Tripsmiths Oberammergau & Mozart's Salzburg - In the company of The Telegraph’s Ivan Hewett or Rupert Christiansen

We start today with a visit to Nymphenburg Palace, which was once the main summer residence of the former rulers of Bavaria. The palace is of Baroque style and some rooms still show their original Baroque decoration. It is now one of the most famous sights in Munich and the gardens contain two lakes, canals, fountains and pavilions. After lunch, we continue on to the Residenz, Germany’s largest city palace and official home of the royal Wittelsbach family. The first buildings here were erected in 1385 as a castle, and over time it was transformed by its rulers into a magnificent palace. It now contains 10 courtyards and over 100 rooms.

This morning we drive through the beautiful scenery of the Bavarian Alps towards the tiny town of Oberammergau, home to the world-famous Passion Play that takes place just once every ten years. After lunch, we gather together to attend the legendary Passion Play. The play will be a unique and traditional experience, performed by the residents of Oberammergau. Dinner is included during the intermission. Each decade sees an adjustment to the play, which is influenced by the years that have passed in between. The play itself presents the Passion of Jesus Christ, from his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, through to his trial, crucifixion, resurrection and Ascension.

We have a leisurely morning in Oberammergau, before an afternoon transfer to the storybook streets of Salzburg. This city has a rich, diverse history and influential music heritage. We take a walking tour on arrival to get acquainted with our surroundings before dinner together.

This morning we explore Mozart’s Salzburg, starting with a visit to the Mozart Residence, where he lived from 1773-1780. Mozart composed many of his masterpieces here and it is now a museum that takes visitors on a journey through his life and works. We also visit Mozart’s birthplace, now a three-storey exhibition detailing Mozart’s life from his childhood to passion for opera and adulthood. This afternoon is free for you to explore at leisure before our final dinner together as a group this evening. A truly special experience to mark the occasion, we enjoy an 18^th century menu in the grand surroundings of the Baroque Hall in St Peter’s Abbey. Before and in between courses, musicians play Mozart’s work dressed in authentic Rococo costumes.

This morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight to London.