TORONTO — Oberammergau’s Passion Play may still be a few years away, but Globus is already kicking it into high gear with a newly released brochure featuring 14 packages.
This represents the largest number of packages by a Canadian tour operator to include a visit to Oberammergau for a performance of the play, which takes place every 10 years in the small southern German town. The next Passion Play is scheduled for 2020 with 102 performances between May and October, and is expected to welcome 400,000 visitors to the town of 5,000.
“Globus has been hosting travellers in Europe for almost 90 years, and we are the only tour company to have a dedicated faith-based travel division, so we are a great choice when it comes to experiencing Oberammergau,” says Stéphanie Bishop, managing director for Globus in Canada.
The company’s special packages range from 7 to 14 days and all include a premier location ticket for the play. These escorted motorcoach tours will visit Germany in depth, or take travellers to other countries as well, such as Switzerland, Austria and Italy.
Several of the tours – unique to Globus – are faith-based, such as the ‘Cathedral Tour of Central Europe’, the ‘Shrines of Alpine Europe’ and the ‘European Reformation’ tour. Others combine the Oberammergau experience with some of Globus’ most popular itineraries, such as ‘The Best of Switzerland’. There’s an escorted itinerary with Globus’ value-brand Cosmos (The Shrines of Alpine Europe and Oberammergau, from $2,273 plus airfare), and even a tour that includes a weeklong cruise on the Rhine river with Avalon Waterways, another sister company to Globus (from $6,038, plus airfare).
As with all Globus tours, hand-picked accommodation with breakfast, the services of a knowledgeable and experienced Tour Director and transportation on a comfortable, wi-fi equipped coach and more are included, along with premium reserved seats in front of the Oberammergau theatre.
“We have just the right selection for Canadians interested in Oberammergau,” adds Bishop. “From those who wish a full immersive experience and to reconnect with their faith to those simply intrigued by the history and tradition of the performance, you can trust Globus to deliver a memorable experience.”
Prices for the Globus tours start at $2,999 (plus airfare). The company also features special rates for church and other groups.
