Contemplate the Cross

A Pilgrimage to the Oberammergau Passion Play

July 13 - 22, 2022

About

Since 1634, the Oberammergau village in Germany has staged a Passion Play every 10 years. Join Fr. Eric Augenstein and Fr. Tony Hollowell to contemplate the mysteries of the Cross as you discover Switzerland, Austria, and Germany! Highlights of this journey include: re-encountering the Passion of Christ with tickets to the Oberammergau Passion Play, celebrating Mass and praying in some of the oldest monasteries and abbeys in Europe, and experiencing the rich Germanic history and culture.

Trip Details

Group Type

All ages, 20-45 pilgrims

Length

10 days, 9 nights

Accommodations

Standard

Cost

As low as

$4,659

Deposit:

$750

What's Included

Dedicated pilgrim director, supplemented by local guides
Custom booklet for each pilgrim
Chaplains and daily Mass
Standard accommodations
Private transportation on motor coach
All tickets and donations for included activities listed on itinerary
Oberammergau Passion Play tickets - Tier 2 Category
Breakfast daily at hotel, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners
Gratuities for pilgrimage director, guide(s), driver(s), and meals

Itinerary

July 13
Depart U.S.
  • Depart U.S. (flights not included in the package)
July 14
Zurich, Lucerne
  • Arrive in Zurich and transfer to Lucerne
  • Welcome dinner at hotel
  • Overnight in Lucerne
  • Accommodations: Ibis Styles Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Dinner
July 15
Einsiedeln, Lucerne
  • Day-trip to Einsiedeln, including tour of Einsiedeln Abbey and Mass at Einsiedeln Shrine
  • Free time for prayer and meditation in the monastery
  • Transfer back to Lucerne
  • Overnight in Lucerne
  • Accommodations: Ibis Style Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
July 16
Lucerne
  • Mass at local church
  • Morning guided tour of Lucerne, including Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, Lion Monument, Jesuit Church, Franciscan Church, and Spreuer Bridge
  • Lunch on your own and free afternoon to enjoy Lucerne
  • Overnight in Lucerne
  • Accommodations: Ibis Style Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
July 17
Interlaken
  • Morning scenic drive with views and photo stops throughout Swiss countryside on the way to Interlaken for full-day excursion
  • Upon arrival, celebrate Mass at local church
  • Guided, orientation walk of Interlaken, including the Aare River, Unterseen, Höheweg, Höhemeatte, Japanese Garden, and a former monastery with castle and church
  • Afternoon on your own to explore Interlaken, or select one of the optional afternoon activities
    • Afternoon option 1: Lake Thun Boat Cruise (+$123/person) – Half-day boat cruise on Lake Thun offering views of the Bernese Alps, lake shore, parklands, and castles, including Spiez, Hünegg, Oberhofen, Schadau and Thun. Choose two castles to enter and explore.
    • Afternoon option 2: St. Beatus Caves (+$32/person) – Half-day excursion to St. Beatus Caves near the lakes of Interlaken. Explore the caves and journey over a kilometer into the mountain along well-lit walkways, and visit the Cave Museum.
  • Transfer back to Lucerne
  • Overnight in Lucerne
  • Accommodations: Ibis Styles or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
July 18
St. Gallen, Salzburg
  • Travel to Salzburg, and en route in St. Gallen to visit St. Gall Abbey and celebrate Mass
  • Lunch at local restaurant before continuing on to Salzburg
  • Check into hotel, enjoy free time and dinner on your own
  • Overnight in Salzburg
  • Accommodations: Arcotel Castellani Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
July 19
Austrian Lake District, Salzburg
  • Morning visit to Mariaplain Shrine and Mass
  • Enjoy the Sound of Music tour while driving through the Austrian Lake District, including Mondsee, St. Gilgen on Lake Wolfgang, and views of the Salzkammergut Mountains.
  • Enjoy lunch before the afternoon city tour of Salzburg, including Mirabel Gardens, gondola ride (weather permitting) to Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s house and other sites (all exterior views)
  • Overnight in Salzburg
  • Accommodations: Arcotel Castellani Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
July 20
Wieskirche, Schwangau, Ettal
  • Stop in Steingaden at Wieskirche and explore the church
  • Continue to Schwangau and celebrate Mass at St. Coloman (pending)
  • Lunch on your own before a guided visit of Neuschwanstein Castle
  • Then, drive on to Oberammergau and check into hotel
  • Overnight in Ettal or vicinity
  • Accommodations: Hotel Klosterhotel Ludwig der Bayer or similar (confirmed approximately 30 days prior to arrival)
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
July 21
Ettal, Oberammergau
  • Morning Mass at nearby Ettal Monastery (pending)
  • Free time before departing for Passion Play
  • Light lunch before attending the Passion Play
  • Part 1 begins at 2:30 p.m.
  • Intermission break with 3-course dinner at 5:30 p.m.
  • Passion Play Part 2 from 8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m
  • Overnight in Ettal or vicinity
  • Accommodations: Hotel Klosterhotel Ludwig der Bayer or similar (confirmed approximately 30 days prior to arrival)
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
July 22
Munich, Departure
  • Transfer to Munich airport and depart for U.S. (flights not included with package, optional group flight options departing for either Indianapolis or Louisville available)
  • Meals included: Breakfast
(extension)July 22
Munich
  • Transfer with group to Munich
  • After airport drop-off, head to hotel for check-in
  • Remainder of the day on your own to explore Munich
  • Overnight in Munich
  • Accommodations: Holiday Inn Westpark Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast
(extension)July 23
Munich
  •  Spend the day discovering the many cultural highlights of Munich, enjoy the architecture and Bavarian cuisine, or visiting the Former Nazi Concentration Camp in Dachau
  • Overnight in Munich
  • Accommodations: Holiday Inn Westpark Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast
(extension)July 24
Departure
  • Transfer to Munich airport and depart for U.S. (flights not included with package)
  • Meals included: Breakfast

