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

Upon landing at Lisbon airport, you will claim your baggage and proceed to the arrival hall, where your tour guide and/or driver will greet you. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a panoramic tour of Lisbon, which will include St. Jerome’s Monastery, built to give thanks to the Virgin Mary. You will drive by the Belem Tower and many landmarks, like the 25th of April Bridge, the Basilica of the Star, and the Marquee of Pombal Square. Our last stop will be St. Anthony’s Church. The patron saint of lost things is best known as St. Anthony of Padua (Italy), but he was born and baptized here in Lisbon, Portugal. The Church where you will celebrate Mass was built upon the site of St. Anthony’s birth. Welcome dinner and overnight in Lisbon.

Today, you will head to Fatima. On the way, you will stop at St. Stephen’s Church in the town of Santarem to celebrate Mass and venerate the 13th century Eucharistic Miracle. Continue on to Fatima, the hamlet of Aljustrel – the birthplace and home of the three shepherd children. Dinner and overnight in Fatima.

Today will surely be a memorable experience as you will pray and meditate at 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 amidst World War I, the most prominent message from Our Lady of Fatima was to pray for world peace. In her messages to the children, specifically in the second secret, she mentioned the destruction of the world. Our profoundly reflective day begins with a visit to the Little Chapel of the Apparitions – simple, yet modern – which is the site where the Virgin Mary first appeared on May 13th in 1917. Follow with a visit to the stunning neoclassical Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. This Sacred space contains the tombs of St. Francisco, St. Jacinta, and Sister Lucia. View the monument that commemorates the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the square. Our Lady’s messages included consistent reminders to pray the Rosary – the Basilica honors this, by featuring fifteen altars dedicated to the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary. While in the Basilica, you will feel, through the love of Our Lord and Lady, the many graces received here. you will visit the museum with the exhibition: “Fatima: Light and Peace”. Continue with a visit to the Holy Trinity Basilica. After free time for lunch, you will experience Christ’s unconditional love by participating in the Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra. “The Sacred Way” marks the path the shepherd children took to the first apparition of Our Lady of Fatima. The path is composed of fifteen small chapels in commemoration of 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. The day ends with a visit to Valinhos, the site of Our Lady’s August 19th, 1917 Apparition, which was also the first and third apparition of the Angel. Our night will conclude with private devotions and a candlelight procession, requested by Our Lady (1917). Enjoy dinner and a comfortable night’s rest in Fatima.

Depart Fatima and head to Salamanca, following a full breakfast at the hotel. Salamanca is a city in the Castilla y Leon region known for its large university, the oldest in Spain that is still active along with its prominent culture. Our walking tour will bring us to the most noteworthy sites, such as: the grand Plaza Mayor, an iconic square filled with food, shopping, and city events; la Clerecia, a church and college of the Jesuit Order constructed in the seventeenth century; la Casa de las Conchas; currently a public library and monument decorated with shells that symbolize the famous pilgrimage to Santiago (El Camino); the University of Salamanca, the oldest University in Spain and the third oldest in Europe; the Roman Bridge, a national monument that extends along the River Tormes and is among Salamanca’s sturdiest bridges; la Iglesia de San Marcos, constructed in the Romanesque style and containing breathtaking paintings that portray many scenes of Our Lady’s life; la Iglesia de San Martin, a Church devoted to St. Martin de Porres who is the patron saint of mixed-race people and all those seeking interracial harmony; and a visit inside the two joint Salamanca Cathedrals (old and new), one Romanesque style and the other Gothic style. Following this eventful day, you will return to your hotel for a delicious meal and overnight at your hotel in Salamanca.

