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Oberammergau, Amsterdam & Rhine Cruise

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Celebrate the Oberammergau Passion Play after embarking on a wonderful cruise on the Rhine

12 days Sold out
Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager

2022 Tour code: GR-ORRA-22

About the tour

The Oberammergau Passion Play is famous across the world for its marvelous retelling of the Passion of the Christ.  Embark on a wonderful 7-night cruise on the magnificent Rhine River before celebrate an unforgettable play.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – London to Amsterdam

Meet your tour escort and fellow travelers at our dedicated Departure Office at London St. Pancras and board the high-speed  Eurostar for the journey to Amsterdam. On arrival, we transfer to the cruise terminal where we board our five-star river cruise ship, the luxurious  MS Amadeus Cara. After settling into your well-appointed cabin, enjoy a welcome cocktail in the lounge before dinner this evening. Overnight ship. 

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 – Amsterdam Sightseeing

After breakfast this morning, there is a choice of three excursions, the first of which is a city tour of Amsterdam. One of the most popular of all the European cities, Amsterdam is as modern as it is historic, as young as it is old. From idyllic canals and large parks, to contemporary art galleries and futuristic architecture, this is a city that boasts something for everyone. The second option is an excursion to Hoorn for a nostalgic rail excursion aboard the Medemblik Steam Train through splendid Dutch scenery. Your third option is a half-day excursion to the Floriade Expo, the world-famous horticulture show that has been showcasing flora once a decade since 1960. 2022's theme focuses on building green cities and is certain to be filled with both beauty and innovation. Visit exhibitors from more 40 countries, meander through the colorful arboretum, and immerse yourself in Dutch culture. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Cologne

Arriving into Cologne this afternoon, we venture forth into this vibrant German city on a walking tour. We visit the resplendent cathedral, a centuries-year-old building which survived 14 aerial hits during bombing across the Second World War. We also wander through the many bustling squares, labyrinthine streets and see Romanesque townhouses. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - The Middle Rhine & the Drachenfelsbahn

We depart from Cologne this morning and discover the marvelous Middle Rhine, a stretch of river characterized by lush green meadows and postcard villages. Our Cruise Director provides us with the history of this area and highlights points of interest. This afternoon, we dock in Koenigswinter, where we embark on a journey on the Drachenfelsbahn. This rack railroad rises into the mountains and high into the forests for wonderful views across the Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany. Back on the ship, we sail to Koblenz as we indulge in a traditional gourmet dinner this evening. Overnight ship. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Rüdesheim & the Rhine Gorge

There is time this morning to explore Koblenz. This afternoon includes one of the highlights of the tour as we sail through the glorious Rhine Gorge, one of the most beautiful sections of the river and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sheer riverbanks rise up, towering over the river below, covered in deep forests and miles of green vineyards, lending an almost ethereal feel to the waterway. We enjoy a commentary from our knowledgeable Cruise Director during this passage.

Our lunch today sees us tuck into a wonderful Bavarian-themed buffet with a suckling pig as the striking centerpiece, and several smaller dishes from this part of the world making up the rest of the offerings. This evening we sail to the classic German town of Rüdesheim am Rhein, known for its formidable wine production especially of the dry Riesling variety. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Speyer & Heidelberg

We arrive in Speyer this morning, where there is free time to explore. This town is home to one of the largest privately-owned collections of vehicles in the world, the Technik Museum Speyer. Featuring an entire jumbo jet, army vehicles, emergency vehicles, a submarine and much more, this museum is a treasure trove of vehicular delights and is well worth a visit. This afternoon, take an excursion to the delightful academic town of Heidelberg, where we are treated to a guided tour. Heidelberg is famous for a magnificent ruined castle, proudly stood high above the town below, gazing down onto the river and the attractive town houses. Overnight ship. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drachenfels Railway
Day 7 – Strasbourg

Our vessel sails into the charming German town of Kehl today. Set across the Rhine from Kehl is the beautiful city of Strasbourg, whose position on the German-French border has seen it change hands between the two nations frequently throughout history. Because of this, Strasbourg represents the best of both cultures, with colorful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. You have two touring choices here. Your first option is a city tour of Strasbourg, uncovering its charm and history. The alternate option sees you travel along the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse into the famous Black Forest of Germany. Tonight, is an opportunity to dress up in our finest as we enjoy a Gala dinner with the captain and crew. Overnight ship. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Basel to Fussen by Train

After a buffet breakfast, we disembark the ship in Basel, where the cruise portion of our tour concludes. We make our way to the train station with our Tour Manager. Our rail journey takes us through Mannheim, Munich, and the spa town of Garmisch as we travel to the Oberammergau region of Germany. Overnight Fussen.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - The Oberammergau Passion Play

The magnificent Oberammergau Passion Play is held only once every 10 years and is a spectacle worthy of all that preparation. Depicting the final days of Jesus Christ, this theatrical extravaganza features a cast and crew numbering up to the thousands and features a dazzling array of props, costumes, and backdrops. The play is the oldest Passion Play in the world, first put on by the villagers in 1634 as a plea to God to save them from the plague which was flooding Germany at the time. When the plague miraculously cleared up, the villagers vowed to put on a play for every 10 years thereafter. The result is a marvelous display, one which is produced by everyone in the village for thousands of international visitors each decade. 

Split into two halves with a break for a special dinner, we enjoy the performance in the afternoon, leaving you the morning to soak up the atmosphere of this unassuming, yet distinctly charming German town. Overnight Fussen.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Strasbourg
Day 10 – Fussen at Leisure

Füssen is a storybook village located at the base of the Alps on Germany's Romantic Road. The day is free for you to explore this charming town brimming with colorful houses and historic castles. Overnight Fussen.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Basel
Day 11 – Train to Stuttgart

After breakfast, we transfer to the rail station and board a train bound for Stuttgart, where we spend the night. Overnight Stuttgart.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 – Tour Conclusion

A day of rail travel awaits after breakfast, journeying by train first to Paris, then by the premier Eurostar to London, where our tour concludes.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Hotel Accommodations

Hotels are centrally located, 3.5 to 4-star properties, selected based on quality and availability.

Pricing Plans

We offer a Standard Class and First Class rail options for departures on this tour. You can select your class using the Dates & Pricing tool.

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Trains

Drachenfels Railway
Eurostar
TGV

Ship

MS Amadeus Silver III
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