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Airfare ex Melbourne to Casablanca and return from Munich
All pre-payable air taxes
Twin share accommodation throughout, based generally on 3-4 star hotels
Meals as per itinerary
Entries as per itinerary
Comprehensive travel insurance for those aged up to and including 69 (surcharge applies for those aged 70 or over, or for an existing health condition)
Meals not included in itinerary
Personal items
Cost of passport
Cost of any optional activities listed in the itinerary
** FIRST DEPARTURE MAY 2010 SOLD OUT QUICKLY! SECOND TOUR NOW AVAILABLE DEPARTING MELBOURNE 25 AUGUST 2010 - 2 SEATS ONLY LEFT GET IN FAST!! **
“Des Mahoney and I, together with the support, encouragement and management of Swagman Tours, have put together this tour, with the aim of arriving at Oberammergau for the Passion Play in May 2010.
The small village of Oberammergau in Southern Germany is world famous for the Passion Play performed by it villagers every 10 years. Its origin goes back to 1633 when, as a result of prayer, the village was saved from the Plague and the local people made a promise to God that, as a way of giving thanks for their survival, they would re-enact the story of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ every 10 years.
Many tens of thousands of visitors of all nationalities and denominations will travel to Oberammergau during 2010 to witness this dramatic event. We’ve been able to secure 34 tickets for the performance of the Play on May 28th, 2010.
On the way to Oberammergau, the tour will spend five days in Morocco, followed by nine great days in Spain, then into France to Lourdes and across the southern part of France to Toulouse, Carcassone and Avignon, the spectacular Gorges of Ardeche, and then to Italy and the Cinque Terre. From there we travel to Venice, Innsbruck and thence to Oberammergau. After the Passion Play we have an overnight stay in the Austrian village of Soll and our flight home is from Munich.
The tour leaves Melbourne on May 5th, 2010 and returns on May 31st. Numbers are strictly limited and – as with previous tours – promises to fill fast so book early to secure your seat to this once in a lifetime event!”
- Kevin Arundell
* Casablanca
* Marrakech camel ride
* Fez
* Ferry crossing on Strait of Gibraltar from Morocco to Spain
* Gibraltar
* Alhambra Palace, Granada
* Toledo
* Madrid
* El Escorial
* Pamplona
* Lourdes torch light procession
* Ardeche Gorges
* Cinque Terre
* Venice Mestre
* Innsbruck
* Oberammergau Passion Play
* Soll
Morocco
Spain
France
Italy
Germany
Austria
Our truly memorable “journey to Oberammergau” comes to an end as we arrive in Melbourne at around 10:00pm this evening.
A leisurely start to the day as we awake with memories of the previous day and travel to the quaint Austrian village of Soll. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure to wander around the village. Overnight: Soll
Meals Included: BD
Some more leisure time in Soll this morning before we are transferred to Munich Airport to board our mid-afternoon flight back to Melbourne via Dubai
Meals Included: B
The true highlight of our tour awaits us today. Depart Innsbruck this morning and travel to Oberammergau, where we will enjoy lunch at our hotel or a nearby restaurant in Murnau. Following lunch, we will be transferred to Oberammergau for the start of the Passion Play at 2:30pm. Sit back and take in this unique outdoor play with the sky and mountains as a spectacular backdrop. The play is performed by over 2,000 local Oberammergau people and features brilliant costumes and music. The men in the play begin growing their hair and beards from February 2009 to add to the authenticity of the performance. Dinner will be served in a nearby restaurant during the 3 hour intermission. Following the conclusion of the play at around 10:30pm, we will be transferred back to our hotel in Murnau for our overnight stay. Overnight: Murnau
Meals Included: BLD
This morning we head for the town of Bolzano for a brief stop before crossing the border into Austria, arriving at ‘The Capital of the Alps’ in Innsbruck. Enjoy an orientation tour of this lovely town, which is nestled in a broad valley between high mountains. The town is an internationally renowned winter sports centre and hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics, and will also host the 1st Winter Youth Olympics scheduled for 2012. Overnight: Innsbruck
Meals Included: BD
Transfer this morning to Tronchetto Pier where we will board our private boat to Piazza San Marco, otherwise known as St Mark’s Square. Venice is a city for meanderers so what better way to explore it than on a guided walking tour. Afterwards, we witness a glass blowing display. Venice is home to some of the finest glass blowers in the world so a trip to a factory enables us to view the art of this ancient craft first-hand. There will be time after the demonstration to look through the showroom to view (and perhaps purchase) some of the finished products. Some time at leisure before returning to Tronchetto Pier and transfer to our hotel. Overnight: Venice Mestre
Meals Included: BD
After a leisurely breakfast, head across the stunning countryside of Italy for the city of Venice Mestre, the mainland part of Venice. Our hotel is conveniently located opposite the railway station, so - time permitting this afternoon - you may like to take the short train journey to Venice to wander around at your leisure. Overnight: Venice Mestre
Meals Included: BD
