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Germany

In the footsteps of Our Lady – Bavaria and Austria 2026 – 5 days

Prices from £1,950 pp

Single Supplement £220

Next available tour: Call for Details

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Step into a landscape shaped by faith and tradition on this unforgettable pilgrimage through the heart of Bavaria and Austria. This carefully crafted journey invites you to walk in the footsteps of saints and musicians, emperors and humble pilgrims as we explore some of Central Europe’s most treasured sacred sites. From the peaceful medieval town of Burghausen with its magnificent castle to the place where Silent Night was first sung on Christmas Eve in 1818, we’ll encounter moments of stillness, wonder and joy. We visit Maria Plain, perched above Salzburg, where a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary inspired Mozart’s famous Coronation Mass. In Passau, we explore the stunning baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to one of the world’s largest church organs and climb to the Mariahilf pilgrimage church, long a symbol of divine protection. Our journey also includes Herrenchiemsee Palace, King Ludwig II’s breathtaking homage to Versailles, set on an island in Lake Chiemsee. At the heart of our pilgrimage lies Altötting, one of Germany’s most beloved Marian shrines, known for its Black Madonna and centuries of answered prayers.
Here, in the Chapel of Grace and the grand Basilica of St. Ann, we take time to pray, reflect, and give thanks. Each day offers a blend of discovery, moments of prayer and fellowship, and opportunities to immerse yourself in the deep spiritual heritage of the region.

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Itinerary

  1. Arrive in Munich

    Fly from London to Munich and, flight timings permitting, we’ll enjoy a short bus tour of the city before before transferring to our hotel in Burghausen. Get to know your tour leader and fellow pilgrims over a welcome drink and dinner.

  2. Burghausen Castle, Silent Night Chapel and pilgrimage to Maria Plain

    This morning we enjoy a guided tour of Burghausen, a picturesque town known for its historic charm and colourful old town. Once a centre of the medieval salt trade, its streets are lined with Gothic and Baroque architecture that speak of a rich and prosperous past. Our visit includes Burghausen Castle, the longest castle complex in the world, stretching for over a kilometre along a ridge above the Salzach River. From its ramparts, you can even see across the river into Ach, Austria. In the afternoon, we travel to Oberndorf to visit the Silent Night Chapel, built on the site where the beloved carol “Silent Night” was first performed on Christmas Eve, 1818. We’ll pause for a service here before continuing to explore the Silent Night Museum, which tells the story of how this simple hymn of peace became one of the most cherished carols in the world. From here, we continue south to the Maria Plain Pilgrimage Church, a stunning Baroque basilica near Salzburg, consecrated in 1674. The church is home to a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus, which survived a devastating fire and was later crowned in 1751. The anniversary of this coronation has been celebrated annually ever since. It was for this celebration in 1779 that Mozart composed his famous Coronation Mass. We then drive into Salzburg for a short walking tour, taking in highlights such as the Salzburg Cathedral. If time allows, there will be free time to explore the city independently. In the evening, we return to Burghausen for dinner and overnight.

  3. Pilgrimage to Passau and visit Mariahilf Church

    This morning we travel to the historic city of Passau, beautifully situated at the confluence of three rivers. Known as the “City of Three Rivers,” Passau boasts a rich spiritual and architectural heritage. Our guided tour begins at the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to one of the largest cathedral organs in the world. We’ll be treated to an organ recital during our visit! We’ll also have a service at the crypt of St. Nikola and explore the episcopal palaces, the city hall marked with historic flood levels and a stroll through Passau’s charming narrow lanes and hidden courtyards. Throughout, enjoy views of the Upper Fortress (Veste Oberhaus) and the Pilgrimage Church of Mariahilf, perched above the city. In the afternoon, we make our way up to Mariahilf, one of Bavaria’s most important places of pilgrimage. Built between 1624-1627 in Baroque style, the church houses a revered image of the Virgin Mary, a copy of a painting by Lucas Cranach the Elder, long believed to be miraculous. Its spiritual significance grew after Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I and his court prayed here during the 1683 siege of Vienna, attributing their victory to Mary’s intercession. We return to Burghausen for dinner and overnight.

