Upon arrival, you will be met by your tour guide and/or driver and head to your hotel in Santiago de Compostela. You will have free time before dinner and an overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

This morning, you will awaken in the beautiful city of Santiago de Compostela! Formed by Galician granite, the city’s Cathedral is one of the finest architectural structures in Europe as it encompasses Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. Additionally, the Cathedral contains numerous valuable pieces of art that truly captivate the eye. Upon entering the Cathedral, pilgrims traditionally hug the statue of St. James. You will then descend into the crypt where the Patron Saint of Pilgrims’ relics is kept. Following your visit, enjoy free time for lunch on your own before your sightseeing tour of the city. Some stops on the tour include Obradoiro Square, Fonseca Palace, Gelmirez Palace, Franco Street, and much more. Your evening will be free to spend at your leisure until dinner and an overnight.

After breakfast, we depart for Lisbon. This afternoon, we will enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of the coastal city of Lisbon. Stop at St. Jerome’s Monastery, built to give thanks to the Virgin Mary for guiding Vasco da Gama on his voyage that linked Europe and Asia. Drive by the Belem Quarter that contains the iconic entryway to the Lisbon harbor: the Belem Tower. This important landmark has many beautiful sculptures, including one of St. Vincent and Our Lady of Safe Homecoming. We will pass by the “25th of April Bridge”, which is the oldest bridge that connects the Tagus River of Lisbon. Drive by the Discoveries Monument, which commemorates the Great Explorers who, as a result of their explorations, brought Portugal to a standing of wealth and power during the Age of Discovery. This ship’s prow-shaped structure stands where the Great Explorers began their expeditions. Enjoy a view of the Basilica of the Star, Rossio Square, Commerce Square, and the Marquee of Pombal Square. Our last stop will be St. Anthony’s Church, where we will celebrate Mass. Although the patron Saint of lost things is known as St. Anthony of Padua (Italy), he was born in Lisbon, Portugal. The Church was built upon the site of his birth. Saint John Paul II visited St. Anthony’s Church in 1982 on his way to Fatima. The former Pope stopped at this Church on his way to Fatima to pray to Our Lady in thanksgiving. Saint John Paul II credited Our Lady for saving him from being killed when he was shot one year prior in 1981. After Mass, we will check in at the hotel and enjoy dinner followed by a restful overnight.

Today, we will head to Fatima. On the way, we will stop in the town of Santarem for Mass at St. Stephen’s Church. Here you will have the opportunity to venerate a 13th-century Eucharistic Miracle. Continue to Fatima, a Hamlet of Aljustrel, the birthplace and home of the three shepherd children. Dinner and overnight in Fatima.

Today will be a memorable experience as you pray and meditate upon one of Our Blessed Mother’s apparition sites. Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children: Lucia (age 10), Jacinta (age 7), and Francisco (age 9). These apparitions occurred monthly from May until October of 1917. Historically, as the entire world was in turmoil, Our Lady’s most prominent message was to pray for world peace. The destruction of the world at that point in history was also mentioned by Our Lady, particularly in her second secret to the children. Our profoundly reflective day begins with a visit to the Little Chapel of the Apparitions. This simple yet modern chapel is where the Virgin Mary first appeared on May 13, 1917. Next, you will see the stunning neoclassical church, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. This Sacred space contains the tombs of Blessed Francisco, Blessed Jacinta, and Sister Lucia. View the monument that commemorates the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the square. In honor of Our Lady’s requests to pray the Rosary, the Basilica also features fifteen altars each dedicated to a mystery of the Rosary. Visit the Museum with the “Fatima: Light and Peace” exhibition. Continue with a visit to the Holy Trinity Basilica. After free time for lunch, we will experience Christ’s unconditional love by participating in the Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra. The “Sacred Way” marks the path taken by the shepherd children of Fatima to their first apparition with Our Lady. It is composed of fifteen small chapels commemorating the Passion of Our Lord. The fifteenth station, the Resurrection, can be found close to the Chapel of Calvary, dedicated to St. Stephen, King of Hungary. Ending the day with a visit to Valinhos, the site of Our Lady’s August 1917 apparition and the first and third apparition of the Angel. Your night will conclude with private devotions and a candlelight procession, as requested by Our Lady in 1917. Enjoy dinner and a comfortable night’s rest in Fatima.

