The Hills Are Alive: Join Father Timothy O’Sullivan on a Sound of Music Pilgrimage to Germany and Austria
October 12-21, 2026 | Germany & Austria
Experience the beauty, faith, music, and history of Europe on an extraordinary Sound of Music pilgrimage to Germany and Austria with Father Timothy O’Sullivan.
Organized in partnership with Cloverdale Travel, this 10-day pilgrimage brings travelers through Munich, Salzburg, the Austrian Lake District, and Vienna for a meaningful journey filled with faith, fellowship, breathtaking scenery, and the timeless joy of The Sound of Music.
Whether you have loved The Sound of Music for generations or are simply looking for a meaningful and memorable European journey, this pilgrimage offers the perfect combination of adventure, culture, and faith.
More Than a Tour: A Catholic Pilgrimage Through Germany and Austria
A pilgrimage is more than simply checking destinations off a list.It is an opportunity to step away from everyday life, make time for prayer, encounter sacred places, and experience the beauty of the world with a renewed sense of gratitude.
Under the spiritual leadership of Father Timothy O’Sullivan, pilgrims will have opportunities for Mass and prayer throughout the journey while also enjoying sightseeing, cultural experiences, music, and fellowship.
Over 10 days and 9 nights, travelers will journey from Munich to Salzburg to Vienna, discovering the Catholic heritage, history, and beauty of Germany and Austria along the way.
Begin the Journey in Munich
The pilgrimage begins in Munich, the historic capital of Bavaria, where centuries of history and Catholic heritage meet vibrant German culture.
Pilgrims will explore Munich’s historic center, including Marienplatz and the iconic Frauenkirche, while also discovering the magnificent Residenz Palace.
From Munich, the journey continues into the breathtaking Bavarian Alps for a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, the famous fairytale castle built by King Ludwig II.
Pilgrims will also visit Ettal Abbey, a beautiful Benedictine monastery surrounded by the mountains. With its centuries of Catholic history, magnificent architecture, and peaceful setting, Ettal offers a memorable opportunity to experience the spiritual heritage of Bavaria.
The Sound of Music Comes Alive in Salzburg
From Munich, the pilgrimage continues to Salzburg, Austria, the city that will be especially familiar to fans of The Sound of Music. Salzburg and the surrounding countryside provided the backdrop for many of the film’s most beloved scenes.
Pilgrims will visit Mirabell Gardens, where Maria and the children famously sing “Do-Re-Mi” , and explore the historic streets and landscapes that helped make the movie an enduring classic. The journey will also include Nonnberg Convent, where the real Maria was a novice, as well as a trip through the spectacular Austrian Lake District. In Mondsee, pilgrims will visit the church used for Maria and Captain von Trapp’s wedding scene in the film. And, of course, no Sound of Music pilgrimage would be complete without music! Travelers will enjoy a special Sound of Music sing-along experience, creating an opportunity for plenty of laughter, music, and fellowship along the way.
But Salzburg offers much more than movie locations. Pilgrims will visit St. Peter’s Abbey and Salzburg Cathedral, experiencing the city’s deep Catholic roots and centuries of religious history. Mass arrangements will also be part of the pilgrimage experience.
Discover the Austrian Lake District
Beyond Salzburg, the Austrian countryside provides some of the most spectacular scenery of the journey. Rolling green hills, sparkling lakes, charming villages, and the dramatic Alps create the landscapes that made this region so memorable on screen, and even more impressive in person. Traveling through the Austrian Lake District gives pilgrims the chance to slow down and appreciate the beauty surrounding them.
Experience Vienna and Historic Melk Abbey
The pilgrimage continues to Vienna, Austria’s magnificent imperial capital. Here, centuries of faith, music, art, architecture, and history come together. Pilgrims will visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral and explore Vienna’s historic center before discovering the grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg emperors.
Another highlight of the journey will be the Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s most impressive Baroque monasteries. Perched dramatically above the Danube River, the abbey has been a center of Benedictine life, faith, and learning for centuries. Weather permitting, pilgrims will also have the opportunity to enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Danube, taking in the beautiful countryside from the water.
The day concludes with a festive Austrian evening in the wine village of Grinzing, offering another opportunity to enjoy local culture, food, music, and fellowship.
Faith, Fellowship, Music, and Memories
Some of the most meaningful moments of a pilgrimage happen between the destinations. They happen during Mass, in quit moments of prayer, over dinner with new friends, while walking through an ancient abbey, or while looking across the Austrian Alps and appreciating the beauty of God’s creation.
Traveling with Father Timothy and a community of fellow pilgrims creates an opportunity to share these experiences together. And on a pilgrimage inspired by The Sound of Music, there will be certainly be plenty of joy and music along the way.
Sound of Music Pilgrimage Details
Dates: October 12 to 21, 2026
Durations: 10 days/ 9 nights
Destinations: Munich, Salzburg, Austrian Lake District, Vienna
Pilgrimage Leader: Father Timothy O’Sullivan
Tour Operator: Cloverdale Travel
Price: $4,195 per person
Deposit: $1,000
Highlights include daily Mass arrangements, Munich sightseeing, Neuschwanstein Castle, Ettal Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, The Sound of Music filming locations and sing-along experience, the Austrian Lake District, Mondsee, Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace, Melk Abbey, and scenic Daube River experience.
International airfare is not included in the case package. Economy group airfare may be available as an optional add-on.
Whether you have loved The Sound of Music for decades, have always dreamed of seeing Salzburg and the Austrian Alps, or are searching for a meaningful Catholic pilgrimage to Europe, this journey offers something truly special.
Come for the beautiful destinations and beloved music. Come for the fellowship and adventure. Most importantly, come for an opportunity to experience these remarkable places through the eyes of faith.
Space is limited. Learn more, view the complete itinerary, and reserve your place through Cloverdale Travel.
The hills are calling! Come experience them for yourself!