ITALY, AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND AND GERMANY FEATURING THE PASSION PLAY 2010

Pilgrimage under spiritual leadership of
Father David Roche
Pastor of Holy Family Parish - Toronto

May 27 - June 09, 2010 - 14 days
Cost: $3,795 CAD

May 27

Depart Toronto by air for Rome.

May 28

Morning arrival in Rome. Transfer to our hotel, time for rest short orientation tour of the city before our dinner and overnight.

May 29

Full day in Rome we visit the Basilicas of St Peter and Santa Maria Maggiore as well as the Trevi Fountain and the Colliseum. In the afternoon some free time.

May 30

Morning Audience with the Holy Father. In the afternoon depart for Florence. Dinner and overnight in Florence.

May 31

Morning tour of Florence takes us to the Santa Croce Church Piazza de la Seignoria and the Basilica of Santa Maria Del Fiore. We continue to Ponte Vecchio. In the afternoon some free time. Dinner and overnight.

Jun 01

Depart for Padua, where we visit the Basilica dedicated to St Anthony. Time permitting; we also see the famous works of Giotto.

Jun 02

Full day excursion to Venice. In the afternoon return to Padua for dinner and overnight.

Jun 03

Today we depart Italy for Austria. Late afternoon arrival in Innsbruck for dinner and overnight.

Jun 04

This morning we depart for Oberammergau where we see the famous Passion Play. In 1634 the Black Death decimated Europe’s population. Oberammergau remained untouched until a homesick villager returned one night, unknowingly bringing with him the dreaded plague. Almost 100 villagers died as a result. Frightened survivors vowed that if God saved them from the plague, once every 10 years they would re-enact the agony and crucifixion of Christ. From then on there were no further deaths from the plague. The villagers have fulfilled their pledge ever since. The play portrays the Passion of Christ – from the entry into Jerusalem to the Resurrection. Lunch and dinner will be served today.

Jun 05

This morning after breakfast we travel through Bavaria to 10th century Marian Shrine of Altotting. Continue to Neuschwanstein to “Mad King Ludwig's” fairytale castle. On to the small village of Einsiedeln - the most famous pilgrimage destination in Switzerland, where Great Festival of the Miraculous Dedication is held.

Jun 6

Today we send exploring this beautiful shrine. Impressive baroque Abbey Church and the Way of The Cross. Dinner and overnight in Einsiedeln.

Jun 7

From Einsiedeln we travel to Lucerne where our orientation tour takes us past the Musegg Towers and walls of the old town to the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument. We continue though the Black Forest Region, Stop at Lake Titisee, famous for its cuckoo clocks. Continue to Heidelberg for dinner and overnight.

Jun 8

Morning walking tour of Heidelberg in the courtyards of the castle, which dominates the university of the "Student Prince". Continue to Frankfurt for our last dinner and overnight.

Jun 9

Depart Frankfurt for Toronto