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Small Group Tour

Contemporary Germany & Oberammergau Passion Play 2030

23 days · Small group · Up to 16 travellers

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People-free editorial view of Germany Heidelberg Hero.
86% return to travel with us again 40+ years of small-group escorted touring 43,000+ travellers have toured with Odyssey

Tour Overview

From Heidelberg to Berlin and Bavaria.

Odyssey Traveller’s fully escorted small-group tours are designed for mature travellers, including solo travellers, couples or friends travelling together.

This specialised small-group tour explores Germany, a country known for its welcoming spirit, rich history and varied landscapes. From the northern port city of Hamburg to Munich, the heart of Bavaria, we discover why Germany’s cities and countryside continue to draw visitors from around the world. A highlight is the once-in-a-decade Passion Play in Oberammergau.

Our journey begins in Heidelberg, a university town known for its narrow cobbled streets and Baroque architecture. We then travel south to the Black Forest, long associated with the dark fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. Based in Titisee, we visit Freiburg, with its striking cathedral and historic city gates, and nearby Feldberg, where a cable-car ride offers views across Lake Feldsee.

From Titisee, we travel to Oberammergau, stopping en route for a horse-drawn carriage ride to Neuschwanstein Castle, set high in the Bavarian Alps. In Oberammergau, we join the excitement surrounding the Passion Play. After two days in the village and an unforgettable performance, we continue to Munich, Bavaria’s capital.

Munich is famous for Oktoberfest, but its lively spirit lasts throughout the year. Over two days, we explore the city’s cultural heritage on a guided tour and visit the Deutsches Museum, one of the world’s largest museums of science and technology.

We then head to Nuremberg, stopping in Regensburg for a walking tour of its UNESCO-listed historic centre. In Nuremberg, we learn about Germany’s history, including a visit to the sobering Nazi Party Rally Grounds. On the way to Bayreuth, the hometown of composer Richard Wagner, we stop in Bamberg and Coburg. Our next base is Erfurt, a city known for its history, horticulture and flowers. From here, we visit Weimar, the birthplace of Weimar Classicism and home to many influential thinkers.

Next, we travel to Dresden, admired for its historic centre, museums and architecture, before continuing to cosmopolitan Berlin. A guided city tour takes in Unter den Linden boulevard, the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and the Reichstag. We also make a morning excursion to Potsdam to visit Cecilienhof Palace and the Rococo-style Sanssouci Palace. There is also free time to experience Berlin’s contemporary arts scene.

After three nights in the capital, we travel west to Schierke and take a train to the summit of the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains. We then continue by train to Wernigerode, a charming town known for its half-timbered houses and local witch legends.

Our final base is Königswinter, on the Rhine, where we spend three nights. We tour Bonn, visit Cologne Cathedral and take a cruise along the Rhine before the journey concludes.

The Oberammergau Passion Play

The small town of Oberammergau lies beside the Ammer River in the Bavarian Alps. It is known for traditional woodcarving and, above all, its Passion Play—a tradition dating back nearly 400 years.

According to local tradition, the play began during the plague of 1633. Residents vowed that if they were spared from the disease, they would stage a play about the Passion of Christ every ten years. The village was spared, and the residents kept their promise.

The play is usually staged in years ending in zero, with exceptions including 1940, during the Second World War, and 2020, when the performance was postponed because of the pandemic. Special performances also marked the 300th and 350th anniversaries in 1934 and 1984.

The production involves a large cast and crew drawn from the village. Residents bring the story of Jesus to life, from his entry into Jerusalem through his death and resurrection. The performance lasts up to seven hours, with an interval. Dinner is provided between the two parts as part of this tour.

Tour highlights

  • Experience Bavarian beer halls with a close-up of the leisure culture of which they are the centre.
  • Visit the magnificent Hohenschwangau Castle and the Neuschwanstein Castle in the village of Hohenschwangau in the Bavarian Alps.
  • Explore the contemporary and vibrant cities of Berlin, Munich, and Dresden.
  • Enjoy the Black Forest and Harz Mountains, often considered to harbour the true soul of Germany.
  • Visit Heidelberg, a university town with narrow, cobblestone streets flanked with intricate Baroque architecture.

