 - 2000 - 2010
Travel With Experience

 

Hotels
Frankfurt Area Maritim, Sheraton, Dorint
Regensburg Marriott, Mercure
Zugspitze Area Alpina, Kaltschmid, Hochland
Venice/Padua Sheraton, Plaza
Stresa LaPalma, Astoria
Swiss Alps Sunstar

Note: Most hotels in the Alps are cozy and small, reflecting the character and charm of the alpine countryside.
The above hotels all have four stars, and other four star hotels in Bavaria and the Tyrol may also be included.

 

Left to right: Vonnie Block,
Kathy McCary, Ken Block, JoAnn West

Our holiday is operated by Matterhorn Travel.

Established in 1966, Matterhorn Travel has carried over 50,000 passengers to Europe. Matterhorn officers have a combined experience of 102 years with the company.

Please note the all-inclusive nature of our trips. There are no hidden operational costs. We include all features for a complete holiday - breakfasts, dinners every evening, and full sightseeing.



Terms and Conditions Back to Top

Deposits and Final Payments
An initial deposit of $400 per person must be sent with the reservation(s). Final payment is due two months before departure.

Responsibility
These tours are under the operation and management of Matterhorn Travel Service, Inc., 3419 Hidden River View, Annapolis, Maryland 21403.
The Tour Operator shall be responsible for supplying the services and accommodations as outlined in this brochure, except to the extent that
such services and accommodations cannot be supplied due to delays or other causes beyond its control, in which case the operator will use
its best efforts to supply comparable services and accommodations. The Tour Operator reserves the right at its discretion to change the
sequence or alter any part of the itinerary or hotel accommodations, without prior notice for any reason; but in the event of substantial
reduction in the services rendered, a proportionate refund will be made to tour participants upon written request to the Tour Operator.
If there is a major change in the itinerary, participants will be notified before departure and offered an opportunity to cancel with full refund.

In the absence of negligence by the Tour Operator, the Tour Operator accepts no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to
delays or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather strikes, or other causes. All such losses or expenses will be borne by the
passenger. The tour member waives any claim against the Tour Operator for any damage to or loss of property or injury or death of persons
due to any act of negligence of any hotels, or any other persons rendering any of the services or accommodations included in the ground
portion of the itinerary. The Tour Operator shall not be responsible for any delays, substitution of equipment or any act of omission whatsoever
by the carrier, its agents, servants and employees, and tour member hereby waives any claim arising therefrom. Tour participants agree that
the Tour Operator has no responsibility or liability of any nature whatsoever for loss, damage or injury to property or person resulting from air
transportation. The air carrier provides insurance for the protection of passengers and performance within the provisions of its tariffs. The
Tour Operator reserves the right to decline, accept or remove any tour member as a participant of these tours at any time. If any tour member
is removed from the tour, a proportionate refund for unused services will be made.

Cancellations/Refunds
Refunds cannot be made to any passenger who does not complete the tour. In the event of cancellation by the Tour Operator, Tour Operator's
liability shall be limited to a refund of all payments made by the tour participants to Tour Operator.

All cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to the Tour Operator. If cancellation in writing is received by the Tour
Operator more than two months before tour departure, an administration charge of $90 per person will be retained. For cancellations received
within two months of departure, the following cancellation charges apply:

Two months to one month before departure: 25% of the tour price
One month to one week before departure: 60% of the tour price
Less than one week before departure: No refund

Insurance
Trip accident, health and baggage insurance is recommended. Cancellation insurance is also available and is particularly recommended.
Details will be furnished upon request.

Baggage
One suitcase per person (50 pounds) may be taken on the trip. The liability of the carrier for loss or damage to personal baggage shall
be limited to the actual value of such baggage but not more than approximately $9.07 per pound in the case of checked baggage and
approximately $400 per person in the case of unchecked baggage or other property. (Domestic-actual value not to exceed $500.)

Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are provided only for passengers arriving and departing Europe via flights reserved by the Tour Operator. Passengers
using different flights are responsible for their own airport transfers.

Special Note
Prices quoted are based on air fares, taxes, European supplier costs, and rates of foreign currency as of September 15, 2008. Prices are
subject to change prior to departure. Participants will be notified in writing at least two months before departure if there is any increase in
tour price required by such cost increases. There is no credit for unused services. Forwarding of participants' deposit(s) indicates
acceptance of these terms and conditions.

THE AIRLINES participating on this tour are not responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time the passengers are not on board
their airplanes or conveyances. The issuance of the passage contract by the airline concerned shall constitute the sole contract between
the airline and the purchaser of this tour and/or the passengers. In addition to the participating airlines, the services of any IATA and ARC
carrier may be used in connection with these tours.

This program is valid from May 1 to October 31, 2010.

 

 

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