Discover Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria
with Oberammergau’s Passion Play
Presented By: Trinity University

Day 1: Saturday, June 26, 2010 Overnight Flight
Discover spectacular Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria on a tour featuring multiple night stays in three cities. The Alpine city of Engelberg is your host for three nights while you explore the many cultural aspects and spectacular scenery that only Switzerland offers. Then, an extended stay in Innsbruck offers the perfect vantage point for exploring the delights of Austria and Bavaria. Your tour of the region concludes with a stay in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau which includes the amazing Passion Play.

Day 2: Sunday, June 27, 2010 Engelberg, Switzerland - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Engelberg, a mountain-side resort nestled at the foot of Mt. Titlis. Relax in this beautiful village as you stroll the streets that are surrounded by white snowcapped peaks. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D)

Day 3: Monday, June 28, 2010 Engelberg - Bern - Engelberg
This morning you travel to the capital of Switzerland, Bern. Explore delightful Bern on a panoramic sightseeing tour featuring the Bundeshaus (the Swiss Parliament), the famous Bear Pit, the Rose Gardens, and the gothic cathedral, which dominates the Old Town skyline. Your visit to the Bear Pit will answer the question as to why bears are so revered in this beguiling city. LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Swiss cheese fondue dinner in one of Bern’s local restaurants. (B, D)

Day 4: Tuesday, June 29, 2010 Engelberg - Lucerne - Engelberg
Today you travel to Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Enjoy a leisurely-paced Alstadt (Old Town) walking tour exploring the hidden treasures of the city. In addition to its natural charm and tranquility, Lucerne has more than 800 years of history. Explore such medieval treasures as the covered Chapel Bridge (1333); the famous Water Tower which has served as a prison, watchtower and treasury; the Renaissance-style Town Hall; the baroque Jesuit Church; and the Lion Monument, carved from natural rock to commemorate the heroic Swiss Guard. (B)

Day 5: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 Engelberg - Innsbruck, Austria
Travel the picturesque highways of Switzerland to the Austrian border and the striking Olympic city of Innsbruck, the “Capital of the Tyrol.” A local guide leads a panoramic Innsbruck city tour highlighting the popular thoroughfare, Maria Theresienstrasse; the Hofburg, now a museum, but once the seat of Habsburg princes; and the “Golden Roof,” all set against the imposing backdrop of the lovely Austrian Alps. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner featuring local specialties. (B, D)

Day 6: Thursday, July 01, 2010 Innsbruck - Salzburg - Innsbruck
Travel through the picturesque Austrian countryside to Salzburg, a city filled with beautiful gardens and wondrous architecture. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely-paced walking tour featuring Mirabell Gardens (seen in the "Sound of Music"), the quaint Getreidegasse (site of Mozart’s birthplace), and many other highlights of this beautiful city. The afternoon is at leisure to explore and enjoy Salzburg’s fabulous sights. The day concludes with a delightful dinner in the historic city center at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant, Austria’s oldest, which may have hosted both Charlemagne and Columbus. (B, D)

Day 7: Friday, July 02, 2010 Innsbruck
Today is at leisure for you to enjoy this beautiful city. You may choose to stroll through the old town and shop at many of the city’s outstanding stores or perhaps venture into one of the city’s many interesting museums. Or, you may just relax and breathe in the fresh mountain air while enjoying a beverage in the many cafés that truly make Innsbruck the charming city that it is. (B)

Day 8: Saturday, July 03, 2010 Innsbruck - Bavaria, Germany - Oberammergau
Fairy tales come to life today with a picture stop at Bavaria’s most famous castle, Neuschwanstein. Next, visit Wies Church, proclaimed a World Heritage site, before proceeding to Oberammergau. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief orientation tour of this quaint, picturesque village. (B, D)

Day 9: Sunday, July 04, 2010 Oberammergau - Passion Play
The morning is yours to enjoy at leisure. This afternoon, witness the performance of the Passion Play. The original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, the village of Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the villagers vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the life of Christ. The performers are native Oberammergauers. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast start to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers. During the break of the performance, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Monday, July 05, 2010 Oberammergau/Garmisch-Partenkirchen-Tour Ends
(B)




