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A Matterhorn Travel Program
Our 4th Season at the Oberammergau Passion Play
1980 - 1990 - 2000 - 2010
Travel With Experience
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| The Passion Play at Oberammergau |
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The Passion Play at Oberammergau is a unique experience on a
grand
scale. The Play combines dramatic grandeur with a faithfully
observed
religious tradition. Each of our tour members will receive a
first class seat
at the Play.
The history of the play dates back to 1633, when the Bubonic Plague
or "Black Death" was devastating Europe. The villagers of Oberammergau
vowed to re-enact the Passion of Christ every ten years if the village were
spared further deaths by the plague. The village was spared and,
beginning in 1634, Oberammergau has kept its promise and performed
its Passion Play for over 370 years!
The Passion Play has become world famous. Nearly half a million people
of many religious faiths and nationalities attend the Play. The performance
lasts from 2:30PM to 5:00PM and from 8:00PM to 10:30PM. More than
1,000
villagers perform in the Play.The men grow long hair and beards to
conform
to the traditional images of Jesus and the Apostles.
During the evening break, there will be time to explore this charming
village. Many of its inhabitants are wood carvers and its shops are
full of
wood figures, mostly of religious themes. |
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| Scene from the Passion Play - Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem |
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Includes:
- Round trip flight to Frankfurt, Germany
- Eight nights accommodations at four star hotels
Two nights near Frankfurt
One night in Ulm on the Danube
Four nights in Alpine villages in Bavaria or the Tyrol
One night in the Black Forest
- Three nights accommodations at four star
hotels in Alpine Villages in Bavaria or the Tyrol
- Buffet breakfast and dinner each day
Siteseeing:
- Ulm, Innsbruck, Black Forest, Strasbourg (France), Heidelberg
- Travel between cities via deluxe, air conditioned motorcoach with English speaking tour manager
- Round trip airport transfers
- Hotel porterage
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Special Features:
- First class seating at the Oberammergau
Passion Play
- Rhine River Cruise
- Danube River boat ride
- Dinner with music at Rudesheim am Rhine
- Organ concert at Ulm Cathedral
Organ Visits:
Hear and play historic organs
Germany:
Ulm Cathedral, Neresheim Abbey, Rot-an-der-Rot,
Ottobeuren, Church in the Wies, Ettal Basilica,
Weingarten Abbey, St. Blasien Cathedral (Black Forest)
Innsbruck, Austria:
Hofkirche, Silver Chapel
Strasbourg, France:
Cathedral, St. Thomas Church |
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Fly this afternoon from your departure city to Frankfurt. Beverages, dinner and continental breakfast will be served
in-flight. There is also a movie for your in-flight enjoyment.
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| The Rhine. We will cruise on the Rhine. |
Arrive Frankfurt in the morning, local time. Upon arrival, we will be met
and transferred to your hotel.
Morning at leisure.
This afternoon enjoy a delightful cruise on the Rhine. See
the vineyards of the famous Rhine wines, the
many barges
on this busy waterway and perhaps best of all, the fairy tale
castles around almost every
bend in the River. Of particular
note are the famous Lorelei rocks immortalized in the classic
poem of
Heinrich Heine. Set to music, the poem tells the
story of boatmen lured to their death by a beautiful
maiden
sitting on the rocks, combing her long blond hair while
singing her fateful song.
After your cruise, arrive at Rudesheim am Rhine. Just a
couple blocks from the pier is Rudesheim's
Drosselgasse.
Stroll on this quaint street, dating back to medieval times.
Dinner and entertainment are included this evening at the
delightful Rudesheimer Schloss, one of
the Rhine's most
popular restaurants. Enjoy some of the finest wine in
Germany, excellent food, and
entertainment - a lively setting
for your first evening in Germany.
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The Cathedral at Ulm on the Danube. We will take a boat ride
on the Danube. |
This morning we will travel south to Ulm on the Danube.We'll
attend an organ concert at Ulm Cathedral.
After the concert,
we will have an opportunity to play the organ.
The Protestant Cathedral at Ulm is the second largest in
Germany; only the Cathedral at Cologne
is larger. The steeple
of the Cathedral, 528 feet high, is the tallest church steeple in
the world.
Albert Einstein was born in Ulm.
Yesterday we were on the Rhine.Today we'll enjoy a boat ride
on the Danube.The Danube has
become famous all over the
world, due to the waltz of Johann Strauss. Although the Danube is not
blue, it is beautiful, nevertheless, as it flows
through the German countryside, to Austria, Eastern
Europe
and the Black Sea.
