Book excerpt: Travellers and pilgrims seeking a unique experience can now uncover the ancient secrets of convents and monasteries around Europe. We reveal these atmospheric and affordable places that accommodate tourists or those pursuing a pilgrimage or spiritual retreat. Suitable for the traveller, the pious and the curious alike, this user-friendly travel guide provides accommodation, local tourist information, places of pilgrimage, travel tid-bits and anecdotes against a fascinating backdrop of history and religion.