A Saint, Strudel and The Sound of Music

The Hills Are Alive…we all know the 1965 movie, Julie Andrews twirling around in the mountains of Austria.  And we know the songs, My Favorite Things, Climb Every Mountain, Edelweiss, 16 Going on 17...and more.

This beloved movie won an Oscar for Best Picture surpassing Gone with the Wind as the highest-grossing film to date. 

Our themed itinerary takes you to a local shrine and hidden gem, not quite an Abbey however, you will leave feeling inspired. 

10am – Noon – Climb Every Mountain.  Tour Marytown USA, National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe.  At the very heart of Marytown is Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, a sanctuary which is considered one of the most beautiful pilgrimage sites in the nation. 

The Saint; visit the Shrine of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe. Kolbe was held in the Auschwitz death camp, where in 1941 he offered to take the place of a man condemned to die in reprisal for an escaped prisoner. His offer accepted, he died two weeks later. In the process he ministered to nine others dying with him from starvation. Pope Paul VI beatified Maximilian in 1971. In 1982, St. Pope John Paul II canonized him as a “martyr of charity,” calling him “patron of our difficult century.” 

12:30  - 2p – Crisp Apfel Strudel and Schnitzel with Noodles.  A Eurpoean style lunch at The Village Tavern.  Historic Downtown Long Grove was founded by German settlers and The Village Tavern has not forgotten those roots.  The restaurant and bar is the longest operating establishment in Illinois!

Photo is of The Village Tavern's German Platter.  

More of My Favorite Things.  A short walk is Ma & Pa’s Candy.  Your tour manager can pick up pre-paid European chocolates after lunch or everyone can stop by to immerse in sweet delights.  

2:30 – 3:45p – The Sound of Music: From Stage to Screen.  Everyone can walk over or take your coach to assemble in the Rustic Room at Buffalo Creek Brewing Co.  The staff takes drink orders, one price for their rail service – soda to beer; Buffalo Creek Brewing makes some of the finest German libations in the area. 

Sit back and enjoy a journey back into time with this entertaining and informative program by theatre historian Todd Hunt.  He shares behind-the-scenes stories of the beloved classic, with slides and video examples. 

Wild Geese That Fly with the Moon on their Wings.  You may take more time exploring Long Grove, shop the enticing boutiques and watch the ducks in the pond at Joanie’s Pizzeria. 

Auf Wiedersehen.  Nostalgia makes us all feel better, you will be singing “So Long, Farewell” on the coach ride home or to other destinations such as the Marriott Theatre for dinner and a musical. 

You may want to watch the movie on the motorcoach, at your local senior center/park district or at home once you know the real stories! 

Suggested Dates (or you choose the date):

-January 26 - Maria Von Trapp's Birthday.  Passed away in 1987.  

-March 2, 1965 - Movie release date.  

-June 17 - National Apple Strudel Day.

-June 24 -  National Do Re Mi Day.

-October 1 - Julie Andrew's Birthday.  Now in her nineties.  

-November 16, 1959 - Stage production debut.  

-December 13 - Christopher Plummer's birthday.  Passed away in 2021.  

Why Choose this Tour Option:

This day trip is an enjoyable and fun-filled experience for music loving groups, especially those fond of "The Sound of Music" and looking to immerse in the movie for a day.

For more information, contact your VLC Group Tours Manager Jayne Nordstrom, or call directly at 847-662-2700. Continue here to return to the Group Tours Itinerary page.