4th Day, Thursday
Neresheim Abbey – Rot-an-der-Rot – Ottobeuren – Tyrol, Austria |
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This morning we will visit the Benedictine Abbey at
Neresheim, built between 1699 and 1714, to hear and play
the great Holzhey organ from 1797.
Our second organ visit today will be to the St.Verena Parish
Church at Rot-an-der-Rot, where we will hear and play two
Holzhey organs from 1786 and 1793.
Our next organ visit - to Ottobeuren Abbey - will be one of the
highlights of our trip. The two choir organs, built by French
organ builder Karl Joseph Riepp
(1710-1755), are still in
pristine condition after some 250 years. The Riepp double
organ is one of the most treasured historic organs in Europe.
The third
(Steinmeyer) organ makes Ottobeuren an organ
paradise.
The Basilica is among the finest examples of South German
architecture.
After time to hear and play the organs in this magnificent
setting, we will cross into Austria and arrive in the Tyrol, our
home for the next four nights.
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| The grand organ at Neresheim Abbey |
Holzhey organ at Rot-an-der-Rot |
Trinity Organ at Ottobeuren Abbey |
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The Italian Organ, (about 1580) in Innsbruck |
This morning we'll drive south into the Inn Valley and visit
Innsbruck, Capital of the Tyrol.
We'll visit the 16th
century Franciscan
Court Church
(Hofkirche), best
known for its 28 larger
than life size bronze
statues of Hapsburg
royalty.
We will hear and play
the Ebert organ dating
from the years 1555-
1561.
Next, we will visit the
Silver Chapel at the
Imperial Palace. We
will hear and play the
Italian
organ, a unique
instrument due to its
pipes being made of
wood.
After our organ visits,
there will be time to
stroll in the quaint Old Town,
filled with interesting
buildings,
some dating back to
medieval times.
Be sure to see the Roof of Gold, Innsbruck's famous
landmark.
Return to our hotel in the late afternoon. |
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6th Day, Saturday
Bavaria – Wies Church – Cloister Ettal |
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| Organ at the Church in the Wies |
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| Organ (1753) at Ettal Basilica |
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Most organs in Europe are found in the cities and towns.
But today we'll visit two beautiful churches
in the
magnificent, Alpine countryside. Our first visit is to the
Church in the Wies, just across the border
in Bavaria. In the
rural, off-the-beaten-path setting, we'll savor the beauty of
this rococo church,
completed in 1754. The organ dates
from 1757.
Next, we’ll continue to Ettal and it's Benedictine Abbey
founded in 1330. St. Benedict (died 547) is
considered the
father of western monasticism and the cloistered life.
Although all of the churches and cathedrals on our program
are beautiful, the Basilica at Ettal is
certainly one of the most
impressive. |
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Morning at leisure.
This afternoon we will attend the Passion Play at Oberammergau.
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The Oberammergau Passion Play concludes with a powerful scene:
The Triumph and Glorification
of Christ.
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Amid the adoring songs of the Chorus and the symphonic tones of the
music, the just men of the
Old Testament gather before the Divine and
Glorious Majesty: there are our First Parents, Adam
and Eve, Moses,
John the Baptist, Mary, Mother of God and the Apostles. An Angel with
the Cross
symbolizes the Redemption; another, with the Chalice,
signifies the unbloody renewal of the sacrifice
of the Cross. All join in
the chorus: “Alleluia! Praise, honour, power and glory be to Thee for
ever
and ever!”
Return to our hotel after the performance.
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8th Day, Monday
Weingarten Abbey – Black Forest |
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| Gabler Organ (1750) at Weingarten Abbey |
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| Organ at St. Blasien Cathedral |
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This morning we will leave the Tyrol and arrive at Weingarten,
Germany, to visit the magnificent
Baroque basilica of
Weingarten Abbey. The Abbey is Germany's largest Baroque
church, and is
called the St. Peter's of Germany.
We will hear and play the famous Gabler organ from 1750.
The organ has four manuals; the
case is ingeniously grouped
around the six windows at the rear of the church.
This magnificent example of German Baroque organ
building remains largely unchanged.
Throughout the
centuries, the organ has been repaired and cleaned, but the
original Gabler
pipe work has not been touched.
Unique in its design, the organ contains 63 stops on four
manuals and pedal. The Gabler
organ is among the largest
and finest examples of South German organ building.
Depart Weingarten this afternoon and drive into the Black
Forest. We will visit the Benedictine
Abbey of St. Blasien.
