Discover the best of France, Switzerland, Austria and Germany on this unforgettable 75-word escorted tour
Explore Paris, the Dordogne and Provence, journey through the spectacular Alps aboard the GoldenPass Panorama, Glacier Express and Railjet, and experience the once-in-a-decade Oberammergau Passion Play. With relaxed touring, scenic rail journeys, multi-night stays and premium inclusions, this remarkable holiday combines breathtaking landscapes, rich history, culture and unforgettable European experiences.
Itinerary
Day 1: Paris
Our tour commences with an included Welcome Drinks and Dinner at our 4-star hotel in Paris, the City of Love and Lights.
Meals: D
Day 2: Paris
This morning’s sightseeing includes the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées and Notre Dame Cathedral. There is free time to visit the Mona Lisa at the Louvre before enjoying one of the many excellent restaurants Paris has to offer this evening.
Meals: B
Day 3: Monet’s Garden at Giverny
Today we enjoy a private tour of Claude Monet’s spectacular gardens at Giverny. Admire the famous waterlilies, Japanese bridge and colourful gardens that inspired many of his greatest masterpieces.
Meals: B
Day 4: Bordeaux & Dordogne
Our journey on Europe’s great railways begins aboard France’s flagship high-speed TGV to Bordeaux. From here we continue by regional train through the famous Bordeaux vineyards to the beautifully preserved medieval market town of Sarlat in the Dordogne.
After settling into our accommodation for the next four nights, enjoy the freedom to choose from a range of included daily excursions or simply relax and explore this charming village at your own pace.
Meals: B, D
Day 5: Rocamadour
Visit the spectacular cliffside village of Rocamadour, one of France’s most famous pilgrimage destinations since the 12th century and home to the revered Black Madonna. Later we explore the fortified bastide town of Domme, offering wonderful shopping and magnificent views across the Dordogne Valley.
Meals: B
Day 6: Tastes of the Dordogne & La Roque-Gageac
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Sarlat, renowned as a paradise for food lovers with its outstanding gourmet shops and local delicacies. This afternoon we visit the beautiful riverside village of La Roque-Gageac before continuing to the magnificent Jardins d’Eyrignac.
Meals: B
Day 7: Sarlat, Dordogne
Today is market day in the historic village of Sarlat. Wander through its lively medieval streets and browse the colourful stalls filled with local produce, regional specialities and handcrafted goods.
Meals: B
Day 8: Villeneuve, Provence
Travel by train to Avignon in the heart of Provence before transferring to the village of Villeneuve. This will be our base while enjoying a series of included excursions throughout this beautiful region.
Meals: B, D
Day 9: Villages of Provence
Explore some of Provence’s most picturesque villages including Lourmarin, Bonnieux, colourful Roussillon and the hilltop village of Gordes. There will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy coffee, lunch, shopping and the relaxed Provençal atmosphere.
Meals: B
Day 10: Avignon
Spend the day discovering historic Avignon, once home to the Popes of the Roman Catholic Church. Explore its impressive medieval walls, historic streets, excellent shopping and inviting cafés and restaurants.
Meals: B
Day 11: The Venice of Provence
Visit L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, France’s second-largest antiques centre. Browse its famous markets featuring antiques, crafts, local produce and gifts while enjoying the canals and water wheels that have earned it the nickname “The Venice of Provence”.
This evening is our final night in Provence.
Meals: B
Day 12: Spiez, Switzerland
Travel by French high-speed rail and Swiss mountain trains while your luggage is transferred ahead. Arrive at our lakeside hotel in the picturesque village of Spiez, where we stay for the next three nights.
Meals: B, D
Day 13: Lakes of Switzerland
Board the famous GoldenPass Panorama train through the Bernese Oberland to beautiful Lake Geneva. Enjoy free time in Montreux before returning to Spiez.
Meals: B
Day 14: Spiez, Switzerland
Today is free to explore at your own pace. Optional excursions include a lake steamer to Interlaken, a train journey to Zurich, or the spectacular Jungfrau Express to Europe’s highest railway station at over 11,000 feet.
Meals: B
Day 15: The Glacier Express & Austria
Enjoy one of the world’s great rail journeys aboard the legendary Glacier Express through the Swiss Alps before crossing the Arlberg Pass into Austria. Tonight we stay in the village of Igls overlooking Innsbruck.
