Why is the Passion Play so important?
A "Passion play" is a performance that depicts the Passion of Jesus Christ from his entrance into Jerusalem through his resurrection. The Oberammergau holy play began as fulfillment of a promise by villagers who were spared from the bubonic plague in 1634. The entire village has devotedly produced its Passion Play every decade for nearly four hundred years. Though no outside professional actors are allowed to participate in the play, it is nonetheless internationally acclaimed for its consistently excellent presentation.

When does it take place?
During the 2000 season, performances began in May and ended in early October. Performance packages were accompanied with either one or two nights' stay in or near Oberammergau, but this has not yet been determined for 2010. Note: The Passion Play Committee has not yet opened its office for the 2010 production season; it will open sometime in 2007. Until that time, all details are based upon past experience.

Where is Oberammergau?
Oberammergau is situated in the Bavarian Alps, 60 miles southwest of Munich. The theater in which the play is performed stands in a meadow at the far end of the village, near the railway station.
Map of Oberammergau

What is included in the Passion Play "package"?
Admission tickets to the play, one or two nights accommodation, and all meals during the stay. No performance tickets will be sold separately, and the Passion Play package will be available from GTD only with purchase of the tour. Over 5000 people attended the play during the 2000 season.

What is the play itself like?
The play is produced and performed by over 2000 actors, musicians and stage technicians, all of whom are residents of the village of Oberammergau. The play comprises spoken dramatic text, musical and choral accompaniment and tableaux vivants, in German (there are written programs in English), over a total of seven hours, which includes a one-hour intermission for lunch.

How was it seeing a play in German?
It was certainly easy. You know the story already and are provided with the English translation. It was well acted and enjoyable. --Passion Play Participant

What is the theater like?
The open-air theater is modern in construction, covered, with bench seating for about 5000. The play takes place rain-or-shine during its May through October season.

Is the play better for some religious groups than for others?
The Passion Play is suited to anybody who follows the path of Jesus and/or finds meaning in a historic theatrical performance. Though the villagers are overwhelmingly Catholic, there is no particular religious denomination associated with the play.

How can I learn more about the Passion Play?
The play's official website
Wikipedia article

Will my tour emphasize religion and spirituality or will it focus more on sightseeing and shopping?
Our tours will work either way or as a combination of both; it all depends on the group. GTD will work with you to achieve the right balance of spirituality, sightseeing and shopping for your group.

What other destinations should I include in my Passion Play tour?
Our expert Group Travel Specialists will assist you in finding the right match for your group. Click here to view the itinerary we are recommending for 2010 Passion Play travelers.

How can I set my Passion Play tour apart from all the others being promoted?
Over the years GTD has developed contacts with churches, schools and other organizations throughout Europe. There are many ways your tour participants can interact with members of local communities and add purpose and depth to your tour. You and your Group Tour Specialist will provide insights in accomplishing this.

What is the weather like in Europe at that time?
Performances begin running in the spring, through the summer, nearly to fall. Weather will be similar to our Midwest and will be variable between cool and hot, wet and dry. There will really be no "better" time to attend than another. The play is performed rain or shine.

What will the hotels be like?
Accommodations used as a part of the Passion Play package are determined by the Passion Play Committee in Oberammergau and range from first class hotels to homestays, with or without private facilities. Accommodations may be right in Oberammergau or as far away as Innsbruck. Prices vary according to category. You may request a certain category, but it cannot be guaranteed until confirmed by the Passion Play committee.

We encourage people to think of their stay in the Oberammergau area as a unique chance to share in an historic event rather than the "next stop" on a tour itinerary. The community is faithfully dedicated to honoring the Passion of Christ in their play, and at the same time they work diligently to offer clean, serviceable accommodation and meals. You may stay in a small hotel or in a private home--can you imagine dining with Jesus, Judas, or Pontius Pilate?

Outside of the Passion Play package, GTD will select accommodations, ranging from budget to deluxe, to fit your group's needs.

What airlines are used?
We partner with all major carriers for our groups. GTD's selection of the airline for your group will depend on the itinerary, fares, service, and availability.

I'm concerned about getting the travel dates I want for my tour.
The Passion Play Committee will begin accepting requests for space in the fall of 2008 and confirm space sometime in mid-2009. Early requests with deposit will have more meaning for the Committee in determining the allotments. It is best to be flexible in your expectations and allow a two-week window for your performance dates. When confirmation comes 9-12 months in advance, you should have adequate time for tour members to adjust their schedules to the confirmed tour dates.

Will the cost be higher than my last European tour?
Most likely, yes. A number of factors influence prices for tours featuring the Passion Play:
-The huge marketing impact and expectations for the millennium year as well as for the ten-year cycle of the Passion Play.

-Supply and demand: heavy demand for limited air space and ground services, which drives prices up.

-Anticipated fluctuation between the various foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar.
-The usual allowances for inflation.

When do we need to start planning our Passion Play tour?
The time is NOW to begin planning your tour! Because demand will be so high, deposited requests for space will take precedence over late-comers.

When is the first deposit due?
Once you have selected your tour, a deposit ($150-200) is due along with your tour reservation. This payment is needed to request the tickets from the Passion Play Committee in Oberammergau and will be applied to the tour cost.

What can I do to convince people to sign up on my trip at such an early date?
Emphasize the unprecedented demand this Passion Play will no doubt experience, since it is a decennial event. GTD will offer you assistance to give you the promotional tips needed to be successful in filling your tour. Other promotional tools include complimentary postcards and brochures, posting your tour on our website and GTD participation at promotional meetings.

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