12-DAY GERMANY, AUSTRIA, & SWITZERLAND

This morning, we will begin with a tour of Koblenz. We will travel by boat down the Rhine River, passing the town of Boppard and the famous Lorelei Rock as we make our way to the wine-country town of Rudesheim. Here, we’ll stroll down the famous Drosselgrasse Street, full of authentic German taverns and restaurants. Next, we will celebrate Mass and visit the Schonestatt Monastery, which is dedicated to the Divine Mercy. Afterward, we’ll continue to Heidelberg and check into our hotel for the evening. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.

After breakfast, we will visit the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, rising majestically on the medieval castle complex high above the old town. You will see the castle gardens, the Great Vat (the world’s largest wine barrel), and the remarkable Pharmacy Museum. Next, we will experience the romantic charm of old town Heidelberg as we explore Hauptstrasse, one of Europe’s prettiest pedestrian precincts and shopping streets. Along with the medieval bridge gate, you will see Germany’s oldest University, the university square, and the famous lion fountain. Afterward, we will return to your hotel for the evening. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.

Following breakfast, before crossing the border, we will stop at the famous Rhine waterfalls for an incredible scenic photo op. After lunch on your own, we will continue to Einsiedlen, Switzerland’s most famous Marian Shrine. Marvel at its majestic baroque edifice, elaborately decorated pastel ceilings, marble side altars, and large high altar at the east end. The most important part of the Basilica is the Lady Chapel, a free-standing, square marble edifice that recalls the shelter over Christ’s tomb in Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Above the chapel’s altar is the Black Madonna, covered in rich robes and surrounded by gold clouds. We’ll continue our tour with the world’s largest nativity scene!  The Diorama Bethlehem has more than 500 carved wooden figures, and its famous panorama is comprised of a circular painting more than 300 feet long and 30 feet high, depicting Jerusalem and the Crucifixion. Afterward, we will celebrate Mass at the Shrine and then continue to Weggis, a small town on Lake Lucerne. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.

After breakfast, we will start our day by celebrating Mass at the local Catholic Church in Weggis. Next, we will take an excursion to Lucerne, where you’ll visit the Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, Jesuit Church, Franciscan Church, Water Spike, Spreuer Bridge, and Musegg Wall, among many other sites. You will have some free time for lunch and have the remainder of the afternoon free to explore independently, perhaps to Mt. Pilatus. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.

Today, we travel to Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. After exploring the town with our guide, we will continue to Innsbruck, Austria, where you’ll visit the Annasaule, the little golden roof, Helbinghaus, the Cathedral of St. Jacob, the Hof Kirche, and Maximilian Mausoleum. Afterward, we will go to your hotel to check-in. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.

Today, we will travel to Salzburg. Together with the Sound of Music, Salzburg is also famous for being the birthplace of Amadeus Mozart, one of the world’s greatest composers. We will visit the Cathedral and the birthplace of Mozart before taking off through the city, with the film’s soundtrack as you pass famous locations featured in the film. Marvel at the city’s architecture and see the Lake District, one of the most impressive regions in the heart of Austria. Next, we’ll continue to the charming town of Mondsee, where you will have free time to explore the setting of the film’s wedding at the Mondsee Cathedral. Wander the streets at your leisure, stopping for a delicious slice of crisp apple strudel or browsing the local shops. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.

Today, we will travel to Vienna, home to famous musicians like Franz Schubert and Johann Strauss. We will stop for lunch at some point and continue to our hotel for the evening. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.

Today, we will take a tour of Vienna, strolling along the charming squares and medieval streets and learning the rich history and culture behind Austria’s capital. We will see the Vienna Opera House, Heroes’ Square, St Augustine’s Church, St Stephen’s Cathedral, and Mozart’s House, the composer’s only surviving Viennese residence. Finally, we will explore Naschmarkt, one of the city’s most popular and impressive markets, followed by the extravagant Hofburg Palace. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.

Today, we will travel to the town of Styria and visit the Mariazell Basilica. This basilica was built between the 14th & 15th centuries, has Baroque interiors, and is the home of “The Magna Mater Austria” (Mary Mother of Austria). We will enjoy lunch and explore more of the city before returning to Vienna. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.