This morning, following breakfast, you will board the bus and enjoy a short transfer to the village of Alba de Tormes. This town is home to the Carmelite Monastery that Saint Teresa founded in 1571. Upon arrival in Alba de Tormes, you will have Mass celebrated at the Monastery where she died and was buried. Following Mass, you will have the opportunity to visit the museum dedicated to St. Teresa of Avila, which also holds her incorrupt heart and left arm. you will enjoy free time for lunch on your own before continuing to the medieval city of Avila. Upon arrival in Avila, you will immediately notice the perfectly preserved eleventh-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 any Catholic pilgrimage. The Cathedral de Avila encompasses the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles of its time with its artwork and architecture. La Basilica de San Vicente in Avila stands on the site of the martyrdom of St. Vincent. you will visit the Incarnation Convent, where St. Teresa became a nun. Saint Teresa 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, you will continue your journey on 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. In Loyola, you will see the 17th-century Basilica dedicated to this remarkable saint – the Basilica is part of a series of buildings surrounding the “Holy House,” or birthplace of St. Ignatius. When you visit these Holy places, you will also have the opportunity to pray at the most venerated room, where St. Ignatius prayed and began his conversion. After meditating on the life of this founder of the Jesuit Order, enjoy free time for lunch. you will continue to Lourdes for 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, nestled within the Pyrenees Mountains. During your time in Lourdes, you will pray and meditate in a 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 any exchange of words. During the following apparitions, Our Lady emphasized God’s love for us, penance, 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 in detail, the story of Lourdes;  participate with the gesture of the miraculous spring ; Wash your hands, wash your face and drink the water. Finish with a short prayer:  Our Lady of Lourdes…Pray for us St. Bernadette…Pray for us Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to 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 will have an opportunity to attend the candlelight procession and the Rosary, before a restful overnight.

After an early breakfast, you will depart from the Toulouse, Pau, or Lourdes airport to fly to Prague. On the flight you will have the chance to reflect on the cultural and holy cities that await you. As you touch down in the ancient city of Prague, you embrace the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of saints and gather the fruits of our faith. Upon collecting your luggage, you are greeted by our local guide who offers a welcome to this beautiful city. As you are transferred to our hotel, you immerse ourselves in the city’s rich history and striking architecture, a testament to the enduring Catholic faith that has permeated this region for centuries. Free time to explore the charming cobblestone streets of Prague, acquainting ourselves with its unique character. In the evening, you assemble for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Your pilgrimage continues in earnest after breakfast as you visit the Church of Our Lady Victorious, the sanctuary of the esteemed Infant Jesus of Prague. This 16th-century image of the Infant Jesus, holding the symbols of Christ’s dominion over the earth, becomes the focal point of our morning prayer and reflection. After a reverent Mass, you embark on a walking tour through Old Town Prague. As you traverse the Royal Route towards the Old Town Square, you witness a rich tapestry of architectural and spiritual history. In the Castle District, you take time to visit and pray at St. Nicholas Church, St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George Basilica, Loreto Church, and Strahov Monastery – all living testimonies of the robust Catholic heritage of the region. The Charles Bridge, adorned with baroque statues of saints, offers us a serene moment to appreciate the beauty of the Vltava River and Prague Castle. Our day culminates with the viewing of the Astronomical Clock and a walk-through Wenceslas Square, named after the patron saint of Bohemia, St. Wenceslas. As you retire to our hotel for dinner and rest, you reflect on our shared experiences and the grace you’ve received through this day of pilgrimage.

Today, after breakfast, you journey from Prague to Altotting, a city that serves as a beacon of faith and pilgrimage in Germany. Here, you celebrate Mass in the Chapel of Mercy, housing a revered 13th-century statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. you take time to reflect on the miraculous cures attributed to her intercession, reinforcing our own faith in the power of prayer. Our visit also includes time at the Basilica, the Panorama of the Crucifixion, and St. Konrad’s Monastery, further immersing us in the rich tapestry of Catholic devotion present in Altotting. As you continue our journey to Salzburg, the birthplace of the renowned composer Mozart, you marvel at the majestic views of the Eastern Alps and anticipate exploring the city’s Baroque splendor. You conclude the day with some free time to unwind before gathering for dinner and resting in anticipation of the experiences that await us in Salzburg.

