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More about this trip-
Together, pilgrims will read the book through the themes of creation and connection. Pilgrims will contemplate the poignant contrast of the natural world surrounding them, a world which seems so at odds with Victor’s unnatural monster creation. Guided by Sarah and Beth’s experience in facilitating thoughtful political discourse, pilgrims will reflect and discuss: How does connection, or the lack thereof, inform our creative instincts? How do we create and embrace all we can do without letting our egos destroy us? At what point do the dreams we wish for most become a horror for ourselves or our community? How do we balance the imagined personal freedom we long for with the societal structure we instinctually crave? When is it time to grapple with the notion that we might be wrong about ourselves?
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We will be walking up to 8 miles each day, sometimes on hilly terrain and sometimes along cobblestone streets. The weather in the this region is notoriously variable. It might be mild and sunny, or wet and windy, sometimes all in the same day. We won’t rush our walks, but we expect to be tired at the end of each day, so appropriate footwear and rain gear is encouraged.
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We will meet at the hotel on the afternoon of October 15th and end programming at the hotel on the morning of October 20th. Specific meeting time and location will be privately offered to pilgrims upon registration and payment. Note: Additional transportation support to the hotel may be available closer to the pilgrimage date, and our team will be in touch with pilgrims via email regarding these updates.
Each pilgrim is responsible for handling their own travel expenses and arrangements prior to our meeting on October 15th and after we say goodbye on October 20th.
The full tuition of the trip is as follows:
$5,950 USD for a Shared Room
$7,950 USD for a Private Room
Our home base throughout will be the Hotel Bad Murtensee , a stunning lakeside accommodation in the town of Muntelier, Switzerland. The main building of Bad Murtensee was originally constructed between 1745 and 1754 as a farmhouse. Not long after its construction, it was transformed into a tavern and guest house, later becoming one of two pubs to survive a sweeping city council closure of local taverns in 1825. Nearly 100 years of hospitality is attributed to the Fasnacht family, who were proprietors of the hotel for four generations. Its gorgeous lake views and excellent service makes it the perfect place for our pilgrims to enjoy a comfortable, meaningful experience.
Scholarships
We occasionally offer partial scholarships for pilgrimages. If you are interested, please fill out our form here.
Trip Faculty
Beth Silvers (she/her) & Sarah Stewart Holland (she/her)
Beth (left) and Sarah (right) co-host Pantsuit Politics, a podcast which prioritizes curiosity over the conflict that often drives political conversations. They are the authors of two books and are experienced and sought-after speakers who bring nuance and care to the most complicated issues of our political landscape.
Their work has been featured in The New York Times and The Atlantic, and they were recognized as “Podcast of the Month” by Good Morning America in 2022. They are also the authors of Now What? How to Move Forward When We’re Divided (About Basically Everything) (2022) and I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversation (2019).
Fun Fact: Beth’s mother is an English teacher, and Sarah’s mother was a public school librarian!
Beth and Sarah will serve as co-faculty for this trip.
Colette Potts
Chaplain (She/her)
Colette is an educator, family therapist, and parent of three Harry Potter fans. She serves as chaplain on our pilgrimages and shares a life with Matt Potts, the former host of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text podcast. Colette also serves as our pilgrimage faculty training administrator.
Colette has worked with families across the developmental spectrum in settings ranging from urban public schools to rural homes, to help parents raise loving children, using caring communities to make it easier – and more fun.
Colette will serve as chaplain for the trip.
Samantha Aeschbach
Logistics Coordinator (She/Her)
Samantha is a Swiss-born hospitality and tourism specialist with professional roots stretching across eighteen countries. She discovered her passion for travel early in her career and later served as a vice-consul for the Swiss government, honing her crisis management skills and logistical expertise around the globe.
A lifelong explorer, Samantha has journeyed through almost 80 countries—often venturing far from the beaten path and volunteering along the way. She’s a true multicultural “mutt,” speaking multiple languages and embracing every opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life. Her credentials span from a Diploma in Tourism & Hotel Management to advanced first aid and crisis deployment certifications.
Samantha’s energy, curiosity, and passion for her country encouraged her to start her own tour company in 2019 in Switzerland.
Samantha will serve as logistics coordinator on this trip.
“There is love in me the likes of which you’ve never seen. There is rage in me the likes of which should never escape.”
— Mary Shelley, Frankenstein