After breakfast, we will depart for Salamanca. On the way, we will stop in Alba de Tormes, where St. Teresa of Avila is buried. This town is also home to the Carmelite Monastery that St. Teresa founded in 1571. Arrive in Salamanca with free time for exploration before dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we will depart for Avila. Upon arrival, you will immediately notice the perfectly preserved 11th-century walls surrounding the old town. The conservation of architecture in this city, to which St. Teresa was born, deems its shrines, convents, and churches necessary to visit on any Catholic pilgrimage. The Cathedral de Avila encompasses the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles of its time within its artwork and architecture. La Basilica de San Vicente in Avila stands on the site of the martyrdom of St. Vincent. Visit the Incarnation Convent, where St. Teresa became a nun. Saint Therese convinced Saint John of the Cross to reform the male Carmelite order, the reform she started when she met Saint John in Medina del Campo. After walking in the footsteps of St. Teresa, continue your journey to Burgos. Upon arrival in the historic capital of Old Castile, enjoy dinner. Following dinner, you will have the opportunity to explore the city of Burgos and admire its magnificent limestone Gothic-style cathedral. Late this evening, you will return to your hotel for a restful overnight.

Following breakfast, transfer from Burgos to Loyola to visit the birthplace of St. Ignatius, founder of the Jesuit Order. St. Ignatius dedicated himself to becoming a soldier of the Christian faith, and as a result of many tribulations, he wrote the ever-famous Spiritual Exercises. You will see the 17th-century Basilica dedicated to this remarkable Saint in Loyola. The Basilica is part of a series of buildings surrounding the “Holy House,” the birthplace of St. Ignatius. When you visit these Holy places, you will also have the opportunity to pray in the most venerated room, where St. Ignatius prayed and began his conversion. After meditating on the life of this founder of the Jesuit Order, you will enjoy free time for lunch and board the bus for the next destination. We will continue to Lourdes with a spectacular view of the Pyrenees Mountains. Upon arrival in Lourdes, you will check in to your hotel and enjoy a splendid dinner and peaceful overnight.

Over the next two days, you will stay in a small town in the Pyrenees Mountains. During your time in Lourdes, you will pray and meditate at the site of Our Lady’s apparitions. Our Lady first appeared to Bernadette in 1858 and announced herself as “The Immaculate Conception” near the Grotto of Massabielle. During the first two apparitions, little Bernadette prayed the Rosary with Our Lady and left without exchanging words. During the following apparitions, Our Lady emphasized God’s love for us and the necessity of performing acts of penance for sinners. Throughout your time in Lourdes, you will have the opportunity to attend Mass at the Grotto, where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette. Watch a video presentation that explains the story of Lourdes. Wash your hands, wash your face, and drink the water of the miraculous spring. Finish with a short prayer: “Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. St. Bernadette, pray for us. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” Experience Christ’s unconditional love as you meditate upon the “life-size” Stations of the Cross that overlook the Grotto of Massabielle. In Lourdes, you will walk in and meditate upon the footsteps of St. Bernadette. Your group will have the opportunity to see Boly Mill, the birthplace of St. Bernadette, and the “Cachot,” an abandoned prison where Bernadette’s impoverished family lived. Each evening, following dinner, you can attend the candlelight procession and pray the Rosary before a restful overnight.

Today, you will enjoy breakfast before departing for Pau or Lourdes airport for your short flight to Paris. Upon arrival in Paris, visit and attend Mass at the magnificent Sacre Coeur Basilica that stands atop Montmartre Hill. The Basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was originally built in 1914 as an act of penance for the infidelity that France was experiencing during that time. While on your visit, in addition to the extraordinary artwork and architecture that form the Basilica, you will see the beautiful mosaic of the Risen Christ and the remarkable Grand Organ. Celebrate Mass at the Crypt that contains the Tombs of many notable Cardinals. Time permitting, you may have the opportunity to ascend a staircase to the Dome, where you will take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Paris. Following this visit, you will enjoy lunch on your own and depart for Lisieux. According to Pope Pius X, St. Therese of Lisieux was the “greatest saint of modern times.” Her extraordinary love for God and service to humanity will come alive as you walk in the great Saint’s footsteps. During your visit, you will see the beautiful Basilica of St. Therese and the magnificent mosaics and stained glass that are contained within. Enjoy dinner and an overnight at your hotel in Lisieux.

