May 15: Depart the USA for Milan, Italy

May 16: Arrive Milan – Turin
Upon arrival you will be met by a CatholicJourneys Tour Escort Travel through the countryside to Turin, one of the most beautiful and architecturally rich cities of Italy. There will be time to relax before gathering for the Welcome Dinner. (D) TURIN

May 17: Turin – Solemn Exhibition of the Holy Shroud
Today you will be one of the privileged few who will be able to go to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist for the "Solemn Exposition of the Shroud" in 2010. To conserve and protect the Shroud, it is normally stored in a custom built, temperature and humidity controlled, lightight case, and not visible to the public. This is a special gift from the Pope in the year that is to be dedicated to the "Word of God." On this day you will also visit the tomb of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, often referred to as "the Man of the Beatitudes." Pier Giorgio was a model of Virtue; pure, happy, enthusiastic about everything that is good and beautiful, and is Saint for the Youth of our time. Dinner and overnight in Turin. (B,D) TURIN

May 18: La Salette
Enjoy the magnificent alpine scenery as you travel through the mountains to France, where you visit the Marian Shrine of La Salette Here the Virgin Mary appeared in 1846 to two shepherds, crying, lamenting over the lack of observance of Sundays and the profaning of her Son’s holy name. Have Mass in the beautiful Basilica and drink from the spring that forever marks the spot where the Virgin appeared. Dinner and overnight in Corps. (B,D) CORPS

May 19: Laus
Today you will visit the shrine of Notre Dame Du Laus, also known as the "Refuge of Sinners," where Our Lady appeared to Benoite Rencurel, in 1644 with a powerful message of hope. You will have Mass and time to explore this charming town before returning to Corps for dinner and overnight. (B,D) CORPS

May 20: Munich
This morning you will transfer to Marsailles for your short flight to Munich. Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic drive through the city, passing such sights as the Baroque Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of the Wittlesbach dynasty, and the Marienplatz with it’s famous Glockenspiel clock. You will celebrate Mass in one of the Churches where Pope Benedict XVI served before being appointed Archbishop. Dinner and overnight in Munich. (B,D): MUNICH

May 21: Freising - Regensburg
This morning, you will view the University of Munich, where Pope Benedict XVI studied philosophy and theology, and visit the 15th century Church of Our Lady in the city center. Proceed to Freising, where you will have time for lunch on your own. Afterwards, enjoy a guided tour of Freising city, the seat of bishops since 739 and one of the most important spiritual centers in Bavaria. Visit the Freising Cathedral where Pope Benedict XVI, formerly Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, was first ordained as a priest in 1951, along with his brother George. Following a visit to St. Mary’s Cathedral, continue to Regensburg this afternoon (B, D): REGENSBURG

May 22: Regensburg
This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Along the walk, view the University of Regensburg, where Pope Benedict XVI taught theology before being named Archbishop, and later, Cardinal of Munich and Freising. Enjoy visits to the Old Town Hall, the Cathedral of St. Peter (Dom), and the Roman Gates at Porta Pretoria (B,D): REGENSBURG

May 23: Marktl am Inn – Altötting - Oberammergau
Depart Regensburg for Marktl am Inn (Diocese of Passau), where Pope Benedict XVI was born and baptized in 1927 as Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger. View the house of his birth, then continue to the small Bavarian town of Altötting. Upon arrival, visit the Chapel of Grace, one of the most visited religious shrines in Germany, where you will find the sacred icon of the Black Madonna housed therein. Celebrate Mass, and afterwards, enjoy time for lunch on your own. After lunch, continue to Traunstein, a small village near the Austrian border, where Pope Benedict XVI spent his childhood and youth. Proceed to the alpine village of Oberammergau (B, D): OBERAMMERGAU

May 24: Fussen - Neuschwanstein
This morning, drive to Fussen, birthplace of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos. Celeberate Mass in the Basilica dedicated to St.Mang, the Patron Saint of Fussen and where Blessed Seelos was baptized. Afterwards you will visit the fairy tale castle of Neuschwanstein built for King Ludwig II. After time for lunch, you will visit the Pilgrimage Church of Wies, a proclaimed World Heritage Site. Return to Oberammergau for dinner and overnight. (B,D) OBERAMMERGAU.

May 25: Oberammergau (Performance Day)
The highlight of your pilgrimage will take place today when you attend the performance of the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in Oberammergau today. (B, L, D) OBERAMMERGAU

May 26: Departure for USA
Transfer to Munich airport for return flights to USA. (B)

Pilgrimage Features