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Tour Info

Tour Length: WAIT LIST

Leave Sat.  May 30
Return Sat. Jun. 13

$6,835 - Full Package
$379 - Travel Insurance

$100 - possible Sign-up Discount

* Oberammergau will be back in 10 years.

 


More Information


 
Questions?
alex@doldworldjourneys.com / (808) 732-9430

2020 Northern Italy & Oberammergau WAIT LIST

Italy - Austria - Germany (Faith Based)

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Honolulu Departure.

Our Oberammergau experience begins this evening with a departure for the east coast. The preliminary flight schedule is ready and displayed online at doldworldjourneys.com under the journey's page.

Day 2 Day use rooms in Newark.

We are scheduled to arrive into Newark in the morning and transfer to a nearby hotel where we have our own rooms to freshen up and stretch out. Then it is a non-stop flight to Rome, Italy. Air schedule is subject to change!

Day 3 Arrival in Rome, Italy.

Our arrival is in the early morning. After clearing customs formalities, we are met with a huge smile from Caterina Thiel, our amazing European Tour Director, and transfer to the Starhotels Michelangelo. Our home for three nights is just minutes from St. Peter Square and many eateries. Our rooms will be ready for us to freshen up and rejuvenate. In the afternoon, all are welcomed to wander with Alex to help us acclimate. Tonight, celebrate the start of our amazing journey with a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 4 Discovering Rome.

Begin our discovery with our local guide in Vatican City and a visit of the Vatican Museums, a unique collection of religious and secular art that spans for centuries, with some of the finest examples of Renaissance paintings. Then stop in the Sistine Chapel, to view Michelangelo’s world-famous ceiling paintings and The Last Judgment. The Chapel is also where the conclave takes place for the election of the new popes. Continue our exploration with monumental St. Peter's Square where the Pope prays the Angelus every Sunday in front of thousands of believers and the Basilica, an incredibly rich architectural and decorative wonder and the place where all Catholic popes are buried.

Proceed across the Tiber River and dip into ancient Roman history. Stroll along the Via Sacra at the Roman Forum, site of military processions, elections, trials, and the overall center of Roman public life for centuries. Finally visit the Colosseum and hear about gladiatorial combats in the largest amphitheater ever built.

Discover the magic of the enchanting Roman Piazzas, follow our local guide and toss one, two or three coins into the famous Trevi Fountain! Stop to admire the Pantheon, the best preserved Roman temple and experience the lively atmosphere of Navona Square, the heart of Rome's social life! Time in the square for dinner on our own. Caterina will show us her favorite pizza place. Then top off our evening with a secret gem that can only come alive through our local guide. (B)

Day 5 Unique Rome.

This morning, attend the Papal Audience (subject to availability) for the chance to see the Pope and receive the Papal Blessing. Next, discover St. Paul Outside The Walls, one of Rome’s four major Papal basilicas built by Constantine on the grave of St. Paul, and explore the mysterious ancient Catacombs that run under the city. During the persecutions, the catacombs were used as places of refuge for the celebration of Eucharist.

Later we visit St. John Lateran Basilica and the Holy Stairs, brought from Jerusalem to Rome around 326 AD by St. Helena, mother of Constantine the Great. Officially, pilgrims may only ascend these 28 white marble steps on their knees. Then, visit the hallowed halls of St. Mary Major Basilica. Its beautiful treasures are of inestimable value and represent the Church’s role as the cradle of Christian artistic civilization in Rome. For nearly 16 centuries, St. Mary Major has held its position as a Marian shrine par excellence and has been a magnet for pilgrims from all over the world who come to the Eternal City to experience the beauty, grandeur, and holiness of the basilica. Later we are free to go shopping or perhaps enjoy a drink in a sidewalk cafe on the Via Veneto. (B)

Day 6 Via Cascia to Assisi.

Our heading this morning is north into Umbria for a stop in Cascia to explore the life of St. Rita, known as the “Saint of the Impossible,” as she went through many problems through the various stages of her life but always managed to get through thanks to her faith and prayer. Discover the Basilica, see the tomb with the saint’s incorrupt body. Those who wish can attend Mass (others can stroll the town with Caterina). Then visit the lower basilica, home of the Eucharistic Miracle, which is commemorated each year with the Feast of Corpus Christi.

Continue to hilltop Assisi, home of St. Francis and St. Clare. Here, we enter St. Mary of the Angles Basilica, where St. Francis consecrated St. Clare as the “Bride of Christ,” and the Porziuncola, where he founded the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor in 1209. We spend two nights at the Windsor Savoia Hotel. (B), (D)

Day 7 Strolling Assisi and Dinner in Spello.

Morning Mass is available, followed by a guided walking tour of Assisi. Visit the Basilicas of St. Francis and St. Claire to see the crucifix that spoke to St. Francis. St. Francis abandoned a life of luxury for a life devoted to Christianity after hearing the voice of God who commanded him to rebuild the Christian church and live in poverty. He is the patron saint of animals and the environment. St. Claire was one of St. Francis’ first followers and founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition.

A short trip by minibus takes us to the Carceri Hermitage, a peaceful oasis in the woods of Mount Subasio where St. Francis came to pray. Finally, visit the Monastery of St. Damian, a Franciscan shrine built on the spot where St. Francis heard the voice of Christ, and where he wrote the Canticle of the Creatures. The convent founded by St. Clare is still intact, and is where she died in 1253.

