Fatima, Lourdes, and Shrines of Spain
12 Days 11 Nights
Tour Highlights: Santarem Church, Sanctuaries of Fatima and Braga, Santiago de Compostela, Burgos, Sanctuary of San Ignacio de Loyola and Carcassonnes Medieval fortified citadel, Sagrada Familia, Bacelona
itinerary
Day 01 ARRIVE IN LISBON, PORTUGAL
Welcome to Portugal! Check into your hotel, and tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
Day 02 LISBON – SANTAREM - FATIMA (B/D)
On your guided sightseeing tour of Lisbon, see the enormous monument dedicated to Henry the Navigator, as well as the 16th-century Belem Tower, the Moorish citadel, and impressive Black Horse Square. Visit the CATHEDRAL LA SE', where St. Anthony was baptised, 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 Santarem to visit the CHURCH OF THE EUCHARISTIC HOLY MIRACLE. Arrive in Fatima, home to the most famous Catholic shrines. This evening, join pilgrims from around the world for the Rosary and candlelight procession at the Our Lady of Fatima Basilica.
Day 03 FATIMA (B/D)
Today, spend the day at the Sanctuary at leisure. Attend Mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady with time to wander on your own. This evening, perhaps join the Rosary.
Day 04 FATIMA – BRAGA - SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, SPAIN (B/D)
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 centre. Then, attend the Pilgrims Mass.
Day 05 SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA (B)
This morning, free time to explore on your own.
Day 06 SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA- BURGOS (B)
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.
Day 07 BURGOS - SAN IGNACIO DE LOYOLA - LOURDES, FRANCE (B/D)
Travel through the Basque region toward Lourdes. En route, pause to reflect and attend 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.
Day 08 LOURDES (B/D)
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. According to the schedule, attend Mass at the Sanctuary either early in the morning or in the evening.
Day 09 LOURDES – CARCASSONNE - MONTSERRAT, SPAIN (B/D)
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. Stay overnight in Catalonia’s impressive location of the Marian shrine of Montserrat.
Day 10 MONTSERRAT - BARCELONA (B)
Visit the SANCTUARY OF MONTSERRAT this morning, then attend Mass. Continue to the town of Manresa, known for its Basilica of Saint Mary of Seo, but more importantly for Pont Vell, a bridge associated with the worship of San Ignacio de Loyola. See the architectural compound of Santa Cova, the sanctuary home of St. Ignacio de Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, when he stayed in the city. Later, reach Barcelona, the lively capital of Catalunya.
Day 11 BARCELONA (B/D)
Get to know the city on a guided sightseeing tour including a drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium for 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. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate
faith, life, and friendship.
Day 12 BARCELONA (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.