Led by

ChaplainLeader
Fr. Tony Hollowell
Administrator, St. Paul in Tell City and St. Mark in Perry County

Father Tony Hollowell, “Fr. Tony,” currently serves the communities of St. Paul in Tell City and St. Mark in Perry Country as their Administrator, and was recently appointed an Associate Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.

Since hearing about the Passion Play in Oberammergau during his first year of seminary, Fr. Tony has “had a great desire to go and am very excited about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” He is excited to join Fr. Eric and all the pilgrims on this journey. Fr. Tony has traveled to 35 different countries and 5 continents while studying in Rome for five years, including extended pilgrimages to Einseideln and Munich.

Fr. Tony was ordained a priest in 2016 for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and then went on to study in Rome and completed a Licentiate in Moral Theology in Rome in 2017. He previously served as the Associate Pastor at Our Lady of the Greenwood (2017-2019). It has been a busy year for Fr. Tony, for in 2019 he completed a Doctorate in Moral Theology, while serving at Our Lady of the Greenwood, before transferring to his current role at St. Paul and St. Mark.

In addition to his pilgrimages to Einseideln and Munich, Fr. Tony brings a connection to the community of Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ as it is his home parish where he grew up.

Fr. Eric Augenstein
Pastor, Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Church in Indianapolis

Father Eric Augenstein, “Fr. Eric,” currently shepherds the community of Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Church in Indianapolis as pastor, and is also Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, a role he has held since 2013.

In 2010, Fr. Eric went on pilgrimage to the village of Oberammergau, Germany, for that year’s Passion Play, spending time as well in Switzerland and Bavaria. He is eager to accompany a new group of pilgrims to this unique and moving spiritual experience. A seasoned pilgrimage chaplain, he has also accompanied groups to Italy, Greece, the Holy Land, Poland, and three World Youth Days (Rio de Janeiro, Krakow, and Panama City).

Fr. Eric was ordained a priest in 2004 and previously served as Associate Pastor of the Richmond Catholic Community and Chaplain of Seton Catholic High School, Richmond, IN (2004-2007), Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, New Albany, IN (2007-2013), Chaplain of Our Lady of Providence High School, Clarksville, IN (2011-2013), and Sacramental Minister of St. Agnes Catholic Church, Nashville, IN (2013-2019).

Pricing

As low as

$4,659

Package Cost (without savings)

$4,959

Trip Savings

Early bird (first 20 pilgrims to register) - NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Save $200/person
Pay balance by check
Save $100/person

Optional Add-ons

Single room supplement (limited availability)
$998/person
Travel protection
Travel protection price calculated during registration*
Day 5 Optional Activity: Lake Thun Boat Cruise
$123/person
Day 5 Optional Activity: St. Beatus Caves
$32/person
Munich extension (July 22-24)
$584/person
Extension single room supplement (limited availability)
$229/person
Optional Group Flight - Indianapolis, IN
$1,682/person**

“As low as” price includes savings for early bird and pay balance by check.
Pricing listed per person in double-occupancy rooms and does not include airfare.
The number of available single-occupancy rooms is extremely limited and are on a first come, first serve basis.

*Travel protection price is calculated based on the total package cost.

