Day 2: Aug 10 - Arrive Lisbon

You will be met upon arrival at Lisbon Airport. After an orientation drive through Lisbon, we stop and visit St. Anthony's Church. Despite what might be assumed from his name, Saint Anthony was born and grew up in Lisbon. Traditionally, the invocation of his name is considered the best means of locating lost objects. Dinner and overnight  in Lisbon.

Day 3: Aug 11 - Lisbon - Santarem - Fatima

After breakfast depart Lisbon for Santarem, where one of the oldest cities in the world is located. We will walk through its narrow streets to the Church of St Stephen, containing the oldest recorded Eucharistic miracle. This miracle has been on continuous display since 1269. We then continue on to Fatima, the place where the Blessed Mother appeared in 1917 to three simple shepherd children and exhorted mankind to pray for world peace. Dinner and overnight in Fatima.

Day 4: Aug 12 - Fatima

Six times, from the May 13 to Oct 13, 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in the diocese of Leiria. A new church is under construction, however just as beautiful, an older church was constructed here in 1928, and millions of pilgrims visit each year. Fatima is one of the most visited holy places for Catholics from around the world. The atmosphere of intense spirituality and the importance of Fatima have been attested to by the visits of two Popes: Paul VI and John Paul II.  Touring Fatima, see the Little Chapel of the Apparitions, Basilica, the site of Francesco and Jacinta's graves, the Hamlet of Aljustrel, where the children lived, and Valinhos, the site of Our Lady's appearance after the children's return from prison. Follow the Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra (The Sacred Way) culminating in the Chapel of Calvary, which overlooks all of Fatima. Join pilgrims from around the world in an evening candlelight procession to pray the rosary. Dinner and overnight in Fatima.

Day 5: Aug 13 -  Fatima - Oporto - Santiago de Compostela

After breakfast we shall depart Fatima for Oporto. We’ll visit this city built into the granite cliffs at the mouth of the river Douro.  We’ll see their 12^th century Cathedral, the city’s iron bridge, Ponte de D. Luis, and get a great view of Oporto from the top of the Clerigos Tower via its 225 steps! Later, we’ll arrive in Santiago de Compostela for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Aug 14 - Santiago de Compostela

Visit Cathedral of St. James is one of the finest examples of architecture in all of Europe. As pilgrims, we have the opportunity to climb the stairs behind the high altar to visit the crypt where the relics of St. James are preserved, touch the central pillar (Portico de La Gloria), view the 'botafumeiro' and admire the wealth of medieval art inside the Cathedral, before visiting the cloister museum. Enjoy a stroll on own, though the beautiful streets of Santiago de Compostela, the city of the apostle, full of historical buildings and other attractions (before or after dinner). Dinner and overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

Day 7: Aug 15 - Santiago de Compostela - Madrid

Depart today after breakfast for your transfer to Madrid, where your Pre World Youth Day tour will end. We arrive in Madrid and transfer to our hotel. Welcome dinner is served tonight at our hotel before the opening ceremonies.  Opening ceremonies sight to be announced.

Day 8 - 11: Aug 16 - 19     

Including, the Gran Via Plaza de Espaṅa, the Viaduct, Plaza Major, the Bull Ring, Independence and Cibeles Squares, the University, and the Paseo de la Castellana, including a visit to the famous Prado Museum.

We begin our day with a drive to Avila, walled city, the birthplace of St. Teresa of Jesus, the Church's greatest and most influential mystic.  Visit the Cathedral and the Convent of the Incarnation (Mass), where St. Teresa lived for three decades and St. John of the Cross, her spiritual director and confessor lived for the last two years of her life. Lunch included in Avila.

When the time comes be sure to...

206 Tours is proud to offer your group a package with flights and accommodations, in addition to many other ground services however, it is important to know that you must register your group for World Youth Day with USCCB.

The World Youth Day office will provide you with a registration packet that normally includes meal options, information on local public transportation in Madrid, and various other benefits Information on how to register your group for World Youth Day  can be obtained from the World Youth Day Office at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (http://www.usccb.org)  You can reach them via e-mail: wyd@usccb.org

                              USCCB-FLWY, 3211 Fourth Street, NE