Upon waking up in Lisieux and enjoying breakfast, you will pray and reflect upon the life of the beloved Saint, as well as celebrate Mass. After Mass and a visit to the Basilica, you will have the opportunity to view relics, clothing, and personal objects of St. Therese when you visit her family home, Les Buissonnets. Additionally, you will tour the Carmelite Convent, which she entered in 1888 and is now entombed. This afternoon, transfer to the Normandy Landing beaches. The Normandy landings were the landing operations on June 6, 1944 (termed D-Day) of the Allies’ invasion of Normandy during World War II. The largest seaborne invasion in history, the operation began the liberation of German-occupied Northwestern Europe from Nazi control, and contributed to the Allies’ victory on the Western Front. Visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, a World War II memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, that honors American troops who died in Europe during World War II. Many of the brave American soldiers of World War II are buried here, and it is encouraged to say a prayer in thanksgiving for their courage. Return to Lisieux for dinner and an overnight.

This morning, your day begins with an early breakfast, before we depart for Chartres. The town is known worldwide for its massive Cathedral Notre Dame, and its incredible stained-glass windows from the 12th and 13th centuries. The World Heritage site, UNESCO, calls the Cathedral “the high point of French Gothic art” and a “masterpiece”. You will have some free time for lunch in the quaint town of Chartres. After lunch, we will continue to Paris. Check in at your hotel, followed by free time before a delicious dinner and an overnight.

Today, you will enjoy a full sightseeing tour of Paris. After breakfast, you will visit and celebrate Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, where you will view the incorrupt body of St. Catherine Laboure. The Saint’s guardian angel led her to the chapel where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to her. During apparitions, Our Lady repeatedly instructed the making and purpose of the Miraculous Medal. According to the Blessed Virgin Mary, those who wear the Miraculous Medal and scapular will receive special protection and abundant graces. Following your prayerful and reflective experience at this elegant chapel, you will begin your sightseeing tour of Paris. After Mass, we will walk to Saint Vincent de Paul Church. Your day continues with a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral, a perfect example of Gothic art. Enjoy a sightseeing tour via motor coach of the most recognizable symbols of Paris: the Eiffel Tower, the L’Arch de Triomphe, the Champ-Elysees, and pass by the famous, Louvre Museum. This Museum is one of the finest in the world and contains several pieces that truly emanate French art and European culture. Your fun-filled, busy day ends with a lovely meal and a very comfortable overnight.

Join an early morning departure from Paris for your short flight to Rome. Upon arrival, your escort will warmly greet you and welcome you to Italy. Transfer to your hotel, where your guide will introduce you to your fellow pilgrims and the priest who will be with you for the rest of the journey. Make your way to Mass, followed by a welcome dinner with wine. This evening, you may walk to St. Peter’s Square to pray the Rosary (optional).

This morning we will attend the Papal Audience at St. Peter’s Square or inside the Audience Hall. The Audience is celebrated each Wednesday by His Holiness, the Pope (pending the papal schedule). (During the month of July, Papal Audiences are cancelled while the Holy Father resides in Castel Gandolfo. For tours occurring during this time, the Audience will be replaced with an excursion to Castel Gandolfo with the following itinerary: Upon arrival in Castel Gandolfo, we will visit Piazza della Libertà. Here, we will take a moment to admire the impressive facade of the Papal Palace, the Pope’s summer residence. Our visit continues with an exploration of the Papal Palace itself, including the Vatican Observatory and the breathtaking Barberini Gardens, which offer panoramic views of Lake Albano.) Next, visit the Trevi Fountain area for some free time and lunch on your own. This afternoon, visit the oldest of the four major Basilicas in Rome, the Archbasilica of St. John the Lateran, the cathedral church and seat of the Bishop of Rome. Cross the street to the very steps that lead up to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem, which Jesus climbed on His way to trial during His Passion. Our priest will celebrate Holy Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, which is dedicated to Our Blessed Mother. Enjoy dinner and an overnight in Rome.

