A 10-Day Monastic Pilgrimage in Belgium and Germany with Beer Tastings
Day 1: Arrival in Brussels – The Gateway to Monastic Traditions
Morning: Arrive at Brussels International Airport. Private transfer to your boutique hotel near the city center.
Afternoon: Welcome orientation session introducing the pilgrimage themes, history of monastic brewing, and the Rule of St. Benedict.
Evening: Group dinner at a historic brasserie featuring local Belgian beers and traditional cuisine.
Overnight: Boutique guesthouse near a monastery in Brussels.
Day 2: Westmalle Abbey – The Cradle of Trappist Beer
Morning: Travel to Westmalle Abbey (approx. 45 min). Guided tour of the abbey grounds, learning about the origins of Trappist brewing.
Lunch: Visit a nearby café serving Westmalle beer paired with monk-inspired dishes.
Afternoon: Private reflection session on ora et labora (prayer and work).
Evening: Attend Vespers with the monks.
Overnight: Guesthouse near Westmalle.
Day 3: Chimay Abbey – The Taste of Community
Morning: Travel to Chimay Abbey (approx. 2 hours). Visit Scourmont Abbey, famous for its Trappist beers and cheeses.
Lunch: Private tasting of Chimay beers paired with Chimay cheeses.
Afternoon: Guided talk with a monk on balancing community and solitude in monastic life.
Evening: Group reflection on themes of community and hospitality.
Overnight: Monastery guesthouse near Chimay.
Day 4: Dinant Adventure and Abbey of Leffe
Morning: Drive to Dinant (approx. 1 hour). Enjoy a kayaking adventure on the Meuse River through scenic landscapes.
Lunch: Traditional Belgian fare at a riverside café.
Afternoon: Visit the historic Abbey of Leffe. Guided tour of its brewery and abbey museum, ending with a beer tasting.
Evening: Group reflection on the connection between nature and faith.
Overnight: Boutique inn in Dinant.
Day 5: Orval Abbey – Healing and Renewal
Morning: Travel to Orval Abbey (approx. 1.5 hours). Explore the serene ruins and active monastery.
Lunch: Enjoy Orval beer and locally sourced food at the abbey’s guest restaurant.
Afternoon: Guided reflection on themes of healing and renewal in monastic spirituality.
Evening: Free time for personal prayer or a meditative walk in the abbey gardens.
Overnight: Guesthouse near Orval Abbey.
Day 6: Aachen, Germany – Pilgrimage and Relics
Morning: Cross into Germany and travel to Aachen (approx. 2 hours). Visit the magnificent Aachen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic pilgrimage center.
Lunch: Traditional German fare at a local biergarten.
Afternoon: Free time to explore the cathedral treasury or reflect in silence.
Evening: Group discussion on pilgrimage as a metaphor for spiritual growth.
Overnight: Boutique inn in Aachen.
Day 7: Maria Laach Abbey – A Benedictine Retreat
Morning: Travel to Maria Laach Abbey (approx. 1.5 hours). Discover the abbey’s stunning lakeside location.
Lunch: Picnic by Laacher See with local cheeses, breads, and fruits.
Afternoon: Join a guided hike around the volcanic lake, followed by monastic prayer services.
Evening: Beer tasting of brews inspired by ancient monastic recipes.
Overnight: Maria Laach Abbey guesthouse.
Day 8: Ettal Abbey – Monastic Brews and Bavarian Beauty
Morning: Travel to Ettal Abbey in Bavaria (approx. 4 hours). Admire this Baroque masterpiece.
Lunch: Feast on Bavarian specialties at the abbey’s brewery restaurant.
Afternoon: Tour the monastery’s brewery and distillery, sampling their renowned beers and liqueurs.
Evening: Hike nearby trails with breathtaking alpine views, ending with a time for quiet reflection.
Overnight: Guesthouse near Ettal Abbey.
Day 9: Andechs Monastery – A Bavarian Icon
Morning: Drive to Andechs Monastery (approx. 2 hours). Explore the abbey perched on a hill overlooking the Ammersee.
Lunch: Guided tasting of Andechs’ world-famous beers paired with Bavarian cuisine.
Afternoon: Free time for prayer or quiet reflection in the monastery gardens.
Evening: Final group reflection on gratitude and joy in monastic spirituality.
Overnight: Boutique guesthouse near Andechs.
Day 10: Departure from Munich
Morning: Attend morning Mass at a local monastery.
Late Morning: Private transfer to Munich (approx. 1 hour). Free time to explore the city or shop for souvenirs before departure.