DAY 1 Depart USA to Portugal.
Today we embark on our Journey. Prepare ourselves for a life-changing experience.
Get some rest on the overnight flight. Meals are served on board
DAY 2 Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal
Welcome to Portugal! Check into your hotel, and tonight, meet your Tour Director.
DAY 3 Lisbon–Santarem–Fatima
On your guided sightseeing tour of Lisbon, 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 Fatima, home to 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 Fatima. This evening, join pilgrims from around the world for the Rosary and candlelight procession at the Our Lady of Fátima Basilica.
DAY 4 Fatima–Braga–Santiago De Compostela, Spain.
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 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.
DAY 5 Santiago de Compostela – Leon – Burgos.
Start your day at 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. Continue to León with the tour-escort to stroll in the Old Quarter and exterior view of the Cathedral. After That, you will continue to Burgos for a Dinner and Overnight.
DAY 6 Burgos–San Ignacio de Loyola–Lourdes, France.
Start at the historic capital of Old Castile (Burgos). Your visit takes you to the magnificent CATHEDRAL, a masterpiece of gothic architecture and burial place of Spain’s national hero, El Cid.
Continue through the Basque region toward Lourdes. En route, Stop 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.
DAY 7 Lourdes.
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.
DAY 8 Lourdes– Montserrat –Barcelona, Spain.
This morning, head for the France/Spain border. En route, stop at Montserrat to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat, located on a rugged mountainside. According to Catholic tradition, St. Luke carved the statue of the Black Madonna around 50 A.D. and brought it to Spain. While in Spain, it was hidden from the Moors and then, was later rediscovered by shepherds. In 880 A.D., the shepherds and the Bishop of Manresa were drawn to a grotto by a bright light and heavenly music. Upon discovery of the statue of the Black Madonna in the grotto, the Bishop of Manresa suggested that it be moved to Manresa. However, the status was too heavy that it could not be lifted. As a result, the Virgin remained in Montserrat and continued to be venerated there for centuries. As years progressed, a number of chapels were built upon the site and in the eleventh century, the abbot-bishop Oliba founded a monastery on Montserrat next to one of these chapels. Continue for a Dinner and Overnight in Catalonia’s lively and beautiful capital, Barcelona.
DAY 9 Barcelona.
This morning, your day will begin with breakfast and a sightseeing tour of Barcelona! Enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the Port of Barcelona, Montjuic, Plaza de España, and Plaza de Catalunya. The Port was created 2,000 years ago on the coastal area in order to protect and provide access for ships and goods. Currently, it is home to numerous walking areas, businesses, cultural and sporting events. Plaza de España is right outside the center of town and, was formerly known for its old bull-fighting ring. Presently, the Plaza is renowned for containing the Museum of Catalan art, situated on the side of Montjuic. Plaza de Catalunya is located in central Barcelona, and is known for its fountains and statues. Your day of touring will continue with a guided walk through the Gothic Quarter that contains remains from an ancient Roman village, including the Cathedral of Barcelona. We will continue to the Eixample quarter to visit Antoni Gaudi’s stunning, unfinished Roman Catholic Basilica, La Sagrada Familia.
DAY 10 Spain – USA.
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Continue to the Airport to catch your flight.