Our pilgrimage begins as we depart on our overnight flight to Zurich. Meals and refreshments will be served aloft.

Upon arrival in Zürich, we will be met by our tour manager who will be with us for the duration of the pilgrimage. Enjoy a tour of Zurich as we stroll through the Old Town quarter before transferring to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (D)

After breakfast, depart Zurich and drive to Einsiedeln, the most famous pilgrimage destination in Switzerland. Visit the Benedictine Monastery of Einsiedeln whose name derives from the German word Einsiedler, or hermits. Among these was the famous Meinrad who, in the early 9th century, retired to the forest with a little statue of the Madonna which was given to him by a local abbess. Since the early 10th century, Einsiedeln has remained a place of fervent pilgrimage, and the famous Black Madonna statue is found in the Mercy Chapel. We will celebrate Mass at the Monastery (pending confirmation), which is situated amidst green pastures and dense forests. Then cross the Swiss/German border and drive to Lindau, located on the shores of Lake Constance. (B, D)

This morning, we will enjoy a brief tour of Lindau, including the lighthouse, Bavarian Lion sculpture, Old Town, St. Peter’s Church, and Lindau Abbey. We will then depart for our visit to Neuschwanstein Castle – one of the fairytale castles built by King Ludwig II, and Walt Disney’s inspiration for Cinderella’s castle. Afterwards, continue to nearby Füssen for our overnight. (B, D)

Today we begin at the charming Wieskirche (Church of the Meadow) considered to be the most beautiful Rococo church in Europe. Afterwards, drive a short distance to Oberammergau, home of the famous Passion Play performed every 10 years (with few interruptions) since the 17th century. Enjoy a brief tour with free time for lunch and shopping before proceeding to Munich, capital of Bavaria and our home for the next two nights. After checking in at our hotel, the balance of the day will be free for personal activities. (B, D)

Today we will enjoy a full day tour of Munich including visits to Nymphenburg Palace, the Royal Residence, the Church of St. Michael, the Burgersaal Church, the Frauenkirche, the Hofbrauhaus (view only), and the Marienplatz with its famous Glockenspiel clock. (B, D)

This morning, we drive to the Dachau Concentration Camp, the first of the Nazi concentration camps opened in Germany, intended to hold political prisoners. Afterwards, we drive to Erding, site of the famous Eucharistic miracle from 1417, dedicated to the Most Precious Blood. After time for prayer here, we then return to Munich, for our last evening in this charming city. (B, D)

Early this morning, we depart Munich and visit Altotting, which is Germany’s most significant pilgrimage site for the veneration of Mary. In the Miraculous Image Chapel, the first recorded miracle occurred in 1489 when a desperate mother laid the dead body of her drowned child before the statue of Our Lady and the child became alive. Ever since, this little village has been growing as a spiritual shrine for millions of pilgrims. After Mass in Altotting we will continue across the Austrian‐German border and stop in Maria Plain, which has been a famous pilgrimage site since the 17th century. Continue a short distance to Salzburg for the first of our two overnights. (B, D)

Stroll through the heart of old Salzburg and visit Mozart’s birthplace, the famous Horse Fountain, the Hohen Salzburg Fortress, the Monastery, and the modern Festival Hall. Visit the religious heritage of this town including the 17th century cathedral, Nonnberg Convent which was founded by St. Rupert in the 8th Century and is the oldest nunnery in existence, and the Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter which was also founded by St. Rupert. Later this afternoon visit Hellbrunn Palace, a 17th Century castle known primarily for its trick fountains which spray unsuspecting walkers with water. (B, D)

Depart Salzburg for Melk, a village world-renowned for its Benedictine Abbey which was founded in 1702. One of the most splendid examples of Baroque architecture in Europe, the Abbey dominates the town from high above the Danube River. Admire the famous Melk Cross, the Abbey library and the Collegiate Church before continuing to Vienna, the capital of Austria and our home for the next 2 nights. The balance of the afternoon will be free for personal activities. (B, D)

A wealth of treasures awaits us in Vienna as we explore the Catholic heritage of this beautiful city by visiting Karlskirche, Peterskirche, and the famous Stephansdom Cathedral. Our sightseeing today will include a special visit to Schönbrunn Palace which is one of the most celebrated cultural monuments in the Austrian Empire. The gardens and elaborately decorated rooms rival Versailles. Tour the Old Town and enjoy the sights as we drive along the Ringstrasse. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

This morning we transfer to the airport in Vienna for our return flight home, taking with us all the memories and graces of this pilgrimage. (B)