  4. Herrenchiemsee Palace and Altötting

    After breakfast, we depart from Burghausen and head to the tranquil shores of Lake Chiemsee. A short boat ride takes us to Herreninsel to visit the magnificent Herrenchiemsee Palace, built by King Ludwig II and inspired by Versailles. We explore the opulent State Rooms, the Hall of Mirrors, and the elegant formal gardens. In the afternoon, we return by boat to the mainland and continue to Altötting, one of Germany’s most revered pilgrimage destinations. For over 500 years, pilgrims have come here in devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. We visit the Chapel of Grace (Gnadenkapelle), home to the Black Madonna, long associated with healing and miracles, as well as the impressive Basilica of St. Ann and the Pilgrimage Museum with its collection of centuries-old votive offerings. In the evening, we join fellow pilgrims in the candlelit procession around the shrine - a peaceful and moving expression of faith and devotion. We return to Burghausen for dinner and overnight.

  5. Transfer to Munich Airport and return home

    After breakfast we have some free time (flights permitting) and transfer back to Munich Airport for our return flight.

Essential Information

The cost for this five day tour is £1,950 per person. The cost is based on sharing a double or twin-bedded room and includes all excursions and most expenses. A number of single rooms are available for a supplement from £220.

This tour includes:
• Return flights from London to Munich
• Four nights in Burghausen
• Four breakfasts and four dinners
• Private air-conditioned coach for transfers and touring as per itinerary
• English-speaking licensed local guides
• Entrance fees as per itinerary
• Gratuities are included and will be disbursed locally

Flights from regional airports can be arranged at a supplement subject to availability, you can also book this tour without flights. For more information please ask for details.

A £500 per person non-refundable deposit is payable on confirmation. After which, an instalment payment amounting to 50% of the total cost of your trip is due 26 weeks prior to departure with the final balance due twelve weeks prior to departure.

Special requests
Any special requirements, such as dietary needs, mobility requests, and any other requests should be noted at the time of booking.

Late bookings
Please note that for bookings made within 12 weeks of departure, the price may increase due to the fluctuating cost of flights. If this arises, we will always discuss this with you before processing your booking.

Final travel documents
These will be emailed to you two weeks before departure.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential. We require all travellers to have adequate cancellation and medical coverage for their journey. We are partnered with Holiday Extras who offer a comprehensive policy as well as yearly policies that also cover short UK overnight stays.

Mobility
Many of our tours and excursions are designed for those who are able to travel independently, or with the support of a companion who can assist during the trip. We recommend that participants feel comfortable with physical activity and are able to manage longer travel days, which may include early starts and extended periods on the road. Please note that the quality of vehicles and roads may vary from what you’re accustomed to in the UK. We encourage you to consider your personal health and comfort when planning your adventure, and we’re happy to help if you have any specific concerns or questions about the suitability of a tour for your needs

Practical information

About McCabe Pilgrimages
McCabe has been arranging journeys of faith, culture and spirituality for over 40 years with an unwavering focus on attention to detail and service. With a deep understanding of the unique needs and aspirations of Christian travellers, McCabe strive to make every trip a memorable and meaningful experience.

McCabe Travel Ltd. trades as McCabe Pilgrimages. McCabe Travel Ltd. is registered in England and Wales. Registered No. 2125334. VAT No: 318527355. Registered office address: McCabe Travel, The Square, Basing View, Basingstoke, RG21 4EB.

The McCabe Educational Trust
The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity which was set up in 1991 to support Christian communities. To date the Trust has distributed more than £4 million in grants. McCabe Pilgrimages supports the Trust directly by contributing to the administrative and running costs, thus ensuring all pilgrim donations are able to go directly to the important projects supported by the MET. In 2026 McCabe Pilgrimages will once again invite all pilgrims to make a voluntary donation of £20. In addition, McCabe will also donate £20 for every pilgrim who travels with us
- regardless of whether they choose to donate - effectively doubling the impact when you do. This scheme is voluntary and confidential with nobody put under any pressure to participate.

Passports, visas and health
• Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the end of this pilgrimage. If you need a new passport apply early as there can be considerable backlogs at the passport offices.
• Visas are not required for British or other EEC passport holders.
• No inoculations are required. We do, however, advise you to consult your doctor regarding your own personal requirements.
• Please carry an adequate supply of essential medication in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage is lost.

Financial and quality assurances
All monies paid are fully protected through McCabe’s membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. In addition, McCabe are also members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators and abide by the Association’s code of conduct. This pilgrimage is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Holiday insurance
Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That’s why we have partnered with Holiday Extras so you can get a travel insurance quote to protect you before and whilst you are travelling. Holiday Extras Cover Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has been independently rated 5-stars by Defaqto. For more information or to obtain a quote, please go to their website at www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor. Please quote AG628 when you call for a 10%
discount.

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