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Oberammergau and Rhine Cruise

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3.0 stars(11 reviews)
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Experience the theatre event of the decade before taking in the attractions of the majestic Rhine and attending the exclusive Floriade flower show

11 days From £3,295 per person

2022 Tour code: OBR22

About the tour

Take your seat for the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play, held in the heart of Bavaria, then travel to Switzerland to begin a spectacular cruise that reveals the majesty of the Rhine River in all its fairytale glory. We'll also enjoy tickets to the Floriade flower show, another unique event which only occurs every ten years.

Highlights

View Dates & Pricing

What’s included

Itinerary: Basel - Amsterdam

Some departures run a reversed itinerary – View reversed Amsterdam - Basel itinerary (ORR22)

Itinerary: Amsterdam - Basel

You are viewing the reversed itinerary – switch back to Basel - Amsterdam itinerary (OBR22)

Day 1 - To Stuttgart

We meet at our dedicated Departure Office at London St Pancras where we board the Eurostar service to Brussels. From here, we join the rail service to Stuttgart. We spend the night here.

Includes
  • Eurostar Meal (First Class only), Dinner
Day 2 - Oberammergau

We continue the following day down to the beautiful Oberammergau region in southern Germany, our base for the next two nights.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - The Oberammergau Passion Play

The magnificent Oberammergau Passion Play is held only once every 10 years and is a spectacle worthy of all that preparation. Depicting the final days of Jesus Christ, this theatrical extravaganza features a cast and crew numbering up to the thousands, and features a dazzling array of props, costumes and backdrops. The play is the oldest Passion Play in the world, first put on by the villagers in 1634 as a plea to God to save them from the plague which was flooding Germany at the time. When the plague miraculously cleared up, the villagers vowed to put on a play for every 10 years thereafter. The result is a marvellous display, one which is produced by everyone in the village for thousands of international visitors each decade.

The majority of our tickets for the play are top tier tickets, providing us with front and central seats under the roof of a specially-made auditorium. Split into two halves with a break for a special dinner, we enjoy the performance in the afternoon, leaving you the morning to soak up the atmosphere of this unassuming, yet distinctly charming German town.

Please Note: For departure OBR2222s you will have Tier 2 tickets to the Passion Play Performance. Seating plan of the theatre is shown further down in the itinerary.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Basel

Today, we depart for Basel, travelling by rail via Ulm and München-Pasing. On arrival you board your ship, the 5-Star MS Amadeus Silver III. A floating hotel, this fantastic vessel is your home for the next seven nights. As you get your bearings on board, be sure to head up to the Sun Deck and take in the final hours of sunlight before we set sail. This evening, we enjoy a welcome cocktail before a delicious first meal.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Strasbourg

Our vessel sails into the charming German town of Kehl today. Sat across the Rhine from Kehl is the beautiful city of Strasbourg, whose position on the German-French border has seen it change hands between the two nations frequently throughout history. Because of this, Strasbourg represents the best of both cultures, with colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets.

You have two choices here. Your first option is a city tour of Strasbourg, uncovering its charm and history. Your second alternative sees you travel along the Schwarzwaldhochstraße into the famous Black Forest of Germany.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Speyer and Heidelberg

We arrive into Speyer this morning, where you have free time to explore. This town is home to one of the largest privately owned collections of vehicles in the world, the Technik Museum Speyer. Featuring an entire jumbo jet, army vehicles, emergency vehicles, a submarine and much more, this museum is a treasure trove of vehicular delights and is well worth a visit. Later in the afternoon, we have an excursion to the delightful academic town of Heidelberg where we are treated to a guided tour. Heidelberg is famous for a magnificent ruined castle, proudly stood high above the town below, gazing down onto the river and the attractive town houses.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Rüdesheim and the Rhine Gorge

We sail into the classic German town of Rüdesheim am Rhein, known for its formidable wine production especially of the dry Riesling variety. Perhaps walk along the river during your free time here this morning, before our ship departs for Koblenz.

This afternoon includes one of the highlights of the tour as we pass through the glorious Rhine Gorge, one of the most beautiful sections of the river and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Sheer river banks rise up, towering over the river below, covered in deep forests and miles of green vineyards, lending an almost ethereal feel to the waterway. We enjoy a commentary from our knowledgeable Cruise Director during this passage.

