Oberammergau & The Way of St. James
The Camino, or Way of St. James, one of the great pilgrimage routes of the world which concludes in Santiago de Compostela, extends in many different European directions depending on the country from which the faithful travelled. The Jakobsweg route passes through Bavaria, and following a key section of it from Munich to Lake Constance invites appreciation of some truly majestic places of worship, along with splendid scenery and glorious food and drink (particularly local beer). Whether you are religious or not, this is the perfect combination with the iconic Oberammergau Passion Play.
Highlights
• Experience a once-per-decade Oberammergau Passion Play with Category 2 Tickets
• Visit spectacular pilgrimage churches, including the awe-inspiring Wieskirche in Steingaden
• Explore the charming villages of Lindau and Bergenz on Lake Constance
Itinerary 2022
Day 1 London – Munich
We depart from London on a direct flight to Munich and transfer to our hotel. The Bavarian capital is famous for its beer, the ‘Mad King’ Ludwig, and its Baroque and neo-classical treasures. We enjoy a walking tour on arrival to get our bearings and then our first dinner together as a group.
Hotel: Munich
Meals: D
Day 2 Munich – Andechs – Wessobrunn – Steingaden
After a tour of Munich Cathedral, or Frauenkirche, we drive to Andechs to visit the monastery situated on top of a hill. After lunch we continue to Wessobrunn Abbey, before stopping at Steingaden for the night. The day will be the perfect introduction to theatrical Bavarian Baroque architecture.
Hotel: Steingaden
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3 Steingaden – Lindau
We begin the morning at Steingaden Abbey before visiting the magnificent Wies church, a masterpiece designed by the famous Zimmermann brothers. After lunch we drive to Kempten in the foothills of the Alps, famed for its Bergkäse or hard, pressed cheese. We visit the vast early Baroque basilica of St. Lorenz and continue on to Lindau, a town on a peninsula that juts out into the lovely Lake Constance. The lake is shared by three nations: Germany, Austria and Switzerland. We spend the night in Lindau.
Hotel: Lindau
Meals: B,L,D
Day 4 Lindau
After visiting the Lighthouse and Baroque Munster (church) in Lindau, we take the ferry to Bregenz in Austria for lunch and a chance to explore the old town that is home to the famous annual Opera Festival held on a stage set up in the lake itself. Bregenz is an enchanting place that inspired the painter Egon Schiele, among others.
Hotel: Lindau
Meals: B,L
Day 5 Lindau - Oberammergau
After a free morning in Lindau, we drive through the beautiful scenery of the Bavarian Alps towards the tiny town of Oberammergau. The village has two vocations: religious carvings and the Passion Play which has been put on with very few interruptions every ten years since 1634. In the evening we enjoy a three-course dinner.
Hotel: Oberammergau Area
Meals: B,D
Day 6 Oberammergau
In the morning we have time to explore the village and admire at the wood-carving that is the other vocation of the village. The atmosphere builds as we gather in the afternoon to see the Passion Play, which lasts for five hours with a three-hour break for dinner. Only people from Oberammergau may take part in the play, be it to act, sing, play music or backstage. Every decade, the village comes together in an explosion of creativity.
Hotel: Oberammergau Area
Meals: B,D
Day 7 Oberammergau - London
This morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight to London.
Meals: B
What's Included
- Expert Guide Lecturer
- Andante Tour Manager
- Return flights from London
- Local Travel - Private a/c coach
- Meals as per the itinerary - Wine and tea or coffee with dinner
- Hotels Category C - (equivalent to 4-star)*
- Category 2 Tickets for the Passion Play - Passion Play textbook in English
- Entries & Tips - Entry to all sites in program; tips included
- All taxes & gratuities