European Pilgrimage Including Oberammergau 2022

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Barcelona
Airport transfers depart from Barcelona airport for your hotel at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:00. Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant, as you get to know your fellow travellers over Spanish delicacies and regional wines.

Day 2: Barcelona, City of Gaudi
Wake up ready to embrace the city 's artistic heritage. Join a Local Expert in the heart of the Barri Gotic, the Gothic Quarter, and walk through the Roman Gate to see its narrow lanes and old squares. You are driven along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with elegant wrought-iron street lamps and the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to behold Gaudí 's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia. As you venture inside, look above to see its giant, tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. Admire the wonderful rainbow of the incredible stained-glass windows. With the afternoon at leisure, you are free to relax or continue your exploration on your own.

Day 3: Montserrat and The Black Madonna
Ascend the sacred mountain of Montserrat, Catalonia 's most important pilgrimage site for a thousand years. Enjoy the spectacular panoramic views before entering the dark, ornate “Basílica Real” and reaching the mystical Black Madonna, surrounded by an altar of gold.

Day 4: Barcelona to Lourdes
Cross into France and stay overnight in Lourdes, home to another of the world 's most famous places of pilgrimage. Join the nightly Rosary and candlelight procession for a memorable spiritual experience.

Day 5: Lourdes Sightseeing
This morning enjoy a walking tour of Lourdes, visiting the places associated with the life of St. Bernadette, including “Boly Mill and Cachot.” Later, enjoy some time at leisure to explore the town.

Day 6: Lourdes to Brive La Gaillard
Travel to Rocamadour and enjoy free time to explore this medieval town perched on a cliff side above the Alzou River and known as a resting place for pilgrims on their way to Spa. Continue to the beautiful town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, its medieval core blessed with fine historic golden limestone houses.

Day 7: Lascaux Excursion Relaxed Start
Start the day with a morning drive into the stunning Valley of Dordogne to visit Lascaux II where the world-famous prehistoric cave paintings have been faithfully reproduced.

Day 8: Brive La Gaillard to Dijon
After breakfast, depart for Nevers where Bernadette Soubirous joined the Sisters of Charity at St. Gilard in Nevers in 1866. She stayed here until her death on 16 April 1879. Her body, which had been buried in the chapel garden, was discovered intact in 1909, then in 1925 it was transferred to rest in a shrine at the Chapel of St. Gilard, where it still rests today. Visit the Convent of St. Gildard, see the body of St. Bernadette and walk in her footsteps through the convent gardens before continuing to Dijon.

Day 9: Free Time in Dijon Relaxed Start
Enjoy the Burgundy capital of Dijon. Its many handsome buildings recall the time when the Dukes of Burgundy were more powerful than the Kings of France. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the wine capital of Burgundy, Beaune? In the evening, don't miss the chance of an optional Burgundy wine tasting and traditional dinner in the Premier Cru village of Fixin.

Day 10: Dijon to Engelberg
Cross the Swiss border before we arrive at lakeside Lucerne. Upon arrival see the town 's proud Lion Monument, the covered Chapel Bridge, and the baroque Jesuit Church. Enjoy some free time before we head to Engelberg, an alpine town in central Switzerland. In the centre of the town is Kloster Engelberg, a 12th-century Benedictine monastery, founded in 1120 where , to this day, Monks still live and teach

Day 11: Engelberg
In the morning, embark on a scenic journey by funicular railway and open-top cable car to the summit of stunning Mount Stanserhorn, where you will meet a Swiss Ranger and learn about the local wildlife. Take in the pristine mountain air and on a clear day you can see as far as Alsace and the Black Forest. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Perhaps venture into the countryside for a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride and meet the local farmers?

Day 12: Engelberg to Oberammergau
Travelling to charming Oberammergau, on arrival, take your reserved seats to witness the world-famous Passion Play, re-enacting the last days of Christ on earth. After a break for dinner, the captivating performance continues into the evening.

Day 13: Oberammergau to Vienna
A short drive over the Austrian border leads to Salzburg, 'alive with the sound of music '. Sightseeing with a Local Expert will reveal the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace, the imposing fortress, the cathedral in the Old Town and Mozart 's birthplace. After some free time for lunch, head for the Austrian capital of Vienna.

Day 14: Vienna Sightseeing
Join a Local Expert for a private tour of Schönbrunn Palace and marvel at its frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers, mirrors, and gilded ornaments, before spending some time in the perfectly manicured gardens. See the city 's highlights including St. Charles ' Church, the Hofburg Palace, Parliament, and State Opera House. Experience an extraordinary concert of Viennese classic music performed by highly acclaimed soloists and dancers, complimented by a delicious meal of Austrian fare and wine for your Celebration Dinner.

Day 15: Depart Vienna
Your pilgrimage concludes after breakfast with transfers arriving at Vienna airport at 07.00 and 09.00.