Adventurous Spirits

Looking for a vacation that is both an escape and a pilgrimage? Notre Dame Alumni Travel offers vacation options that keep in mind a fusion between spirituality and rejuvenation—such as the Oberammergau trips offered for the summer of 2010.

Both Oberammergau trips feature the town’s Passion Play as their centerpiece, a remarkable performance given by the villagers of this Bavarian village every decade. This traditional production is in thanks and remembrance of the town’s salvation from the Black Death nearly 400 years ago. Since the play is such a rare opportunity, these trips typically fill quickly.

You have two ways to journey to the production site of this play, either by land or boat.

The Oberammergau Cruise up the Danube River is co-hosted by Saint Mary’s College and Notre Dame. Rev. John E. Conley, C.S.C. will be the faculty lecturer.

Running from July 11-19, 2010, travelers on the Danube River option can relax aboard the M.S. Amadeus Symphony as it glides between the natural and historical treasures lining Danube River. With stops in Budapest, Vienna, and Melk before the night spent in Oberammergau or a nearby Bavarian village, the experience promises to be both religiously and aesthetically invigorating.

The second way to experience the Passion Play at Oberammergau is via the Bavaria and Oberammergau Tour. Later in the summer, from August 26-September 6, 2010, vacationers will traverse the picturesque Romantic Road, cruise on Lake Constance, ascend Austria’s Pfänder Alp, visit the fairy-tale castle of Newschwanstein, and experience the Passion Play. The final day will be spent in an independent exploration of beautiful, historical Munich. 

Information on each of these tours, as well as the many others offered through the Notre Dame Alumni Association is available at the ND Alumni Travel website.