Embark on a Transformative Journey through History, Culture, and Faith.

Join Christendom College President Emeritus Dr. Timothy O’Donnell and his wife, Cathy, as they explore the natural, cultural, and spiritual beauties of Switzerland, Northern Italy, and Savoy. Visit memorable sites including Milan Cathedral, San Gallen Library, Lake Lucerne, the Matterhorn, Zermatt, Bobbio, and more! 

You’ve longed to deepen your faith and immerse yourself in the beauty of Catholic culture. Now’s your chance to walk in the footsteps of saints, explore the wonders of Switzerland, and return inspired by the rich heritage of the Faith.

Itinerary

May be subject to change.

• October 16: Evening departure from Washington Dulles on a flight to Zurich. 
• October 17: Morning arrival into Zurich, gateway to the Swiss Alps. Travel to the city of St. Gallen, named after the 7th century Irish monk and missionary, St. Gall. Here visit the world renowned Abbey and Library of St. Gall, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue on to Lucerne. Checkin at hotel overlooking beautiful Lake Lucerne. 
• October 18: Morning tour of the Old Town of Lucerne. Stroll across the iconic Chapel Bridge, the city’s most famous landmark. Later travel to the nearby mountain village of Flüeli-Ranft. Here walk in the footsteps of St. Nicholas of Flüe, also known as Brother Klaus, the revered patron saint of Switzerland. See his family home and walk to the hermitage where he spent his last years in solitude. Overnight in Lucerne. 
• October 19: Today, visit Kloster Einsiedeln, an abbey situated on the Swiss Way of St. James. Founded by St. Meinrad, a 9th century monk and martyr, the Einsiedeln Abbey is considered the most important pilgrimage site in Switzerland operating continuously since the time of Carolingian rule. This afternoon enjoy some free time in Lucerne to explore the old town or to take a sightseeing cruise on Lake Lucerne with unforgettable views. Overnight in Lucerne. 
• October 20: Morning departure from Lucerne traveling south through central Switzerland to Northern Italy by way of the St. Gotthard Tunnel, an engineering marvel. Mid afternoon arrival into Milan, center of Italian finance and fashion. Time permitting, see the famous painting of the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci and visit the 4th century Basilica of St. Ambrose containing the relics of Ambrose and the early Christian martyrs Protasius and Gervasius. Overnight in Milan. 
• October 21: Full day excursion to the medieval town of Bobbio, a place sought out by the Irish missionary monk, St. Columbanus. He founded the Bobbio Abbey in 614. Noted for its prolific Scriptorium and vast collection of manuscripts, the Abbey became a powerful spiritual center and was influential in promoting Christian unity in a time of deep divisions in Europe. Enjoy some free time visiting the quaint town center and take time to walk the landmark Roman era bridge traversed by millions of pilgrims from times past. Overnight in Milan. 
• October 22: Moring tour of Milan’s magnificent cathedral known for its stunning Gothic architecture and prominence among the cathedrals of Europe. Herein lies the tomb of St. Charles Barromeo, a key figure in the 16th century Counter Reformation. Later in the day travel northwest crossing back into Switzerland to Tasch. Transfer to a local train for a short ride Zermatt, a resort and car free village. Overnight in Zermatt. 
• October 23: Full Day to enjoy Zermatt. Walk along the Bahnhofstrasse, the main street of the village. Make a visit to the Church of St. Mauritius. In view of the village is the majestic Matterhorn vertically rising over 14,000 feet, beckoning the most skilled of mountaineers for generations. Board the historic cogwheel train known as the Gornergrat Railway, operating for over 125 years, for an exciting ride from Zermatt up to the summit of Gornergrat, one of the best places to view the Matterhorn. Overnight in Zermatt. 
• October 24: This morning travel to Geneva by way of by way of Martigny (gateway to the St. Bernard Pass). Mid afternoon arrival in Geneva, Switzerland’s second largest city. Enjoy the sites of Geneva’s Old Town. In 1602, St. Francis de Sales was named Bishop of Geneva but governed in exile due to Calvinist repression. He ministered to his flock from nearby Annecy. Overnight in Geneva. 
• October 25: Full excursion crossing the French border to the city of Annecy, considered the Venice of the Alps. Here explore the Basilica of the Visitation which sits prominently above the city of Annecy, inviting all to visit. It holds the relics of the great French saints, Francis de Sales and Jane Frances de Chantel. Together they founded the Visitation Order in 1610. Enjoy a free time in this quaint city. Tonight gather for a farewell dinner. Overnight in Geneva. 
• October 26: Morning departure from nearby Geneva Airport for Washington Dulles.