Because of its enormous size (it's the third largest church
north of the Alps),
the Abbey is called a cathedral.
The organ, dating from 1913, copies the 1775 façade of
Johann Andreas Silbermann, brother
of Gottfried
Silbermann. The organ has preserved its unique symphonic
character, underlined by
the huge cathedral-like acoustics
with a reverberation of about ten seconds.
“From the forest of it’s pipes comes a thundering like the
storm in the fir trees of the Black Forest,
as well as a soft and
mild lisping of a May wind in the first young leaves. In jubilant
chords the
organ accompanies the Gloria, and in the solemn
movements it’s sings the Dies irae and the
De profundis. Its
sounds hover about the gigantic pillars and capitals of the
rotunda, and fade
in the distance of the dome, resounding in
the great jubilee of God’s might and piety.”
Organ builder Friedrich Wilhelm Schwarz, 1914
Continue in the Black Forest to the lovely Lake Titisee,
named after the Roman Emperor Titus,
where we will
overnight.
Along with lovely scenery and friendly people, the Black
Forest is famous for cuckoo clocks.
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9th Day, Tuesday
Strasbourg – Heidelberg – Darmstadt |
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Original console of the Silbermann Organ (1741) at
St. Thomas Church in
Strasbourg, France. |
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This morning we will cross into France and visit Strasbourg
to hear and play the organ at
St. Thomas Church, dating
from 1741. The organ was built by Johann Andreas
Silbermann,
nephew of the more famous Gottfried
Silbermann of Saxony.
On this grand organ in 1908 Dr. Albert Schweitzer began
the tradition of concerts of
remembrance on the
anniversaries of the death of J.S. Bach on July 28.
Mozart visited Strasbourg in 1778 and played the
Silbermann Organ. The console that the
Great Master
played is still on display.
St. Thomas Church embraced the Reformation as early as
1524. It has remained a
Protestant church ever since.
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| Organ at Strasbourg Cathedral |
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Next we will visit the Strasbourg Cathedral, one of the most
beautiful gothic cathedrals in Europe.
The Cathedral was
the tallest building in the world until 1874, when it was
surpassed by the
Cathedrals at Cologne and Ulm.
The organ was originally built in 1716 by Andreas
Silbermann, brother of Gottfried Silbermann
and father of
Johann Andreas Silbermann. The current instrument
includes 317 pipes from the
Silbermann organ, as well as the case built by Fredrich Krebs in 1498. The loft was made
in 1385.
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After time for lunch and walking in Strasbourg, we will
continue north to Heidelberg,
the romantic university town
in the valley of the Neckar River.
“Down where the Neckar flows swiftly along
Nestles a town that is famous in song
Twilight comes stealing and moonlight shines down
Painting with silver old
Heidelberg town!”
Golden Days, from The Student Prince Sigmund Romberg
Founded in 1196, Heidelberg University is the oldest in
Germany. We'll see
Heidelberg Castle, overlooking the city.
Continue to Darmstadt and our hotel for our farewell dinner
and overnight. |
| Heidelberg and the Neckar River |
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| Angel children below the organ at St. Blasien in the
Black Forest. |
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This morning we will be transferred to Frankfurt airport to
board our return flight to the U.S.
Beverages and meals
will be served in flight, and a movie will also be available.
Arrive back in the U.S. this afternoon.
“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual
songs. Sing and make music in
your heart to the Lord”
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians 5:19 (NIV)
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| Hotels |
| Frankfurt Area |
Maritim, Sheraton, Dorint |
| Ulm |
Maritim, Movenpick |
| Zugspitze Area |
Alpina, Kaltschmid, Hochland |
| Black Forest |
Maritim, Park |
Note: Most hotels in the Alps are cozy and small, reflecting the
character and charm of the alpine countryside.
The above hotels
all have four stars, and other four star hotels in Bavaria and the
Tyrol may also be included.
| Prices |
| Prices Per Person, Double Occupancy |
| From the East |
Boston, New York, Newark |
$5295 |
| From the Mid-Atlantic |
Washington, Philadelphia |
$5395 |
| From Chicago and the Mid-West |
Chicago, Detroit |
$5445 |
| From the Carolinas |
Charlotte |
$5545 |
| From Atlanta |
Atlanta |
$5495 |
| From Florida |
Miami, Orlando |
$5545 |
| From Texas |
Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston |
$5595 |
| From the West |
Denver, Phoenix |
$5645 |
| From the Pacific Coast |
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle/Portland |
$5695 |
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Single Room Supplement $297. Triple Room Reduction $20 per person.
