PILGRIMAGE TO OBERAMMERGAU ADDITIONAL PILGRIMAGE ADDED!
Having been spared the ravages of the Black Plague, the residents of Oberammergau, Germany vowed they would present the life of Christ every ten years. The first presentation was given in 1634. The year 2010 marks the 41st time the play has been produced. The seven hour production includes a meal served during intermission.
The Pilgrimage
Day 1 Departure
All international pilgrims will depart for Germany.
Day 2 Arrival in Munich
Upon arrival our coach will take us directly to the village of Burghausen, one of the prettiest little towns in Oberbayern, snuggled along the Salzach River which boasts about having the longest Burg (castle fortress) in Europe (dating back to 1255). We will lodge at the “House of Encounter of the Holy Spirit”, a spiritual center for the Diocese of Passau (www.hdb-helig-geist-burghausen.de/haus-der-begegnung.html). After a rest, the staff will orient you to the pilgrimage following which we’ll celebrate Eucharist, have supper, and take a short coach ride to the Marian Shrine in the city of Altötting dating back to 1489.
Day 3 Marktl and St. Radegund
After breakfast, we’ll take the quick ride to Marktl, the birthplace of Josef Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, where we will visit his birth home and learn of his scholarly research 
on St. Bonaventure. We’ll celebrate Eucharist in his church of baptism, St. Oswald. After lunch we’ll coach to nearby Austria and we’ll stop at the chapel of Stille Nacht, where the Christmas classic Silent Night was composed. We’ll also visit the village of St. Radegund, home to the recently beatified Secular Franciscan, Blessed Franz Jaegerstaetter. We’ll return to Burghausen for supper.
Day 4 Altötting: Marian Shrine / S. Magdalena / Parzham, Birthplace of St. Konrad
Tody we return to the village of Altötting to visit one of Europe’s famous shrines to the Blessed Mother to celebrate Eucharist in her Holy Chapel (www.altoetting-wallfahrt.de/pages/kapelle/USA-Intern/pages/Index1.html). After an historical visit, we’ll go to the church of Saint Magdalena with its huge panoramic view of the crucifixion from the early 20th century (www.panorma-altoetting.de). We’ll return to Burghausen for lunch and a rest before going to the little village of Parzham where St. Konrad was born and lived as a farmer before entering the Bavarian Province of the Capuchin Friars. We’ll visit his birthhome and learn more about this Capuchin Franciscan saint. We’ll return to Burghausen for supper.
Day 5 Altötting Church of St. Konrad and St. Anna Basilica
We return to Altotting, but this time for a very specific Franciscan focus - a visit to the Church of St. Konrad with the opportunity to celebrate Eucharist at his tomb. After a 
visit to St. Anna Basilica, we’ll return to Burghausen for lunch and a rest, we’ll gather to learn more about the history of the Passion Play and its association with the village of Oberammergau. We’ll take some leisure time after supper and pack our bags before rettiring for our transfer to Oberammergau.
Day 6 Journey to Oberammergau / Holy Mountain at Andechs / Castle Linderhof
In the morning we make our way to Oberammergau. On the way we will stop for Eucharist and lunch at the Benedictine monastery of Andechs known locally as the Holy Mountain. In the afternoon, we will visit the Castle Linderhof, one of the many built by King Ludwig II (1845-1886) of Bavaria’s famous royal family (www.destination360.com / europe / germany / linderhof-castle.php). Afterwards we’ll continue to Oberammergau, settle in and share supper together.
Day 7 Oberammergau and the Passion Play
After breakfast we will celebrate Eucharist, leaving the rest of the morning free to have a roaming visit through the delightful Bavarian village of Oberammergau. We’ll gather 
for our lunch, after wich we’ll head to the performance of the most famous of all Passion Plays in the world. There will be an intermission for supper and the conclusion of the Passion Play in the evening.
Day 8 Munich / Dachau
Our coach will take us to the largest and most important city in all of Bavaria-Munich. Upon arrival, the day will be free for visiting this splendid city. Lunch will be in one of the many beer gardens or restaurants on your own. Late in the day, we will head towards Dachau for our closing Eucharist in the Carmelite Monastery adjacent to the memorial site of the first Nazi concentration camp. After setting into our lodging for the night, we’ll conclude this historic pilgrimage with a festive supper.
Day 9 Departure
Auf Wiedersehen!
Program subject to change.
STAFF
If you would like to view a pdf of the original brochure on the Franciscan Piglrimage to Oberammergau, please click here.
DATES
| 2010 | |
|---|---|
| May 29 - June 6 | |
| July 31 - August 8 |
COST
| May 29 - June 6, 2010 | July 31 - August 8, 2010 | |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $3190 | $3390 |
| Chicago | $3290 | $3490 |
| Land Only | $2000 | $2200 |
| Single Room | $350 Additional | $350 Additional |
| Package includes admission to the Passion Play and overnight at Oberammergau. | ||
SOME EXPECTATIONS
RESERVATIONS • DEPOSITS Each reservation requires that we receive the completed registration form and a $200.00 deposit. Deposits are not refundable, but can be credited to a future pilgrimage. Travel arrangements not included in the Full Package Price are subject to a $50.00 office fee (this excludes connecting flights to departure cities).