**Final airline taxes and fees may fluctuate until flights are ticketed. Any excess fees levied by the airlines beyond the original total price at time of booking will be the responsibility of each pilgrim. A minimum of 15 pilgrims must elect to include the group flight in their booking to meet airline group requirements. If 15 people do not elect to add the group flight, then all pilgrims will need to arrange their own flights.

Rates assume a minimum of 20 full-paying pilgrims.

  • Roundtrip airfare (available as optional add-on)
  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Meals while traveling, as well as 3 lunches and 3 dinners
  • Recommended travel protection (optional add-on)
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

Optional Group Flights

Indianapolis, IN Group Flight ($1,682/person)

July 13, 2022: Indianapolis, IN – Zurich, Switzerland

  1. United Airlines Flight #3709 departs Indianapolis International airport (IND) at 3:17 p.m., arrives Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) at 5:27 p.m.
  2. United Airlines Flight #134 departs Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) at 6:15 p.m., arrives Zurich Airport (ZRH) at 8:15 a.m. (7/14)

July 22, 2022: Munich, Germany – Indianapolis, IN

  1. United Airlines Flight #952 departs Munich International Airport (MUC) at 11:30 a.m., arrives Chicago O’Hare International airport (ORD) at 2:05 p.m.
  2. United Airlines Flight #3702 departs Chicago O’Hare International airport (ORD) at 5:55 p.m., arrives Indianapolis International airport (IND) at 8:06 p.m.

 

Flight Deviation – Indianapolis, IN ($1,757/person)

July 13, 2022: Indianapolis, IN – Zurich, Switzerland

  1. United Airlines Flight #3709 departs Indianapolis International airport (IND) at 3:17 p.m., arrives Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) at 5:27 p.m.
  2. United Airlines Flight #134 departs Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) at 6:15 p.m., arrives Zurich Airport (ZRH) at 8:15 a.m. (7/14)

July 24, 2022: Munich, Germany – Indianapolis, IN

  1. United Airlines Flight #952 departs Munich International Airport (MUC) at 11:30 a.m., arrives Chicago O’Hare International airport (ORD) at 2:05 p.m.
  2. United Airlines Flight #5866 departs Chicago O’Hare International airport (ORD) at 5:55 p.m., arrives Indianapolis International airport (IND) at 8:06 p.m.

 

Designated arrival and departures times

  • Arrival information
    • Arrive by: July 14, 2022
    • Arrival time: By 12:00 p.m.
    • Arrival airport: Zurich Airport (ZRH)
    • Arrival transfer: Pilgrims arriving by 12:00 p.m. will be transferred in one group to Ibis Style Hotel in Lucerne. If you arrive after 12:00 p.m., please contact us to arrange a private transfer (fees apply). 
  • Departure information
    • Depart on: July 22, 2022
    • Departure time: Anytime after 11:30 a.m.
    • Departure airport: Munich International Airport (MUC)
    • Departure transfer: Pilgrims departing on July 22 at or after 11:30 a.m. will be transferred in one group from the Ettal hotel to the Munich airport.
  • Extension departure information
    • If you have elected to add on the Extension package, please arrange your departing flight plan according to the following information.
      • Depart on: July 24, 2022
      • Departure time: Anytime on July 24
      • Departure airport: Munich International Airport (MUC)
      • Departure transfer: Pilgrims departing on July 24 will be transferred to the airport in groups according to departure time.

 

Want to arrive or depart outside of the designated times?

  • Please note: If you arrive/depart outside of the designated times, private transfers (fee applies) can be arranged on your behalf. Airport transfers outside of the designated arrival/departure times are not included in the package pricing.
  • Private transfer information and pricing can be found in the Additional Information section below.
  • Need to book a private transfer? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

 

Want help arranging your flights?

Standard Accommodations

  • Lucerne: Ibis Styles Hotel or similar
  • Salzburg: Arcotel Castellani Hotel or similar
  • Ettal: Hotel Klosterhotel Ludwig der Bayer or similar (confirmed approximately 30 days prior to arrival)

 

Private Transfers

  • Private transport from Zurich airport to Zurich city center – $130 per transfer (up to 3 pax)
  • Private transport from Zurich airport to Lucerne hotel – $475 per transfer (up to 3 pax)
  • Private transport from Ettal hotel to Munich airport – $479 per transfer (up to 3 pax)
  • Private transport from Munich city center to Munich airport – $108 per transfer (up to 3 pax)
  • Please note: If you arrive/depart outside of the designating times at the Zurich and Munich airports, private transfers (fee applies) can be arranged on your behalf. Airport transfers outside of the designated arrival/departure times are not included in the package pricing.
  • Need to book? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

 

Arriving early or staying late? Pre-stay and post-stay options

 

Additional services

  • Walking tour of Lucerne (2 hours) – $533 per group
  • Half-day tour of Munich (4 hours) – $382 per group
  • Full-day tour of Munich (8 hours) – $756 per group
  • Please note: Tips, meals, transportation, and entrance fees are not included in price
  • Need to book? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

Munich Extension
July 22-24, 2022 (3 days / 2 nights)

Price: $584/person in double occupancy room
Rates assume a minimum of 4 full-paying pilgrims; pricing listed per person in double-occupancy rooms.