Meals: B, D
Day 16: Oberammergau, Bavaria
Transfer to Oberammergau and settle into your overnight accommodation before experiencing the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play. Witness this inspiring once-in-a-decade performance depicting the final week of the earthly life of Jesus, presented in two parts with an included dinner during the interval.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 17: Igls, Austria
Return to our hotel in Igls and enjoy a relaxing afternoon after the unforgettable Passion Play experience.
Meals: B
Day 18: Innsbruck
Discover the beautiful alpine city of Innsbruck, once the winter capital of the Habsburg dynasty. Later enjoy a spectacular journey high into the Alps for breathtaking mountain views.
Meals: B
Day 19: Salzburg
Travel aboard Austria’s flagship Railjet train to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and one of the principal filming locations for The Sound of Music. Return to our hotel in Igls this evening.
Meals: B
Day 20: Munich
Travel through the Bavarian Alps by local train to Munich. On arrival enjoy a walking tour of the city’s historic centre before gathering for our included Farewell Dinner.
Meals: B, D
Day 21: Munich
After breakfast our tour concludes with a transfer to Munich Airport for your onward journey.
Meals: B
The France, Switzerland, Austria’s Oberammergau Passion Play Tour offers a wonderful blend of culture, history, breathtaking scenery and inspiring experiences.
Enjoy rediscovering Europe at a relaxed pace onthis thoughtfully designed journey combining the romance of France with the grandeur of the Swiss and Austrian Alps, all connected by amazing scenic rail journeys, and with a minimum 3 night stay in each location.
From elegant Paris to the medieval villages of the Dordogne and the colourful hill towns of Provence, you’ll experience authentic country life, bustling markets, magnificent gardens and exceptional local cuisine. Wander historic streets, browse artisan shops and enjoy time in charming cafés while soaking up the atmosphere that makes these regions so memorable.
As our journey continues enjoy spectacular vistas through the heart of the Alps, revealing crystal-clear lakes, towering mountain peaks and postcard-perfect villages. Travel aboard the famous GoldenPass Panorama, the legendary Glacier Express and Austria’s Railjet, each offering unforgettable experiences impossible to appreciate by road.
The emotional highlight is the famous Oberammergau Passion Play, a remarkable performance only staged once every decade. Combined this with time in Innsbruck, Salzburg and Munich, this exceptional tour offers the perfect balance of scenic beauty, fascinating history, cultural discovery and comfortable, unhurried travel,creating memories to cherish.
Transport
Travel on some of Europe’s finest railways, from the high-speed French TGV to scenic Swiss mountain trains. Enjoy the freedom to meet local people, visit the restaurant or bar carriage, and take in ever-changing landscapes of vineyards, alpine peaks and lakes.
- First Class reserved seating on all mainline rail journeys.
- Some local services operate with standard class only or where seat reservations are unavailable.
Stress-Free Luggage Transportation
Your luggage is collected from your hotel each morning and transported ahead to your next destination, allowing you to travel comfortably with only a small day bag containing the items you need during the day.
Three-Night Minimum Stays
Every major destination features a minimum three-night stay, giving you time to unpack, relax and experience each region at a more leisurely pace.
Accommodation
We stay in quality, centrally located hotels wherever possible. In major cities we use a minimum of 4-star hotels, or the best accommodation available.
Meals
Meals are included as shown in the final itinerary.
- B = Breakfast
- D = Welcome, Farewell and other included dinners
Where practical, your first evening meal in each new city or village is included at a local trattoria or bistro. Drinks are at your own expense. On other evenings your Tour Host will recommend restaurants at a variety of price levels or accompany the group to dinner.
Passion Play Tickets & Arrangements
Passion Play tickets and associated arrangements are purchased immediately and are non-refundable.
INCLUDES
Reserved best available tickets to the Passion Play
Excludes
- International airfares.
- Gratuities.
- Additional meals or items not specified in the final itinerary.
- Local taxes and other charges not payable prior to the tour.
- Comprehensive travel insurance (compulsory).
THIS ITINERARY IS THE PROPERTY OF THE TOUR COMPANY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
Available dates: May to September
Pricing: Currently from NZ$18,975 per person twin share.