Value built into your journey

What’s included

  • 22 nights of hotel accommodation.
  • 22 breakfasts and 13 dinners.
  • Transport, entrance fees and excursions as indicated.
  • Applicable entry fees and services of local guides.
  • Services of a group leader.
  • Gratuities and necessary tips.
  • Detailed tour information booklet.
See all inclusions & exclusions →

The Odyssey difference

Small enough to experience more

One dinner table, shared experience

Our groups are deliberately small enough to dine together around one table—an intimate way to get to know fellow travellers, whether you join as a couple or on your own.

Access that larger groups miss

A smaller group can visit more intimate venues, stay in characterful places, and reach experiences that are often impractical for larger coach parties.

Time to understand a place

Expert Program Leaders and local guides add depth, while a considered pace leaves room to explore, rest, or follow your curiosity.

Discover why travellers choose Odyssey →
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Journey journal

Read, learn & explore before you travel

Expand your journey before departure with destination stories and carefully selected reading that bring the history, art and culture of this tour into sharper focus.

People-free editorial view of Germany Heidelberg Hero.

Destination guide

Contemporary Germany & Oberammergau Passion Play 2030

A thoughtful journey through the people, places and stories that make this tour distinctive.

Explore tour resources →
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What's Included:
What's included in our Tour
  • 22 nights of hotel accommodation.
  • 22 breakfasts and 13 dinners.
  • Transport, entrance fees and excursions as indicated.
  • Applicable entry fees and services of local guides.
  • Services of a group leader.
  • Gratuities and necessary tips.
  • Detailed tour information booklet.
What's not included in our Tour
  • Return international airfares and departure taxes.
  • Comprehensive travel insurance.
  • Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls and laundry.

Activity Level

Level 2 - Moderate
Participants must be able to carry their own luggage, climb and descend stairs, be in good health, mobile and able to participate in 3-5 hours of physical activity per day, the equivalent of walking/hiking up to 8 kilometres on uneven ground.
Learn about activity levels

Good to Know:

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Prices shown per person

Prices displayed below are per person, twin share occupancy.
Departure Date Price Availability
29 Aug – 20 Sep 2030
$20,900 AUD
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29 Aug – 20 Sep 2030
$20,900 AUD
✓ Available
Book This Date

A deposit of A$1,000 per person secures your place. Balance is due 120 days before departure. All prices are per person. View Terms & Conditions.

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Plan your journey

Available dates & prices

Choose a departure and room type to see the current tour price. Every departure travels in a small group of up to 16 travellers.

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Prices shown per person, twin share occupancy. Select a departure to view booking details.

Small-group touring with up to 16 travellers Meals: 22B · 13D included Comfortable accommodation and expert local guidance A$1,000 deposit per person secures your place

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Twin share Sharing a room with a companion
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Your route

From Heidelberg to Berlin and Bavaria.

Follow a carefully paced route through the places, stories and experiences that bring this journey to life. Open any day for the detail behind the itinerary.

Route map for this tour
⌖ 23 days · 10 stops
⌗ View larger map
1–3 3 days

Heidelberg

We arrive in Heidelberg and settle into our home for these next days. After traveling, we gather for a welcome dinner at our hotel, where good wine and conversation ease us into the journey ahead. Here, among the gentle Rhine valley hills, our exploration begins.

Upon arrival in Heidelberg we transfer to our hotel individually. Welcome dinner will be in the hotel.

We have a morning city tour with a local guide to see the main sights of Heidelberg. We transfer on to Worms for a guided city tour before transferring back to Heidelberg.

Today we travel from Heidelberg to Wurzburg, where we will be met by our local guide for a tour of the main sights of the city including entrance to the Residenz. On our return journey to Heidelberg we pause in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, known for its well-preserved medieval old town. Dinner this evening will be in Heidelberg.