June 26 - July 5, 2010
10 Days • 15 Meals
8 Breakfasts • 1 Lunches • 6 Dinners
Highlights: Engelberg, Bern, Bear Pit, Lucerne, Innsbruck, Austrian Alps, Salzburg, Mirabell Gardens, St. Peter’s Restaurant, Bavaria, Oberammergau, Passion Play
"Leisure Stays" are tours in which the itineraries are designed to allow for multiple-night stays in two or more cities. This allows you a more leisurely pace and more time to explore the destinations on your own.
Rates Per Person
Double: $5349, Single: $5949
*Included in Price: Round Trip Air from San Antonio Intl, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $280 (subject to increase until paid in full), Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $350 per person, Hotel Transfers.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 Overnight Flight
Day 2 - 4 Europaischer Hof - Hotel Europe, Engelberg
Day 5 - 7 Innsbruck Hotel, Innsbruck
Day 8 - 9 Oberammergau or Garmisch- Partenkirchen Hotel, Oberammergau
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Essential Experiences
  • Visit Bern and explore this delightful capital city, including the intriguing Bear Pit.
  • Enjoy some of Switzerland’s finest shopping in Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake”.
  • Travel to Bavaria and see the famous Neuschwanstein Castle.
  • Spend a day exploring Salzburg’s historic past and charming old town.
For more information call
 Mary Kay Cooper
Trinity University
(210) 999-8404
Included Meals Key
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

AVAILABLE OPTIONS:
Innsbruck
Spectacular Seefeld and Country Cottage Visit • $75.00
How better to spend a free day than visiting the romantic Alpine village of Seefeld. Beautifully situated at 3,600 feet above sea level, this charming Tyrolean town commands breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. Known as one of the world's great ski resorts, Seefeld offers a relaxed atmosphere in an Alpine setting with miles of trails for walking, lakes, fine shopping, dining possibilities, and pure Alpine fresh air. After arriving by train, enjoy a glass of schnapps and a traditional horse and buggy ride before shopping in some of the quaint village stores. While at the small country home, learn how to make your own apple strudel and indulge in the chance to sample one of Austria’s famous sweets!
Tyrolean Folklore Dinner Show • $75.00
Tonight enjoy an evening of Tyrolean hospitality. First enjoy a typical Austrian meal before the show begins. Once the show commences, you will fall in love with the culture and music that has made the region famous throughout the world. The evening’s program will include authentic folk music, Tyrolean dances and “shoe-slapping” as well as typical Tyrolean songs and “yodelling." This will be an evening to remember.
Lucerne
Mount Pilatus • $65.00
Enjoy the splendor of pure nature while gliding over a clear landscape in panoramic gondolas and spectacular cable cars. Ascend Pilatus via a unique excursion on the steepest railway of the world with a gradient of 48%. Upon arrival at the top, soak in the magnificent Alpine view from 7,000 ft. above sea level. During leisure time at the summit, stroll the walkway for views from a different vantage point, or enjoy Swiss culinary delights on your own in one of the various restaurants (lunch is not included). Return back down the mountain by panoramic gondola for yet another bird’s eye view. Highest elevation: 7,000 feet.
Salzburg
Eagle's Nest • $45.00
A special treat awaits you today as you travel to the Eagle's Nest - Hitler's former private refuge, built as a teahouse for his 50th birthday. Upon reaching the town of Obersalzberg, you will board specially designed coaches for the adventurous and breathtaking ride along the steep rock walls and gorges which lead to the base of the Kehlstein. A large brass elevator will carry you up the final 365 feet into the Eagle's Nest. From here, you are sure to enjoy the spectacular views in every direction.
CANCELLATION WAIVER:

Worry-Free Cancelation
Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travelers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.

Plus, you're covered on tour.
Our cancellation waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.

Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is just $350 per person.

Click here for complete details.

