Day 1: DEPART USA:
Depart U.S.A. aboard an overnight flight. Meals will be served on board.
Day 2: FATIMA:
Upon arrival in Lisbon there will be a panoramic sightseeing tour of Portugal’s capital city from the motorcoach, passing by the main avenues, “downtown” with the Rossio and Comercio squares. Continue to the Alfama, the oldest quarter of Lisbon, to visit the Church of St. Anthony to celebrate Mass and visit the nearby Cathedral. Proceed to the monument district of Belem to see the Belem Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries and the Jeronimos Church. Continue to Fatima, one of the most famous Marian Shrines in Europe. Later in the afternoon, visit some of the highlights of Fatima including the Capelinha (also known as the “Chapel of the Apparitions”) as well as the Basilica, which contains, among other things, the tombs of two of the children of Fatima, Jacinta and Francisco, and Sr. Lucia. Enjoy the remainder of the evening free and dinner at your hotel. Also, participate in the Candlelight Procession and Evening Rosary (in season). (D)
Day 3: FATIMA:
In the morning the group will visit the small village of Aljustrel, home of Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta, the three children who witnessed the Apparitions of the Blessed Mother starting in 1917. Then visit Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared in August of that year as well as the parish church where the children were baptized and where family members were buried in the cemetery. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Fatima on your own, shop for religious articles and other souvenirs, or spend time in private devotion. An optional video presentation on the history of Fatima will be offered in the evening at the Consolata Fathers Center. Enjoy dinner and overnight in Fatima. Also, participate in the Candlelight Procession and Evening Rosary (in season). (B,D)
Day 4: FATIMA
After breakfast say farewell to Fatima as you continue your journey to Spain, Spain. En route, stop in Tuy, where Sr. Lucia received the Habit and the name Maria Lucia of Dolours. On the night of January 25, 1938, Sister Lucia stood at her convent window in Tuy, Portugal, and saw an ominous red glow that lit the entire sky. This light was seen throughout Europe and parts of Africa and Asia. Scientists tried to explain it as a most unusual Aurora Borealis. It covered an area of 500,000 square km with a vertical extent of 400 km. The rays reached an altitude of 700 km and were accompanied by a strange noise “similar to the sound of burning grass or brush”. Millions of people in many countries saw it and feared the world was on fire and about to end. Continue to the religious city of Braga, Portugal for a visit to the “Holy Mountain of Sameiro” and Bom Jesu. Continue to Pontevedra, Spain for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
Day 5: FATIMA / SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA:
Early morning departure to Santiago de Compostela. The group will take part in an orientation tour of one of Europe’s most spectacular basilicas, the Cathedral of St. James. Also visit the Plaza del Obradoiro, Archbishop’s Palace, and the Rajoy Palace, presently being used as the city hall. Dinner and overnight in Santiago area. (B,D)
Day 6: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA / BURGOS:
After breakfast at the hotel depart Santiago for the journey to Burgos, the historic capital of Old Castille. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour of Burgos where one of the highlights will be a visit to the Basilica of Burgos, one of the grandest and most breathtaking basilicas in country. Enjoy dinner at your hotel and overnight in Burgos. (B,D)
Day 7: BURGOS / LOURDES:
After breakfast the group will depart Burgos and travel through very scenic areas of Spain into France with arrival to the Shrine of Lourdes in the afternoon. A walking tour of the Shrine area will be made available. Also, trip participants may wish to take part in the evening Candlelight Procession (in season). After dinner enjoy an overnight in Lourdes. (B,D)
Day 8: LOURDES:
After breakfast, participate in a walking tour of Lourdes, the town so closely linked to the life of St. Bernadette. Visit the “Boly Mill” (site of the birthplace of St. Bernadette), and the “Cachot”, another home of the family. In fact, this is where she lived at the time of the Apparitions. Also visit the parish church of her family (she was baptized here as well). Dinner and overnight in Lourdes. (B,D)
Day 9: LOURDES / TOULOUSE:
Depart Lourdes to Toulouse. In Toulouse we will visit the tomb of one of the world’s greatest theologians, St. Thomas Aquinas. Also visit the stunning Basilica of St. Sernin. It holds the largest number of relics in France, particularly, the sepulchre of Saint Saturnin, first bishop of Toulouse. It is one of the most glorious churches on the medieval pilgrimage road to Santiago de Compostela in Spain Dinner at the hotel and overnight in Toulouse.(B,D)
Day 10: TOULOUSE / NEVERS:
Depart Toulouse after breakfast for Nevers. Dinner and overnight in Nevers. (B,D)
Day 11: NEVERS / PARIS:
After breakfast you will view the incorrupt body of St. Bernadette and visit the site of the convent in which she spent her last days. Depart Nevers by deluxe motorcoach to Paris. Upon arrival visit the Rue du Bac for Mass in the Chapel where our Lady appeared to St. Catherine Laboure. Here you will also view the incorrupt remains of St. Catherine and around the corner to see the heart of St. Vincent de Paul. Dinner and overnight in Paris. (B,D)
Day 12: PARIS:
After breakfast, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Paris seeing some of Paris’ famous landmarks, including the Elysee Palace, residence of French Presidents, Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and the Place de la Concorde. Balance of the day at leisure. Take time to shop and explore the “City of Lights” on your own. This evening there will be a traditional riverboat cruise on the Seine River enjoying a glimpse of this magnificent illuminated city. Dinner and overnight in Paris. (B,D)
Day 13: PARIS / USA:
Depart for airport. Arrive U.S.A. same day. (B)