Join Fr. Lito J. Capeding & Deacon Jose Cortez on an extraordinary 12-day pilgrimage through the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland, where some of Northern Europe’s greatest Catholic treasures await. Walk in the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims as we encounter the Eucharistic Miracle of Amsterdam, venerate the Precious Blood of Our Lord in Bruges, visit the great Marian apparition shrines of Our Lady of Beauraing and Our Lady of Banneux, and journey to magnificent cathedrals housing the Four Great Relics of Aachen, the relics of the Three Magi in Cologne, the Holy Robe of Christ, and the tomb of St. Matthias the Apostle in Trier. Our pilgrimage culminates at Switzerland’s beloved Abbey of Einsiedeln, home of the miraculous and revered Black Madonna.

Along the way, experience the remarkable beauty and culture of Northern Europe, from Amsterdam’s historic canals and iconic Dutch windmills to medieval Bruges, picturesque Rothenburg, the mighty Rhine Falls, and the breathtaking Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne. With opportunities for daily Mass, prayer, fellowship, and spiritual reflection, this journey offers much more than sightseeing. It is an invitation to encounter Christ through the Eucharist, the witness of the saints, the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, and sacred treasures that have inspired the faithful for centuries. Come prepared to experience the beauty of Europe while returning home with something far greater: a renewed and deepened Catholic faith.

Hotels:
AMSTERDAM:      2 nights at Novotel Amsterdam City center 4* 

BRUSSELS:        2 nights at Movenpick Hotel Brussels Airport 4*

AACHEN:        2 nights  at Novotel Aachen city center 4*

HEIDELBERG:         2 nights Ibis Hotel Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof  4*

LUCERNE:             1 night at Hotel Seempachersee 4* ( 20 minutes from Lucern) 

ZURICH:                 1 night at Novotel Zurich Airport 4* 

DEPOSIT IS NON-REFUNDABLE

Depart the USA from your local airport and begin your pilgrimage through the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland. Enjoy a full meal and in-flight entertainment as you travel overnight across the Atlantic. As pilgrims have done for centuries, leave behind the routines of daily life and prepare your heart for a journey of prayer, discovery, and deeper encounter with Christ through the witnesses of His saints, Marian shrines, treasured relics, and sacred places throughout northern Europe.

Welcome to the Netherlands!  Upon arrival at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport,   proceed through Immigration and Customs.  Exit through Arrivals Hall where you will be warmly welcomed by our Trinity Tour Travels guide and driver.

Our pilgrimage begins with a visit to the Chapel of Our Lady of all Nations, one of the Netherlands’ most beloved Marian Shrines. Between 1945 and 1959, Ida Peerdeman reported receiving a series of apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of “The Lady of all Nations”.  Today, pilgrims from around the world come to this peaceful chapel seeking the intercession of Our Blessed Mother.  Lunch on your own nearby, and we continue into the historic center of Amsterdam to visit the site of the famous Eucharistic Miracle of Amsterdam. In 1345, a gravely ill man received Holy Communion as Viaticum but soon vomited the Sacred Host. Following the custom of at the time, the host was placed into the household fire. The next morning it was discovered completely intact and untouched by the flames. This miraculous event inspired widespread devotion to the Holy Eucharist and led to the Silent Procession, a tradition that continues today in witness to the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.  Mass time and location to be confirmed (TBC). Check-in, dinner & overnight in Amsterdam.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we enjoy a full day exploring beautiful Amsterdam, often called the “Venice of the North”  for its picturesque canals, graceful bridges, and elegant 17th century architecture. We discover the city's rich history while passing many of its most recognizable landmarks, including the  Vrijheidsbeeld (“Statue of Liberty”), Dam Square, The Royal Palace, The Flower Market, The Opera House, City Hall, and the Begijnhof, a peaceful medieval courtyard that for centuries provided a home for a community of devout Catholic women who quietly preserved their faith during the years of the Protestant Reformation.  We continue north to Zaanse Schans, an enchanting village that preserves the charm of traditional Dutch life. Here we experience one of the Netherlands’ most iconic landscapes, complete with beautifully preserved windmills, wooden homes, artisan workshops, and scenic canals. We learn how authentic Dutch wooden clogs are handcrafted, visit a local cheese farm to sample the some of the country's famous cheeses, and discover how the windmills once powered the industries that helped shape Dutch history. Lunch on your own with Mass time and location TBC.

Dinner & overnight in Amsterdam.

