Unforgettable Berlin. Highlights of this Germany tour. From $8,486 USD. Berlin and Oberammergau Jun 20 to 25 Jun 20

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Allison Merritt
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From $8,486 USD Single $10,598 USD Twin share $8,486 USD 20 days Duration Europe Destination Level 2 - Moderate Activity 06 Jun 20 to 25 Jun 20 Unforgettable Berlin Berlin is a city rich in history.

1 From $8,486 USD Single $10,598 USD Twin share $8,486 USD 20 days Duration Europe Destination Level 2 - Moderate Activity 06 Jun 20 to 25 Jun 20 Unforgettable Berlin Berlin is a city rich in history. At every turn are traces of a past plagued by conflict, and stories of powerful resistance. The Berlin Wall stood in place from 1961 to 1989, separating East from West. But after its collapse, the city transformed, and an influx of creativity and vibrancy is palpable wherever you go. Highlights of this Germany tour This Berlin tour has a focus on history. We visit sites and museums 14-Jun /11

2 associated with Germany s troubled past. From the Holocaust Museum to the Bridge of Spies, and Sachsenhausen Concentration camp, we will gain insights into Berlin s place in WWII and the Cold War. However, we venture back further still, with a visit to Frederick the Great s summer palace Sansoucci. And our visits to ancient history museums uncover more secrets from Germany s past. The legacy of the Berlin wall is still palpable in this city. We visit Checkpoint Charlie, but we also witness how Berlin has transformed since Its arts and culture will rival any city in the world. Museum Island is an architectural wonder in itself, but it also holds such instutitions as the Neues and Pergamon Museums. From our apartments base, we get a taste of life in contemporary Berlin, living as a Berliner does. We even experience a German beer tasting tour, and sample local currywurst! Our tour concludes in Munich, in the heart of Bavaria. Oberammergau 2020 Passion Play is a key feature of this tour. The small town of Oberammergau is located in the Bavarian Alps. Set on the banks of the Ammer River, it s known for its traditional woodcarvings and military affiliations. But of course, the name is most famous for its staging of the Passion Play. This is a 380 yearlong tradition that puts Oberammergau on the map. In 1634, Europe was rocked by the plague, which swept across Germany and toward the Bavarian region. When a man carried it with him on a trip home for Christmas, all seemed to be lost. He died, and locals began contracting the deadly disease. But desperate residents vowed to 14-Jun /11

3 God that if they were spared from the plague s cruel effects, they would perform a passion play every ten years. Miraculously, it s said that all infected residents subsequently recovered and survived. The residents upheld their pledge, and so began an inspiring tradition. The play is performed in years ending with the number zero, with the exception of 1940, owing to the Second World War. In addition, performances were staged in 1934 and 1984, to mark the 300th and 350th anniversaries, respectively. The play involves more than 2000 actors, singers, instrumentalists and technicians. All reside in the village. In 2010, half of all Oberammergau s residents took part. These villagers bring to life the story of Jesus. It commences with his entry to Jerusalem, moves to his death on the cross, and then concludes with the resurrection. In all, the play lasts up to seven hours, but thankfully includes an interval. On this small group tour, dinner will be provided between parts one and two. While previous productions took place in the morning and afternoon, the 2010 play broke with tradition. It began at 2.30pm, and lasted into the night: the 2020 Play will follow suit. Berlin discovery including Oberammergau small group tour. Places on this tour are strictly limited. The Passion Play is performed just once per decade, and attracts people from all around the world. With limited ticketing available, don t delay should you wish to experience this truly unique event. Please click this link to see all the tours offered to Oberammergau 2020 For more details, click the Top 5 or Itinerary buttons above! If 14-Jun /11

you re keen to experience this tour, please call or send an email. Or, to book, simply fill in the form on the right hand side of this page.

We also recently published this article on the history of Germany s capital.

Experience the unforgettable Passion Play 2. Step inside Sanssouci, summer palace of a Prussian King 3. Learn about Berlin's history 4.

4 you re keen to experience this tour, please call or send an . Or, to book, simply fill in the form on the right hand side of this page. Travel tips and articles of interest If you interested in travelling to Berlin, you might like to check out our recommended reading list. We also recently published this article on the history of Germany s capital. And to make your next travel adventure easier, read about the latest travel gadgets and gizmos here. Top 5 1. Experience the unforgettable Passion Play 2. Step inside Sanssouci, summer palace of a Prussian King 3. Learn about Berlin's history 4. Sample traditional German foods and a beer tasting tour 5. Discover modern Berlin: its arts and culture Itinerary Day 1 Overview: We make our way individually to the hotel. A three course welcome dinner will be provided. Day 2 Overview: Today, we explore cosmopolitan Berlin. We view the 14-Jun /11

5 city's main sights, including Brandenburg Gate. Our local guide provides us special insights. We have entrance to the Story of Berlin Museum. This interactive museum holds over 800 years of history, arranged into 23 themed rooms. It is designed to allow visitors to experience life in Berlin across the eras. Day 3 Overview: The theme of today is the history of WWII. With the expertise of our local guide, we have entrance to the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. We pay a visit to the Holocaust Memorial, followed by the Allied Museum. It is also possible to enter, by donation, Wannsee House. This was the location of the fateful 1942 conference of the Nazis and SS, at which they decided upon the socalled "final solution": the mass execution of Jewish people. Day 4 Overview: There are no scheduled activities today; you are free to explore Berlin at your leisure. Day 5 Overview: Today, we travel by coach to Postdam. This charming village is the site of Glienicker Brucke over the Bavel River. During 14-Jun /11