Add $292 U.S. and foreign airport and security taxes
Land Only Price: $4495 per person, double occupancy.
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| Three Departures 2010 |
| Depart USA |
Return |
| July 12 |
July 21 |
| July 19 |
July 28 |
| September 20 |
September 29 |
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Left to right: Vonnie Block,
Kathy McCary, Ken Block, JoAnn West |
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Our holiday is operated by Matterhorn Travel.
Established in 1966, Matterhorn Travel has carried over
50,000 passengers to Europe. Matterhorn officers have
a combined experience of 102 years with the company.
Please note the all-inclusive nature of our trips. There are
no hidden operational costs. We include all features for a
complete holiday - breakfasts, dinners every evening, and
full sightseeing.
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Deposits and Final Payments
An initial deposit of $400 per person must be sent with the reservation(s). Final payment is due two months before departure.
Responsibility
These tours are under the operation and management of Matterhorn Travel Service, Inc., 3419 Hidden River View, Annapolis, Maryland 21403.
The Tour Operator shall be
responsible for supplying the services and accommodations as outlined in this brochure, except to the extent that
such services and accommodations cannot be supplied due to delays or other causes beyond its control, in which case the operator will use
its best efforts to supply comparable services and accommodations. The Tour Operator reserves the right at its discretion to change the
sequence or alter any part of the itinerary or hotel accommodations, without prior notice for any reason; but in the event of substantial
reduction in the services rendered, a proportionate refund will be made to tour
participants upon written request to the Tour Operator.
If there is a major change in the itinerary, participants will be notified before departure and offered an opportunity to cancel with full refund.
In the absence of negligence by the Tour Operator, the Tour Operator accepts no responsibility for
losses or additional expenses due to
delays or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather strikes, or other causes. All such losses or expenses will be borne by the
passenger. The tour
member waives any claim against the Tour Operator for any damage to or loss of property or injury or death of persons
due to any act of negligence of any hotels, or any other persons rendering any of the services or accommodations included in the ground
portion of the itinerary. The Tour Operator shall not be responsible for any delays, substitution of equipment or any act of omission whatsoever
by the carrier, its agents, servants and employees, and tour member hereby waives any claim arising
therefrom. Tour participants agree that
the Tour Operator has no responsibility or liability of any nature whatsoever for loss, damage or injury to property or person resulting from air
transportation. The air carrier provides insurance for the protection of passengers and performance within the provisions of its tariffs. The
Tour Operator reserves the right to decline, accept or remove any tour member as a
participant of these tours at any time. If any tour member
is removed from the tour, a proportionate refund for unused services will be made.
Cancellations/Refunds
Refunds cannot be made to any passenger who does not
complete the tour. In the event of cancellation by the Tour Operator,
Tour Operator's
liability shall be limited to a refund of all payments made
by the tour participants to Tour Operator.
All cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to the Tour Operator. If
cancellation in writing is received by the Tour
Operator more than two months before tour departure, an administration charge of $90 per person will be retained. For cancellations received
within two months of departure, the following cancellation charges apply:
Two months to one month before departure: 25% of the tour price
One month to one week before departure: 60% of the tour price
Less than one week before departure: No refund
Insurance
Trip accident, health and baggage insurance is recommended. Cancellation insurance is also available and is particularly recommended.
Details will be furnished upon request.
Baggage
One suitcase per person (50 pounds) may be taken on the trip. The liability of the carrier for loss or damage to personal baggage shall
be limited to the actual value of such baggage but not more than approximately $9.07 per pound in the case of checked baggage and
approximately $400 per person in the case of unchecked baggage or other property. (Domestic-actual value not to exceed $500.)
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are provided only for passengers arriving and departing Europe via flights reserved by the Tour Operator. Passengers
using different flights are responsible for their own airport transfers.
Special Note
Prices quoted are based on air fares, taxes, European supplier costs,
and rates of foreign currency as of September 15, 2008. Prices are
subject to
change prior to departure. Participants will be notified in writing at least
two months before departure if there is any increase in
tour price required
by such cost increases. There is no credit for unused services. Forwarding
of participants' deposit(s) indicates
acceptance of these terms and conditions.
THE AIRLINES participating on this tour are not responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time the passengers are not on board
their airplanes or conveyances. The issuance of the passage contract by the airline concerned shall constitute the sole contract between
the airline and the
purchaser of this tour and/or the passengers. In addition to the participating airlines, the services of any IATA and ARC
carrier may be used in connection with these tours.
This program is valid from May 1 to October 31, 2010.
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