PILGRIMAGE ITINERARY

PROPOSED

 

 

 

MON 30 AUG 2010   Depart the USA in the evening.

 

TUE 31 AUG 2010     Breakfast on board before we arrive in Munich.  Enjoy a short introductory tour  the beautiful capital of the state of Bavaria, featuring the Olympic Park, Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel. and some free time before we check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

 

WED 1 SEP 2010    After breakfast, travel to Altotting, one of Germany's most celebrated shrines and a city whose purpose is pilgrimage.  Father will celebrate Mass when we arrive at the center of the pilgrimage complex, the Chapel of Mercy.  This chapel houses a 13th century statue of the Blessed Virgin to which numerous miraculous cures are credited.  We'll also have the opportunity to visit the Basilica, the Panorama of the Crucifixion, the Pilgrim Museum and more before returning to Munich for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

 

THR 2 SEP 2010    Depart for Regensburg, a delightfully walled city over 2000 years old!  We'll have a tour before Father celebrates Mass in the Cathedral and then free time to wander or shop.   Continue down to Austria past the Honigsee River Valley and end in Salzberg for dinner and overnight. (B/D)

 

FRI 3 SEP 2010    After breakfast, our day begins with Mass at St. Peter's Churchyard. Salzburg is compact and best explored on foot.  Narrow, winding lanes and secluded passageways are evidence of its medieval roots.  The heritage of the Catholic Church is evident in the Archbishop's Residence and the decoration of the State Rooms.  Visit the mighty Romanesque Cathedral, the Nonnberg Convent of the Benedictine nuns, the Fortress of Hohensalzburg.  Stop at Hellbrunn Palace to enjoy its gardens and hidden trick fountains.  Dinner and overnight in Salzberg, (B,D)  

SAT 4 SEP 2010     After breakfast, we explore the countryside, stopping at the  Weis Kirche, a truly beautiful rococo-style church in a delightful meadow designed in the late 1740s and then continue on to either Neuschwanstine or Linderhof Castle, two of Ludwig's famous architectual wonders.  We also stop at the Monastery of Ettal to visit the beautiful Benedictine Monastery.  After Father celebrates Mass, have a tour and a taste of the famous brew the monks produce here.  Overnight in Oberammergau (B,D)

SUN 5 SEP 2010    After breakfast, join pilgrims from around the world for Mass and then some free time for shopping and a visit to the Oberammergau Museum.  In the afternoon, once we finish our included lunch, we take our seats for the performance of the Passion Play.  There is a break for the included dinner.   The original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, the village of Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the villagers vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the life of Christ. The performers are native Oberammergauers. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast start to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers. Overnight in Oberammergau.  (B, L, D)

 

MON 6 SEP 2010    Depart after breakfast, stopping in the lovely village of Bad Toelz on the Izar River.  Father will celebrate Mass in the Leonardi Church overlooking the river before we continue on to Munich for a free afternoon and then our farewell dinner and overnight. (B,D)

 

TUES 7 SEP 2010   Time to depart for home with many memories to Give Thanks and Remember.