Alpine Pilgrimage 2016 Brochure

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The Tour Price Includes:
Air Transportation: Airfares are based on special contract agreements with various international airlines, and involve
certain restrictions and deadlines. These fares are subject to cancellation penalties, and once they are issued, are NONREFUNDABLE, NON-TRANSFERABLE AND CAN’T BE USED TOWARDS FUTURE TRAVEL. Please
refer to our CANCELLATION AND REFUND OF AIR AND LAND ARRANGEMENTS CLAUSE/POLICY
below. Airfares are based on prices in effect as of JANUARY 1, 2016, and they are subject to change without notice.
IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE.
Surface Transportation: All surface transportation as described in the itinerary will be by modern motorcoach
designed for highway travel. Groups will be met and transferred on arrival and departure.
Hotels: First class Hotels (4 star throughout). Hotel classifications as per ratings on OHRG published by Ziff-Davis
Company in New York. Hotels are double occupancy (2 people per room).
Single room additional cost $650.00. Single rooms are limited and will be awarded on a first come first serve basis. If
you request a roommate and none is available you will pay ½ this amount as a forced single room.
Meal Plan: The meal plan is half board, 2 meals per day, consists of breakfast, and dinner, depending on the routine
of the itinerary. Taxes and service charges normally appearing on the restaurant bills are included in the tour price. A
list of all food allergies must be emailed to insptours@aol.com for hotel accommodation. In the case the hotel is
unable to accommodate, passenger is responsible for all meals. Unused meals will NOT be reimbursed.
Baggage: INSPIRATIONAL TOURS restricts all tour passengers to 1 piece of checked luggage and 1 carry-on.
All Passengers should check with the airline for up-to-date baggage weight and dimension information and
restrictions which are subject to change at anytime before tour departure.
Included: Airport Taxes, Fuel Surcharges, ( subj to change ) & Tips to guides and drivers.
The Tour Price Does Not Include: Expenses of passports, laundry, mineral waters, after-luncheon and after-dinner tea
or coffee or food not on the menus of the included meals; additional baggage; expenses of carriages, guides, sightseeing
or other services than those specifically mentioned as being included in the itinerary; baggage and personal insurance;
all items of a personal nature plus those not listed above as being included in the tour price.
Booking Conditions: Deposits and Payment: A deposit of $300.00 per person is required at the time of booking.
No order will be processed without a deposit. Full and final payment is due 60 days before departure. Registrations
received within 60 days of departure require payment in full, deposit only will not be accepted. WE ACCEPT CASH,
CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS ONLY. WE DO NOT ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS.
Cancellation and Refund Policy: All cancellations MUST BE RECEIVED IN WRITING VIA FAX, E-MAIL OR
REGULAR U.S. MAIL. Automatic $100.00 cancellation fee up to 90 days prior to departure; 89 to 60 days prior to
departure $300.00 cancellation fee; 59 to 30 days prior to departure 50% of tour cost cancellation fee; 29 days prior to
departure up to date of departure 100% of tour cost cancellation fee; Total loss of tour costs, Air and Land. If nonrefundable air tickets have been issued prior to receiving notice of your cancellation, you will be charged the
price of the ticket in addition to the cancellation penalties listed above.
ALL RESERVATIONS ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE AT ANY TIME FOR ANY REASON.
Deviations: Deviation policies vary by airline and are normally only allowed on the return journey, from the same
departing city as the group, and depend upon availability. There is a change fee of $150.00 per person, plus any
additional airline charges. ALL deviation requests must be made in writing, at least 90 days before departure
date. NO TELEPHONE DEVIATION REQUESTS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Tour Prices All tour prices quoted for transportation and land arrangements in this folder are based on rates, (including
foreign exchange rates), in effect at the time of original tour agreement with your tour host and accordingly are subject
to increase without notice if such rates change prior to departure.
Insurance: To protect your travel plans, WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE PURCHASE OF TRAVEL
INSURANCE. A BROCHURE WILL BE PROVIDED UPON RECEIPT OF YOUR REGISTRATION AND
DEPOSIT.
Responsibility: Inspirational Tours, Inc. or their agents act only as agent for the passenger in regards to travel, whether
by railroad, motor car, motorcoach, boat or airplane and assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or
irregularity which may be occasioned either by acts or defect in any vehicle or for any reason whatsoever, or through
the acts or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements
of the tour. They can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other
services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by
the passenger as tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. The right is reserved to substitute hotels
of similar quality to those specified in the itinerary and the right is reserved to cancel any tour prior to departure, in
which latter case a full refund will constitute full settlement to the passenger. No refund will be made for any unused
portion of the tour unless arrangements are made prior to departure from the United States. The airlines concerned,
their agents, or affiliates and other carriers, are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time
passengers are not on board their aircraft. The passenger ticket in use by said carriers, when issued, shall constitute
the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of these tickets and/or the passenger. It is the passengers’
responsibility to obtain any visas that they need to travel. The services of any I.A.T.A. carrier may be used for these
tours and transportation within the U.S.A. may be provided by any member of the Air Traffic Conference of America.
