|PIC1|The Oberammergau Passion Play came about in the time of the plague that decimated central Europe at the beginning of the 17th century. The Black Death, as it was known, claimed a large number of the population of Oberammergau. With no end in sight, the village elders vowed to perform a Passion Play every ten years depicting the passion of Christ, if God would be merciful and protect the village from further suffering.
Miraculously after making this pledge, the village was spared and in thanksgiving, the people of Oberammergau performed the very first Passion Play in the year 1634. And, in keeping their promise, have continued to perform the spectacle every 10 years to an ever growing audience.
2010 will mark the 41st time the Passion Play is performed in Oberammergau.
Trafalgar has over 300 departures across14 fully escorted touring itineraries including 11 First Class and three CostSaver tours, which visit Oberammergau and include special reserved tickets for the 2010 Passion Play. Trafalgar's guests will enjoy the benefits of carefully selected first class or superior tourist class accommodation in Oberammergau and the surrounding area of the Bavarian Alps which, during the performances, are booked out well in advance.
Some of Trafalgar's itineraries to visit Oberammergau during the Passion Play season include:
· Nine-day First Class Sound of Music priced from $4065 per person, twin share (land only). Visit the region made famous by the von Trapp family. Enjoy musical Vienna to historical Munich and much more.
Oberammergau Passion Play departures available from 15 May until 25 September, 2010.
· 15-day First Class European Interlude priced from $5890 per person, twin share (land only). This tour is an exciting compilation of some of the best loved European cities including London, Amsterdam, Vienna, Venice, Rome, Florence, Lucerne and Paris.
Oberammergau Passion Play departures available from 19 May until 29 September, 2010.
· 14-day First Class Best of Germany and Austria priced from $5465 per person, twin share (land only). This itinerary takes travellers on a dream journey through Germany and Austria to see the medieval villages, striking architecture, vibrant cultures, and home of some of the world's most beautiful classical music.
Oberammergau Passion Play departures available from 9 May until 25 September, 2010.
· 12-day CostSaver European Delight priced from $4329 per person, twin share (land only). Combine the unbeatable sights of Italy's great cities, the imperial air of Vienna, beautiful lakeside Lucerne, fabulous Paris, and dynamic London and you have the perfect mix for an exhilarating European journey.
Oberammergau Passion Play departures available from 13 May until 23 September, 2010.
Travellers should ensure they book and pay in full at least six months prior to departure to take advantage of the superb early bird savings on the land portion of their tour.
· Book and pay 12 months prior to departure and save up to 10 per cent
· Book and pay 10 months prior to departure and save up to 7.5 per cent
· Book and pay 6 months prior the departure and save up to 5 per cent
Plus, check out the brochure for a further six great ways to save on Trafalgar's 2010 Oberammergau program.
There will not be another chance to witness this magnificent event until 2020. For more information visit www.trafalgartours.com.au/oberammergau2010, email customers@trafalgartours.com.au or see your local travel agent.