Single room supplement: $229/person
The number of available single-occupancy rooms is limited.

Standard Accommodations:
Munich: Holiday Inn Westpark Hotel or similar

 

Extension includes:

  • Standard accommodations
  • Breakfast daily
  • Airport transfer

Extension does not include:

  • Roundtrip airfare (optional add-on)
  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • All lunches and dinners
  • Gratuities for guide(s), driver(s), and meals
  • Recommended travel protection (optional add-on)
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

 

Curious how this extension will affect your flight arrangements?

  • Please see the Flight Information section above for more information about flight arrangements.

Need to get around? Private transfers

  • Private transfer from Munich hotel to Munich airport – $108 per transfer (up to 3 pax)
  • Private transfer Munich hotel to Dachau Concentration Camp (roundtrip) – $202 per transfer (up to 3 pax)
  • Please note: If you arrive/depart outside of the designating times at the designated airport, private transfers (fee applies) can be arranged on your behalf. Airport transfers outside of the designated arrival/departure times and locations are not included in the package pricing.
  • Need to book? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

Staying late? Post-stay options

Deposit due upon registration – $750/person
Final balance due 120 days prior to departure – Final balance

Please note: Payment plans can be arranged if needed. Please contact us if you would like to pay in several installments.

Final package price is estimated. Prices are based on the current (as of February 2021) exchange rate of 1 Euro to $1.20 USD. Any drastic fluctuations in currency exchange rates could affect the final pilgrimage pricing. If you have any questions about pricing and when final pricing decisions will be communicated, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

 

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be submitted to Verso Ministries in written form and received via email or mail. Any refunds, as applicable, will be processed based on the date stamp of email or mail received. Cancellation fees are for individual pilgrims and fees will be charged per person per booking.

Cancellations are possible at any time, but refunds are subject to cancellation fees at the rates listed here.

  • Within 2 weeks of deposit: Free Cancellation*
  • Cancellation after deposit and 211 days prior to departure: $500 of deposit retained ($500/person)
  • 210-91 days prior to departure: total deposit retained ($750/person)
  • 90-61 days prior to departure: 25% of the trip cost is non-refundable
  • 60-31 days prior to departure: 50% of the trip cost is non-refundable
  • 30 days or less prior to departure: 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable (no refund given)

*Free cancellation (if deposit is made more than 211 days prior to departure).

Any cancellation charges incurred from other suppliers or vendors (flight, lodging, ground transportation, Oberammergau tickets and lodging, tickets, etc.) may come in addition to the administrative fees listed here. All group flight airline tickets, optional excursions, trip options, pre/post extensions, private transfers, and additional hotel nights are non-refundable 100 days or less prior to departure unless otherwise noted.

FAQ

The sooner you register for the pilgrimage, the better! Not only does registering early guarantee you a spot on the pilgrimage before the departure fills up, but if you are one of the first 20 pilgrims to register you will receive the early bird discount. Also, there is no risk for 14-days after you register should you then have to cancel (must register 211 days or more prior to departure). So let’s say you register for a pilgrimage, but then realize you can no longer attend, as long as you cancel your pilgrimage within 14-days of registering and registered more than 211 days prior to the departure, then we will fully refund your deposit no questions asked. Just send us a written confirmation of your cancellation and we will take care of the rest. Plus, the sooner you register the sooner your journey begins. Register today!

There is no risk! Your deposit will be fully refunded as long as you cancel within 14-days of registering and you have registered more than 180 days or more prior to departure. With no risk, why wait? Get registered today!

Registration closes when the pilgrimage reaches the maximum number of pilgrims. If the pilgrimage is filled when you register, you will be added to our waiting list, and contacted in the event that space on the pilgrimage becomes available. Don’t miss your chance, register now and begin your journey.

We recommend that all pilgrims consider purchasing travel protection. We partner with Travel Insured International (TII) to offer travel protection.