4–5 2 days

Titisee

We venture deeper into the Black Forest's heart, passing through the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden before arriving at Gutach's open-air museum, where traditional timber-framed buildings reveal centuries of regional life. As evening settles over Titisee's tranquil shores, we find time to breathe and reflect.

Today we travel to Baden Baden, with a stop to view the town, before transferring on to Gutach with entrance to the Black Forest Open Air Museum. We transfer to Titisee with the remainder of the day free before dinner.

Today we travel from Titisee to Freiburg, with a city tour with a local guide, taking in the main sights of the city. From Freibrug we travel on to Feldberg, with return tickets on the Cable Car to take in the views over Feldsee. We have a final transfer back to Titisee in time for dinner.

6–7 2 days

Oberammergau

We journey eastward through the Alpine foothills, beginning at Friedrichshafen's renowned Zeppelin Museum before ascending to the fairy-tale splendour of Neuschwanstein Castle. A carriage carries us through mountain scenery to explore this Bavarian masterpiece within, then descends to the ethereal Wies Church, where Rococo artistry transcends the ordinary. Evening finds us settled in Oberammergau.

We travel from Titisee to Friedrichshafen, with entrance to the Zeppelin Museum. We transfer on to Hohenschwangau and take a carriage up to Neuschwanstein Castle, with entrance and a guided tour of the castle interior. We will take a carriage back down from the castle before transferring on to Steingaden, where we visit the Wies Rococo Church, before finally transferring to Oberammergau, where dinner will be served.

After spending our morning at leisure,we transfer to the Oberammergau Center. We have entrance to the Museum, and a light lunch will be provided. We then attend the Passion Play, with a break for dinner between the two parts. We return to our hotel following the performance.

8–9 2 days

Munich

We arrive in Munich, Bavaria's vibrant capital, where Gothic spires pierce elegant squares and centuries of culture await discovery. This afternoon offers you freedom to wander at your own pace through streets that have witnessed empires rise and fall. Tonight, we gather for dinner together, beginning our exploration of this remarkable city.

Today, we make our way to Munich. This afternoon there will be free time to explore this amazing city before our dinner.

This morning we enjoy a city tour with our local guide, including entrance to the Deutches Museum. We have an afternoon visit to the BMW Welt Building, with entrance and a brief tour.

10 1 day

Nuremberg

We journey northward through Bavaria's medieval heart, beginning in Regensburg's ancient streets before arriving in Nuremberg. Here, we confront the city's layered past—its Gothic splendor and its darker chapters—guided by local expertise through landmarks that tell both stories.

We travel from Munich to Regensberg with a short guided walking tour of Regensberg. From Regensberg we head on to Nuremberg for an afternoon tour with a local guide to take in the main sights of the city, including a visit to the Nazi Rally Site and entrance to the German National Museum.

11–13 3 days

Erfurt

We travel deeper into the heart of Germany, moving from Nuremberg toward Bayreuth with a pause in picturesque Bamberg. Our day culminates at Coburg Castle, where a guided tour reveals centuries of history within its walls. We then settle into Erfurt for three nights, allowing time to rest before gathering for dinner together.

Today we journey from Nuremberg to Bayreuth, with a stop to view the Bavarian city of Bamburg. We will pause in Coburg, with entrance and a guided tour of the castle before continuing our journey to Erfurt, our base for the next 3 nights. After check-in there will be some time to freshen up before our dinner.

We have a morning city tour with a local guide to take in the main sights. We travel from Erfurt to Weimar with a city tour led by a local guide to view the main sights, including entrances to Goethe’s House and Museum, and the Castle and Museum. We return from Weimar to Erfurt.

From Erfurt we arrive in Eisenach and have included entrance to Bach’s birthplace and Museum. We transfer back to Erfurt with the remainder of the day at leisure.

14–15 2 days

Dresden

We journey from Erfurt through landscapes marked by history, pausing at memorials and sacred spaces before reaching Leipzig. Here, a local guide reveals the city's musical heritage and architectural treasures. Our path continues to Colditz Castle, where we explore its storied walls, before settling into Dresden for the evening.

