7. CATHOLIC SHRINES OF GERMANY & AUSTRIA

After breakfast we will visit Cologne Cathedral, one of the largest gothic churches, have the relics of the Three Magi, the wise men who brought gifts to the infant Jesus. We will then visit St Martin’s church and see the Roman Praetorium. Later proceeds to see the Aachen Cathedral built by Emperor Charlemagne has infinite treasures for the Christian World.

Overnight stay in Cologne (B L D)

This morning we will journey to Schoenstatt to visit the birth place of Schoenstatt, a Catholic movement that started in 1914 in a shrine dedicated to Mary which focuses on interior transformation and apostolic fruitfulness. Later we will board a cruise ship, which sails past the beautiful villages and romantic castles towards the mesmerising medieval town of Mainz, situated on the banks of the River Rhine.

Overnight stay in Mainz (B L D)

Today we visit Heidelberg, a romantic city famous for its castle ruins, Red Ox Inn, and the Stone Bridge along the Neckar River, known as Germany’s most beautiful bridge. The final halt will be at the Gutenberg Museum, where the original versions of the Bible can be found. Later continue to Walldurn where we stop to visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood where a Eucharistic Miracle occurred in 1330. Continue our journey to mountain village of Oberammergau and where the Passion Play takes place.

Start the day with a walking tour of Oberammergau, where attracts thousands of people from all over the world to watch the famous Passion Play once every decade. If time permits we will visit Kloster Ettal, to see the beautiful monastery and visit the distillery. Later, we will visit the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle, built by King Ludwig, one of the popular palaces in the world and the model for the castles at the Walt Disney theme parks. Watch the passion play enacted daily from 16th May till 4th Oct 2020 (Subject to availability, Hotel will be arranged accordingly).

Overnight stay in Munich (B L D)

This morning we will visit Bonifazius Church, the Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, the Hofbrau Haus, and the Oktoberfest area. Later this afternoon, visit the concentration camp Dachau, considered to be the largest burial place of Catholic priests. The remaining of the day is at leisure.

Overnight stay in Munich (B L D)

Journey through the beautiful landscape of Bavaria to Altotting, Germany’s most visited Marian site. We visit the Shrine of Our Lady, St Ann’s Basilica and St Konrad Monastery followed by a tea break at the refectory of the monastery. Enjoy a cruise on Lake Konigsee, before we continue on to the peninsula of St Bartholomew to visit its ancient pilgrimage church. In the evening we arrive in Salzburg, a splendid city set on the banks of the Salzach River.

Overnight stay in Salzburg (B L D)

Visit the beautiful Mirabell Gardens and some of the magical sights of the movie “The Sound of Music”. Continue to visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Mozart place of birth and the Glockenspiel Tower and Palace. Later we will explore the spiritual heritage of Salzburg, including Nonnberg, the oldest nunnery in existence, founded by St Rupert in the 8^th century, and the Benedictine Abbey of St Peter, also founded by St Rupert.

Overnight stay in Salzburg (B L D)

Today we journey towards Melk Abbey, the Baroque style structure on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube river. The abbey contains the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau, an Irish pilgrim mistaken for a spy, was tortured and hanged, near Vienna, on 16th July 1012. The most valuable treasures kept here are glorious library that holds over 2,000 volumes from ancient era, paintings, sculptures, and decorative art from the 9th to 15th centuries.

Overnight stay in Mariazell (B, D)

This morning we celebrate Holy Mass at the Mariazell Basilica where the Chapel of Grace, holds the miraculous statue, which stands directly over the place where a Benedictine monk, Magnus established his monastic cell in 1157. Later we continue to Vienna with the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight stay in Vienna (B, D)

In the morning, visit one of Europe’s most well-known cathedrals, St Stephens. We will continue with a panoramic city tour of Vienna, including the Ringstrabe, the State Opera House, Parliament House, Hofburg Palace, the residence of the Hapsburgs, Schöenbrunn Palace, and the royal apartments. Tonight, we will have a farewell dinner and a taste of the excellent local “Heurigen” wine while being entertained by the melancholy “Schrammein music”.

Overnight stay in Vienna (B, D)

After breakfast, we will check out from the hotel and then transfer to Vienna International Airport for our return flight to Australia.