According to TII, travel protection helps protect you and those you are traveling with from unforeseen emergencies, which always seem to happen at the worst possible time. In the event of emergencies, both before and during your travels, as well other circumstances, like travel delay, lost baggage, missed connection(s), and much more, travel protection can help.

Upon registration you will receive a travel protection quotation from TII. If you have any questions regarding your quotation, please call TII. If you need an updated or new quotation, please contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at 574-383-9396. We are happy to help!

Including optional add-ons with your pilgrimage can really add to your experience whether it is one of the optional extension or arranging an extra night stay beforehand so you are rested when the pilgrimage begins. If you would to add on any optional arrangements, as listed above, please email us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at 574-383-9396.

A pilgrimage, at its simplest, is a trip of faith. Which means a pilgrimage can be anything from a walk around your city to an encounter of Jesus in the Holy Land. For Catholics, it’s a trip of faith that people have been taking for hundreds or even thousands of years, many times in the same exact places you can visit today. It’s an opportunity to experience the spots God has made his presence known most in time and space, whether that’s where Jesus walked, where Mary appeared, or where the saints have lived and worked.

At Verso, we believe in crafting pilgrimages that offer you a view of God’s world and his work in it that you can’t get anywhere else. We believe everything from the holy sites, to the meals, to daily Mass, to your fellow pilgrims are ways God can speak to you, which means we’re intentional about it all. We also believe a pilgrimage isn’t just the days you travel, it’s how you prepare from the moment you sign up, to the days and weeks after you arrive home. Which means it’s our intention to shepherd you through the entire process — before, during, and after — so you can have the best, most transformative experience possible. We’re not just travel experts, we’re experts in Catholic pilgrimage.

We know from experience that preparing for a journey is just as important as the journey itself. Our goal is to make sure you’re physically, logistically, and spiritually ready for your pilgrimage. You’ll receive essential emails that will walk you through the process and give you ways to prepare your mind and heart for what you’ll encounter. A pre-trip webinar will make sure you are in touch with the Verso leader of the trip, can get trip-specific info, and can ask questions. We’ll send you a pilgrim kit that contains a comprehensive booklet for your trip along with some Verso swag (such as a bag, pen, and sticker) that you can bring along with you on your pilgrimage. And of course, we’re always available by phone or email if you have any questions or special needs.

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Activity Level

Easy
This trip’s activity level is easy. It’s recommended that travelers be in good health to enjoy this itinerary and be able to walk and climb stairs on their own. Trips at this activity level may include half or full-day itineraries with 1-3 hours of leisurely walking per day on smooth or slightly inclined terrain. The pace is more relaxed, with opportunities to rest throughout the day.

Moderate
This trip’s activity level is moderate. Travelers must be in good health and be in good physical condition to enjoy this itinerary. Travelers must be able to walk and climb stairs on their own. Trips at this activity level may include full-day itineraries of 3-5 hours of walking at a normal to brisk pace per day on varied terrain including uneven surfaces, stairs, and hills. The pace is faster and more demanding, with some breaks throughout the day.

Difficult
This trip’s activity level is difficult. Travelers must be in good health and physically fit to enjoy this itinerary. Trips at this activity level may include full-day itineraries with up to 5-7 hours of walking at normal to brisk pace per day on varied terrain including uneven surfaces, stairs, and steep hills. The pace is vigorous and demanding, with little down time each day.

Accommodation Level

Simple
For the duration of your trip, enjoy a range of lodging accommodations — from quaint guesthouses to simple-styled hotels. Discover a newfound appreciation for each of these locations which often have a unique character of their own. With your private bathroom and sleeping quarters, these locations will provide you with a clean, comfortable, and cozy place to settle into during your journey.

Standard
Venues at this level will provide you with the best accommodations at a reasonable cost. Not only will you have access to modern amenities and services, but special care is taken to ensure hotels are located in close proximity to the area’s local attractions. Expect your stay at this level to provide you with an added feeling of comfortability and convenience as you experience your pilgrimage.

Premium
Your stay at the premium level will ensure that your travel involves the opportunity to experience some of the most unique and luxurious stays that a destination has to offer. You’ll find that traveling at this level will afford you the opportunity to optimize your experience at each spot. From fine dining to scenic views, anticipate that your pilgrimage will provide you with breathtaking experiences no other location could provide.

How will I know what my stay will be like?
Each of our pilgrimage locations come with their own unique accommodations. From simple to luxurious, you can know that the care and satisfaction of each pilgrim is our greatest priority. While specific amenities will vary, we are sure that each of these handpicked locations will leave you rested, rejuvenated, and ready for each day.