The Shrines of Emmitsburg 25
This beautiful mountainside catholic shrine features the oldest U.S. replica of the Lourdes shrine in France, built just 13 years after the apparition of The Blessed Mother to Saint Bernadette in 1858, the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Built in tranquil surroundings, the Grotto is a place of reflection, worship, pilgrimage, and reconciliation, and it welcomes visitors from all over the world.
October 2, 2025 (Thursday)
The Shrines of Emmitsburg
& Lunch at Mountain Gate
Emmitsburg, Maryland
Today we visit the campus of Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland and the National Shrine Grotto. This beautiful mountainside catholic shrine features the oldest U.S. replica of the Lourdes shrine in France, built just 13 years after the apparition of The Blessed Mother to Saint Bernadette in 1858, the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Built in tranquil surroundings, the Grotto is a place of reflection, worship, pilgrimage, and reconciliation, and it welcomes visitors from all over the world. Following our self-guided tour of the Grotto, we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at Mountain Gate Family Restaurant located in Thurmont, Maryland. After lunch we travel to the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton dedicated to the first American-born saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton. Immerse yourself in the inspiring story Elizabeth Ann Seton through exhibits featuring artifacts, personal writings, state-of-the-art digital interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities that capture the spirit of Mother Seton’s extraordinary life and enduring legacy, as she traversed the path from a seeker to servant to saint. To provide you with the best possible tour experience we will first view a short film presentation highlighting the historical sites on our tour. Next, we step inside The Basilica of the National Shrine, The Museum, The Stone House, The White House, The Mortuary Chapel, and conclude with a brief self-guided walking tour of the grounds.
Day 1
Today we visit the campus of Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland and the National Shrine Grotto. This beautiful mountainside catholic shrine features the oldest U.S. replica of the Lourdes shrine in France, built just 13 years after the apparition of The Blessed Mother to Saint Bernadette in 1858, the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Built in tranquil surroundings, the Grotto is a place of reflection, worship, pilgrimage, and reconciliation, and it welcomes visitors from all over the world. Following our self-guided tour of the Grotto, we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at Mountain Gate Family Restaurant located in Thurmont, Maryland. After lunch we travel to the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton dedicated to the first American-born saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton. Immerse yourself in the inspiring story Elizabeth Ann Seton through exhibits featuring artifacts, personal writings, state-of-the-art digital interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities that capture the spirit of Mother Seton's extraordinary life and enduring legacy, as she traversed the path from a seeker to servant to saint. To provide you with the best possible tour experience we will first view a short film presentation highlighting the historical sites on our tour. Next, we step inside The Basilica of the National Shrine, The Museum, The Stone House, The White House, The Mortuary Chapel, and conclude with a brief self-guided walking tour of the grounds. (L)
LL=Lunch
October 2, 2025 (Thursday)
The Shrines of Emmitsburg
& Lunch at Mountain Gate
Emmitsburg, Maryland
Price: $125.00
Deposit: $25.00/PP
Balance Due: August 19, 2025
Depart Return
Gunther 7:30 AM 7:00 PM
White Marsh 8:15 AM 6:15 PM
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address | Contact Details | Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gunther Charters | Gunther's - 7443 Shipley Ave. Harmans, MD (GPS) Lot C off of Shipley Ave. | View | |
| White Marsh | White Marsh Park and Ride 8476 Honeygo Blvd., White Marsh, MD (refer to GPS) | View |