PRICES ARE BASED ON RATES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2016 AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Join Fr. Cooper on a 15 day
Grand Pilgrimage along the
Alpine Way
Germany, Switzerland, Austria
and the Czech Republic
MUNICH- OBERAMMERGAU – INNSBRUCK – LUCERNE
ALTOTTING – SALZBURG – VIENNA – PRAGUE
OCTOBER 9TH – 23RD, 2016
$4,890.00 PER PERSON FROM NEW ORLEANS
(Includes: Roundtrip Air Transportation From New Orleans, First Class Hotels, Double Occupancy,
2 Meals A Day – Buffet Breakfasts And Dinners (Dinners Served With Wine), Daily Sightseeing, Airport Taxes,
Fuel Surcharges - Which Are Subject To Change, And All Tips Are Inclusive.)
Spiritual Director: Fr. Robert Cooper
St. Benilde Catholic Church - Metairie, LA
Pilgrimage Coordinator: Carol Ingrassia
NOTE: While no changes are anticipated, there might be occasions when certain alterations become
necessary to this itinerary due to logistical reasons. All Masses are subject to final church schedules.
insptours@aol.com
www.inspirationaltoursinc.com
Melk Abbey, Vienna
My Brothers and Sisters in the Lord
It is with a profound spirit of gratitude that I joyfully
invite you, your family members and friends to join
me on a 15 day Grand Pilgrimage along the Alpine
Way visiting Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the
Czech Republic – a treasure house of Marian shrines,
sweeping landscapes, and ornate cathedrals.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Salzburg Baroque Dom Cathedral
Vienna, Austria - Schoenbrunn Palace
DAY 1: DEPART USA
We depart the United States en route to Munich.
celebrate Mass at the Wilten Basilica. After Mass, we
continue to Vaduz in the Principality of Liechtenstein for
a lunch break before we enter Switzerland. We will visit
Einsiedeln, the most famous pilgrimage destination in
Switzerland, where the Great Festival of the Miraculous
Dedications is held each year. We will visit the impressive
baroque Abbey Church. We continue to the picture-book
Lucerne, the center of Catholic resistance during the time of
the Reformation. Dinner and Overnight in Lucerne.
to enjoy its gardens and hidden trick fountains.
Mass will be at St. Peter’s Churchyard. There will
be some free time in the afternoon to explore the
city on your own. Dinner is at a local restaurant
with music from the movie “Sound of Music.”
Overnight in Salzburg.
DAY 2: ARRIVE IN MUNICH
Mass: Church of Asamkirche
Upon arrival in Munich we will be met by our English
speaking guide. We will visit the baroque Church of
Asamkirche for Mass. After Mass, we will have time to stroll
among the shops or to sample some of the local brew at the
numerous beer gardens. Then we will be transferred to our
hotel for dinner and overnight in Munich.
DAY 3: MUNICH: VISIT THE CITY
Mass: Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady)
We start our city tour of Bavaria’s capital including
Nymphenburg Palace, summer home of the Bavarian
monarchs with its magnificent gardens and the historic
Glockenspiel on the Marienplatz. Just down the street we
visit St. Peter’s Church, the oldest church in Munich. We will
also visit the revered twin-towered Fraunkirche (Church), the
most familiar landmark of old Munich. We celebrate Mass at
the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), the towering twinonion domed steeple church that has served as the symbol of
Munich for centuries. Tonight we will enjoy a festive dinner
at the famous Hofbrauhaus. Overnight in Munich.
DAY 4: MUNICH/LINDERHOFF CASTLE/ETTAL ABBEY/
OBERAMMEGRAU
Mass: Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Oberammergau
This morning we head south of Munich, deep into the forest
to King Ludwig’s Linderhof Castle. The castle is situated in
a lovely valley in the middle of the Ammergau Alps. After
our visit, we will have a light lunch and then continue to
the magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Ettal. This beautiful
Baroque abbey was founded in 1313. Then we depart for
Oberammergau, a beautiful village, known both for hosting
the Passion Play and for its beautiful woodcarvings. The story
of Oberammergau is one of faith and miracles. In the 1600′s,
“The Black Plague” swept through Europe, striking down
one in every three people and leaving in its wake misery and
death. The people of Oberammergau prayed to be spared,
vowing that they would present a play depicting the Passion
of Jesus every 10 years. We will celebrate Mass this evening
at parish church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Oberammergau.
