Custom tours are available for small groups of 4 to 6 pilgrims, with flexible timeframes, accommodations and itinerary hot spots. The itinerary below is a sample, subject to availability.
Sample Custom Itinerary
Day 1 - Sunday (approx. 9.6 miles): National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion → The Wisconsin Way Albergue
Morning pick-up at the Holiday Inn Manitowoc for shuttle to Champion. Masses start at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:30 am. Lunch is on your own (not included) at the cafe, then walk approx. 9.6 miles at your own time/pace to The Wisconsin Way Albergue (a bunkhouse). Your stay at the Albergue includes dinner and breakfast the next morning.
Day 2 - Monday (shuttle): St. Lawrence Church, Stangelville → Lumen Christi Farm, Denmark
After breakfast at the Albergue, if available Fr. Andrew may lead a short rosary walk (time permitting), then you will be shuttled to the historic St. Lawrence Church in Stangelville for a tour and/or Mass. From there, you're shuttled to a nearby Vineyard & Winery, where you can sample wines (cost not included) and a light lunch. Then you're shuttled to the Curran Spiritual Center and Carmelite Monastery in Denmark, then to Lumen Christi Farm, a Catholic retreat center operating as a working sheep and goat farm.
Accommodations include a Yurt and Sheep Wagon (nicely done with electric, lighting, A/C and space heaters). We provide a clean towel and sleeping bag. Bathrooms and a shower are available, as well as a large indoor gathering space with couches, chairs, tables and kitchen. Food will be provided (included) as stated above for the Albergue. You will be welcomed by the hosts, the Langer family, and offered an evening hay wagon ride / tour of the farm (weather permitting).
Day 3 - Tuesday (short guided walk + shuttle): Holy Resurrection Monastery, St. Nazianz
After breakfast you're shuttled to the Holy Resurrection Monastery in St. Nazianz. From there, you're led on a short guided trail walk to the Loreto Chapel and Fr. Oschwald's tomb. Then a shuttle to Lax Chapel, Mary Queen of Hearts Chapel, and St. Mathias Chapel (time permitting). In early afternoon we break for lunch (perhaps at a nearby cheese factory - cost not included) and then you return to HRM, where you will enjoy supper prepared by the monks (cost included) and stay the night.
Eastern Rite monks do not typically have Divine Liturgy during the week, except for feast days. Usually there's an evening prayer service you can optionally attend before evening supper is served.
Day 4 - Wednesday (approx. 5 miles): Kettle Moraine State Forest → Basilica and Shrine at Holy Hill
After early breakfast, you are shuttled via scenic roads through the Kettle Moraine State Forest to the Holy Hill Segment of the Ice Age Trail (1.5 hour drive). From there, you can walk the Ice Age Trail (we suggest about 5 miles) to the Basilica and Shrine at Holy Hill for Mass at 11:00 am. Visit the shrine inside and out. Lunch is available at the cafe (not included).
Shuttle is available in the afternoon back to the Holiday Inn Manitowoc, the end of your pilgrimage tour; or you can make a reservation to stay at Holy Hill's guesthouse or a nearby hotel (not included in tour) if you are flying out of MKE airport on your way home.
Getting There and Getting Home
Your custom pilgrimage can begin and end at the Holiday Inn Manitowoc. Pilgrims driving to Manitowoc can park in the hotel's lot and/or stay overnight at the Holiday Inn on Saturday and/or Wednesday night (not included in the tour price) for the special discounted room rate of $89.99 per night + tax. Contact the Holiday Inn directly for reservations at (920) 682-6000 and ask for the "Pilgrim Discount."
Pilgrims who fly into a nearby airport can arrange for shuttle service (contact Brian for info). Pilgrims who fly home from Milwaukee (MKE) can optionally stay Wednesday night at Holy Hill's Guesthouse (subject to availability and not included in tour price) by calling (262) 628-5286 for reservations.
The above itinerary is a sample, subject to availability. See website for details, terms & conditions.
