Oberammergau 2010

This year’s once in a decade world famous Passion Play in Oberammergau in Germany, is a not-to-be-missed, once-in-a-lifetime experience attracting thousands of people from across Europe with performances during 2010 from mid May to September. One of the best – and easiest - ways to get tickets to the play is on a coach tour with most UK coach operators combining a tour to Germany, Austria or Switzerland with a visit to Oberammergau.

For Londoners, Epsom Coaches (01372 731705 www.epsomcoaches.com) has a departure each month during the summer for 10-day tours which include 9 nights DBB staying close to Oberammergau and then in the Austrian Tyrol with various day tours to Salzburg and other attractions included in prices which are from £1395pp.

For a shorter Oberammergau visit, Angela Holidays in Hampshire (www.angelaholidays.co.uk 023 80404536) has a 5 day/4 night DBB tour for £799pp or a 7-night DBB tour in September featuring the Black Forest from £1216pp with travel by Club Class coach.

Those living in the south west can book with Oates Travel (www.oatestravel.co.uk 01736 795343) who have a 9-night DBB tour in September to Oberammergau and Mayrhofen in the Austrian Tyrol for £1236pp.

Departures from Cambridgeshire/the East Midlands are available with Shaws Coaches (01778 342224 www.shawscoaches.co.uk) which has a 9-day tour in September featuring 2-nights in Oberammergau and 4-nights in the Back Forest or a 4-night stay in the Tyrolean resort of St. Anton. Prices from £1030pp based on half board accommodation.

Departing from the West Midlands is Harry Shaw www.harryshaw.co.uk who have a 9-day tour departing 23 August including tickets for the Passion Play and 8 nights accommodation with tours in Austria from £999pp. Another Midlands company Elcock Reisen (www.elcockreisen.co.uk) which is offering a 9night/10 day tour in July to Oberammergau and Mayrhofen in the Austrian Tyrol for £1095pp.

From the north west Memory Lane Travel (www.memorylanetravel.co.uk 01942 728960) offers a similar combination of Oberammergau and Mayrhofen on a 10 night tour by executive coach – from £1049pp for half board.

National operators featuring Oberammergau with departures from across the UK include Leger Holidays (www.leger.co.uk 0844 504 6251) who offer a 12 day holiday featuring Cologne, the Rhine Valley, Heidelberg, Innsbruck, Verona, Venice and Lake Garda from £1325pp. Alternatively Shearings (www.shearings.com 0844 815 3050) has 7, 8 and 9 day tours including a 6-night break based on staying in Munich for £749pp.