Following breakfast and checkout, we depart Amsterdam for Utrecht, one of the oldest Christian cities in Europe ( 45 min). Our visit begins at the Museum Catharijne Convent, housed within a former medieval monastery - the  former hospice of the Order of St. John. This remarkable museum chronicles nearly 2000 years of Christianity in the Low Countries through an extraordinary collection of sacred art, illuminated manuscripts, liturgical treasures, relics, and ecclesiastical artifacts. Its exhibits beautifully illustrate both the flourishing of the Catholic faith and the perseverance of believers during the upheavals of the Reformation.  Lunch on your own en route, and we continue south into Belgium to the historic city of Ghent where we visit the magnificent Cathedral of St. Bavo (2.5 hours). This gothic masterpiece houses one of the greatest treasures of Christian art: “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb”. Completed in 1432 by brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck, it is considered one of the most influential religious paintings ever created. The altarpiece vividly portrays salvation history, centering upon Christ - the Lamb of God. We travel to the beautifully preserved medieval city of Bruges, which for centuries has enchanted visitors with its winding canals, cobblestone streets, graceful bridges, and remarkably preserved Gothic architecture.  We pass the port of Zeebrugge, one of Europe’s most important maritime gateways, which has played a significant role in commerce and trade for centuries. Mass time and location TBC. Check in, dinner & overnight in Bruges.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we spend the day exploring Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which flourished during the Middle Ages as an important center of commerce, art and the Catholic faith. Its cobblestone streets, peaceful canals, soaring church towers, and centuries-old architecture invites pilgrims to step back in time. We visit the magnificent Church of Our Lady, whose soaring brick tower is one of the tallest in Europe. The church is home to a great treasure - the breathtaking marble sculpture,  “Madonna and Child”, carved by Michelangelo around 1504. It remains the only sculpture by the great Renaissance master to leave Italy during his lifetime. The gentle expression of Our Lady and the Christ Child has inspired pilgrims and art lovers alike for more than 5 centuries. We continue to St. Salvador's Cathedral, the oldest parish church in Bruges and today, the cathedral of the Diocese of Bruges. Its impressive collection of sacred artwork, tapestries and Flemish masterpieces reflects the city's deep Catholic heritage. We tour The Basilica of the Holy Blood, one of Belgium’s most revered shrines. According to tradition, after the Second Crusade, Thierry of Alsace-Count of Flanders, brought back from Jerusalem a relic containing drops of the Precious Blood of our Lord  collected by Joseph of Arimathea at the foot of The Cross. The relic has been venerated here for centuries and continues to draw pilgrims from around the world.  The basilica's upper chapel, richly decorated in gothic style, also contains a beautiful replica of the Holy Sepulcher. Lunch on your own with free time to stroll through Bruges’ charming market squares, artisan chocolate shops, lace boutiques, and quiet canals.  Mass time and location TBC.

Dinner and overnight in Bruges.

Breakfast and check out of the hotel, and we depart Belgium’s Flemish countryside and journey south toward the picturesque town of Dinant ( 2.5 hours). Nestled dramatically beneath towering limestone cliffs along the Meuse River, Dinant is one of Belgium’s most scenic towns. Free time to admire the colorful waterfront scenery nearby before continued travel to nearby Beauraing. Upon arrival, we visit the  Shrine of Our Lady of Beauraing, where between November 1932 and January 1933, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared 33 times to 5 local children. During these apparitions she identified herself as the Immaculate Virgin, invited the faithful to pray constantly, encouraged devotion to her Son, and revealed her radiant Heart of Gold as a sign of her maternal love for all.  Lunch on your own nearby, and we continue to Banneux, often called the “Belgian Lourdes” ( 1 hour). Here, in 1933, the blessed Virgin Mary appeared 8 times to 12-year-old Mariette Beco, introducing herself as the Virgin of the Poor. During the apparitions, Our Lady led Mariette to a small spring declaring, “This spring is reserved for all nations to relieve the sick.”  She invited the world to come in faith reminding us that true healing begins with conversion of the heart and trust in God's mercy.  Mass time and location TBC.  This evening, we travel into Germany to historic Aachen (1 hour).

Check-in, dinner & overnight in Aachen.

After breakfast, we visit the magnificent Aachen Cathedral, one of Germany’s greatest treasures of Christian civilization and the first German site designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Commissioned by Emperor Charlemagne around 800 AD, the cathedral served as the coronation church for more than 30 German kings and remains one of the oldest cathedrals in northern Europe. For centuries, pilgrims have journeyed here to venerate the renowned Four Great Relics: the swaddling clothes of the Infant Jesus, the cloak worn by the Blessed Virgin Mary during the Nativity, the loincloth of Christ from His Crucifixion, and the cloth believed to have covered the head of St. John the Baptist after his martyrdom. Displayed only on certain pilgrimage years, these treasured relics have made Aachen one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage destinations for over 1000 years.  Lunch en route and we continue to Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest and most vibrant cities ( 1 hour). Founded by the Romans nearly 2000 years ago, Cologne became one of medieval Europe’s foremost pilgrimage centers after receiving the relics of The Three Wise Men  in the 12th century.  Our visit centers on the breathtaking Cologne Cathedral (Kolner  Dom), one of the world's greatest masterpieces of Gothic architecture where the relics are housed. Construction began in 1248 and continued for more than 6 centuries. Beneath its soaring vaults rests the magnificent Shrine of the Three Kings, an ornate golden reliquary believed to contain the earthly remains of the Magi. Free time for exploring Cologne's charming Old Town with its colorful buildings, lively squares, and riverside promenade along the Rhine. Mass time and location TBC. Return to Aachen this evening (I hour). Dinner &  overnight in Aachen.

