Make your way to your local airport, where you will board your overnight flight(s). Your meals will be served on board.

Upon arriving at Pau or Toulouse airport, make your way to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage. Proceed to the arrivals hall, where your tour guide and/or driver will greet you. Embark on a scenic drive to Lourdes. Check in to your hotel and relax or explore before dinner. Following dinner, you will have free time to pray the Rosary and to attend the candlelight procession (April – October only). These processions are lit by candlelight and guided by the Most Holy Rosary. Following this prayerful experience, you will return to your hotel for an overnight.

Over the next two days, you will stay in a small town in the Pyrenees Mountains. Lourdes is one of the most famous Marian Apparition sites in the world. 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 and face in the miraculous spring that has healed many pilgrims. 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 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, attend Mass at the magnificent Sacre Coeur Basilica atop Montmartre Hill. This 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. In addition to the extraordinary artwork and architecture that forms the Basilica, you will see the beautiful mosaic of the Risen Christ and the remarkable Grand Organ. Celebrate Mass at the Crypt, which 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 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 her footsteps. During your visit, you will see the beautiful Basilica of St. Therese with its magnificent mosaics and stained glass. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Lisieux.

Upon waking up in Lisieux and enjoying breakfast, you will pray and reflect upon the life of St. Therese and celebrate Mass. After Mass and a visit to the Basilica, you can view relics, clothing, and personal objects that belonged to 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 buried. This afternoon, transfer to the Normandy Landing beaches. The Normandy landings were the landing operations on Tuesday, June 6, 1944 (D-Day) of the Allied 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 Allied 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. This town is known worldwide for its massive Cathedral Notre Dame, which boasts incredible stained-glass windows from the 12th and 13th centuries. A 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 and check in at your hotel, followed by some free time before a delicious dinner and overnight stay.

We will begin our tour of Paris at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. After celebrating Holy Mass, we will have the opportunity to 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 the 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 will receive special protection and abundant graces. Following this prayerful and reflective experience, we will walk to Saint Vincent de Paul Church. Next, on our tour of Paris, we will visit one of the most incredible churches in the world: Notre Dame Cathedral. The Cathedral has recently been re-opened to visitors. Guided group tours are scheduled to resume in June 2025. Board a bus tour and see some of the most recognizable symbols of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, the Invalides, the L’Arch de Triomphe, and the Champ-Elysees, the world’s most famous boulevard. We will stop at La Madeleine, with the statue of St. Mary Magdalene carried to heaven by angels. Your busy day ends with a lovely meal and a comfortable overnight.

Following breakfast at your hotel, your group will transfer to the Charles de Gaulle Airport and board your flight to Rome. Upon arrival at Rome airport, collect your luggage in the baggage claim area and continue to the arrivals hall, where you will be greeted by a tour escort and/or driver. You will make your way to the bus and transfer to your hotel. Following check-in, you will have free time to unpack, relax, or explore Rome on your own. Your tour escort may suggest places to visit. Later in the afternoon, your group will meet in the hotel lobby for a “Meet and Greet” with your fellow pilgrims and depart for Mass. Following Mass, you will attend a welcome dinner. After dinner, you can walk to St. Peter’s Square as a group for the Rosary (optional).

After a nice breakfast at your hotel, your first sightseeing day in Rome starts! The tour begins with the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square! The Audience is celebrated each Wednesday by His Holiness, The Pope (pending the papal schedule). Following the Audience, there will be free time for lunch, shopping, or to mail a postcard from the Vatican Post Office. This afternoon, you will visit the oldest of the four major Basilicas in Rome: St. John the Lateran. This Basilica is home to the relics of Peter and Paul. It is also where the Pope is installed as Bishop of Rome and officiates as the Bishop of Rome. Next, we will cross the street to visit the Holy Staircase. Tradition states that this Staircase is from Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It was brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th century. If time permits, you may climb the steps on your knees while reflecting on Christ’s agonizing Passion. We will proceed to the Basilica of St. Mary Major to end our day. This Basilica contains a relic from the Manger of the Infant Jesus. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight.

Enjoy an early breakfast before going to the largest Church in Christendom, St. Peter’s Basilica. This Basilica was built on the site where St. Peter, the first Pope and Bishop of Rome, was martyred. Inside the Basilica, you will view Michelangelo’s Pieta. This stunning marble sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary holding Christ after His crucifixion, death, and removal from the cross before being placed in the tomb. Continue to proceed to the Vatican Museum. The world-renowned museum displays an impressive display of edifices, galleries, and awe-inspiring relics. Observe the Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms, Sistine Chapel, and the restored mural of the Last Judgment. The final stop on your Vatican tour is at the tomb of Saint John Paul II. After, you will transfer to the Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain), where you may enjoy some free time on your own for lunch. Continue on your short journey down the Appian Way, the earliest road of Ancient Rome. This road leads to the Domino Quo Vadis Chapel, the Baths of Caracalla, the Arch of Drusus, the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, and the catacombs of St. Callixtus. The day concludes with a visit to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Originally founded by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, this Basilica is the burial place of Saint Paul the Apostle. We will make our way to a local restaurant for dinner. Following dinner, feel free to explore the streets of Rome or return to the hotel for the night.

