Saga joins the beards & bards of Oberammergau 2010

This Ash Wednesday the official countdown to the world-famous Passion Play, Oberammergau 2010, will begin as villagers begin following the local government’s ‘Hair Decree’ and start growing their hair and beards long in preparation for the play.

Saga Holidays is offering customers a once in a decade opportunity to see the authentic ‘costumes’ of the village men who will be performing the 41st Oberammergau Passion Play from £999 per person for a 7-night stay in Austria.

Set against the backdrop of the spectacular Bavarian mountains in Austria, 2,000 villagers of Oberammergau are involved in the remarkable Passion Play, whether acting, directing or making scenery, costumes and props, which will be performed between 15 May and 3 October in 2010 to over 500,000 visitors. No make-up, false beards or wigs are permitted, so a large proportion of the male population of Oberammergau grow long hair and beards for months prior to the play.

Saga expects to take around 15,000 customers of various religions to Oberammergau throughout 2010 and is now taking advance bookings for those wishing to experience the unique open-air event. In 2000, almost 10,000 people travelled with the company to see the Passion Play.

For 2010 Saga has a range of holidays planned from 5, 7 and 9 night stays in Austria, Italy and Switzerland to 14-night fully escorted coach tours, with selected singles holidays also available.

Hotel stays in Austria start from £999 per person for 7 nights, or explore France, Italy, Germany and Austria on one of Saga’s scenic tours from £1249 per person. All Passion Play holidays include a one or two night stay in Oberammergau and a ticket to the play.

Alpine Escapes – 7 nights from £1249 per person
Discover some of the world’s most beautiful scenery on this inspiring tour, which takes you through Austria, Italy and Germany. Highlights include the Silvretta High Alpine Road, the Dolomites and Innsbruck, and the Oberammergau Passion Play.

Romantic Road to the Alps – 14 nights from £1599 per person
This exhilarating tour takes you through some of Europe’s most awe-inspiring scenery from the Alsace region to the Italian Trentino. Highlights include city tours of Brussels, Strasbourg and Heidelberg, the Dolomites and Innsbruck, and the Oberammergau Passion Play.

For further details visit Saga.co.uk/Oberammergau.