Overview:

Reaffirm and celebrate your faith as you visit some of the world’s most treasured Marian shrines, pilgrimage sites and spiritual places. Hear about the shepherd children in Fatima and the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary which happened over 100 years ago. Walk a portion of the Camino de Santiago and learn about the remarkable journey taken by pilgrims from all over the world into Santiago de Compostela. A unique opportunity to celebrate Mass in San Ignacio de Loyola while learning about the Jesuit mission San Ignacio founded in 1540. In Lourdes, an opportunity to join the nightly Rosary and candlelight procession as well as time to experience the Healing Baths. Lastly, a magical ending in Barcelona with time to celebrate life, reflect and rejoice. Accompanied by fellow believers and designed to offer the experience of a lifetime, this is a vacation that will stay with you forever.

Day : 1

Number of Days : 1

Welcome to Portugal! Check into your hotel, and tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day : 2

Number of Days : 1

On your guided sightseeing tour of the capital of Portugal, see the enormous monument dedicated to Henry the Navigator, as well as the 16th-century Belém Tower, the Moorish citadel, and impressive Black Horse Square. Visit the CATHEDRAL LA SE’, where St. Anthony was baptized, and JERONIMOS MONASTERY, which dates back to the mid-1400s and was built in thanks to the Virgin Mary for Vasco de Gama’s successful voyage to India. Head north for a stop in Santarém to visit the CHURCH OF THE EUCHARISTIC HOLY MIRACLE. Arrive in Fátima, home to one of the most famous Catholic shrines. Enjoy an orientation walk and visit the Tomb of the Visionaries and the Chapel of the Apparitions made famous by the Virgin Mary’s 1917 appearances to three shepherd children, which culminated in the revelation of the Three Secrets of Fátima. This evening, join pilgrims from around the world for the ROSARY and candlelight procession at the Our Lady of Fátima Basilica. (B,D)

Day : 3

Number of Days : 1

Today, join an optional excursion to Tomar with a visit to the Monastery-Fortress of the Knights Templar. This afternoon attend [M] Mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady with time to wander on your own. This evening, perhaps join the Rosary. (B,D)

Day : 4

Number of Days : 1

Journey north this morning and stop in Braga, one of the oldest Christian cities in the world and nicknamed the “Portuguese Rome.” Visit the BOM JESUS DO MONTE SANCTUARY, an important pilgrimage site, where devout followers have walked the “Stations of the Cross” for contemplation and penance since 1811. See the unique zigzag stairway dedicated to the five senses: sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste—and the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity. Continue into Spain and head for Santiago de Compostela, one of the top pilgrimage destinations since the Middle Ages. On arrival, an orientation walk introduces you to the old city center. Then, attend the [M] Pilgrims Mass in ST. JAMES’ CATHEDRAL, which houses the Apostle James’ remains beneath the high alter, followed by the famous Botafumeiro to close the celebration. (B,D)

Day : 5

Number of Days : 1

This morning, join an optional excursion to Cabo Finisterre, where pilgrims have traditionally completed their walk and burned their robes. Later, return to Santiago de Compostela, known throughout history for the key 9th-century pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago (or Way of St. James) with time to explore on your own. (B)

Day : 6

Number of Days : 1

Today, travel to Burgos, historic capital of Old Castile. Your visit takes you to the magnificent CATHEDRAL, a masterpiece of gothic architecture and burial place of Spain’s national hero, El Cid. (B)

Day : 7

Number of Days : 1

Travel through the Basque region toward Lourdes. En route, pause to reflect and attend [M] Mass at the 17th-century SANCTUARY OF LOYOLA, built in honor of San Ignacio de Loyola, founder of the Jesuit religious order. See its spectacular dome and marble and jasper main altarpiece. Cross into France and overnight in Lourdes, home to another of the world’s most famous places of pilgrimage. Join the nightly ROSARY and candlelight procession for a memorable spiritual experience. (B,D)

Day : 8

Number of Days : 1

Today’s guided walking tour includes the GROTTO, where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858, Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, BERNADETTE’S BIRTHPLACE, and her family home. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this little market town and to attend Mass, if you like. (B,D)

Day : 9

Number of Days : 1

This morning, head for the France/Spain border. En route, visit the FORTIFIED CITADEL of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the ramparts, castle walls, and drawbridges that are still well preserved from the Middle Ages. Overnight in Catalonia’s lively and beautiful capital, Barcelona. (B)

Day : 10

Number of Days : 1

Today’s guided sightseeing includes a drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium and a great panoramic view of the port and city. Continue to the city center’s Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire Gaudi’s eccentric Houses Batlló and Milà, as well as his SAGRADA FAMILIA, an unfinished architectural masterpiece that is still a consecrated expression of the Catholic faith. (B)

Day : 11

Number of Days : 1

Today is at leisure to explore as you like. Maybe join the optional excursion to the pilgrimage site of Montserrat and its countryside. Situated 4,055 feet above sea level in a mountain range composed of striking pink conglomerate, a form of sedimentary rock, this is the site of the Benedictine abbey that hosts the Black Virgin of Montserrat Sanctuary, patron saint of Catalonia. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day : 12

Number of Days : 1

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Hotels

Trip Highlights