Today the Cinque Terre is yours to explore at your own pace. Included for you is a full day Cinque Terre card, which allows you unlimited numbers of travel by train or ferry between the five Cinque Terre villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore. There are also beautiful walks to be had along this coastline. Perhaps travel by ferry to the furthermost port of Riomaggiore then walk back as far as you feel comfortable then complete the journey by train or ferry back to Levanto. Maybe spend the day wandering through one or two villages, looking through the various shops and trying out the local cuisine. With the flexibility of the Cinque Terre card, the choice is yours! Overnight: Levanto
Meals Included: BD
Travel this morning to the “town of water, town of art”: Aix en Provence. We take an orientation tour of this well-preserved town, followed by some time to wander around yourself and enjoy lunch (own expense) before continuing on to the Italian town of San Remo. Overnight: San Remo
Meals Included: BD
Follow the Italian coastline today to the village of Levanto, the gateway to the Cinque Terre. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore this “Hidden Gem”. Maybe meander through the village shops, spend some time in Piazza della Loggia – the main piazza – take a walk along the lovely, long sandy beach or perhaps a swim in the ocean or the swimming pool is in order. Overnight: Levanto
Meals Included: BD
Get the cameras ready today as it promises to be a day filled with spectacular scenery as we travel to the Gorges of Ardèche. Enroute we have a photo stop at the 12th century Cathedrale Notre-Dame des Domes and then a visit to the Palais des Papes, an historical palace in Avignon and one of the most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Continuing on, another photo opportunity at the Pont Saint-Benezet, also known as the Pont d’Avignon; a famous medieval bridge in Avignon spanning the Rhône River. Today’s highlight awaits us as we travel on to the Gorges of Ardèche. Several million years ago the spirited river Ardèche cut tirelessly through the limestone, opening an immense gorge. The entrance to this 35 km road is the dramatic natural arch of the Pont d’Arc, standing 66 metres high. The road then plunges, loops, sinks and slices its way around the Ardèche River, finishing at St Martin-d’ Ardèche. There are many viewpoints along the route and there will be plenty of photo opportunities to capture the breathtaking beauty of this place and you may even be fortunate to see some wildlife, such as beavers, as well. Overnight: Avignon
Meals Included: BD
Travel this morning to Nimes for a sightseeing tour, including entry to Maison Carree (Square House), one of the best preserved Roman temples in Europe. Continue on to the World Heritage site of Pont du Gard. 2000 years ago over 1000 people worked for 5 years on the construction of this magnificent aqueduct and we have the opportunity today to marvel at their work. Travel on to Avignon for a two night stopover. Overnight: Avigno
Meals Included: BD
After breakfast we travel to Toulouse for an orientation tour. Toulouse is one of the centres of the European aerospace industry and is the headquarters of many large companies, including Airbus. On our tour we visit the Cathedral Saint Etienne, a Roman Catholic cathedral and a national monument of France. After lunch, continue to Carcassone where we will be joined by a local guide to enjoy a city tour on foot. We visit the Chateau Comtal for an in-depth tour with a guide from the castle. Overnight: Carcassone
Meals Included: BD
This morning we leave Spain behind and enter France, stopping in Lourdes, lying in the first Pyrenean foothills in south-western France. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of this town and commune. Return to our hotel for dinner before embarking on an evening tour that is sure to be a highlight of our trip as we attend the evening torchlight procession. The procession begins from the Grotto and ends in the square in front of the Rosary Basilica. During the Procession the pilgrims walk in groups behind their pilgrimage banner; everyone is invited to carry a lighted candle in their hand as a reminder of Baptism. At the end of the Procession the Priests and Bishops present give the Blessing. Overnight: Lourdes
Meals Included: BD
A travel day today as we head for the city of Pamplona, famous for its annual Bull Running Festival. Stop enroute at the monumental town of Burgos, charming for its typical medieval northern Castilian ambience. On arrival in Pamplona this afternoon, enjoy an orientation tour and a visit to the Cathedral of Royal Saint Mary, a 15th century Gothic temple that replaced an older Romanesque one. Overnight: Pamplona
Meals Included: BD
This morning travel to Segovia, a walled city that lies high on the ground between the Eresma and Clamores Rivers. The city that is concealed behind the walls reveals some important Medieval and Renaissance buildings, and in the central plaza stands one of the last Gothic buildings built in Spain: the Cathedral, where we will spend some time including entry into the Cloister and Museum. Continue on to El Escorial, one of the Spanish Royal sites and a town that functions as a monastery, royal palace, museum and school. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Listed site, including a visit to the Valle de los Caidos, or the “Valley of the Fallen”, a monumental memorial erected to honour those who fell during the Spanish Civil War. Rising above the valley is one of the world’s largest basilicas, hewn out of a granite ridge and standing at 152.4 metres high, is the tallest memorial cross in the world. Overnight: Avila
Meals Included: BD