From Erfurt we travel to Leipzig, with stops en route to the Battle of Nations site memorial and the Russian Orthodox Church. We arrive in Leipzig and take a city tour with a local guide to view the main sights, including the Gewandhaus tour and visits to some of the local churches. We travel on from Leipzig to Colditz, with entrance to the castle. Dinner will be served in Dresden.

We have a morning city tour with a local guide to view the main sights of Dresden, including entrance to the Zwinger, Old Masters gallery. From Dresden we go to Meissen for an afternoon factory tour and museum visit of the Porcelain Factory. We transfer back to Dresden for the night.

16–18 3 days

Berlin

We journey northward from Dresden through the heart of German history, pausing in Wittenberg to explore its resonant past before continuing to Berlin. As we arrive in the capital, the afternoon opens before you—a chance to settle in, wander, and begin discovering this remarkable city at your own pace. This evening, we gather for dinner

We travel from Dresden to Wittenberg, with a stop to explore. From Wittenberg we go to Berlin, with the remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner will be included this evening.

We have a morning excursion to Potsdam with entrance to both Cecilienhof Palace and Sansoucci Palace. We transfer back to Berlin with the remainder of the day at leisure.

We have a morning guided city tour with a local guide to view the main sights of the city, including the Brandenburg Gate, Holocaust Memorial and Checkpoint Charlie. Pending availability, we may have the opportunity to take a Reichstag tour (TBC).

19 1 day

Wernigerode

We journey from Berlin into the Harz Mountains, boarding the historic Brocken Railway for an unforgettable ascent to Germany's highest peak. As the narrow-gauge train winds through forested slopes, you experience the landscape as nineteenth-century travellers once did, before descending to Wernigerode for an evening of rest and reflection.

From Berlin we go to Schierke, with an excursion on the Brocken Railway from Brocken to the mountaintop and then back to Wernigrode. We arrive in Wenirgrode for our dinner.

20–23 4 days

Konigswinter

We journey south from Wernigrode toward the Rhine Valley, pausing to appreciate a notable landmark before arriving in Konigswinter. The afternoon unfolds at your own pace, allowing time to settle into this storied riverside town. This evening, we gather for dinner together.

We travel from Wernigrode to Hameln, with a stop to view before transferring on to Konigswinter. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Dinner is included this evening.

From Konigswinter we travel on to Bonn with a city tour with a local guide, viewing the main sights including entrance to Beethoven’s birthplace museum. From Bonn we go to Cologne, with an afternoon visit to the Cathedral and free time to explore the city. We transfer back from Cologne to Konigswinter.

From Konigswinter we go to Mainz, with a city tour taken by a local guide, viewing the mains sights and including entrance to the Gutenberg Museum. We transfer from Mainz to Boppard and take a Rhine River Cruise from Boppard to Sankt-Goar. We arrive in Sankt-Goar and transfer back to Konigswinter (or similar location).

Our tour concludes after breakfast.

Plan with confidence

Travel Information

Everything you need to know before you travel, presented in one easy-to-read planning guide.

What’s Included

What's included in our Tour
  • 22 nights of hotel accommodation.
  • 22 breakfasts and 13 dinners.
  • Transport, entrance fees and excursions as indicated.
  • Applicable entry fees and services of local guides.
  • Services of a group leader.
  • Gratuities and necessary tips.
  • Detailed tour information booklet.
What's not included in our Tour
  • Return international airfares and departure taxes.
  • Comprehensive travel insurance.
  • Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls and laundry.

Traveller stories

What our travellers say

Real reflections from travellers who have experienced this journey with Odyssey.

No reviews have been shared for this tour yet. Be the first to tell us about your Odyssey experience.

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Contemporary Germany & Oberammergau Passion Play 2030
$20,900 AUD
per person · 23 days
Next departure
29 Aug 2030
View dates & prices