Erl Passion Play & The Highlights Of The Tyrol

Itinerary

Erl Passion Play & the Highlights of the Tyrol

Every six years since 1613, the charming Austrian village of Erl has played host to a spectacular Passion Play, where the story of Jesus Christ is brought to life. A significant feature of Tyrolean culture and now on the UNESCO World Heritage List, almost half of the residents take part in this world-famous event, and with over 600 participants, it really is a sight to behold. This exciting break is the perfect chance to follow in the footsteps of Bavarian pilgrims who watched the first play 600 years ago, originally created to give thanks for God's protection against plague and war. We combine this iconic performance with the highlights of the stunning Tyrol, from an enchanting steam train journey and a scenic lake cruise to idyllic alpine towns and magical cities.

Erl Passion Play & the Highlights of the Tyrol

Itinerary

Day 1

Ferry to Calais and overnight stay in France on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2

We continue on to our hotel in Grafenweg, where we stay for the next nine nights, with dinner included.

Day 3 – Alpbach & Rattenberg

For our first excursion we head to charming Alpbach, nestled in the stunning landscapes of the Kitzbühel Alps and renowned for its traditional wooden architecture and vibrant flowers. Often referred to as Austria's most beautiful village, it’s a lovely place to enjoy a stroll, soak up the Alpine atmosphere and go in search of Kaiserschmarren (fluffy pancake with cranberries) and Löffelmilch (a sweetened alcoholic milk drink), made from a top-secret recipe that’s passed down from generation to generation.

We then continue on to Rattenberg, the smallest town in Austria and tucked between the ancient fortress on the hillside and the River Inn. Built in the shadow of Rat Mountain, the town has a long history of glass-blowing plus a picturesque well-preserved medieval centre, rows of brightly-painted townhouses and a lovely pedestrianised high street. There is plenty more to explore, including the Augustine Museum, one of the Austrian Tyrol’s leading museums with its unique collection of artefacts, and the castle ruins which offer breathtaking views of the valley below.

Day 4 – Innsbruck & Hungerburg Funicular

The beautiful city of Innsbruck awaits, with its rich history and magnificent backdrop of snow-capped peaks. There is plenty to see around this Austrian gem, including the atmospheric Old Town and the Golden Roof, built for Emperor Maximilian I as a royal box from which to view tournaments in the square below. The central precinct of the Altstadt, an area of medieval houses attractively painted in traditional pastel colours, is bound by the River Inn and the Graben, following the course of the town’s moat that once surrounded its medieval core. It really is a fairytale-like city full of charm, all beneath the stunning alpine mountain ridge of Nordkette. We discover more on our guided tour of the city, before we enjoy a journey on the Hungerburg Funicular from Innsbruck to Seegrube, which boasts breathtaking alpine views along the way and at the summit.

Day 5 – Day at leisure

Today we enjoy a day at leisure; take the chance to relax at the hotel and use the fantastic facilities or soak up the beauty of the surrounding Wildschönau Valley on a gentle stroll.

Day 6 – Lake Achensee & Zillertal Railway

We take in some of Austria's most spectacular landscapes from different perspectives, beginning with the 'Fjord of the Alps.' After some free time at Lake Achensee, where the picture-perfect turquoise waters are set against the imposing backdrop of the Karwendel Mountains, we relax on a scenic boat trip.

Next, we head to the Zillertal Railway, which attracts railway enthusiasts from across the world due to its small track gauge and steam engine. Our memorable journey along the valley of the river Ziller takes in the amazingly beautiful Zillertal Valley, as we meander between the towns of Mayrhofen and Jenbach, surrounded by stunning rugged mountains.

Day 7 – Salzburg & Salzkammergut

After breakfast we head out and take a guided tour of enchanting Salzburg, lying at the northern boundary of the Alps and famed as the birthplace of Mozart and filming location for parts of the iconic film The Sound of Music. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, its wonderful architecture and breathtaking setting make it one of the most picturesque cities in Europe. We discover some of the main sights such as the beautifully-preserved Old Town, overlooked by the medieval Hohensalzburg Castle, which offers panoramic views.