Following breakfast, you will board your bus to enjoy the scenic route to Montecassino, passing through the Roman countryside, known for its villas and vineyards. During the bus ride, your tour escort will share interesting information regarding Italy’s spiritual, historical, and cultural history. Montecassino, the principal monastery of the Benedictine Order, was founded by Saint Benedict around 530 A.D. Following the tour, we can visit the gift shop before we board the bus to continue toward San Giovanni Rotondo, the hometown of Saint St. Padre Pio. Upon arrival in San Giovanni Rotondo, enjoy dinner and overnight.

This morning, after breakfast, we will visit the Old Church. After Mass, we will tour the sanctuary. View the crucifix, in front of which St. Pio received the stigmata. Visit the confessional where St. Pio spent innumerable hours listening to confessions. Next, we will board the bus and travel along the beautiful Gargano Peninsula to the Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel, a shrine consecrated by St. Michael. At this Grotto, St. Michael appeared to a Bishop to assure him that his diocese would not destroyed. Following the visit to the Grotto, enjoy free time. On the way back to San Giovanni Rotondo, view breathtaking ocean views. Upon arrival, you will have time for devotion and reflection. Dinner and overnight.
*Candlelight Procession: Between May and October, attend the weekly Candlelight Procession at the Sanctuary of St. Pio at 9:00 PM. These processions are lit by candlelight and are guided by the Most Holy Rosary. Following this prayerful experience, you will return to your hotel for a restful overnight.

After breakfast, we will depart for Assisi. On the way, we will stop in Lanciano for private Mass at the Convent/Church of Saint Francis built on top of the antique Church of St. Longinus – the site of a Eucharistic Miracle that occurred in the eighth century. At the time of the miracle, there was a Basilian monk who struggled with the belief in the Real Presence in the Eucharist. During Mass, the monk, with doubt in his voice, said the words of consecration and was astonished as he saw the bread and wine transformed into Christ’s physical flesh and blood. Leave for the Marian shrine of Loreto to visit the Holy House of Nazareth and the beautiful Madonna of Loreto. Tradition holds that this is the house where Mary first prayed the Magnificat, where Jesus grew to manhood, and the Holy Family lived. It was transported several times by angels to its current location. End the day in Assisi, hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare, with dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Enjoy an early breakfast, followed by a full day of touring the hometown of St. Francis. St. Francis is the “Patron Saint of Animals and the Environment.” He is responsible for founding the Franciscan Order and has been an inspiration for centuries because of his simplicity and humility. The atmosphere of Assisi has not changed since St. Francis began his ministry in the early 13th century. We will start our tour at the Basilica of St. Francis, where we will visit the Saint’s tomb and view a series of frescoes depicting his life, as well as a few of the Saint’s possessions. From there, we will continue on a walking tour through this picturesque town, including the birthplace of St. Francis. Visit the Santuario Della Spogliazione where Bl. Carlo Acutis is entombed. Bl. Carlo will be the first millennial to be declared a Saint. He had a great love for Jesus in the Eucharist and died of leukemia at the young age of 15. Our tour ends at the Church that honors St. Clare, the foundress of the Poor Clare Sisters. This Saint followed the teachings of St. Francis very closely by also living a life of poverty and humility.  Take some time on your own for additional prayer, shop in the many gift shops, or enjoy a nice lunch. After lunch, we will board the bus, which will take us outside of the walls of Assisi to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. This is where St. Francis spent most of life. This Basilica is made up of two structures, both of which you will visit. The first structure is the “Porziuncola”, which is where St. Francis founded his order of the Friar Minor (Franciscans). The second is the “Capella del Transito”, which is the place of St. Francis’ death. During your time here, you will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful Rose Garden where St. Francis and other friars lived, as well as the cave where the Saint retired to pray. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

This morning, you will ride through the beautiful Umbrian mountains to Orvieto. This incredible town sits on a volcanic high rock formation. Here we visit one of the most beautiful and most renowned Cathedrals in Italy. Because of its strategic location, it’s Christian history officially started in 1004, but Orvieto was built over preexisting Etruscan era cave tunnels dating back 2,500 years, which some historians believe Christians used to celebrate Mass when Christianity was forbidden. Return to Assisi for dinner and overnight.

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, your group will leave by motor coach and transfer to the Rome Fiumicino airport for return flights 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.