The Passion Play & The Shrines of France – 9 Days
Day 1
Paris – Lourdes
After arrival in Paris, take a short flight to Pau, France where we will be met, assisted and transferred to Lourdes. Balance of day at leisure. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2
Lourdes
This morning we will enjoy a walking tour of Lourdes visiting the places associated with St Bernadette. Afternoon at leisure. Some of us will want to participate in the “Miraculous baths.” Dinner and overnight.
Day 3
Lourdes / Paris
Transfer to rail station where we will board our TGV “fast” train to Paris. Upon arrival in Paris we will be met and taken on half day sightseeing tour of the city including mass at the Rue Du Bac (Shrine of the Miraculous Medal); Cathedral of Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe and the grand Champs Elyssees and a stop at the Eiffel Tower, an enduring symbol of the city. Proceed to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 4
Paris / Lisieux / Paris
After morning mass, we will travel to Lisieux, the town associated with St Therese of the Child Jesus. Visit the places relating to her life such as the Carmelite Convent and the Basilica built in her honor. Enjoy the beauty of the Normandy countryside as we return to Paris in the afternoon. Before we continue to our hotel, we will have a visit to Sacre Couer, the basilica dedicated to the Sacred Heart. Dinner and overnight.
Day 5
Paris / Nevers / Paris
We will enjoy another full day outing – this time to the town of Nevers. Here we will see the incorrupt body of St Bernadette and visit the convent, in which she spent her last days. We will return to Paris for dinner and overnight.
Day 6
Paris / Zurich / Oberammergau
Morning transfer to the airport for our short flight to Zurich. Upon arrival we will drive thru the scenic Swiss countryside into Germany and arriving at the tiny hamlet of Oberammergau for dinner and overnight
Day 7
Oberammergau
We will transfer to the outdoor theater to view this amazing presentation of the Passion of Christ as performed by the local villagers. Dinner and overnight.
Day 8
Oberammergau/ Zurich
This morning we will depart Germany heading back into Switzerland with a chance to view the beauty of Lake Lucerne and tour the city of Zurich before this evening’s farewell dinner.
Day 9
Zurich / Departure
We will depart early this morning for the airport and our return flight home.