14-Day Tour Package - May 17th to 30th, 2022

Set out on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the heart of Italy as we make our way to the world-renowned Oberammergau Passion Play! A journey filled with art, history and culture spanning over centuries; this tour highlights the best that Italy has to offer. Our itinerary includes visits to focal points of Italian culture such as Rome, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Verona. We will also stop by less frequented destinations off the beaten path in the Tuscan countryside. Overnight stays bring guests to the center of it all, located within walking distance of major attractions. Following a scenic drive with stops in the Italian and Austrian Alps, we arrive in the quaint Bavarian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. From this ideal alpine location, we will discover the natural beauty and intriguing traditions of this region before visiting the world-renowned Passion Play in Oberammergau! This tour from Rome to the Passion Play includes the best Italy and the Alps have to offer!

Highlights: Rome’s Colosseum - Vatican City - Vatican Museum - St. Peter’s Basilica - Towers of San Gimignano - Michelangelo's David - Leaning Tower of Pisa - Venice Excursion - Verona's Roman Amphitheater - Romeo & Juliette house - Italian Dolomite Mountains - Innsbruck, Austria -Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Historical Ludwigstrasse Walking Tour - Oberammergau Passion Play

Overnights: Rome (3 nights) - Florence (3 nights) - Lake Garda (3 nights) - Garmisch-Partenkirchen (4 nights)

Price: €3,995/person - based off a double occupancy room

Day One - Arrival Day and Welcome Dinner - May 17th

Benvenuti a Roma! Hello and welcome to Rome where your Bavaria & Beyond vacation begins! Upon arriving at the Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, your Bavaria & Beyond guides will be waiting to greet you.

Our "express check-in" process will ensure that you quickly and comfortably settle-in to your room where you may relax and unpack before a Welcome Dinner Reception. Enjoy an all-inclusive meal with delicious Italian delicacies and of course, a well paired glass of Vino de Italia! During the reception all the necessary information will be distributed to ensure a smooth start to your Bavaria & Beyond vacation!

Overnight: Rome, Italy

Day Two - Rome Sightseeing Tour - May 18th

Embark on a day spent exploring the Eternal City! Take in Rome’s most iconic sights as you are guided on a sightseeing tour, making several stops along the way. After becoming acquainted with the lay of the land, enjoy an evening of relaxation with a fine glass of wine and magnificent Italian dinner!

Overnight: Rome, Italy

Day Three - Vatican City & St. Peter's Basilica - May 19th

With so much to do and see in Rome, one single day of sightseeing couldn't possibly suffice. Our second day begins with a visit to the Vatican City and Saint Peter’s Basilica. Upon arriving at the Vatican, our group will skip the lines and head directly to the Vatican Museum. Following our visit, guests will have the afternoon to spend as they choose discovering the Roman capital.

Overnight: Rome, Italy

Day Four - The Towers of San Gimignano - May 20th

Today we head north through the beautiful Italian countryside. On the way we will visit San Gimignano or “The Town of Fine Towers”, known for its medieval skyscrapers. These towers were a sign of wealth and the rival merchant families were not to be outdone. At one point over 72 towers reached heights of over 70 meters. Take in the view, enjoy time exploring the medieval town center, and enjoy a delicious Tuscan meal during our unforgettable visit to San Gimignano.

Overnight: Florence, Italy

Day Five - Florence & Michelangelo's David - May 21st

Get to know Florence with a day spent visiting awe-inspiring cathedrals, lively open-air markets, romantic arched bridges, boutiques, and so much more! Of course, no visit to Florence would be complete without seeing Michelangelo's world famous David statue; a masterpiece of renaissance culture!

Overnight: Florence, Italy

Day Six - Pisa and Tuscan Wine Tasting - May 22nd

Our day begins with a visit to the peculiar Leaning Tower of Pisa. Here we will see the architectural anomaly recognized around the globe. After doing our part and taking a turn supporting this gravity-defying tower, we will head to the Tuscan countryside for an afternoon wine tasting.

Overnight: Florence, Italy

Day Seven - Verona - May 23rd

Ancient ruins and a world-famous romance make Verona a world-renowned destination. As the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, one would be hard-pressed to find a more romantic city. Indeed, a visit to the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House) overwhelms the emotions with the passion and chivalry expressed by these star-crossed lovers in what is arguably one of Western culture's most influential love stories. However, Verona, with its history and culture dating back to Roman times, has much more to offer than strictly love tales. The city is home to one of the most well-preserved Roman Amphitheaters and outdates the Colosseum in Rome by nearly a half-century! Once the sight of deadly Gladiator fights and war reenactments, the arena is still used today for the city's annual opera festival.

Overnight: Lake Garda, Italy

Day Eight - Venice - May 24th

Just a short drive from Lake Garda sits the romantic maritime city of Venice. Relax and take in the beauty of the famous St. Mark's square. Explore the many side streets, romantic canals while the beautiful scenes found around every corner.

Overnight: Lake Garda, Italy

Day Nine - Lago di Garda Boat Tour - May 25th

Enjoy a day of leisure as we discover Italy's largest lake during a pleasant boat ride. Our tour of the waters will include stops at the lake's most beloved port towns. Visit the spectacular castle and fortified walls of Sirmione. Pursue the small lanes and colorful pavilions of Lazise. Enjoy a fine Italian meal and lakeside views in beautiful Desenzano del Garda. A day spent along the tranquil shores of Lago di Garda is vacation at its finest!

Overnight: Lake Garda, Italy

Day Ten - Italian Dolomite Mountains and Innsbruck, Austria - May 26th

It’s time to say “arrivederci” to Italy as we make our way north to Austria via the scenic Brenner Pass. Take in the breathtaking landscapes as the towering Dolomite mountains pass by and we enter into the heart of the Austrian Alps. Stops along the way will be made at the quaint Southern Tyrolean village of Vipiteno and the Capital of Tyrol; Innsbruck!

Overnight: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Day Eleven - Garmisch-Partenkirchen - May 27th

Take a tour down the picturesque Ludwigstrasse, part of the historic Via Claudia Augusta trading route. Learn about Partenkirchen's merchant past and lively tales of the townspeople and the many famous travelers to pass through. The day includes a visit to the historic 1936 Winter Olympic Ski Stadium and concludes with free time in the Garmisch pedestrian zone.

Overnight: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Day Twelve - Passion Play Performance - May 28th

Today is the day we will see a production of the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play! Since 1634 the inhabitants of this quaint alpine village have been performing the play at least once every ten years after God spared them from the bubonic plague ravaging through the region. Today the production, still put on by a cast of strictly local actors, attracts guests from around the globe.

Overnight: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Day Thirteen - Free Day and Farewell Dinner - May 29th

Our Bavaria & Beyond vacation is slowly drawing to a close. Relax and visit your favorite local cafe while taking in the alpine beauty of Garmisch-Partenkirchen one last time. In the evening, enjoy the last event of your Bavaria and Beyond vacation - the Farewell Dinner Reception. Enjoy an exquisite meal as we reflect on the memories that will last a lifetime. A custom video, highlighting the best of your Bavaria & Beyond vacation, will premier at the start of this special evening. Embrace the terrific friendships which were made, while reminiscing on your time in Bavaria & Beyond!

Overnight: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Day Fourteen - Departure Day - May 30th

Enjoy a small breakfast before saying Auf Wiedersehen to friends made on the Rome to Munich Passion Play Tour. Our private airport shuttle will depart punctually at 5:45 for the Munich International Airport. Please note, more information regarding arrival and departure day procedures will be sent out via email prior to the tour.