Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Our trip is scheduled to leave on November 30 until December 11.  For additional information please contact AMI Travel.  Spaces may yet be available.  The pilgrimage is in conjunction with Friar Johnpaul Cafiero, OFM.

Friday, August 06
Chicago Departure: We will depart from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport

Saturday, August 07
Munich/Salzburg:  Arrive at the Munich Airport. After clearing Immigration and Passport  Control, we will be greeted by our professional tour manager and motor  coach driver. We’ll motor into Munich passing the  Olympic Stadium, and  visit the Marienplatz with its famous Glockenspiel. Later, we’ll  continue to Austria.
Dinner will be served at our hotel this evening. Overnight in Salzburg. (D)

Sunday, August 08
Salzburg:  The highlights of our morning walking tour will include the Cathedral  where Mozart was baptized and the 12th century St. Peter’s Church. The  remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Tonight’s special dinner will  be served at the restaurant at the Salzburg Fortress with spectacular  views over the city.
Overnight in Salzburg. (B, SD)

Monday, August 09
Salzburg/Sound  of Music Tour/Innsbruck: Our morning tour follows the trail of the  Sound of Music. Driving into the Salzkammergut, Austria’s lake district,  we’ll visit the beautiful lakeside resort of St. Wolfgang, famous for  its White Horse Inn. In Mondsee, we’ll visit the village church where  the wedding scene of the Sound of Music was filmed. Later, we continue  through the Tirol which brings to mind Alpine valleys, rushing  rivers and villages of flower-covered chalets. In Innsbruck, our walking  tour of the old city will include the historic and architecturally  beautiful Maria-Theresienstrasse to see the Goldenes Dachl (the Golden  Roof of Maximilian’s Balcony). Dinner will be served at our hotel this  evening. Overnight in Innsbruck. (B,D)

Tuesday, August 10
Bulzano  Excursion/St. Ulrich/Innsbruck: Our excursion this morning takes us over  the famous Brenner Pass into northern Italy where we visit Bolzano. The  city’s Italian-Austrian character gives it the unique flavor of a city  at the crossroads between Italian and Austrian cultures. Later, we pass  through the Dolomites and see their sheer pink and yellow limestone  pinnacles that tower over quaint villages flowery meadows,  wooded valleys, and sun-soaked trails. Italian, Austrian and ancient  Ladin cultures intermingle peacefully in the small, scattered villages  in this mountainous corner of Italy. We will have some free time to  explore the quiet village of St. Ulrich, also known by its Ladin name of  Ortisei. The residents of this charming village, in the heart of very  traditional Val Gardena, Display their talents in the town’s boutiques  and artist studios. Dinner is on your own this evening. Overnight in  Innsbruck. (B)

Wednesday, August 11
Innsbruck/the Island of Mainau/Lucerne: This morning will depart Austria and cross the Arlberg Pass en
route  to beautiful Lake Constance. Here, we’ll visit the island of Mainu,  known as “the Island of Flowers.” It is a unique experience for senses,  with its thousands of colors, shapes and scents. In the spring, tulips,
narcissus  and orchids bloom; in May, rhododendrons; in summer; roses, and in the  autumn dahlias, as far as the eye can see. Palms, citrus fruits and  butterflies spread a tropical flair. Later we continue to Lucerne,  the jewel of Swiss resorts, our home for two nights. Dinner will be  served at our hotel this evening (B, D)

Thursday, August 12
Lucerne:  The highlights of our morning walking tour will include the Lion  Monument, commemorating the death of the brave Swiss guards; the old  covered wooden bridge across the Reuss River; and the  charming architecture of the old city. The afternoon is free to shop for  Swiss watches or cuckoo clocks, or to take an optional tour to Mt.  Pilatus. Dinner is on your own this evening. Overnight Lucerne. (B)

Friday, August 13
Lucerne/Hohenschwangau. This afternoon we motor through the spectacular Swiss and Bavarian
countryside en route to Hohenschwangau. This afternoon we’ll visit King Ludwig. It’s most famous castle,
Neuschwantein. While being a formidable fortress, it was designed by a theatrical decorator, not an
architect, which explains its dream-like atmosphere. Our hotel is located in lovely Hohenschwangau,
overlooking Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles. Dinner will be served at our hotel this evening.(B, D)

Saturday, August 14
Oberammergau/Passion  Play: The morning will be free for shopping or just strolling along the  streets of this charming village. This afternoon and evening, we’ll  attend the Passion Play. Lunch and dinner will be served at our hotel  today. Overnight in Oberammergau. (B, L, D)

Sunday, August 15
Oberammergau/Munich  Airport/Chicago: This morning we will be transferred from our hotel to  the Munich  Airport. Same day arrival back to Chicago’s O’Hare  International Airport. (B