Our spiritual journey commences today as we depart on a pilgrimage to deepen our faith and understanding of Catholic heritage. As we settle in for our overnight flight to Prague, we have an opportunity to reflect on the cultural and holy cities that await us. Our flight provides time for prayer and meditation, preparing our hearts for future experiences. There will be on-board dinner and breakfast.

As we touch down in the ancient city of Prague, we embrace the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of saints and gather the fruits of our faith. Upon collecting our luggage, we are greeted by our local guide, who offers a welcome to this beautiful city. As we are transferred to our hotel, we immerse ourselves in the city’s rich history and striking architecture, a testament to the enduring Catholic faith that has permeated this region for centuries. There will be free time to explore the charming cobblestone streets of Prague, acquainting ourselves with its unique character. We will assemble for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant in the evening.

Our pilgrimage begins in earnest after breakfast as we visit the Church of Our Lady Victorious, the sanctuary of the esteemed Infant Jesus of Prague. This 16th-century image of the Infant Jesus, holding the symbols of Christ’s dominion over the earth, becomes the focal point of our morning prayer and reflection. After a reverent Mass, we embark on a walking tour through Old Town Prague. As we traverse the Royal Route towards the Old Town Square, we witness a rich tapestry of architectural and spiritual history. In the Castle District, we take time to visit and pray at St. Nicholas Church, St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George Basilica, Loreto Church, and Strahov Monastery – all living testimonies of the robust Catholic heritage of the region. The Charles Bridge, adorned with baroque statues of saints, offers us a serene moment to appreciate the beauty of the Vltava River and Prague Castle. Our day culminates with viewing the Astronomical Clock and a walk through Wenceslas Square, named after the patron saint of Bohemia, St. Wenceslas. Returning to our hotel for dinner and rest, we will reflect on our shared experiences and the grace we’ve received through this pilgrimage day.

After breakfast, we journey from Prague to Altotting, a city that serves as a beacon of faith and pilgrimage in Germany. Here, we celebrate Mass in the Chapel of Mercy, housing a revered 13th-century statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We reflect on the miraculous cures attributed to her intercession, reinforcing our faith in the power of prayer. Our visit also includes time at the Basilica, the Panorama of the Crucifixion, and St. Konrad’s Monastery, further immersing us in the rich tapestry of Catholic devotion present in Altotting. As we continue our journey to Salzburg, the birthplace of the renowned composer Mozart, we marvel at the majestic views of the Eastern Alps and anticipate exploring the city’s Baroque splendor. We will conclude the day with free time to unwind before gathering for dinner and resting in anticipation of the experiences that await us in Salzburg.

Our day in Salzburg starts with a nourishing breakfast, after which we attend Mass at the ancient St. Peter’s Abbey, a spiritual center serving the faithful for over a millennium. Following Mass, we immerse ourselves in the city’s history with a walking tour of the heart of Salzburg. Narrow streets and secluded passageways whisper tales of its medieval roots, while the grandeur of the Archbishop’s Residence at DomPlatz speaks to the Catholic Church’s enduring influence. The gardens of Mirabell Palace, a setting made famous by “The Sound of Music,” offer a tranquil space for prayer and reflection. The grandeur of the Romanesque Cathedral and the serenity of the Nonnberg Convent of Benedictine nuns further inspire our faith. Mozart’s birthplace beckons us with its cultural significance, and the gardens and hidden trick fountains of Hellbrunn Palace provide a delightfully unexpected close to our day. As we gather for dinner, we will share our experiences, impressions, and how our journey touches our hearts.

As we depart from Salzburg after breakfast, we traverse the Austrian mountains towards Mariazell, a revered pilgrimage site. We visit the Mariazell Basilica, also known as the Basilica of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, housing the miraculous statue associated with the foundation of a monastic cell in 1157. We continue to Melk, known for the imposing baroque Melk Abbey. Overlooking the Danube River, the Abbey is the final resting place of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and members of the House of Babenberg, Austria’s first ruling dynasty. After exploring and reflecting in Melk, we journey to Vienna, the capital of Austria, where we share a meal and prepare for the next leg of our journey.

Our day begins with breakfast and a tour of Vienna, home to great composers like Johann Strauss and Mozart. Our visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a symbol of Vienna and a significant Gothic structure, allows us to witness the miraculous image of Our Lady of Mariapoch. We tour the cathedral, with (time permitting) the brave among us climbing the 343 steps to the top of the spire. Our journey continues to the Schonbrunn Royal Palace, a summer residence with a Hall of Mirrors where a young Mozart performed. The palace’s inclusion in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites further confirms its significance. Our day concludes with a visit to the Belvedere Palace, Karlsplatz and its Church of St. Charles Borromeo, and Otto Wagner’s Stadtbahn pavilions. Amidst our explorations, we pause for a coffee break to savor famous Viennese pastries like the Sacher cake. We share dinner and reflect on the day’s experiences as we return to our hotel.

After breakfast, we depart Vienna and make our way to Budapest, stopping en route at the Pannonhalma Abbey. Located atop St. Martin Hill, the Abbey is steeped in religious and historical importance, having welcomed Pope John Paul II for its 1000th anniversary. After these spiritual encounters, we continue to Budapest, a city of breathtaking architecture and mesmerizing views. We spend the evening exploring the Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion in the heart of Buda’s Castle District. The day concludes with a shared meal and a restful overnight, providing us time to contemplate the divine experiences of the day.

Our final full day of pilgrimage begins with a morning Mass at the 13th-century Cathedral of St. Matthew. Subsequently, we venture into the historic heart of Budapest, taking in panoramic vistas from the Citadel on Mount Gellert, the Royal Castle, the Parliament, and Heroes’ Square. As we visit the Church of St. Stephen and the Fisherman’s Bastion, we are reminded of the seven Magyar tribes who first settled here in 895. The city of Budapest is blessed with numerous natural hot springs, and we have the opportunity to visit an array of thermal baths, allowing for a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation. As the day draws to a close, we gather for a farewell dinner, cherishing our journey’s shared experiences, spiritual insights, and fellowship.

As our journey draws to an end, we depart from Budapest Airport, carrying with us memories of ancient cities, beautiful landscapes, and historical monuments, a deepened faith, and a renewed spirit. As we travel home, we hold these experiences close, ready to share the blessings and grace we’ve received with our families and friends.

*206 Tours Disclaimer:
Occasionally local religious and national holidays, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of events or the missing of certain events/places. Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of events and places to be visited.