Later we enjoy a scenic coach tour of the magnificent natural scenery of Austria’s Lake District, known as Salzkammergut. This beautiful Alpine region boasts serene lakes, spectacular mountains and enchanting forests peppered with quaint villages, with vistas at every turn resembling a classic Austrian postcard.

Day 8 – Hall in Tirol & Swarovski Crystal Worlds

This morning we make our way to Hall in Tiriol, once a significant economic centre thanks to its rich salt mines and home to an incredible Old Town. With its maze of narrow cobbled streets, historic churches, multi-coloured buildings, old mint tower, medieval castle, charming market squares and centuries-old town hall, a visit here is like stepping into a perfect little toy town!

Next we head to Swarovski Crystal Worlds, created by Austrian artist André Heller and opened in 1995 to mark the company’s hundredth anniversary. From the magical Chambers of Wonder to the unique gardens, there is plenty to discover, and don’t forget to pick up a souvenir in the shop.

Day 9 – Erl Passion Play

We have some free time at the hotel before an early dinner and the highlight of our break, the performance of the Erl Passion Play. A 600-year-old tradition, the life and death of Jesus Christ is staged by an impressive cast of over 600 performers in Erl, located in the northern part of the Tyrol, close to the German border. There is record of Bavarian pilgrims watching the play in 1613, created as a way to give thanks for God's protection against plague and war, and it has been dutifully performed every six years since. Today, the story is performed in a purpose-built play house, renowned for its fascinating architecture and acoustics, and is accompanied by a live choir and orchestra. It promises to be a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Day 10 – Day at leisure

We enjoy some more time at leisure today; the perfect chance to rest and relax after a busy few days of sightseeing.

Day 11

We begin our journey home, stopping overnight in the Metz area of France, with a light evening meal included.

Day 12

Continue to Calais for our return ferry home.

Erl Passion Play & the Highlights of the Tyrol

• Return coach travel & ferry crossings
• First & last night on a bed & breakfast basis in France (last night with a light evening meal)
• 9 nights at the Harmony Hotel Sonnschein, Grafenweg (JG4 rating) with dinner & breakfast 
• Excursions to Alpbach, Rattenberg, Innsbruck, Lake Achensee, Salzburg, Hall in Tirol & Swarovski Crystal Worlds
• Guided tours of Innsbruck & Salzburg
• Journeys on the Hungerburg Funicular & Zillertal Railway
• Cruise on Lake Achensee
• Panoramic tour of Salzkammergut
• Admission to the Erl Passion Play
• Free time in Grafenweg
• Fully escorted by a tour manager

Erl Passion Play & the Highlights of the Tyrol

• Excursions to Alpbach, Rattenberg, Innsbruck, Lake Achensee, Salzburg, Hall in Tirol & Swarovski Crystal Worlds
• Guided tours of Innsbruck & Salzburg
• Admission to the Erl Passion Play

JG4

Accommodation in our JG4 category is of an even higher standard, typically offering a wide range of facilities and services. Bedrooms are designed to make your stay the most comfortable possible and the staff provide a service that reflects the detail and quality. You can also expect higher standards of food and beverages.

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Accommodation

Harmony Hotel Sonnschein, Grafenweg

JG4 rating

Located in the idyllic Wildschönau Valley and surrounded by stunning mountains, meadows and forests, the fabulous Harmony Hotel Sonnschein is full of Austrian charm. It offers traditional rooms with satellite TV, tea and coffee-making facilities plus a balcony, a cosy restaurant, bar, sun terrace, two indoor pools and a spa with two saunas, aromatic steam bath, underwater massage loungers and hot tub. Outside, you can expect a seasonal swimming pool, set in the charming gardens, as well as a sunbathing lawn, pool house, mini golf course and giant chess.

Please note: in Austria, a twin/double room will have one double bed base structure with two separate mattresses and separate bed linen for each mattress.