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Journey to the heart of Bavaria to experience a fairy-tale town that hosts a very special celebration once every decade. On this once-in-a-lifetime extension, be enchanted by a breathtaking village frozen in time, home to famous Lüftlmalerei wall paintings and wood carvings that depict traditional mythical stories. And, on one evening every ten years, the town puts on a Passion Play about the life of Jesus, fabled to have kept a plague at bay more than four centuries ago.
This year is even more unprecedented, as the current global state of affairs delayed the event from 2020 now to 2022. You'll have the opportunity to take part in this tradition that remains alive and well and has been an international allurement for the faithful and historians alike since 1634.
Not only will you have a seat on one of the most dramatic and unforgettable performances, you'll also be able to explore modern and storied Munich and discover what makes this city so wonderful. Enjoy some of the best seats in the house on the Oberammergau Passion Play and more of the most enriching features on this spectacular extension in Germany.
Fly overnight to Munich, Germany
You'll begin your journey to Europe with an overnight flight to Munich, Germany.
Arrive in Munich and transfer to Oberammergau
You’ll arrive in Munich this morning, then transfer via motorcoach to Oberammergau. En route, you’ll stop at Ettal Abbey — a vast baroque monastery and and impressive display of architectural grandeur — and have the chance to explore the inside. Later, check into your centrally located hotel and settle in before a brief orientation walk and Welcome Briefing. Dinner is at your hotel this evening.
Included meals:
Experience the famous Passion Play in Oberammergau
After breakfast, transfer to the small German village of Oberammergau for the legendary Passion Play performance, held once every decade. Here, you'll have a short leisure period to have lunch on your own and meet your City Host, who will lead you to the Passion Play.
Legend has it that the village was spared by a large plague nearly 400 years ago, with a promise to God that the villagers would present a Passion Play every 10 years to show their gratitude. The global health crisis has delayed the production to 2022, but we're thrilled now to have you experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, played out in town at a large theatre with the incredible story unfolding before your eyes. There are two parts to the performance, with time in-between for a sumptuous three-course dinner. You'll stay overnight in Oberammergau tonight, with your City Host guiding you back to the hotel.
Take a city tour of Munich
After witnessing the incredible Passion Play yesterday, you'll have the chance to go back to Munich and see its charming highlights. En route, you’ll stop at Ettal Abbey — a vast baroque monastery and and impressive display of architectural grandeur — and have the chance to explore the inside. Then onto Bavaria's capital, teeming with history and impressive architecture. You'll have free time for lunch on your own in the city center before a panoramic tour introduces historic sites like Frauenkirche — the city’s most famous church — as well as some of the dozens of museums here, which showcase everything from art to technology. Later, check in to your hotel, where tonight's dinner will be.
Transfer to Edinburgh to continue your journey
After bidding farewell to Germany, we'll fly to Edinburgh, Scotland to join the base tour.
Beyond the photogenic castles and cathedrals, Ireland’s capital city brims with character: here, history flows along the cobblestone streets, swirls about centuries-old pubs, and evolves along with the arts and cuisine created by its youthful, innovative denizens. Explore Dublin Castle, Phoenix Park, and Trinity College on an included city tour to get a sense of Ireland’s past glory. With Dublin’s attractions right by your centrally located hotel, you’ll have an easy time getting to know this cosmopolitan city.
Your Price Includes:
Take off for Dublin
You’ll board an overnight flight to Ireland today, arriving on Day 2.
Arrive in Dublin
Welcome to Dublin! If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Remember to take advantage of the hospitality desk during your stay, where you can plan activities; or, use our complimentary Concierge service to do so in advance. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight.
Discover the best of the Irish capital
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll set off on a coach and walking tour to see Dublin’s most renowned landmarks, including a stop at the entrance of Dublin Castle and at Phoenix Park, one of the oldest and largest urban parks in Europe. At the Library of Trinity College Dublin, you’ll set eyes on what is widely considered as Ireland’s finest national treasure: The Book of Kells. After admiring the pages of brilliantly colored illustrations and calligraphed manuscripts on display, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Your Concierge can offer recommendations or even help you make reservations for lunch and dinner!
