Travel to the heart of the former Habsburg Empire on a prayerful, historically rich pilgrimage tracing the life, faith, and legacy of Blessed Karl of Austria, last Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary. Led in collaboration with Sacred Heart Tours and the Emperor Karl Archive, North America (with Dr. Paul van Wie), this nine-night pilgrimage blends sacred sites, historical landmarks, and cultural treasures across Budapest, the Hungarian countryside, and Vienna.
Overview & Spiritual Focus
Daily Mass (Extraordinary Form) with a dedicated chaplain
Emphasis on Blessed Karl’s vocation as husband, father, and king whose life embodied virtues that lead to eternal life
Opportunities for prayer, reflection, and fellowship throughout the journey
Itinerary Highlights
Days 1–4: Hungary (Budapest & Surroundings)
Budapest arrival & welcome dinner at Hotel Opera (June 6)
Panoramic Budapest tour including:
Hungarian Parliament and the Crown of St. Stephen
Coronation Church with its Blessed Karl memorial
St. Stephen’s Basilica
Danube River cruise to Szentendre (St. Andrews)
Lake Balaton excursion, including:
Tihany Monastery, where Blessed Karl and Empress Zita were interned after the 1921 restoration attempt
Scenic views of the Hungarian countryside along the Emperor’s route
Esztergom & Gödöllő (Posenhofen):
Visit to Esztergom Cathedral
Stop at the royal palace favored by Empress Elisabeth, where Blessed Karl stayed in 1918
Days 5–10: Austria (Vienna & Pilgrimage Sites)
- Scenic drive from Budapest to Vienna through Szombathely and Burgenland
- Vienna city tour including:
- Ringstrasse landmarks (Rathaus, Parliament, Burgtheater, Votive Church)
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) with its Blessed Karl memorial
- Cultural day in Vienna with museum options (Liechtenstein Palais, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Secession, etc.)
- Hofburg Palace tour, including:
Apartments of Franz Josef and Empress Elisabeth
Kapuzinergruft (Imperial Crypt), burial place of Empress Zita and many Habsburgs
Belvedere Palace (former home of Archduke Franz Ferdinand)
Optional visit to the Austrian Military Museum (WWI exhibits)
Karlskirche (St. Charles Borromeo Church)
Schönbrunn Palace, including the room where Blessed Karl signed his renunciation of participation in government
Classical music concert in Vienna
Day pilgrimage to Villa Wartholz (Reichenau), Blessed Karl’s beloved family home
Visit to Mariazell, Austria’s principal Marian shrine, visited by Blessed Karl and Empress Zita
Departure from Vienna on June 15
What’s Included
9 nights in 4-star hotels (Budapest & Vienna) with breakfast
7 dinners (including Austrian and Hungarian cultural meals)
Private motorcoach transportation
Guided tours with ongoing historical commentary
Entrance fees to all scheduled sites
Danube River cruise
Classical concert in Vienna
Daily Mass with chaplain
Cost & Logistics (Land Only)
Base cost: $3,980 per person (double occupancy)
Single room supplement: +$895
$500 deposit required to reserve
Flights not included (arrive Budapest; depart Vienna)
June 6 airport transfer to Hotel Opera can be pre-arranged
Travel insurance recommended
Ideal For…
Parish groups, clergy, and lay faithful devoted to Blessed Karl
Those interested in Catholic history, Habsburg heritage, sacred art, and pilgrimage travel
Anyone seeking a prayerful, intellectually rich, and culturally immersive journey in the heart of Central Europe
(Full itinerary, application, and terms are available through Sacred Heart Tours.)