This afternoon, we take a short drive south to reach beautiful Spello. Admire the well-preserved Roman stone arches, forming entry gates into the Old Town, and the medieval tower with an olive tree on top, symbol of peace and of the most typical local product olive oil. Stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets lined with simple, elegant homes built from pink and white limestone, and soak up the unique atmosphere of this charming Umbrian town. Enjoy dinner with wine or soft drinks at a local restaurant to taste the specialties of this region. (B), (D)

Day 8 Via Siena to Florence.

Today we depart Assisi and enter Tuscany. In Siena, meet our local guide and learn all about St. Catherine—a saint, a mystic, a doctor of the Church, and the patroness of Italy and Europe—as we enter the Basilica of St. Dominic, the Sanctuary, and the House. Then, enjoy a stroll through the ancient narrow lanes and visit beautiful Piazza Del Campo. This afternoon we arrive in Florence, “Cradle of the Renaissance” where we spend two nights at the Mediterraneo Hotel situated on the banks for the river Arno. (B), (D)

Day 9 Discovering Florence and Dinner in Tuscany.

Follow our local expert through the Academy of Fine Arts where we stand in awe of Michelangelo’s David. Later, walk to beautiful Cathedral Square, admire Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistry’s heavy bronze “Gate of Paradise.” There is the opportunity to attend Mass at the magnificent Duomo, with its incredible Renaissance dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi or follow Caterina around this magnificent city. We also see sculpture-studded Signoria Square and famous Santa Croce Square with its Franciscan basilica.

Tuscany is known for its gorgeous landscapes, its rich traditions, long history and culture but Tuscany still has more to offer with its great food and wine. In the late afternoon we drive out to the rolling Chianti Hills and realize our dreams of living the Tuscan life! Savor a traditional Tuscan meal with regional dishes is prepared using the finest local ingredients, in a picturesque country setting. (B), (D)

Day 10 To Padua.

Travel through the Apennine Mountains to arrive in the flat Po area. In Padua, a guided visit of the Basilica of St. Anthony shows us the tomb and reliquaries of this miracle-working saint and patron of lost and stolen articles. St. Anthony is one of the Catholic Church’s most popular saints. He was a powerful Franciscan preacher and teacher. He was born in Lisbon in 1195 and died just outside Padua in 1231, having led a short but very intense religious life. Our next two nights are at the Milano Hotel. (B)

Day 11 Excursion to Venice.

A short drive brings us to Venice, the city of romantics. Here a guided stroll provides us with close up views of staggering splendors St. Mark's Square and the Clock Tower. Plus, rare inside visits to the Byzantine Basilica with its 1,000-year-old gem-studded gold altar piece, lavish Doges' Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs.

Cruise past the islands of Santa Elena, San Michele and the famous Lido to picturesque Burano Island, known for its brightly colored fishermen's houses and its casual eateries serving seafood from the lagoon. We visit one of them to savor a mouth-watering meal. Some leisure time to shop for lace and stroll the island. A proper "Arrivederci" for our last day in Italy. (B), (L), (D)

Day 12 Via Innsbruck, Austria to Oberammergau, Germany.

A scenic drive through the impressive Dolomites brings us to the capital of Tyrol, Innsbruck. Enjoy a walk through the Old Town to quaint medieval lanes to Emperor Maximilian's Golden Roof. Sumptuously decorated with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles, all still original. Time to shop for famous Austrian crystal or wander in the town.

Then it is off across the German border to picturesque Oberammergau. A fantastic Globus highlight is our hotel for the next two nights is located in this quaint little village. This gives us the opportunity to wander at our leisure. The place will be crowded with tourists during the day, but at night we'll have this charming Bavarian village all to ourselves. (B), (D)

Day 13 Oberammergau and the Passion Play.

The Passion Play presents Christ's Passion, beginning with His entry into Jerusalem and ending with His resurrection and transfiguration. All participants in the Passion Play must be native to Oberammergau, no small feat since there can be up to 600 elaborately costumed actors and a chorus and orchestra of 100 strong on the open-air state at one time. There is so much involved the locals start getting ready and rehearsing over a year before the event.

After breakfast we have a little time to browse the town. Be sure to savor the beautiful and colorful frescoes painted on the outside of many buildings, catch a glimpse of the woodcarvers at work, and/or pick up a few Christmas ornaments.

The afternoon and evening are dedicated to the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play, currently performed every 10 years. (See descriptive flyer / Cover). (B), (L), (D)

Day 14 To Munich.

A short through the Bavarian Alps to Munich, capital of Bavaria and home of the annual Oktoberfest celebration. Germany’s “Secret Capital” comes alive during our orientation drive featuring the Olympic Stadium, 1,000-foot-high Olympic Tower, and Marienplatz, in the historic heart of the city. Our afternoon is open for last minute shopping or sightseeing. Our Holiday Inn Munich City Centre hotel is set within a shopping complex and a 30-minute walk to Munich's Old Town. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at our hotel hosted by Caterina. (B), (D)

Day 15 To Honolulu.

Vivid memories of a unique Northern Italy and spectacular Oberammergau experience are with us as we return home. Our flight arrives in Honolulu in the late evening. (B)