Our day in Salzburg starts with a nourishing breakfast, after which you attend Mass at the ancient St. Peter’s Abbey, a spiritual center that has served the faithful for over a millennium. Following Mass, you immerse ourselves in the city’s history with a walking tour of the heart of Salzburg. Narrow streets and secluded passageways whisper tales of its medieval roots, while the grandeur of the Archbishop’s Residence at Dom Platz speaks to the Catholic Church’s enduring influence. The gardens of Mirabell Palace, a setting made famous by “The Sound of Music,” offer a tranquil space for prayer and reflection. The grandeur of the Romanesque Cathedral and the serenity of the Nonnberg Convent of Benedictine nuns further inspire our faith. Mozart’s birthplace beckons us with its cultural significance, and the gardens and hidden trick fountains of Hellbrunn Palace provide a delightfully unexpected close to our day. As you gather for dinner, you share our experiences, impressions, and the ways in which our journey is touching our hearts.

As you depart from Salzburg after breakfast, you will traverse the Austrian mountains towards Mariazell, a revered pilgrimage site. You will visit the Mariazell Basilica, also known as the Basilica of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, housing the miraculous statue associated with the foundation of a monastic cell in 1157. You will continue on to Melk, known for the imposing baroque Melk Abbey. Overlooking the Danube River, the Abbey is the final resting place of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and members of the House of Babenberg, Austria’s first ruling dynasty. After time to explore and reflect in Melk, you journey on to Vienna, the capital of Austria, where you share a meal and prepare for the next leg of our journey.

Our day begins with breakfast and a tour of Vienna, home to great composers like Johann Strauss and Mozart. Our visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a symbol of Vienna and a significant Gothic structure, allows us to witness the miraculous image of Our Lady of Mariapoch. you tour the cathedral, with (time permitting) the brave among us climbing the 343 steps to the top of the spire. Our journey continues to the Schonbrunn Royal palace, a summer residence with a Hall of Mirrors where a young Mozart performed. The palace’s inclusion in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites further testifies to its significance. Our day concludes with a visit to the Belvedere Palace, Karlsplatz and its Church of St. Charles Borromeo, and Otto Wagner’s Stadtbahn pavilions. Amidst our explorations, you will pause for a coffee break to savor famous Viennese pastries like the Sacher cake. As you return to our hotel, you will share dinner and reflections on the day’s experiences.

After breakfast, you will depart from Vienna and make your way to Budapest, stopping enroute at the Pannonhalma Abbey. Located atop St. Martin Hill, the Abbey is steeped in religious and historical importance, having welcomed Pope John Paul II for its 1000th anniversary. You will visit the Marian sanctuary of Our Lady of Remete – the site of a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary – and recall how Pope John Paul II kneeled and prayed here in 1991. After these spiritual encounters, you will continue to Budapest, a city of breathtaking architecture and mesmerizing views, and spend the evening exploring the Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion in the heart of Buda’s Castle District. The day concludes with a shared meal and a restful overnight, providing you with time to contemplate the divine experiences of the day.

Our final full day of pilgrimage begins with a morning Mass at the 13th-century Cathedral of St. Matthew. Subsequently, you will venture into the historic heart of Budapest, taking in panoramic vistas from the Citadel on Mount Gellert, the Royal Castle, the Parliament, and Heroes’ Square. As you visit the Church of St. Stephen and the Fisherman’s Bastion, you will be reminded of the seven Magyar tribes who first settled here in 895. The city of Budapest is blessed with numerous natural hot springs, and you will have the opportunity to visit an array of thermal baths – allowing for a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation. As the day draws to a close, you will gather for a farewell dinner, cherishing the shared experiences, spiritual insights, and fellowship of your journey.

As your journey draws to an end, you will depart from Budapest Airport, carrying with you not only memories of ancient cities, beautiful landscapes, and historical monuments, but also a deepened faith and a renewed spirit. As you make your journey home, you will hold these experiences close – ready to share the blessings and grace you have received with your families and friends.

*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.