My husband and I would like to attend the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany (Yes, tickets are still avilable). We would like to see other parts of Europe but don't have a strong inclination for any particular country at the moment. We have been to the following countries so would like something different; Germany, Switerland, Austria, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, France (Paris, Normandy & Loire Valley) Considering Provance, Belgium (But also considering Belgium trip with a trip to see tulips in the Netherlands one spring) Seeking great advice from you all!
The play runs mid May - early October and we are available to travel those times.
Posted by
Orlando, Florida
484 posts
Hi Lisa,
Perhaps you meant to say The Netherlands to see the tulips? If so, I highly recommend it.
There is a lot more to see in Amsterdam and other parts of the country so it's a great springtime destination.
Posted by
OP
Houston, TX, USA
62 posts
yes, thank you Nadine. Seeing the tulips is on my bucket list!
Posted by
New York, NY
1586 posts
Lisa have you also considered a trip to Spain and countries in Eastern Europe like Czech Republic or Budapest ?
Posted by
OP
Houston, TX, USA
62 posts
Yes, and we have considered Poland as well. There just hasn't been one thing pushing us towards one particular country yet.
Posted by
Orlando, Florida
484 posts
Have you considered Portugal? Check out Rick Steves travel show and see if it appeals to you.
Posted by
New York, NY
1586 posts
Nadine made a good point Lisa. Explore Portugal and see if it peaks your interest. It has a lot to offer.
Posted by
8168 posts
We lived in Augsburg, Germany in the late 80s, early 90s working for the US Army. We saw the Passion Play and it is amazing. It is well worth the visit to see the plan. As I remember, the plan takes two days. You should visit some of the great sites in Bavaria while there, like Garmish/Fussen, Munich, Berchtesgaden (and neighboring Salzburg, Austria). Also, consider doing the Romantic Road that includes several medieval walled cities (Rothenburg ob der Tauber being the most famous).
You mention
Switzerland-- Great place to visit, the Alpine scenery is fantastic, but it is about 50% more expensive than the neighboring countries.
Austria- Salzburg is great, as is Vienna.
Ireland and Scotland are wonderful places as well as England and Wales.
Italy is my favorite foreign country, as I am an ancient history buff. There is much ancient and Renaissance History and tons of art and scenic places.
France, I especially love Normandy, the Loire Valley and Provence
Belgium- best city to visit is Brugges, Brussels is OK, but not one of my high points except for the Grand Plaza.
Netherlands has the floral exhibits, I think that I say the one called the Floriad. It was great.
Deciding that places to visit is hard, it is like choosing between the different types of ice cream. They are all good.
A visit to Italy taking in Venice, Florence and Rome would take about two weeks.
Taking in the Passion Play and Southern Bavaria will take you 8-10 days.
You could spend a month in the places in France that I mentioned and not see it all. Paris is a must see as well.
Ireland you can do the high points in a week, but you really need more time.
Transportation between places is best served by rail if distance is not great. You can find bargain air flights, but many will make you pay more for things like luggage.
If you are interested in a specific country, I can provide you with more guidance, I have been to all the countries in Western Europe and many in Eastern Europe.