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

Upon arrival in Barcelona, collect your luggage in the baggage claim area and continue to the arrival hall, where you will be greeted by your tour guide and/or driver. Make your way to the vehicle for your transfer to your hotel. Upon arrival, check-in and have free time to rest, refresh, or explore. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner, followed by an overnight in Barcelona.

This morning, your day will begin with breakfast and a sightseeing tour of Barcelona! Enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the Port of Barcelona, Montjuic, Plaza de España, and Plaza de Catalunya. This port was established over 2,000 years ago to protect and provide access for ships carrying goods. Currently, it is home to numerous walking regions, businesses, cultural and sporting events. Plaza de España is right outside the center of town, formerly known for its old bull-fighting ring. Presently, the Plaza is renowned for containing the Museum of Catalan Art, situated on the side of Montjuic. Plaza de Catalunya is located in the heart of Barcelona and is famous for its fountains and statues. Your day of touring will continue with a guided walk through the Gothic Quarter, containing remains from an ancient Roman village, including the Cathedral of Barcelona. We will continue to the Eixample quarter to visit Antoni Gaudi’s stunning, unfinished Roman Catholic Basilica, La Sagrada Familia. In the afternoon, we will travel to Manresa to visit the Sanctuary of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and the Holy Cave where St. Ignatius lived. Continue to Montserrat, home to the miraculous Black Madonna. Arrive in time for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we will visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat, located on a rugged mountainside. According to Catholic tradition, circa 50 A.D., St. Luke is said to have carved the statue of the Black Madonna and brought it to Spain. While in Spain, it was kept hidden from the Moors and later was discovered by shepherds. In 880 A.D., shepherds and the Bishop of Manresa were drawn to a grotto by a bright light and heavenly music. Upon discovering the Black Madonna statue, the Bishop of Manresa suggested moving it to Manresa. However, the statue was too heavy and could not be lifted. As a result, the Virgin remained in Montserrat and continued to be venerated there for centuries. As the years progressed, several chapels were built on the site. In the eleventh century, the abbot-bishop Oliba founded the Monastery on Montserrat next to one of these chapels. Dinner and overnight.

This morning, following breakfast, depart for Zaragoza. While in Zaragoza, you will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Basilica del Pilar, built upon the site where Our Lady appeared to St. James. In 44 A.D., St. James the Greater was spreading the Gospel in Spain. He was discouraged due to the fact that he was making very little progress and began questioning his mission. According to Catholic Tradition, the Virgin Mary, who was still living in Jerusalem, bi-located and appeared to St. James the Greater to boost his morale. While inside the Basilica, you will view the pillar carried by angels, and from atop Our Lady appeared. After visiting the Basilica del Pilar, continue to La Seo Cathedral (Cathedral of Zaragoza), formerly known as the Church of San Vicente. The Visigoth period contains architectural elements of Gothic, Mudejar, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. In addition to its famous Cathedral, Zaragoza is renowned for its rich folklore and local gastronomy. Enjoy a walking tour of the city before dinner and a restful overnight.

After breakfast, we will embark on a tour of Madrid, which includes visits to the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor. A visit to Toledo will be next. Toledo is situated on a rocky mound, isolated on three sides, adjacent to a looping gorge of the Río Tajo. Every available inch of this outcrop has churches, synagogues, mosques, and houses heaped upon one another in a haphazard spiral, which the cobbled lanes infiltrate as best they can. Toledo is known as the city of the Three Religions or Cultures. For many centuries, Christians, Moors, and Jews lived together in relative equality and peace. The city, surrounded by walls, hides many treasures, including the Church of Santo Tomé, the Tránsito Synagogue, Santa María la Blanca Synagogue, the Church of San Juan de los Reyes, the Puerta de Bisagras, the Puerta del Cambrón, and the Puerta del Sol, among others. We will return to Madrid for dinner and an overnight stay.

Today, you will depart Madrid and head towards the city of Santiago de Compostela. On the way, stop in Astorga to visit the Bishop’s Palace built by Antonio Gaudi, which holds the Museum of El Camino. Later this afternoon, enter Galicia by way of the city of Lugo. Your first stop will be O Cebreiro, the first village in the region of Lugo, nestled in the mountains at an altitude of 1,300 meters. In O Cebreiro, view the iconic palooza-style houses and the site of a Eucharistic Miracle, which occurred in the year 1300. In the evening, proceed to Santiago de Compostela for dinner and an overnight stay.

This morning, you will walk a few miles of El Camino, immerse yourselves in the fragrant eucalyptus groves, and experience the breathtaking scenery. Later this morning, join in celebrating the International Pilgrim Mass at the Cathedral of St. James. After Mass, there will be free time for lunch, followed by a visit to the Cathedral of Santiago. The Cathedral is made of Galician granite, one of the finest examples of architectural design in Europe, as it encompasses Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. Additionally, it contains numerous valuable pieces of art that truly captivate the eye. Pilgrims traditionally hug the state of St. James as they enter the Cathedral. Descend into the crypt where the Patron Saint of Pilgrims relics is displayed. Following your visit, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. Some stops on your tour include the 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.

