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Day 2 • Lisbon
Day 4 • Burgos Cathedral
Day 6 • Lourdes
Day 8 • Interlaken
Day 11 • Einsiedeln Monastery
Day 13 • Munich
Day 1 • Departure from the USA
We start our journey as we board a plane and fly to Lisbon, Portugal.
Day 2 • Lisbon/Fatima
We arrive in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, where we are met by our friendly Signature Tours International Manager who helps us to our awaiting motor coach that takes us on a city sightseeing tour. We soon see why Lisbon is the most visited tourist destination in Portugal; it has something to offer everyone! We transfer to Fátima for dinner and the night.
Day 3 • Sanctuary of Fátima
Day 3 • Fatima
We begin our day with a sightseeing tour of Fátima. Fátima was made famous for the religious visions that have taken place there in 1917. A shrine called the Sanctuary of Fátima was built to commemorate the events of 1917 when the Virgin of the Rosary, also known as Our Lady of Fatima, appeared to the three peasant children. Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta actually experienced the apparitions in a pasture called the Cova da Iria, or Irene’s Cove, which is located near the village of Aljustrel, about a mile from Fátima. People travel from far and wide to experience the torch light processions that occur in the evenings. We have lunch on our own before an afternoon at leisure. Our Tour Manager is available to assist us. Dinner and overnight are in Fátima.
Day 4 • Fatima/Burgos
Today we travel to Burgos, Spain with a stop en route for lunch on our own. Upon arrival in Burgos, we visit the third largest cathedral in Spain, Burgos Cathedral. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Cathedral is famous for its vast size and unique architecture. The cathedral houses the tomb of El Cid, a great knight who fought the Moors in Spain. We enjoy dinner and the night in Burgos.
Day 5 • Lourdes
Day 5 •Borgos/Lourdes
Departing Burgos and stopping for lunch on the way, we travel to Lourdes, France. On February 11, 1858, Bernadette Soubirous had the first of eighteen visions, which led to Lourdes’ becoming a world-famous center of the Legion of Mary, with the grotto and its surroundings attracting people from all five continents. The sick and the lame travel to the sacred spring of Lourdes, looking for its miraculous healing power. Dinner and the night are in Lourdes.
Day 6 • Lourdes
Today begins with those wishing to attend morning Mass, having the time to do so. Following Mass, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Lourdes, visiting the places associated with the life of St. Bernadette. We visit the Holy Hill, the local mill, the parish church, and the “Cachot”, which was the chapel where Bernadette received Holy Communion. The afternoon is at leisure for lunch on your own and for you to explore the town’s rich historical and natural heritage. We’ll have dinner and stay the night in Lourdes.
Day 7 • Palais de Pope
Day 7 • Lourdes/Avignon
Boarding our motor coach, we travel to Avignon where we visit Palais de Pope , one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. It is one of many places called the Palace of the Popes. Avignon became the residence of the Popes in 1309, fleeing the violent chaos of Rome. The Palais was built between 1335 and 1364 on a natural rocky outcrop at the northern edge of Avignon, overlooking the river Rhône. We have time for lunch on our own and the have dinner and spend the night in Avignon.
Day 8 • Avignon/Ars/Geneva
Leaving Avignon, we continue toward Geneva, Switzerland. En route we stop in Ars, France where we view the Shrine of St. John Vianney of Ars, Patron Saint of Parish Priests. St. John Vianney was the son of a poor farmer who worked as a shepherd and didn't begin his education until he was 20 years old. While an ecclesiastical student, he was called for military service, but due to illness, he was considered delinquent and had to hide to escape Napoleon's police. He had difficulty learning Latin and twice failed the examinations required, before finally being ordained at the age of 30. He was thought to be incompetent so was placed under the direction of a holy priest in a neighboring village for further training. St. John Vianney, who as a student had difficulties being accepted for the priesthood, was canonized in 1925 and was later named the Patron of Parish Priests throughout the world. There is time for lunch on our own before departing Ars for Geneva for the night.
Day 9 • Lucerne's Jesuit Church
Day 9 • Geneva/Interlaken/Lucerne
Our day begins with a ride to Interlaken, where we have some time at leisure to enjoy lunch on our own. Interlaken offers spectacular views to the famous mountain trio, Eiger, Mönch und Jungfrau and the Bernese Oberland. We notice that these mountains can be seen no matter where we are in Interlaken. Continuing to Lucerne, we have dinner and stay there for the night
Day 10 • Lucerne
This morning we embark on a guided walking tour of Lucerne. Considered by many to be among the most charming places in Europe, Lucerne is surrounded by snowcapped Alps and is situated on a beautiful glacial lake. We visit Lucerne's Jesuit Church, which is the first large baroque church built in Switzerland north of the Alps. We see that first and foremost this church is an expression of the Catholic Church's 17th century struggle to regain spiritual leadership in the counter-reformation. We have free time for lunch on our own and an afternoon at leisure in Lucerne. Our tour guide is available to assist us in touring options. Dinner and the night are in Lucerne.
Day 11 • Lucerne/Einsiedeln/Oberammergau
Leaving Lucerne, we travel to Einsiedeln and visit the Monastery of Einsiedeln where we will view the Black Madonna, the most venerated pilgrimage site in Europe's German-speaking area. There is free time for lunch before we continue our journey to Oberammergau and the culmination of our tour – the Passion Play. Dinner and overnight are in Oberammergau.
Day 12 • Passion Play
Day 12 • Oberammergau/PASSION PLAY
Today is the day we have all been waiting for! This small town of peasants and craftsmen, encircled by the wooded foothills of the Ammergau, owes its fame to the internationally renowned Passion Play. Performed only once every ten years and involving 1,100 amateur actors from the local population, this play, re-enacting the final days of Christ, lasts an entire summer’s day. This is sure to be a day we will never forget. Dinner and the night are spent in Oberammergau.
Day 13 • Oberammergau/Munich
After an unforgettable day in Oberammergau, we board our motor coach for transfer to Munich. Munich, a cultural center and the capital of Bavaria, is also the largest center for industry and commerce in southern Germany. Munich was host to the XX Olympic games in 1972. There is free time for lunch before we take a panoramic sightseeing tour of Munich. We have dinner and stay the night in Munich.
Day 14 • Marktl
Day 14 • Munich/Marktl Am Inn (Altoetting)
Today we have a full-day excursion to Marktl am Inn, the birthplace of Pope Benedict XVI. While in Marktl am Inn, we visit the Shrine of Altoetting. Pope Benedict XVI was born in Marktl on April 16th, 1927 and baptized the same day. The baptismal font is located in the town's small museum. The Shrine of Altoetting depicts the Virgin Mother and the Christ Child. According to legend , the Shrine has the power to heal. We have free time for lunch before a late afternoon transfer back to Munich. Tonight we have a Farewell dinner and our final night in Munich.
Day 15 • Munich/Hometown, U.S.A.
We transfer to Munich Airport for our return flight to the U.S., bringing with us many memories to share with friends and family for years to come!!
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