St. John Neumann Catholic Church

Father Walter Lewis (of St. John Neumann Parish) and Monsignor Kevin Irwin (of Catholic University of America), invite you to join them for an exciting journey to Italy and Germany to attend the Passion Play.   In 1663, the residents of Oberammergau were concerned with the rise of plague victims and vowed that if they were spared, they would perform a dramatic rendition of Christ’s passion.  Since then, they have performed the Passion Play each year that ends in “0.”  2020 will be the next time the town comes together for this production.  There are over 2000 performers.  The staging is elaborate as they include tableaux from Old Testament scenes that prefigure Jesus’ own passion.  Oberammergau is a picturesque Bavarian town in southern Germany.  The play takes place in a semi-outdoor venue giving it a more realistic feel.  For centuries, people have traveled here for this inspiring and dramatic spiritual event.  Our program will include a pre-Passion Play pilgrimage to northeast Italy to visit the historic university town of Padua, the serene city of canals - Venice, and excursions to nearby cities including Ravenna (boasting some of the greatest Byzantine mosaics in the world),  Asolo -  in the wine growing region of Veneto, Trent (where the Council of Trent took place), and Bolzano (a beautiful town nestled in the alps). 

Program Itinerary:

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Departure from Washington/Dulles to Venice.

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Arrival Venice.  Meet the tour manager at the airport.  Transfer to  hotel in central Padua; check-in. Afternoon guided walking tour of the historical center, including the Basilica del Santo. Welcome dinner including at local restaurant. Overnight Padua.

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Breakfast. Full day guided excursion to Venice.  Gondola ride up the Grand Canal to Piazza San Marco with guided visit of the Basilica (with Mass) and the Doge’s Palace.  Afternoon is free but will include anoptional tour to Murano to see the glass making studios. Return later to Padua for overnight.

Friday, September 25, 2020

Breakfast.  Full day guided excursion to Ravenna to visit the Byzantine mosaics in several of the main churches in town.  Lunch included.  Arrange private mass at one of the churches. Return to Padua for dinner and overnight.

Saturday, September 26, 2020

Breakfast.  Day excursion to Asolo for wine tasting and luncheon and time to enjoy this charming small town in Veneto.  Return to Padua - perhaps with some free time this afternoon.  Mass TBD.  Overnight Padua.

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Breakfast.  Travel to Trent.  Guided visit of the Cathedral (with Mass) and central town square. Continue to Bolzano. Walking orientation tour with tour manager.  Dinner at hotel or restaurant & overnight Bolzano.

Monday, September 28, 2020

Breakfast.  Travel north to Germany stopping in either Innsbruck, Garmish or other Bavarian town near Oberammergau (or in Oberammergau itself) for guided sightseeings and dinner/overnight.

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Breakfast.  Morning free in Oberammergau.  Afternoon attend Passion Play.  Break for dinner (included) and then continue with ending of Passion Play.  Overnight Garmish or other town in the area.

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Breakfast.  Travel to Munich.  Guided visit to the historic center (including Mass at one of the main churches in center) in the morning with afternoon at leisure.  Farewell dinner with beverages at one of the famous Munich breweries.  Overnight Munich.

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Breakfast.  Transfer to airport for return to Dulles.

Inclusive Features:

8-nights accommodations in centrally located 4-star hotels, breakfast daily, one lunch in Ravenna, one luncheon and wine tasting in Asolo, six dinners, Passion Play ticket, local transportation via deluxe motorcoach, a full-time local tour manager and guide, and entrances and guided visits per the itinerary

Group Flight Schedule:

Flight schedules are not yet released for October 2020. A group flight option (at an additional cost) will be offered approximately ten months prior to departure.

Land Only Program Prices:

Does not include air transportation to/from Europe.

$4450 per person based on double occupancy
$700 supplement for single occupancy

Please note: Single rooms for single use are limited to 10% of the total number of rooms reserved. Should additional single rooms be requested, hotels may impose a higher supplement for all single rooms. If you have selected double occupancy but no roommate is available due to uneven numbers or if your roommate should cancel you will be in a single room and responsible for the single room supplement.

All prices listed are discounted for payment by check. When paying with a credit card, you will be charged the standard base price, which is 5% higher.

All program prices are based on availability of services at the time registration material is received; currency exchange rates in effect May 10, 2019—and on 2019 land tariffs—and are subject to change. All services are provided subject to Illume’s Conditions and Clauses.

The program prices will be reviewed before the invoices for the final payment are mailed, and will reflect the current prices.

Program Registration:

With questions, please contact:

Rev. Walter Lewis
St. John Neumann Parish
2480 Batterson Rd.
Powhatan, VA 23139
(804) 598-3754
walter.lewis1@gmail.com
 

Since Oberammergau tickets are limited, we have a short window of opportunity to secure space and seating. Complete the Event Registration Form online and submit your (nonrefundable) $2500 deposit check to Fr. Lewis by June 15, 2019.

EVENT REGISTRATION FORM

After June 15, you will receive a Welcome e-mail and a link to add Travel Insurance/Protection to your program if desired.

A second non-refundable deposit of $800 per person due not later than: December 1, 2019

Balance of payment due not later than: April 1, 2020

Note: Any changes to the program will be outlined in the final documents which you will receive one month prior to departure. If changes are made that affect the program price, you will receive an invoice or a credit accordingly.

Program No. 20.10536