Rhine River Cruise Pilgrimage with Catholic Answers

ITINERARY

Day 1: Saturday, May 2 - Depart USA

Depart on overnight flights to Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Day 2: Sunday, May 3 - Amsterdam

Arrive in Amsterdam and embark on the river cruise through Amsterdam. Experience the charm of Amsterdam from the water on a scenic canal cruise. Glide past historic merchant houses, picturesque bridges, and iconic landmarks.

Day 3: Monday, May 4 - Duesseldorf

Enjoy a tour of Aachen Cathedral and Treasury. Discover the breathtaking Aachen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the final resting place of Charlemagne. Marvel at its stunning Palatine Chapel, intricate mosaics, and centuries-old relics. Then, explore the Aachen Cathedral Treasury, one of Europe's most significant church treasuries, featuring priceless medieval artifacts, golden reliquaries, and sacred relics.

Day 4: Tuesday, May 5 - Cologne

Celebrate Mass and visit Great St. Martin Church with your local guide during the guided tour. Discover, one of Cologne’s most striking Romanesque landmarks. Admire its towering structure, elegant medieval architecture, and serene interior, reflecting centuries of religious and cultural heritage. Discover its foundations dating back to Roman times and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this architectural gem in the heart of the Old Town.

Guided tour of the magnificent Gothic Cologne Cathedral “the Kölner Dom” Germany’s most famous Gothic masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at its soaring twin spires, intricate stained-glass windows, and the Shrine of the Three Kings, a sacred relic of immense historical significance. Attend a beautiful organ concert.

Take a guided tour of Cologne Old Town. Dive into the most interesting facets of Cologne's past and present!

Day 5: Wednesday, May 6 - Lahnstein

Meet your local guide for a guided tour of Koblenz Old Town including Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. See all the highlights that the city of Koblenz has to offer. You start in the historic old town, which impresses visitors with picturesque squares, romantic alleyways and cozy courtyards. You then ascend to the magnificent Ehrenbreitstein fortress. You can also look forward to a magnificent panoramic view including the electoral palace and the Deutsches Eck.

Day 6: Thursday, May 7 - Cochem

Short orientation tour of Cochem Old Town. Visit Reichsburg Castle to discover the fairy-tale castle, perched high above the Moselle River in Cochem. This medieval hilltop fortress offers breathtaking panoramic views and a journey through centuries of history. Explore its beautifully restored halls, knight’s armor, and grand banquet rooms while learning about its fascinating past.

Day 7: Friday, May 8 - Wasserbillig

Drive to Trier and celebrate Mass at the Trier Cathedral. Then take a guided tour of Germany’s oldest church and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire Cathedral’s impressive Romanesque architecture, centuries-old relics, and stunning stained-glass windows. Learn about the cathedral’s rich history dating back to Roman times.

Day 8: Saturday, May 9 - Bernkastel

Enjoy free time in the charming town of Bernkastel, known for its half-timbered houses, picturesque market square, and excellent Moselle wines. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, visit boutique shops, or relax at a local café. You can explore the many wine taverns or visit a local winery for a tasting.

Day 9: Sunday, May 10 - Passing | Koblenz | Bingen

Celebrate Mass at Wallfahrskirche St. Hildegard. Then, enjoy a scenic gondola ride over Rüdesheim’s rolling vineyards, offering breathtaking views of the Rhine Valley.Glide up to the famous Niederwalddenkmal, a grand monument commemorating German unity, and take in the stunning panorama of the river and surrounding countryside.

Day 10: Monday, May 11 - Ludwigshafen

Celebrate Mass at Kirche St. Josef then meet your local guide for a guided tour of Heidelberg Old Town and Castle. With a tour through the winding alleys of the old town you can get to know the many different faces of Heidelberg - dreamy squares, the oldest university in Germany, the Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit) and the Jewish Quarter. And then it's up to the castle with the funicular railway. In a tour around the inner courtyard and the castle garden you can discover the electoral residence ruins and visit the famous giant barrel.

Day 11: Tuesday, May 12 - Strasbourg

Celebrate Mass at Strasbourg Cathedral, followed by a guided tour of the Gothic masterpiece famous for its Astronomical Clock, stained-glass windows, organs, and statuary. Then, stroll through the historic district with your guide, visiting landmarks such as Maison Kammerzell, Place Gutenberg, St. Thomas’ Church, the Petite France quarter, Covered Bridges, Vauban Dam, and the Œuvre Notre-Dame Museum.

Day 12: Wednesday, May 13 - Basel St Johann

Explore Breisach’s historic old town on a guided tour through its cobbled streets and landmarks. Perched on Münsterberg hill, this charming Rhine-border town offers stunning views of the Black Forest and Vosges. Discover St. Stephans Minster, the medieval Radbrunnenturm, and the imposing Rhine Gate, while learning about Breisach’s 1650-year history shaped by Celts, Romans, and the French.

Day 13: Thursday, May 14 - Basel St Johann

River Cruise Disembarkment and return flights from Zurich Airport.

Itinerary is tentative and subject to change