Travel through five countries on this fully guided 15 day tour of Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany and Austria, with experienced and knowledgeable Travel Directors on hand to take care of everything.
Along the way you'll see Montserrat's mystical Black Madonna, Lascaux's prehistoric cave paintings and Engelberg's many monasteries. Witness the famous Passion Play in Oberammergau, join the candlelight Rosary procession in Lourdes and unveil the secrets of Gaudi’s unfinished cathedral masterpiece in Barcelona: the Sagrada Familia.
Across the Swiss border in lakeside Lucerne, the Chapel Bridge and baroque Jesuit Church give way to the sights and sounds of Vienna, including a private tour of the majestic Schönbrunn Palace.
Your tour includes the following meals.
What to expect:
Day 1 - Welcome to Barcelona, Spain
Airport transfers depart from Barcelona airport for your hotel at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:00. Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant, as you get to know your fellow travellers over Spanish delicacies and regional wines.
Meals - Dinner with Wine
Day 2 - Barcelona, City of Gaudi, Spain
Wake up ready to embrace the city’s artistic heritage. Join a Local Expert in the heart of the Barri Gotic, the Gothic Quarter, and walk through the Roman Gate to see its narrow lanes and old squares. You are driven along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with elegant wrought-iron street lamps and the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to behold Gaudí’s extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia. As you venture inside, look above to see its giant, tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. Admire the wonderful rainbow of the incredible stained-glass windows. With the afternoon at leisure, you are free to relax or continue your exploration on your own.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 3 - Monsterrat and The Black Madonna, Spain
Ascend the sacred mountain of Montserrat, Catalonia’s most important pilgrimage site for a thousand years. Enjoy the spectacular panoramic views before entering the dark, ornate “Basílica Real” and reaching the mystical Black Madonna, surrounded by an altar of gold.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 4- Barcelona to Lourdes, France
Cross into France and stay overnight in Lourdes, home to another of the world’s most famous places of pilgrimage. Join the nightly Rosary and candlelight procession for a memorable spiritual experience.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 5 - Lourdes Sightseeing, France
This morning enjoy a walking tour of Lourdes, visiting the places associated with the life of St. Bernadette, including “Boly Mill and Cachot.” Later, enjoy some time at leisure to explore the town.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6 - Lourdes to Brive La Gaillard, France
Travel to Rocamadour and enjoy free time to explore this medieval town perched on a cliff side above the Alzou River and known as a resting place for pilgrims on their way to Spa. Continue to the beautiful town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, its medieval core blessed with fine historic golden limestone houses.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7 - Lascaux Excursion, France
Start the day with a morning drive into the stunning Valley of Dordogne to visit Lascaux II where the world-famous prehistoric cave paintings have been faithfully reproduced.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 8 - Brive La Gaillard to Dijon, France
After breakfast, depart for Nevers where Bernadette Soubirous joined the Sisters of Charity at St. Gilard in Nevers in 1866. She stayed here until her death on 16 April 1879. Her body, which had been buried in the chapel garden, was discovered intact in 1909, then in 1925 it was transferred to rest in a shrine at the Chapel of St. Gilard, where it still rests today. Visit the Convent of St. Gildard, see the body of St. Bernadette and walk in her footsteps through the convent gardens before continuing to Dijon.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 9 - Free Time in Dijon, France
Enjoy the Burgundy capital of Dijon. Its many handsome buildings recall the time when the Dukes of Burgundy were more powerful than the Kings of France. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the wine capital of Burgundy, Beaune? In the evening, don't miss the chance of an optional Burgundy wine tasting and traditional dinner in the Premier Cru village of Fixin.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 10 - Dijon to Engelberg, Switzerland
Cross the Swiss border before we arrive at lakeside Lucerne. Upon arrival see the town’s proud Lion Monument, the covered Chapel Bridge, and the baroque Jesuit Church. Enjoy some free time before we head to Engelberg, an alpine town in central Switzerland. In the center of the town is Kloster Engelberg, a 12th-century Benedictine monastery, founded in 1120 where , to this day, Monks still live and teach.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner at Wine
Day 11 - Engelberg, Switzerland
In the morning, embark on a scenic journey by funicular railway and open-top cable car to the summit of stunning Mount Stanserhorn, where you will meet a Swiss Ranger and learn about the local wildlife. Take in the pristine mountain air and on a clear day you can see as far as Alsace and the Black Forest. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Perhaps venture into the countryside for a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride and meet the local farmers?
Meals - Breakfast
Day 12 - Engelberg to Oberammergau, Germany
Traveling to charming Oberammergau, on arrival, take your reserved seats to witness the world-famous Passion Play, re-enacting the last days of Christ on earth. After a break for dinner, the captivating performance continues into the evening.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13 - Oberammergau to Vienna, Austria
A short drive over the Austrian border leads to Salzburg, ‘alive with the sound of music’. Sightseeing with a Local Expert will reveal the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace, the imposing fortress, the cathedral in the Old Town and Mozart’s birthplace. After some free time for lunch, head for the Austrian capital of Vienna.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 14 - Vienna Sightseeing, Austria
Join a Local Expert for a private tour of Schönbrunn Palace and marvel at its frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers, mirrors, and gilded ornaments, before spending some time in the perfectly manicured gardens. See the city’s highlights including St. Charles’ Church, the Hofburg Palace, Parliament, and State Opera House. Experience an extraordinary concert of Viennese classic music performed by highly acclaimed soloists and dancers, complimented by a delicious meal of Austrian fare and wine for your Celebration Dinner.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 15 - Depart Vienna, Austria
Your pilgrimage concludes after breakfast with transfers arriving at Vienna airport at 07.00 and 09.00am.
Meals - Breakfast
1 Departure only 30 August - 13 September 2022
This tour commences in Barcelona, Spain and finishes in Vienna, Austria. Why not extend your stay pre or post tour.
Please call our travel team on 1300 414 198 to learn more and request a quote.
Our experienced consultants can also happily help with flights, pre/post-tour accommodation and travel insurance.
Hotels on this tour include:
Note: Your village stay in Oberammergau will be on a twin share basis only, with single travellers sharing accommodation. Please contact us for more information.
Your wellbeing is our top priority
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
Non-refundable deposit of $770 per person applies, payable within 7 days.
Note: Accommodation in Oberammergau may be on a twin share basis only (no solo).
Want to find an alternative? Search for another holiday here or contact us.