Our lunch today sees us tuck into a wonderful themed buffet with a suckling pig as the striking centrepiece, and several smaller dishes from this part of the world making up the rest of the offerings. Weather permitting we'll enjoy our lunch on the sun deck as we take in the majesty of the glorious Rhine Gorge. We sail this evening into the enchanting city of Koblenz, you may wish to visit one of the famous wine taverns here.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - The Lower Rhine and the Drachenfelsbahn

We depart from Koblenz this morning and discover the marvellous Lower Rhine, a stretch of river characterised by lush green meadows and postcard villages. Our Cruise Director provides us with the history of this area, and highlights points of interest. In the afternoon, we dock in Koenigswinter, where we embark on a journey on the Drachensfelbahn railway. This rack railway rises into the mountains and high into the forests for wonderful views across the Rhine- Westphalia region of Germany. In the evening, we indulge with a traditional gourmet dinner which features Spargelzeit, a kind of white asparagus which is famous in this area. (Please note, Spargelzeit depends on seasonal availability).

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Cologne

Arriving into Cologne this morning, we venture forth into this vibrant German city on a walking tour. We visit the resplendent cathedral, a centuries-year-old building which survived 14 aerial hits during bombing across the Second World War. We also wander through the many bustling squares, labyrinthine streets and see Romanesque town-houses.

Tonight is an opportunity to dress up in our finest as we enjoy a Gala dinner with the captain and crew.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Amsterdam, Floriade and the Medemblik Steam Train

We sail into Amsterdam this morning. One of the most popular of all the European cities, Amsterdam is as modern as it is historic, as young as it is old. From its iconic canals and large parks to its contemporary art galleries and futuristic architecture, Amsterdam boasts something for everyone. You have a choice of three exciting excursions. You could choose to explore the city on an immersive guided tour or travel to Hoorn to board the Medemblik Steam Train for a nostalgic trip through enchanting Dutch scenery. Your third option is to visit the Floriade flower show, a horticultural event that takes place once every decade. Taking place in the Dutch town of Almere, floriade is not only the world's ultimate flower show - spread over five themed zones across an enormous 66 hectares - it is also a celebration of plants, vegetables, fruit and produce. Gardeners from all over the world offer you the opportunity to enjoy the most exquisite and exceptional examples of horticulture found anywhere on Earth.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - Amsterdam and London

We leave the ship after breakfast and make our way to the station to board our train back to London St Pancras.

Please Note: For departure OBR2201s and OBR2201f you will travel by coach from Amsterdam to Brussels, where you will catch the Eurostar Service back to London.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 1 - Amsterdam

Today, meet your Tour Manager and the rest of your group at London St Pancras* before travelling on the Eurostar service to Amsterdam, where you'll be escorted to the ship. This evening, we enjoy a welcome cocktail before dinner this evening.

*If you would like to travel by air, view our Fly & Cruise option here.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - Amsterdam and the Medemblik Steam Train

After Breakfast this morning, we have a choice of two excursions, the first of which is a city tour of Amsterdam. One of the most popular of all the European cities, Amsterdam is as modern as it is historic, as young as it is old. From idyllic canals and large parks, to contemporary art galleries and futuristic architecture, this is a city that boasts something for everyone. The second option is an excursion to Hoorn where we board the splendid Medemblik Steam Train and enjoy a nostalgic trip through splendid Dutch scenery.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Cologne

Arriving into Cologne this morning, we venture forth into this vibrant German city on a walking tour. We visit the resplendent cathedral, a centuries-year-old building which survived 14 aerial hits during bombing across the Second World War. We also wander through the many bustling squares, labyrinthine streets and see Romanesque town-houses.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - The Upper Rhine and the Drachenfelsbahn

We depart from Cologne this morning and discover the marvellous Upper Rhine, a stretch of river characterised by lush green meadows and postcard villages. Our Cruise Director provides us with the history of this area, and highlights points of interest. In the afternoon, we dock in Koenigswinter, where we embark on a journey on the Drachensfelbahn railway. This rack railway rises into the mountains and high into the forests for wonderful views across the Rhine- Westphalia region of Germany. In the evening, we indulge with a traditional gourmet dinner which features Spargelzeit, a kind of white asparagus which is famous in this area. (Please note, Spargelzeit depends on seasonal availability).

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Rüdesheim and the Rhine Gorge

You have free time here this morning to explore Koblenz.

This afternoon includes one of the highlights of the tour as we pass through the glorious Rhine Gorge, one of the most beautiful sections of the river and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sheer river banks rise up, towering over the river below, covered in deep forests and miles of green vineyards, lending an almost ethereal feel to the waterway. We enjoy a commentary from our knowledgeable Cruise Director during this passage.

Our lunch today sees us tuck into a wonderful themed buffet with a suckling pig as the striking centrepiece, and several smaller dishes from this part of the world making up the rest of the offerings. Weather permitting we'll enjoy our lunch on the sun deck as we take in the majesty of the glorious Rhine Gorge. 