Today, we will tour St. Peter’s Basilica, which was built on the site where St. Peter the Apostle was martyred. Here, you will have the opportunity to view Michelangelo’s Pieta sculpture and pray at the tombs of Pope Benedict XVI and St. John Paul II. Next, you will visit the Vatican Museum, where you can see the Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms, and Sistine Chapel. After lunch, continue down the Appian Way, one of the earliest roads built in ancient Rome, to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls and the Catacombs. Have dinner and a restful overnight in Rome.

Today, you will take a flight from Rome to Medjugorje. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a tour guide and/or driver who will then take you on the 2.5-hour drive by private coach to the village of Medjugorje. Upon arrival, you will be introduced to your host family in whose comfortable house (inn) you will be staying for the next four nights.

The most beautiful features of Medjugorje are its simplicity and peace. While in Medjugorje, you will have the opportunity to deepen your faith and share in the spiritual journey of pilgrims from around the world.

Some activities that will accompany you in your spiritual journey:

Attend Daily Mass: Each morning at 10:00 AM, your group will assemble at St. James Church for Holy Mass (English-speaking). At the end of each Mass, regardless of language, there is a blessing of religious articles for pilgrims.

Climb Apparition Hill: This mountainous hill is where the visionaries first encountered Our Lady. At the base of this hill is a Blue Cross, where Our Lady appeared to the children while they hid from the communist police in the early days of the apparitions. Mirjana also had public apparitions at this holy site on the second of every month. While climbing to the top of Apparition Hill, pilgrims are invited to recite the Rosary, pausing five times to pray each decade of the Rosary in front of the large bronze reliefs depicting each mystery. At the top of the hill, there is a statue of Our Lady in the exact location of her first apparition. Enjoy private time for prayer in this holy place.

Climb Mt. Krizevac (Cross Mountain): In 1933, the Medjugorje villagers built a 30-foot high cross atop the mountain to commemorate Jesus’ passion and death on the cross. You will have the opportunity to climb this mountain and venerate that very cross. While climbing, pilgrims pray the Stations of the Cross to meditate on Jesus’ suffering, pausing fourteen times for each station at the large bronze reliefs. Take private time at the top of the mountain before the cross for prayer in this holy place.

Apparitions: Each evening at 5:00 PM (or 6:00 PM from June 1st – until September 1st), you and fellow pilgrims will join Medjugorje villagers in saying the Rosary, to celebrate Our Lady’s apparitions at 5:40 PM (6:40 PM). After the Rosary, you can stay to attend the Croatian Mass. Following the Croatian Mass, there is a Blessing of the Sick.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Our Lady has always called us to be close to her Son. In response to her call, pilgrims will have the opportunity to adore the Blessed Sacrament at the altar outside of St. James Church. Adoration is on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Veneration of the Cross is on Fridays inside the church. Additionally, there is an Adoration Chapel on the grounds of St. James Church, where Adoration is held in the afternoon hours. Eucharistic Adoration is one of the most memorable experiences in Medjugorje. God’s grace is so tangible that one feels as though they can touch the Holy Spirit. During the service, the outside altar is surrounded by several thousand pilgrims and locals, as everyone rests in deep prayer.

Visit the Community of Cenacolo: Pilgrims will have the opportunity to visit the Community of Cenacolo, founded by Sr. Elvira Petrozzi, for young men and women who have taken the wrong path and are on the road to recovery. You will be able to listen to their inspirational testimonies about their journeys back to Jesus Christ.

Prayer at the Statue of the Risen Christ: The bronze statue of the Risen Christ is located on the grounds of St. James Church. This statue miraculously seeps droplets of water out of Christ’s right knee. Many pilgrims sit and pray on the benches surrounding this statue.

* Please be advised that there will not be a spiritual director with you throughout your stay in Medjugorje. Daily Mass in English and English confessions are available at St. James Church in Medjugorje.

If you would prefer our traditional pilgrimage/tour of Medjugorje, we would recommend considering our Tour #1 (www.206tours.com/tour1) which provides a tour escort and spiritual leader through out your stay.

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, we will depart by motor coach for Dubrovnik (Spilt or Sarajevo) Airport for your return flight(s) home.

*206 Tours Disclaimer:
Occasionally local religious and national holidays, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of events or the missing of certain events/places. Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of events and places to be visited.