TRAVEL TIPS:
Discover Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria
Listed below is important information to assist you in preparing for your upcoming trip. This information provided will help you have a more enjoyable experience while you are on your tour.
Accommodations
On some programs, there are a limited number of single and triple rooms. Double rooms usually consist of 2 beds. Triple rooms are normally a standard double room with 2 beds. A cot or rollaway bed may be added to the double room at some hotels, based on room size and fire codes. When triples are not available, appropriate charges for single and twin accommodations will be assessed. We make every effort to accommodate your specific requests and forward them to the hotels. These requests cannot be guaranteed as hotels may not always be able to honor them. Check-in times are set by individual hotel properties and vary by hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there may be a delay in gaining access to your room as most hotels offer afternoon check-in. We ask guests to observe check-out times at all properties as designated by the hotel. Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. Hotel membership programs are not applicable. In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than standard U.S. accommodations. Please be assured that we use high quality properties throughout each country.
Clothing & Packing Tips
As you prepare to explore Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria, enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. It is recommended to bring clothing that may be worn in layers that may be added or removed as the temperature changes with altitude adjustments. For special evenings, smart casual attire is preferred such as a pantsuit or dress for ladies and a jacket and tie for gentlemen. Pack a sweater or light jacket for your visit to the mountains, as the temperature can be much cooler. We recommend packing a swimsuit. The Alpine region be rainy at times; therefore, rain gear is suggested such as a raincoat, umbrella, and an extra pair of walking shoes.
Electricity
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. Voltage for Europe is 220.
Helpful Hints
Bring a camera, memory cards, film, and batteries and be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring an extra battery, plus proper recharging equipment. Due to security screening, we recommend storing your equipment in your carry-on luggage. Bring a travel alarm clock, travel sewing kit and an alcohol based gel hand sanitizer when soap and water is not accessible. Pack items that may leak in plastic bags. Do not pack any articles of value in your checked luggage. As a precaution, we suggest that you divide the contents of your suitcase with your traveling companion. Avoid over packing and leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home.
Contact your travel clinic or personal physician for specific details and inoculations that may be required or recommended to participate on this tour. Fly in comfortable clothing and shoes. Since temperatures can vary when flying, it is advisable to bring a sweater on flights. Drink plenty of water and juice on the long-haul segments of your trip. You may want to avoid alcoholic beverages during the flight, as they are dehydrating. Exercise on board the aircraft. Bring books, magazines and snacks for your flight(s). Bring a copy of your passport/identification and pack it separately from the original. Leave a copy of your tour itinerary at home with your emergency contact as well as a copy of your passport.
Miscellaneous
If you are considering using your cell phone while traveling internationally, you should check with your cell provider concerning their access and charges for overseas calls, texting and emailing for the specific destination you are traveling to.
Reading List
Interested in reading about your destination before you depart? Collette has pre-selected travel guides, novels and books on history, nature and art to help enhance your total vacation experience. You can access the complete list by typing the following into your web browser. Select the region of the world to find your tour: http://www.collettevacations.com/travel-books.cfm
Shopping
One of the best parts of traveling is coming back home with souvenirs that really reflect the place you’ve just been. Beautiful Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria are Alpine countries filled with countless crafts that reflect the charm and beauty of this gorgeous area of the world. As you make your way through Austria, look for crystal figurines, jewelry, traditional clothing, Mozart chocolates, as well as hummel figurines, leather goods, designer wear, fashion accessories, and beer steins. Germany is world-renowned for its cuckoo clocks, beer steins, wood carvings, nut crackers, smokers, and Christmas ornaments. Be on the lookout in Switzerland for watches, music boxes, wood carvings, embroidered linens and lacework, Swiss Army knives and chocolate. If you purchase DVDs or other electronic equipment abroad, check that they are compatible with your PC or other home equipment. Bargaining in local markets does not typically take place, although it is not a bad idea to make a counter offer at the time of purchase. In general, the quality of everyday items and standard goods is as high or higher than what you will find elsewhere.
Time Zone
All countries on this tour are 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.