This evening we sail to the classic German town of Rüdesheim am Rhein, known for its formidable wine production especially of the dry Riesling variety.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Speyer and Heidelberg

We arrive into Speyer this morning, where you have free time to explore. This town is home to one of the largest privately owned collections of vehicles in the world, the Technik Museum Speyer. Featuring an entire jumbo jet, army vehicles, emergency vehicles, a submarine and much more, this museum is a treasure trove of vehicular delights and is well worth a visit. Later in the afternoon, we have an excursion to the delightful academic town of Heidelberg where we are treated to a guided tour. Heidelberg is famous for a magnificent ruined castle, proudly stood high above the town below, gazing down onto the river and the attractive town houses.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Strasbourg

Our vessel sails into the charming German town of Kehl today. Sat across the Rhine from Kehl is the beautiful city of Strasbourg, whose position on the German-French border has seen it change hands between the two nations frequently throughout history. Because of this, Strasbourg represents the best of both cultures, with colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets.

You have two choices here. Your first option is a city tour of Strasbourg, uncovering its charm and history. Your second choice sees you travel into the famous Black Forest, passing through stunning fairytale panoramas.

Tonight is an opportunity to dress up in our finest as we enjoy a Gala dinner with the captain and crew.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Basel and Fussen

After a buffet breakfast, we disembark the ship in Basel and make your way back to the railway station for your journey by rail to Fussen.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 9 - Oberammergau

After a free morning in Fussen, we travel by coach to Oberammergau. After checking into our hotel the rest of your day is free to explore Oberammergau.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - The Oberammergau Passion Play

The magnificent Oberammergau Passion Play is held only once every 10 years and is a spectacle worthy of all that preparation. Depicting the final days of Jesus Christ, this theatrical extravaganza features a cast and crew numbering up to the thousands, and features a dazzling array of props, costumes and backdrops. The play is the oldest Passion Play in the world, first put on by the villagers in 1634 as a plea to God to save them from the plague which was flooding Germany at the time. When the plague miraculously cleared up, the villagers vowed to put on a play for every 10 years thereafter. The result is a marvellous display, one which is produced by everyone in the village for thousands of international visitors each decade.

The majority of our tickets for the play are top tier tickets, providing us with front and central seats under the roof of a specially-made auditorium. Split into two halves with a break for a special dinner, we enjoy the performance in the afternoon, leaving you the morning to soak up the atmosphere of this unassuming, yet distinctly charming German town.

Please Note: For departure OBR2222s you will have Tier 2 tickets to the Passion Play Performance. Seating plan of the theatre is shown further down in the itinerary.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - Stuttgart

After breakfast, we disembark and start our journey back home via Stuttgart, where we spend the night. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 - London

Today we complete our journey back to London.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Seating Plan

For the Passion Play Performance you will be seated in category 1 or 2 seats, located at the front and centre of the theatre. 

Passion Play Theatre Seating Plan
- Travel Options

We offer a Standard Class and First Class rail options for departures on this tour. You can find out which class each departure is by clicking on the information button in the pricing grid.

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Trains

Drachenfels Railway
Eurostar
TGV

Ships

MS Amadeus Imperial
MS Amadeus Cara

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

London Hotels
UK rail connections

Reviews

3.0 stars3.0 / 5 · 11 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (4)
  2. 4 stars
    (2)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (5)

D Clarke

4 stars

Submitted 25/Jun

The play was outstanding but the German authorities by rail, road and river set challenges - which our guide helped us address. Do not underestimate the physical contribution needed for an adventure with so many moving parts and where adjustments to the schedule are to be expected. Travel light and take a small torch for the play.

Collected by Trustpilot

Michael Ellis

5 stars

Submitted 25/Jun

Fabulous.

Collected by Trustpilot

Mr M Mitchell

5 stars

Submitted 24/Jun

`The problems which arose were handled expertly by the+ excellent Great Rail Tour Managers. These were the after effects of the Garmisch-Partenkirchen derailment and the Trip Hazard at Cologne as tour groups were leaving the ship.

Collected by Trustpilot

John Mortimer

1 stars

Submitted 24/Jun

Oberammergau passion play was an experience I shall never forget but the rhine cruise is one I hope to forget as it did not meet expectations with 2 of our stops not happening +other unresolved problems

Collected by Trustpilot

G Balme

1 stars

Submitted 24/Jun

The Passion Play was wonderful BUT the cruise part was very unsatisfactory as several stops and excursions did not take place.

Collected by Trustpilot

Thea Oliver

1 stars

Submitted 24/Jun

Already done it,

Collected by Trustpilot

Show all 11 reviews
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Oberammergau and Rhine Cruise

Experience the theatre event of the decade before taking in the attractions of the majestic Rhine and attending the exclusive Floriade flower show

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