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In
this great program we begin in spectacular
Prague and continue to Vienna. We then
drive south along the Danube to Salzburg
before crossing to Germany and the most
famous Marian Shrine in Bavaria Allotting.
From here we continue to the Passion
Play. Afterwards, we conclude with two
nights in Munich where September visitors
can enjoy the wonderful Oktoberfest
Day 1 - DEPART USA - Today, we depart our home
city to connect with our transatlantic overnight flight to Prague aboard a
wide-bodied jet. We are served complementary beverages, in-flight movies,
dinner and breakfast aloft.
Day 2 - PRAGUE - This morning, we arrive in
Europe where we board our short flight to Prague where we are met and enjoy a
delightful orientation tour of the city. Later, we check into our hotel
for dinner and overnight and the balance of the day is at leisure.
Day 3 - PRAGUE - After breakfast, we begin our
tour of Prague at Castle Hill and visit St. Vitus Cathedral, Wladislav Hall and
Golden Lane. We visit the famous Infant Jesus of Prague at the Church of Our
Lady of Victory, where we celebrate Mass. Our afternoon tour of Prague includes
the Old Town with Astronomical clock, Jewish Quarter and Charles Bridge.
Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 4 -PRAGUE/VIENNA - This morning, following
Mass here in Prague, we depart and travel south across the rolling hills of
Southern Moravia, passing through towns which have still retained much of a
medieval atmosphere. Cross the border into Austria and by way of the Danube
valley, arrive this afternoon in Vienna for overnight. We enjoy a typical
Heuigen Dinner tonight.
Day 5 - VIENNA - Morning city tour. By
bus past the Prater we'll arrive in Vienna's famous Ringstrasse. On the site of
the ring fortifications Emperor Franz Josef constructed on either side of this
wide boulevard some of the most impressive buildings of the city. Pass the
Opera, Charles church, Parliament and City Hall. After this first impression
join your guide for a walk through the Hofburg, winter residence of the
Hapsburg Emperors. The morning tour concludes with a stop at the Hundertwasser
house with its colorful facades and golden onion towers. This afternoon is free
for individual exploration, shopping or perhaps a visit to the Palace of
Schönbrunn, the Hapsburg summer residence. Evening, Optional concert. (Not
included in price.)
Day 6 - VIENNA/MELK/SALZBURG/ - This morning,
we motor south to Melk where we visit the towering, architecturally superb,
baroque Abbey of Melk. We celebrate Mass here before joining the monks of Melk
for their sung noon service. We continue through the Wachau Region, considered
the most picturesque section of the Austrian Danube Valley.
Day 7 - SALZBURG - Today we visit Salzburg,
ancient seat of the Archbishop and the location for the Sound of Music. We
begin with Mass at the Cathedral. We see the colorful old section with narrow
streets, Residenz Fountain and Tower, and the Geburtshaus, Mozart's birthplace.
We enjoy the unusual architecture, which lends much to the character and charm
of the city. In the afternoon we visit Hellbrunn Castle with its
waterplays and then return to our hotel. We have the opportunity to explore the
culinary delights of Salzburg tonight as dinner is on our own.
Day 8 - SALZBURG/ALTÖTTING - Today we depart
Salzburg via the wonderful Sound of Music area. We stop to see the church in
Mondsee where the Von Trapp's wedding was filmed before we proceed to Altötting
where we celebrate Mass at the small Shrine of Our Lady of Altötting, a shrine
venerated for over 500 years. Dinner and overnight here.
Day 9 - ALTÖTTING/OBERAMMERGAU - This morning,
following Mass here, we depart Altötting and have a scenic drive on our way to
Oberammergau. We visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle and the Linderhof
Castle, which were both built by mad King Ludwig. This afternoon, we
arrive in the famous Passion Play village where we transfer to our
accomdations for
dinner and overnight.
Day 10 - OBERAMMERGAU - Full Day Passion Play -
Since 1633, when this beautiful village of Oberammergau was in the grip of the
black plague, the inhabitants kept a solemn oath that they would stage a
passion play every ten years. With inner conviction the amateur actors, all
from the village, again present the life and sufferings of Our Lord. The play
shows the story of Christ's Passion, beginning with the entry into Jerusalem
and ending with the resurrection and transfiguration. The structure of the play
is living pictures from the Old Testament and acted scenes from the New
Testament. The Play employs a large choir and orchestra. Our performance
begins at 9:00 AM and concludes at 5:30 PM following a three-hour lunch
break. Afterwards, we return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 11 - MUNICH - This morning following Mass
in a local parish, we travel to Munich and meet our local guide who show us the
exciting Bavarian capital. Pass the Olympic village and stadium, along
the Leopoldstrasse with the Triumphal Arch and Hall of Generals; see the
Theatiner Church, University, and Residence Palace. A visit to the
Nymphenburg Palace and a stop to see the famous Glockenspiel at the new Gothic
City Hall completes your morning tour. This afternoon and evening, we are
free to enjoy the festivities of the wonderful Oktoberfest. We have the
opportunity to explore the culinary delights of Munich, as dinner is on our
own. Overnight at the hotel.
(September Pilgrims can enjoy Munich's
famous Oktoberfest).
Day 12 - MUNICH - This morning as part of our
journey, we visit the moving memorial at Dachau and celebrate Mass at the
Carmelite Church here. Afterwards, we continue to Munich where we have further
time to enjoy the Oktoberfest before we return to our hotel in the area for
dinner and overnight.
N.B. THIS DAY CAN BE ELIMINATED OR EXCHANGED FOR MORE TIME AT ANOTHER VENUE.
Day 13 - USA - This morning, we transfer to the
airport for our return flight home arriving later today with memories to last
for a lifetime!
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