TRAVEL We use a variety of airlines to accommodate the needs of our pilgrims. Our office can arrange travel from various cities in the US to arrive at the departure cities, extended travel to other destinations before or after any programs.
PAYMENTS Full payment and completed forms are due 95 days prior to departure. Late registrations are accepted, only if space is available.
CANCELLATIONS Prior to airline ticketing, full payment is refunded minus the $200 deposit, which is non-refundable. If the airline ticket has been written, airline penalties apply, and the airline ticket may also be non-refundable.
NON INCLUSIONS Price does not include: (a) passport and visa fees; (b) travel, visits, gratuities, or excursions not scheduled as part of the official program; (c) travel, life, accident or health insurance; (d) airport or border taxes for extracurricular travel before or after a program. Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc. is not responsible for any additional air or surface transportation costs incurred by participants who miss scheduled group travel departure times, nor is it responsible for any medical expenses incurred by any member of the group or any additional costs incurred by participants who are unable to complete the program for whatever reason.
PASSPORTS & VISAS Required for the office - photocopy of the first page (photograph/signature page only) of your valid passport is needed for all international destinations. If you have residency in a country other than the USA, please check with your local consulate or travel office to find out if you need a visa to enter Italy or the Holy Land. If required, let us know as soon as possible and we will send you a letter to take to the respective Consulate.
MEDICAL CONDITION Good health is necessary to enjoy the experience. Pilgrimages are strenuous, with considerable walking (often in hilly areas), and stair climbing each day. Most international sites are not handicap or wheelchair accessible. Please consult with your doctor, if health problems exist.
REQUIREMENTS Participation is required from beginning to end; no cutting short or extracurricular activity during the program. Your full commitment is needed to share, enjoy leisure time, read, and use the experience in life and ministry.
RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc. cannot be responsible for the suppliers providing transportation, sightseeing arrangements and hotel accommodations for Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc. They are independent contractors and are not agents or employees of Franciscan Pilgrimages Programs, Inc. All coupons, receipts and tickets issued are subject to the terms and conditions specified by suppliers. By utilizing the service of the suppliers, you agree that Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc. will not be liable for any change in schedule, strikes, delay, acts of governments, acts of war, acts of terrorism, fires, riots, theft, pilferage, epidemics, quarantine, medical or customs regulations, accident, loss, injury, or damage to you or to those traveling with you in connection with any accommodations, transportation or any other services or resulting directly or indirectly from any occurence or conditions beyond its control, including defects in vehicles, breakdown in equipment, thefts, delay or cancellation of or changes in itinerary for any act, omission, or event during the pilgrimage. Neither Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc. and/or agents of the airlines concerned are to be held responsible for the late arrival of passengers at airports or hotels due to inclement weather, nor are they to be held liable for payment or any refund for unused hotel accommodations or meals occasioned by such late arrivals at the hotels holding rooms as confirmed itineraries. Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc. and suppliers contracted for services reserve the right to refuse to accept or retain any person whose behavior is deemed likely to affect the smooth operation of a tour, or adversely affect the enjoyment or safety of other pilgrims. Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc., its agents, and suppliers shall be under no liability to any such person for refund, compensation, repatriation or any other matters arising.
TRAVEL INSURANCE Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc. strongly suggests the purchase of travel insurance. There are a number of options for such insurance. A brochure is supplied to us by our travel agent (TravelLite Insurance) and can be sent to you. An alternative is Tripmate Insurance Company (www.Tripmate.com at 1-800-888-7292). Your own insurance agent may have a recommendation. It is the sole responsiblity of the pilgrim to request and review the insurance brochure. Policies and restrictions imposed by the insurance company are not limited to that which is stated in the insurance brochure.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Each pilgrimage consists of input by well-prepared, trained staff • wholesome meals served family style • visits to sacred Christian and Franciscan places • solid historical information • free time • good fun with companion pilgrims • daily prayer and Eucharist at holy places • spiritual conferences • opportunities to enjoy local cafes and restaurants • time to revisit places of special meaning • suggestions on where to shop • time to enjoy the beautiful countryside and culture • time for quiet.
Full package prices include departure from two airports: JFK (in New York City) and ORD (in Chicago) -- (Connecting flights from most major cities into these two airports are available at a reasonable fee. The Pilgrimage office will help make your travel arrangements.) • All airline taxes, security fees and airport taxes • Lodging in all cities • All gratuities for bus drivers, lodging, restaurants and luggage • Bus transfers and luggage handling • All group entrance fees • All taxi services in Assisi • All meals (except for a few meals, depending on the particular pilgrimage when pilgrims have some free time to explore an area on their own) • Daily Mass and Rituals • Input and guidance of two qualified Pilgrimage Leaders.