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Once-in-a- decade chance to see Oberammergau with a top TV historian

IN 1633, as an outbreak of Black Death ravaged Germany, the inhabitants of Oberammergau, a small village in southern Bavaria, made an extraordinary promise. If God spared them, they vowed, they would re-enact the final days of Jesus’s life every ten years in gratitude.

Miraculously, the villagers were indeed spared – and almost 400 years later, the people of Oberammergau are still true to their word: the next staging of their historic Passion Play is due to take place in 2020.

You can see this rare and moving spectacle on our exclusive trip, which takes in the Passion Play and t he beautiful surrounding area, including the magical castles and palaces built by ‘mad’ King Ludwig II in the 19th Century.

One of Britain’s most insightful and entertaining cultural broadcasters, Andrew Graham-Dixon, will join you on the trip, giving his own expert insights. He says: ‘I’m really looking forward to this – especially the visit to Neuschwanstein, the world’s most spectacular fairytale castle.’

Plus, readers who book before the end of this month will receive a signed copy of Andrew’s brilliant bestseller about the Italian artist Caravaggio, who lived ‘the darkest and most dangerous life of any of the great painters’. Tickets and good accommodation in the Oberammergau area are very limited around the time of the Passion Play, so early booking is highly recommended.

REASONS TO BOOK The once-a-decade Passion Play

The Oberammergau play draws visitors from around the world and no wonder this unique production is so famous: it is an incredible undertaking, involving half the town’s residents as they tell the story of Christ from his entry into Jerusalem to the Resurrection.

Meet Andrew Graham-Dixon

The popular art historian and broad- caster Andrew Graham- Dixon will join us on this exclusive trip, appearing at Neuschwanstein Castle. Andrew will take part in a Q&A session and talk about the castle, which he described as ‘one of the most spectacular German monuments’ in his brilliant BBC series The Art Of Germany. Through it, you will find out more of the story of King Ludwig II, who effectively bankrupted Bavaria to construct his astonishing romantic buildings.

Excellent hotels

You will stay in fine accommodation throughout your tour, particularly the Schlosshotel Linderhof near Linderhof Castle, which has a majestic setting.

Bavarian castles

Beyond Neuschwanstein, you will also see Herrenchiemsee Palace, which was inspired by Ludwig’s visit to the Palace of Versailles. This is no less elaborate: 35 seamstresses apparently spent seven years sewing the cover for the royal bed. The palace’s gilded Hall of Mirrors, best seen by candlelight, is arguably even more impressive than the original at Versailles.

Signed copy of Andrew’s latest book

Readers who book this trip before the end of March 2019 will also receive a signed copy of Andrew’s gripping bestseller, Caravaggio: A Life Sacred And Profane.