Dinner and overnight Oberammergau.
DAY 5: OBERAMMERGAU/WIES/NEUSCHWANSTEIN/
INNSBRUCK
Mass: Church of Wies
Our first stop this morning is Wies. Miraculously preserved
in the beautiful setting of an Alpine valley, the Church of
Wies is a masterpiece of Bavarian Rococo. Here we celebrate
Mass. Then we head south of Munich, near the Austrian
border, for the quaint medieval town of Fuessen, where
the legendary Neuschwanstein Castle, an architectural
masterpiece, idyllically sets atop a precipice among the
Bavarian Alps. With its turrets and mock-medievalism, its
interior styles ranging from Byzantine through Romanesque
to Gothic, the castle is a fantasy come true. This afternoon we
travel into the Tyrolean Alps to Innsbruck. During a guided
city tour you will see the Imperial Palace, Ambras Palace,
Ottoburg and the Wilten Basilica as well as the Golden
Roof, Innsbruck’s most well known attraction. Dinner and
Overnight in Innsbruck.
DAY 6: INNSBRUCK/LIECHTENSTEIN/EINSIEDELN/
LUCERNE
Mass: Wilten Basilica
After some morning sightseeing in Innsbruck, we will
DAY 7: LUCERNE: EXCURSION TO MT PILATUS
Mass: Jesuit Church in Lucerne
Lucerne remains one of Europe’s favorite and most
charming destinations. The medieval city looks out upon
the frosted peaks of the Alps and the clear, blue waters of
Lake Lucerne. Our walking tour of Lucerne features the Lion
Monument, the famous Water Tower which has served as
a prison, watchtower and treasury, the Renaissance-style
Town Hall and the famous Chapel Bridge. We will also visit
the Cathedral of St. Leger and the baroque Jesuit Church
where we will celebrate Mass. In the afternoon, we will take
a scenic cable car ride to the summit of Mt Pilatus which
offers us a breath-taking view of the area. Dinner will be at
a local restaurant. Overnight in Lucerne.
DAY 8: LUCERNE/DACHAU/KARMEL HEILIG-BLUT/
ALTOTTING
Mass: Carmelite Convent at Dachau (Karmel Heilig-Blut)
This morning we leave Lucerne very early to visit the
Nazi concentration camp of Dachau, the first of the Nazi
concentration camps opened in Germany. After a morning
of sightseeing and emotional exertion, we visit the Carmelite
Convent, Karmel Heilig-Blut, where we will celebrate
Mass. The convent, located just outside the north wall of
the Memorial Site at Dachau, presents an intriguing sight
because of its buildings with rooflines resembling those of
the barracks in the former camp. We continue on to Altotting
for Dinner and Overnight.
DAY 9: ALTOTTING/BERCHTESGADEN/OBERSALZBERG/
SALZBURG
Mass: Shrine of Our Lady of Altotting – (Gnadenkapelle)
This morning we wake up in the city of Altotting, one of
Germany’s most celebrated shrines and a city whose
purpose is pilgrimage. The Shrine of Black Madonna of
Altotting has for centuries served among Germany’s most
beloved devotions to Mary. We will celebrate Mass at the
center of the pilgrimage complex, the Gnadenkapelle. The
chapel houses the 13th century statue of the Blessed Virgin.
While there, we have the opportunity to visit the Basilica,
the Panorama of the Crucifixion, the Pilgrim Museum,
St. Konrad’s Monastery and more. We then make a visit
to the hillside town of Berchtesgaden. We travel east of
Berchtesgaden to the little village of Obersalzberg, the site
of Hitler’s Berghof (mountain retreat). Salzburg is our final
destination for today, a splendid city set on the banks of
the Salzach River. We arrive in Salzburg for dinner and
overnight at the hotel.
DAY 10: SALZBURG: VISIT OF THE CITY
Mass: St. Peter’s Churchyard
After breakfast, we begin our walking tour of the city. Salzburg
is compact and best explored on foot. Narrow, winding lanes
and secluded passageways are evidence of its medieval
roots. The heritage of the Catholic Church is evident in
the Archbishop’s Residence and the decoration of the State
Rooms, available for viewing. Visit the mighty Romanesque
Cathedral, the Nonnberg Convent of Benedictine nuns, and
the Fortress Hohensalzburg. We stop at Hellbrunn Palace
DAY 11: SALZBURG/MARIAZELL/VIENNA
Mass: Chapel of Grace in Mariazell Basilica
This morning we begin our drive across the
Austrian countryside en route to Mariazell, the
resort town that is also home of the Mariazell
Basilica, dating back to the dawn of the 14th
century. The Chapel of Grace is considered
the national shrine of Austria. Miracles are
attributed to its statue of the Virgin; giving rise
to fame that has spread all over Europe. We will
stop and see the miraculous statue, which is
housed in the Chapel of Miracles, built directly
over the place where Magnus established his
monastic cell in 1157. After Mass here, we
continue to Vienna. Dinner and overnight in
Vienna.