6 the Cold War, because this portion of the river formed the border between West Berlin and East Germany, the bridge was used several times for the exchange of captured spies. It thus became known as the Bridge of Spies. Events here inspired the 2015 Hollywood thriller of the same name. We have entrance to Cecielenhof Castle and Sanssouci - the summer palace to former King of Prussia, Frederick the Great. We will spend time exploring Potsdam before returning to Berlin. Along the way, we will stop to view the Russian and Dutch villages. Tonight, we enjoy dinner as a group in a local restaurant. Day 6 Overview: Today, we delve further into Berlin's fascinating history, with a focus on the Cold War. We visit the Berlin Wall Documentation Centre, and walk along sections of the Berlin Wall. Part of the wall has been converted into the world's longest open-air gallery. East Side Gallery stretches 13 kms, and features over one hundred different paintings. Later, we have entrance to the DDR Museum. This interactive museum provides immersive experiences of life in East Germany, prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Day 7 Overview: Today, we gain a different perspective on Berlin. We visit the flagship Ritter Sport chocolate store. Set across three levels, you'll discover all there is to know about chocolate here in 14-Jun /11

7 Germany's capital. Over the course of the day, we will sample an assortment of traditional German foods, including lunch at a local currywurst restaurant. In the afternoon, we experience a craft beer tasting tour at a German brewery. Day 8 Overview: Today has been set aside for your leisure. Day 9 Overview: The Berlin Wall stood in place from 1961 to 1989, separating East from West. But after its collapse, the city transformed, and an influx of creativity and vibrancy is palpable wherever you go. Today, we explore Berlin's vibrant arts and culture scene. We have entrance to the Pergamon museum, which contains wonders from the ancient world. We visit the Musical Instruments Museum, and Neues Museum, which showcases human evolution. We also visit Hamburger Bahnhof art gallery. This gallery, located in a former train station built in 1847, houses the eclectic collection of Berlin entrepreneur Dr Erick Marx. Day 10 Overview: Today, we travel to Sachsenhausen to visit the 14-Jun /11

8 Concentration Camp. It was used primarily for political prisoners from 1936 to Following WWII, the camp fell into the Soviet Zone. It became 'NKVD Special Camp Number 7', and continued to be used for the detainment of political prisoners. We change pace in the afternoon, by taking a Berlin River Cruise. Day 11 Overview: Today, we explore the history of the 'Secret State Police'. We visit the Topography of Terror Museum, on the site of the former SS office and Nazi forced labour documentation centre. Next, we visit the Hohenschonhausen Memorial, in the Lichtenburg district. We also have entrance to the Stasi Prison Museum. Later, we meet for a three course dinner in local restaurant. Day 12 Overview: There are no scheduled activities today. You are free to explore Berlin at your leisure. Day 13 Overview: We travel by train to Dresden today. This city is located in a valley by the River Ebe, and is close the border with the Czech Republic. In spite of devastating Allied bombings in 1945, Dresden 14-Jun /11

9 retains its iconic palaces and churches, many of which underwent careful restorations. In Dresden, we have entrance to the Albertinum. This modern art museum hosts paintings and sculptures from the Romantic period to the present. We view Castle Eckberg's picturesque exterior, followed by a visit to the Green Vault. This unique history museum holds over 4000 objects. Finally, before our return to Berlin, we view the Procession of the Dukes. Day 14 Overview: We have a full day of sightseeing today, with entrance to the German History Museum. We also check out Barberini Museum. This art museum holds work from the Old Masters to contemporary, but has a special focus on Impressionism. Later, we visit Charlottenburg Palace. It was built at the end of the 17th century, and expanded throughout the 18th. It includes a mausoleum, pavillion and theatre, along with lavishly decorated interiors. We also view the Reichstag and Berlin Cathedral. Day 15 Overview: Today is free for our leisure. We meet in the evening for dinner in a local restaurant. 14-Jun /11

10 Day 16 Overview: The theme of today is 'modern Berlin'. We visit the Boros Art Gallery and the futuristic muesum, Humboldt Box. We check out contemporary art space the Deutsch Bank Kuntshalle, then have entrance to Bauhaus, a museum of design. Later, we have entrance to Berlin's Olympic stadium. Day 17 Locations: Oberammergau Overview: It's time for us to leave Berlin for Oberammergau. We travel south, by train, to the Bavarian village. Day 18 Locations: Oberammergau Overview: Today, we experience the breathtaking Passion Play. Afterwards, we enjoy a three course dinner in a local restaurant. Day 19 Locations: Munich Overview: We transfer to Munich, and on arrival, view the main sights of the city with our local guide. This vibrant city is proud of its Bavarian history, and you will experience its hospitality straight away. 14-Jun /11

11 Day 20 Locations: Munich Overview: Our tour concludes after breakfast. Accommodation: Inclusions / Exclusions What s included in our Tour 19 nights of accommodation. 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 6 dinners. Applicable entry fees and services of local guides. Service charges and gratuities. Touring by comfortable and modern coach or public transport. Transport and field trips as indicated. Services of a Tour Leader. Detailed tour information booklet. What s not included in our Tour Return international airfares and departure taxes. Comprehensive travel insurance. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any requests for further information about this tour or any others offered by Odyssey Travel. 14-Jun /11

Richard Wagner Ring Cycle Small Group Tour. From $8,395 NZD. Richard Wagner Ring cycle small group tour Leipzig. 29 Apr 19 to 10 May 19

From $8,395 NZD Single $9,445 NZD Twin share $8,395 NZD 12 days Duration Europe Destination Level 2 - Moderate Activity Richard Wagner Ring cycle small group tour Leipzig 29 Apr 19 to 10 May 19 Richard