Following the footsteps of the Pope

This tour takes you to the most significant places in the life of Pope Benedict XVI. He spent his childhood and youth in Marktl, Salzach and the Alps, a region rich in natural beauty and one of the oldest and loveliest parts of Central Europe. Pope Benedict XVI also lived for many years in Munich, where he was the archbishop of Munich and Freising. Follow in the footsteps of this accomplished theologian and remarkable person!

TRAVELOGUE

Day 1: Munich
Arrival in Munich and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest or explore this cosmopolitan city. Overnight stay in Munich.

Day 2: Munich
After breakfast you enjoy a private city tour of Munich. Munich lies near the Alps and has many strong ties to the current Pope. Highlights include the Frauenkirche, the church where the Pope conducted some very important work; Marienplatz Square, the geographic and social heart of Munich where Benedict XVI said farewell to the city before leaving for Rome; Bürgersaalkirche where Pope John Paul II beatified father Rupert Mayer; the archbishop’s palace where Benedict XVI lived and worked as archbishop of Munich and Freising, from 1977 until 1981. Overnight stay in Munich.

Day 3: Munich – Freising – Ratisbon (125 km/77 mi)
After breakfast we depart for Freising. In the early Middle Ages, Freising became an important town as the largest religious center in Bavaria. Even today it’s still the center of an important diocese and numerous thousand-year old historic documents have been written in its monastery. From 1946 until 1951, Pope Benedict XVI studied theology and philosophy at the university in this city. In 1977 he was nominated archbishop of the archdiocese of Munich and Freising. From here we travel to Ratisbon, a former free city of the Holy Roman Empire. Attractions include the oldest bridge in Germany, the St. Peter Cathedral, the cloister (former burial ground of the residents and clergy in Ratisbon), and the Porta Praetoria, one of the largest and best preserved Roman constructions in Germany. Overnight stay in Ratisbon.

Day 4: Ratisbon – Altötting – Aschau am Inn – Marktl (220 km/136 mi)
After breakfast we depart for Altötting. Here we stop to admire the Goldenen Rössl treasure, a small altar (2 ft high) with the Virgin Mary cradling the baby Jesus, sculpted in gold and gold-plated silver. Also have a look at the ex-votos of previous popes, the Tilly Chapel, St. Anna Basilica and the Herman Konrad Museum. After this interesting visit, we stop briefly in Aschau am Inn, the city where Benedict XVI received his first communion. In the afternoon we drive to Marktl, the birthplace of Pope Benedict XVI. We visit the regional museum and St. Oswald church. Accommodation in Marktl or in the surrounding area.

Day 5: Marktl – Salzburg (approx. 60 km/37 mi)
After breakfast we travel to Salzburg, the center of Austrian baroque and the birthplace of brilliant composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Near the German border, Salzburg is surrounded by mountains and divided by the Salzach River. Its historic center was built at the end of the 16th and early 17th century, during the reign of the prince archbishops, who used their wealth to transform Salzburg into a baroque gem. Numerous medieval bell towers, domes, spires and turrets grace the city’s skyline. You may also visit the Erzabtei and San Pedro Benedict Monastery, the oldest in the German-speaking region. Overnight stay in Salzburg.

Day 6: Salzburg – Traunstein – Chiemsee – Füssen (250 km/155 mi)
After breakfast we travel to Traunstein. We will see the places where the brothers Josef and Georg Ratzinger studied (San Miguel Seminary and the Chiemgau Institute). In 1930, their father bought a small farm near Traunstein; this is where Josef Ratzinger feels most at home. In Traunstein we may also visit St. Oswald church, the Jacklturm tower, the Ratzinger family home and the Sailer Keller where Josef Ratzinger commemorated the celebration of his first mass. Next we drive to Chiem Lake where you can visit the Herrenchiemsee Castle and the Frauenchiemsee Benedict Monastery (admission fees not included). In the afternoon we continue our tour to Füssen. Overnight stay in Füssen.

Day 7: Füssen – Munich (140 km/87 mi)
In the afternoon we visit Neuschwanstein Castle, built by Ludwig II, who was also known as the mad king. The Bavarian king ordered the construction of this fairy tale castle in 1869. Completed in 1886, it was meant to resemble a medieval German castle with a neo-Romantic style. In fact, Neuschwanstein inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle that he built in Disneyland. The rooms are richly decorated and depict scenes from medieval legends. Our tour and services conclude at the airport of Munich.

SCHEDULED HOTELS
3-star hotels
Munich: Europäischer Hof or Mark
Ratisbon: Karmeliten Altstadthotel
Marktl/ Burghausen: Bayrische Alm Landhotel or Klostergasthof Raitenhaslach
Salzburg: Star Inn Salzburg
Füssen: Treff Hotel Luitpoldpark or Hirsch

4-star hotels
Munich: NH Deutscher Kaiser or Mercure Munich City
Ratisbon:ParkHotel Maximilian or Orphée Großes Haus
Marktl/ Burghausen: Glöcklhofer or Lindacher Hof Garni
Salzburg: NH Salzburg City
Füssen: Treff Hotel Luitpoldpark or Hirsch

THIS PROGRAM INCLUDES:

Transportation by car, minivan or bus during the entire tour

English-speaking driver/guide during the entire tour (for groups up to six persons)

English-speaking tour guide and driver (groups of more than 7 persons)

Accommodation in the hotels in your category of choice

Daily buffet breakfast

Visits and tours as listed in the program

Admission to Neuschwanstein castle and the museums in Altötting and Marktl

Prices on request!