DAY 12: VIENNA: CITY TOUR
Mass: St. Stephen’s Cathedral
We begin our day with a sightseeing tour of
the Imperial city of Vienna. We begin at the
Hofburg Chapel. Our local guide will show us
the Ringstrabe with its magnificent buildings,
such as the State Opera House, the Museum of
Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History,
the City Hall, the Hofburg, the Parliament,
the University, and the impressive Gothic St.
Stephen’s Cathedral, where we will celebrate
Mass, as well as the Votive Church. We will also
see the Giant Wheel at the Prater amusement
park and the beautiful Belvedere Palace
gardens. After lunch we will visit the magnificent
Schonbrunn Palace, former summer residence
of the Habsburgs. On a guided tour, we will be
shown the splendid rooms of the outstanding
palace, followed by a walk through the unique
gardens. Tonight, a special treat: We will attend
From the cobbled streets of Alpine towns to the
Shrine of Black Madonna to the fairytale castles
of the Bavarian Alps to the renowned statue of the
Infant Jesus of Prague, this pilgrimage will hold many
spiritual treasures. We will be praying and worshipping in
the places of many Christian saints and the sites of numerous
Marian devotions, touching the foundations of our faith, and uncovering the
hidden treasures of these beautiful cities and villages. This is a sacred journey
in which faith is strengthened, spirits are encouraged and souls are renewed. No
pilgrimage along the Alpine Way would be complete without attending a concert
at one of Vienna’s elegant concert halls and visiting the Nazi concentration camp
of Dachau, the first of the Nazi concentration camps opened in Germany – a
powerful experience that can teach us much about courage and hope in the face
of unbelievable suffering.
The celebration of the Eucharist will feed us spiritually each day. Quiet time for
prayer will place us closer to the source and summit of our Catholic faith. What
better way to contribute to a renewed conversion to the Lord Jesus and to the
rediscovery of faith than to walk the path of the holy men and women who have
gone before us.
Please prayerfully consider traveling with us on this holy journey. There is no
doubt that you will be richly blessed. Looking forward to praying with you on
these days of pilgrimage, I remain
Sincerely in the Lord
Fr. Cooper
a concert at one of Vienna’s elegant concert halls. Dinner
and overnight in Vienna.
DAY 13: VIENNA/PRAGUE
Mass: Klosterneuburg Abbey
After breakfast, we depart for our scenic motor coach ride
to the enchanting city of Prague, a city of domed rooftops,
soaring steeples, and countless spires. In route, we will
stop at the Klosterneuburg Abbey. There we will celebrate
Mass at the Monastery Cathedral. Then we go to a holy
mountain in the heart of the Czech Republic, the sanctuary
of Svata Hora. The hilltop shrine features a renowned
miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary and a basilica for Our
Lady with its silver altar, frescoes and paintings. Dinner
and overnight in Prague.
DAY 14: PRAGUE: CITY TOUR
Mass: Church of Our Lady Victorious
We visit Old Town by way of Golden Lane and then go to
the Lesser Town to see the medieval Charles Bridge that is
adorned with many baroque statues. We will also see St.
Nicholas Church, the Astronomic Clock, and the Prague
Castle district where we tour St. Vitus Cathedral, St.
George Basilica, Loreto Church, Strahov Monastery, and
Wenceslas Square. In the afternoon, we will celebrate Mass
at the Church of Our Lady Victorious and see there the
renowned statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague. A festive
farewell dinner awaits us at a local restaurant. Overnight
in Prague.
DAY 15: RETURN TO USA
We depart from Prague Airport for our return flights to the
USA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION,
PLEASE CONTACT:
Carol Ingrassia
St. Benilde Catholic Church
1901 Division Street
Metairie, LA 70001
Phone: (985) 773-0123
Email: pilgrimages@frcooper.info
Prague Tyn Cathedral & Clock Tower
EARLY REGISTRATION IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED!
FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS
DEPOSIT DEADLINE: JULY 9, 2016
INVOICES WILL BE SENT OUT 60 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE
FOR FINAL PAYMENT