Following breakfast and checkout, we depart for Trier, Germany’s oldest city (2 hours). Founded by the Romans before the birth of Christ, Trier became one of the principal cities of the Roman Empire and later an important center of Christianity throughout Western Europe. Situated in the Mosel wine region, it was founded before the year 16 BC. Touring Trier, we see the Porta Negra, the best-preserved ancient city gate to the Roman baths and amphitheater.  We tour the magnificent Cathedral of St. Peter, the oldest cathedral in Germany. According to tradition, St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, brought to Trier one of Christianity’s most treasured relics: The Holy Robe (Holy Tunic) believed to have been worn by Our Lord during His Passion. Mentioned in the gospel accounts as the seamless garment for which the Roman soldiers cast lots at the foot of the cross (John 19:23), the Holy Robe continues to draw pilgrims from around the world and is displayed publicly only on rare occasions.  Adjacent to the cathedral stands the beautiful Church of Our Lady (Liebfrauenkirche) one of Germany’s earliest gothic churches and a masterpiece of medieval sacred architecture. Nearby we see the Abbey of St. Matthias, the only traditional apostolic burial site north of the Alps, where the relics of St. Matthias, chosen to replace Judas Iscariot, are venerated. Following lunch on your own, we continue through the scenic Rhine valley to see the historic university city of Heidelberg, beautifully situated along the Neckar River (2 hours). Mass time and location TBC.

Check-in, dinner & overnight in Heidelberg.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we explore Heidelberg, one of Germany’s most beloved cities. Beautifully situated along the Neckar River, Heidelberg escaped much of the destruction of WW II, preserving its charming Old Town with its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful baroque buildings, and centuries-old churches.  For generations this historic university city has been a center of learning, culture, and Christian faith. Our tour includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle, perched high above the city. Once the residence of the Prince-Electors of the Palatinate, the castle offers spectacular panoramic views of the River Valley below and stands as one of Germany’s finest examples of Renaissance architecture. We continue through the lively Market Square to the Town Hall and to the Church of the Holy Spirit, whose history reflects both the triumphs and challenges of Christianity during the Reformation. We stroll across Heidelberg’s famous Old Bridge, one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, before we continue to the enchanting medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber-  considered to be Germany’s best preserved walled city (2.5 hours). Seemingly untouched by time, its winding streets, timber framed homes, defensive towers, and flower filled window boxes transport visitors back to the Middle Ages. Free time for lunch on your own while exploring the shops, bakeries, and inviting Market Square. Mass time and location TBC. Return to Heidelberg this evening (2.5 hours).

Dinner & overnight in Heidelberg.

Breakfast and check out, and we journey into neighboring Switzerland toward Neuhausen and Rheinfall, home to the spectacular Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe (3 hours). Here, powerful waters surge over ancient rock formations in a breathtaking display of God's magnificent creation. Weather permitting, enjoy an unforgettable boat excursion that brings us remarkably close to the falls and offers stunning views of this natural wonder. We continue to the historic Benedictine Abbey of Muri, founded in 1027 and regarded as one of Switzerland’s most important monastic foundations. (1 hour). For nearly 8 centuries, Benedictine monks have faithfully lived according to the rule of St. Benedict, dedicating themselves to prayer, study, hospitality, and service to the church. Mass is celebrated at Murray Abbey this day pending confirmation. Following lunch on your own nearby, we continue through Switzerland’s breathtaking countryside to the lakeside city of Lucerne ( 1 hour). Framed by majestic Alpine peaks and crystal-clear waters, Lucerne has long been regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

Check in, dinner & overnight in Lucerne

Following breakfast, we begin our day discovering the beauty of Lucerne, nestled along the shores of Lake Lucerne and surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps. We see the famous Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrucke), Europe’s oldest covered wooden bridge, beautifully adorned with historic paintings depicting scenes from Swiss history and the lives of its patron saints. Our scenic drive continues along the shores of Lake Lucerne and Lake Zug, offering magnificent views of the surrounding mountains including Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi. We arrive at the renowned Abbey of Einsiedeln, dedicated to Our Lady of the Hermits and  Switzerland’s most important Marian Shrine. It is considered one of Europe’s greatest Benedictine monasteries. Founded in the 10th century over the Hermitage of St. Meinrad, the abbey has welcomed pilgrims for more than 1000 years. At the heart of the monastery stands the Chapel of Grace, home to the revered Black Madonna of Einsiedeln. Carved in the 15th century, this beloved image of Our Lady has become a powerful symbol of hope, consolation and maternal protection. Countless pilgrims have journeyed here through centuries seeking Mary's intercession, making Einstein one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations in the German speaking world. The abbey church itself is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, richly decorated with magnificent frescoes, ornate chapels, and soaring domes. Mass is celebrated here this day, pending confirmation. Lunch on your own and free time for exploration of the monastery grounds. We return to Lucerne this evening (1 hour).

Farewell Dinner & overnight in Lucerne.

Following breakfast and checkout, we transfer to Zurich airport for our return flight to the US.  Through the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland, we have walked in the footsteps of saints, venerated treasured relics of our Lord, entered the witness of Marian Apparition Sites, and prayed in some of Europe’s most beautiful churches and monasteries. May the faith hope and inspiration received through this journey continue to deepen your relationship with Christ and His church long after your return home.