Advertorial – Join us in 2020 for a magnificent performance of the Passion Play, re-enacted for the 42nd time since 1634 by the people of Oberammergau. We begin this very special journey in Israel, where we’ll experience the land where Jesus lived and died, before moving on to Austria and Germany and witnessing the depiction of His Life and Passion in this traditional production put on by the entire German village of Oberammergau only once every 10 years.
During this inspirational journey of a lifetime, you’ll have the opportunity to see the stories of the scriptures come to life! Explore the shores of the Sea of Galilee along which Jesus lived and performed most of his miracles. Visit Nazareth, the Mount of Beatitudes, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, Capernaum and so much more. The Gospels record 12 healing miracles in Capernaum, more than anywhere else in the Holy Land.
During our stay in Jerusalem, we’ll get the chance to appreciate the archeology of the Dome of the Rock, Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Old City Walls from Jaffa Gate to the Western Wall. Examine the ruins by the Temple complex, using the steps where Jesus taught and walked. Visit the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site. Visit the church grounds called Peter in Gallicantu, which affords the best view of early Jerusalem from the west.
Following Jerusalem, we’ll drive to Bethany, the home of Martha and Lazarus, and through the Judean Desert to Qumran on the shores of the Dead Sea to view the cave where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. View Cave number four, which contained the greatest quantity of Dead Sea Scrolls. At Masada, take the cable car to the top to visit Herod’s mountain bunker and the last stronghold of the Jewish revolt against Rome (66-73 AD).
In Europe, we’ll spend time in Salzburg, known as the “Rome of the North”, which was ruled for centuries by the Prince Archbishops and features many monuments from the Baroque and Renaissance periods. We’ll stroll through the city centre, a pedestrian zone with historic sites related to Mozart, including Mozart’s birthplace, St. Peter’s Church, Salzburg Cathedral and the Fortress of Hohensalzburg.
Known as the Capital of the Alps, and for good reason, Innsbruck is colourful and picturesque! In this beautiful Tyrolean city, we’ll be joined by a local guide who will introduce us to the delights of this alpine centre on a walking tour featuring Innsbruck’s old town, the Hofkirche with its royal tombs and still-functional wooden organ, installed in 1560. Innsbruck has more historical organs than any other Austrian city.
The highlight of the trip is the Passion Play in Oberammergau, which is an unforgettable display of pageantry that every theatrical, cultural and religious enthusiast should experience at least once in their lifetime. Every 10 years, this unique theatrical tradition is performed, depicting the passion of Christ from His entry into Jerusalem to the Resurrection. When stricken by the plague in 1633, the people of Oberammergau made a plea to God to spare them and pledged to act out the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ once every decade.
The play’s home is within a theatre built in 1930, which features a stage that is open to the elements and uses the natural grandeur of the region as the backdrop, while the 4,800 seat audience is covered. The environs of Oberammergau are not only renowned for the Passion Play and the great scenic beauty, but for exterior house painting depicting religious scenes and adding great charm to the area.
Recalling a past Oberammergau visit, Craig Traveller Linda Cousins shares her best memory from her 1984 journey: “I travelled to Oberammergau for the 350th Anniversary production of the Passion Play. The trip turned out to be more wonderful than I could have imagined. I look forward to returning again in 2020 on another Craig Travel trip!”
Most of our Holy Land and Oberammergau departures are waitlisted. There are only a few spaces left for you to experience this 16-day spiritual journey on May 13, July 27 or July 29.
Contact one of Craig Travel’s Tour Specialists today to snag yourself one of the last few rooms on this unforgettable adventure of a lifetime. Call 1-800-387-8890. Don’t delay, the next performance isn’t until 2030!
Photos courtesy of ©Passion Play Oberammergau 2020