Included Features:
Explore Dublin at your leisure
Enjoy a day to explore on your own. Perhaps you’ll go see the infamous centuries-old mummies housed deep in the crypts of St. Michan’s Church, take in the music performed by talented buskers on Grafton Street, or embark on a search for your long-lost Irish roots at the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum. And if you’d like to party like the Irish, make sure to schedule an after-dinner pub crawl!
Fly to London and commence your base tour
After breakfast, we’ll check out and transfer from our hotel to Dublin Airport for our flight to London, where you will join Day 2 of your base tour program.
Edinburgh’s imposing profile of black rock hills and rugged medieval fortifications stands in stark contrast to its cultured, quirky, and playful spirit. Why not add extra time to delve deeper into the U.K.’s second-most popular destination after London? Revisit Scotland’s dramatic history at Edinburgh Castle. Wander the tangle of medieval Old Town and the neoclassical district of New Town, which together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dart into the quaint shops, inviting pubs, and fascinating museums that line the Royal Mile. A highlight will be your included excursion to the fabled fairways of St. Andrew’s, the home of golf. Our perfect mix of included touring and leisure time allows you to discover the best Edinburgh has to offer.
Fly to Scotland
You’ll board an overnight flight to Edinburgh, Scotland today, arriving on Day 2.
Arrival in Edinburgh
Upon arrival, if you purchased Vantage air, you’ll be transferred to your centrally located hotel from the airport. Remember also to take advantage of the hospitality desk during your stay, where you can plan activities; or use our complimentary Concierge service to do so in advance. A Welcome Dinner is included at the hotel tonight.
Discover Edinburgh, and come aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia
The unforgettable city of Edinburgh unfolds before you as we ride and walk on a half-day city tour. Highlights of the Old Town include Edinburgh Castle, set high above the city on Castle Rock, and St. Margaret’s Chapel. Built around 1130, it is the oldest surviving building in town. Fast-forward to 18th-century as you explore the New Town, with its elegant neoclassical and Georgian architecture. Both districts are together listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip set sail to visit their far-flung dominion, they did it on board the Royal Yacht Britannia. You'll come aboard to inspect this elegant vessel, which often a hosted a retinue of more than 45 guests. It still features the furnishings and décor favored by the Queen when the ship was launched in 1953. The balance of your day is free. Your Vantage City Host will be happy to assist with tips, directions, and making reservations.
Explore Edinburgh on your own
Today is at your leisure. Perhaps you’ll explore Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official Edinburgh residence, or check out rare species of plants and trees at the Royal Botanic Garden. Throughout the day, your fellow cruise tour travelers will be arriving. You’ll meet them this evening at a Welcome Briefing and Dinner. Tomorrow, as they acclimate with a city tour, you still have one more included feature of your pre-trip extension to enjoy: your excursion to St. Andrews.
The home of golfing: St. Andrews
Today you’ll enjoy an included morning excursion to St. Andrews, the delightful seaside “home of golf” and site of Scotland’s first university. Admire the charming cobbled streets and green cathedral grounds before returning for a leisurely afternoon in Edinburgh. Back at your hotel in the evening, you’ll enjoy dinner on your own, and then commence your base tour.
Fly to Dublin, Ireland
After breakfast you’ll transfer to the London airport and fly to Dublin, Ireland. After transferring to your centrally located hotel, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Remember to take advantage of the hospitality desk during your stay, where you can plan activities; or, use our complimentary Concierge service to do so in advance.
Included Feature:
Enjoy a day to explore on your own. Perhaps you’ll go see the infamous centuries-old mummies housed deep in the crypts of St. Michan’s Church, take in the music performed by talented buskers on Grafton Street, or embark on a search for your long-lost Irish roots at the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight, but if you’d like to party like the Irish, perhaps you’ll celebrate your adventure with a pub crawl!
Return home
After breakfast, you’ll check out and transfer from your hotel to Dublin Airport for your flight home.
Today is at your leisure. Perhaps you’ll explore Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official Edinburgh residence, or check out rare species of plants and trees at the Royal Botanic Garden.
Today you’ll enjoy an included morning excursion to St. Andrews, the delightful seaside “home of golf” and site of Scotland’s first university. Admire the charming cobbled streets and green cathedral grounds during a leisurely lunch on your own before returning for a free afternoon in Edinburgh. Back at your hotel in the evening, raise your glass to toast a successful journey at our Farewell Dinner.
Return flight home
After an included breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your return flight home