Today we enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Madrid, including entrance into the Royal Palace. This extremely lavish palace is the official residence for the Royal family but these days only used for state ceremonies. It was built during the 18th and 19th centuries and is a monumental building that replaces the former medieval Alcázar which burnt to the ground in 1794. Return to Toledo this afternoon and enjoy some free time before dinner. Overnight: Toledo
Meals Included: BD
After breakfast we travel to the birthplace of Santa Teresa de Jesus: Avila, where we enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of this walled World Heritage Site on foot. View some of the Renaissance churches and palaces that Avila is made up of, before visiting the Cathedral Museum. The Museum presents an exhibition of religious art including highly-prized items dating back to the 12th century. Enjoy some time at leisure this afternoon to further explore Avila at your own pace. Overnight: Avila
Meals Included: BD
Travel today to Toledo where a local guide will join us for a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Listed site. Included is a visit to the Santo Tome Church where the famous painting by El Greco of the ‘Burial of Count Orgaz’ is displayed in a special room. The church dates from the 12th century although it was completely rebuilt in the 14th century and features a Mudejar tower, one of the finest examples of Mudejar art in Toledo. Transfer this afternoon to our hotel for a two night stop. Overnight: Toledo
Meals Included: BD
An early breakfast today before being transferred to Tangier port where we board the ferry to Algeciras in Spain, viewing the spectacular Rock of Gibraltar as we near the Spanish coast. On arrival in Algeciras we will be taken to Gibraltar and visit the Nature Reserve, including a visit to the fascinating Apes’ Den and St. Michael’s Caves. Afterwards, travel on to Ronda for an overnight stay. Overnight: Ronda
Meals Included: BD
Depart Ronda this morning and arrive in Granada by lunch time where we have the whole afternoon to explore the incredible Alhambra Palace. The Alhambra was so called because of its reddish walls (in Arabic ‘qa'lat al-Hamra’ means Red Castle). It is located on a strategic point with a view over the whole city and the meadow and this fact leads to believe that other buildings were already on that site before the Muslims arrived. The complex is surrounded by ramparts and has an irregular shape. We will be treated to a guided tour of Alhambra followed by some free time to explore this intriguing palace and its beautiful gardens. Overnight: Granada
Meals Included: BD
Leave Fez behind this morning as we head on a short drive to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Listed archaeological site featuring the best preserved ruins in this part of northern Africa. Spend some time wandering through the ruins before continuing to Tangier. Overnight: Tangier
Meals Included: BD
Today embark on a full day tour of this medieval city, including a visit to the infamous leather tanneries. These tanneries use the same methods today that were used centuries before and we have time to watch and experience this fascinating process. Be aware that the smell can be overbearing so bring a handkerchief! Time afterwards to browse through any number of leather shops to see for yourself the end product of such hard work and perhaps pick up a bargain. Overnight: Fez
Meals Included: BD
After breakfast travel to the ‘red city’ of Marrakech and embark on a half-day sightseeing tour. Visit the Djemaa El Fna Square then enjoy some time looking through the Bahia Palace, which was constructed between 1894 and 1900 for Ahmed Ibn Moussa (known as Ba Ahmed), the son of the grand vizier of the 'Alawid ruler Muhammad IV. The palace is set within extensive gardens and its large, rambling plan includes a mosque in addition to several tiled courts surrounded by lavishly decorated reception halls and private quarters. An exciting afternoon awaits as we are collected at our hotel by camels who will take us on a tour in La Palmeraie. Enjoy a short break in Chez l’Habitant for tea and traditional cookies before returning to the hotel for dinner. Overnight: Marrakech
Meals Included: BD
A day of travel today as we depart Marrakech after breakfast and head to the one-time capital of Morocco for more than 400 years: Fez. Founded in 789 at a place between the mountains where the river was flushing by, Fez is also the home of the oldest and largest medieval city in the world and a city that has remained almost unchanged through the modern ages but is most definitely still alive. We stop enroute at Beni Mellal, one of the fastest growing cities in Morocco, before arriving in Fez late this afternoon for a two night stopover. Overnight: Fez
Meals Included: BD
Join our Emirates flight to Casablanca, via Dubai, departing at 9.30pm.
Our flight will have us landing in Casablanca around midday, where we will be met on arrival and transferred to our hotel, enjoying an orientation tour enroute. View the Hassan II Mosque which was completed in 1993 after much expense and artistic labour; the result being one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world. Its gleaming newness and tremendous wealth is a stark contrast against the rest of Casablanca. Some time to unwind after the long flight before dinner at our hotel.
Overnight: Casablanca
Meals Included: D
| Trip Start |
Trip Finish |
Twin Share Price |
Local Pymt Currency |
Single Supp |
Trip Notes |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05 May 2010 | 01 Jun 2010 | $12990 | $n/a | $0 | TOUR SOLD OUT!View Notes | Closed |
| 25 Aug 2010 | 20 Sep 2010 | $12990 | $n/a | $1690 | View Notes |  |