Today, you will transfer to Lisbon. Upon arrival in Lisbon, check into your hotel. Then, join your group and begin a panoramic sightseeing tour of the coastal city of Lisbon. We will stop at the 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. Continue to drive by the Belem Quarter that contains the iconic entry way to the Lisbon harbor, the Belem Tower. This important historic structure has many beautiful sculptures, such as depictions of St. Vincent and Our Lady of Safe Homecoming. We will continue and pass by the “25th of April Bridge”, inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco, California. The Ponte 25 de Abril is the oldest bridge that connects the Tagus river of Lisbon. We will then drive by the Discoveries Monument. This memorial 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. Enjoy a view of the Basilica of the Star, the Rossio Square, Commerce Square, and the Marquee of Pombal Square. Our last stop will be St. Anthony’s Church to celebrate Mass. Although this patron Saint of lost things is known as St. Anthony of Padua (Italy), he was originally born in Lisbon, Portugal. This Church is built upon the site of St. Anthony’s birth, and is also where Saint John Paul II visited in 1982. The former Pope stopped at this Church on his way to Fatima to pray to Our Lady in thanksgiving. Saint John Paul II recognizes Our Lady as 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 a welcome dinner followed by a restful overnight.

Today, we will travel 45 miles north to the old city of Santarem. In Santarem, visit and attend Mass at the Church of St. Stephen, which holds a 13th-century Eucharistic Miracle.

The Miracle occurred when a woman yearned to change the ways of her unfaithful husband and consulted a sorceress. The sorceress agreed that she would cure the husband’s infidelity in exchange for a consecrated Host. The woman committed the sacrilege, but when she exited the church, the Host began to bleed. It bled so much that her fellow parishioners thought she had cut her hand. The woman ran home and hid the bleeding Host in a trunk. When her husband arrived home, the wife told him what she had done, and later that night there was a light emanating from the trunk. She and her husband began to kneel before the trunk. The following morning, the husband and wife brought the Host to the Parish Priest. It was then moved to the Church of St. Stephen where another miracle occurred; the miraculous Host was originally put in a wax container, however, when the Priest opened the tabernacle to view the Host, the container was found broken, and the Host was found enclosed in a crystal pyx.

From Santarem, we depart to Fatima. On the way, you will pay a visit to the Hamlet of Aljustrel which was the home of the three shepherd children. Visit the Parish Church and Fatima Parish Cemetery before reaching your hotel for dinner and an overnight.

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 the city of Salamanca. Salamanca is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. For four centuries, it was the home of the most prestigious universities in the world. We will have the chance to see many of the city’s famous sites including the grand Plaza Mayor, the hub of Salmantine life; the vast Baroque church of La Clerecía; the Casa de las Conchas (House of Shells), named after the rows of carved scallop shells symbol of the pilgrimage to Santiago which decorate its façade; the University; the cathedrals; the Roman Bridge; San Marcos and San Martin churches, and more. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant before continuing to our hotel for a restful overnight.

After breakfast, we will depart for the quaint village of Alba de Tormes. Here we will visit and celebrate Mass at the Carmelite Monastery, where Saint Teresa died in 1582 A.D. and is buried. At the monastery’s museum, we will be able to see the incorrupt heart and left arm of St. Teresa. Enjoy free time for lunch before we continue our journey to Ávila. This medieval city is best known for its perfectly preserved eleventh-century walls and the mystic writer, Saint Teresa, who was born here! She was the first woman to be named a Doctor of the Church. During our tour of Ávila, we will visit the Cathedral and the Church of San Vicente. We will visit the Incarnation Convent, where St. Teresa became a nun, and visit a museum dedicated to her life. We also will visit La Santa Monastery, built on the site of the house where she was born, and San José Convent, the first monastery founded by the Saint. After walking in the footsteps of St. Teresa, we depart for Burgos, the historic capital of Old Castile. After dinner, you will have free time to explore Burgos and admire the magnificent limestone Cathedral.

After breakfast, we depart from Burgos for Loyola, which was the birthplace of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. Here, we will see the 17th-century Basilica dedicated to St. Ignatius. We will also visit his family’s home, located behind the sanctuary. We will have time to pray at the most venerated room where Ignatius recovered after he sustained severe wounds during the Battle of Pamplona. After a break for lunch, we will drive through the spectacular Pyrenees Mountains. Nestled in the mountains stands Lourdes, the birthplace of St. Bernadette. Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858 near the Grotto of Massabielle. We will arrive in time for dinner at our hotel before retiring to our rooms for a restful night’s sleep.

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 France’s infidelity 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, which houses 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. 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 following the 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, where she entered in 1888, and is currently entombed with her parents. This afternoon, transfer to the Normandy Landing beaches. The Normandy landings were the landing operations on Tuesday, 6 June 1944 (termed 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. Continue to visit The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, a World War II cemetery and 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 overnight.

This morning, your day begins with an early breakfast before we depart for Chartres. Chartres is known for its massive Cathedral of Notre Dame. It is known worldwide for the incredible stained-glass windows from the 12th and 13th centuries. A World Heritage site by UNESCO, which calls the Cathedral “the high point of French Gothic art” and a “masterpiece”. Have some free time for lunch in the quaint town of Chartres. After lunch, we will continue to Paris. Check in to the hotel and enjoy free time before a delicious dinner and 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. Continuing our day with a visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral, a perfect example of Gothic art. Our panoramic sightseeing tour via motor coach continues to the most recognizable symbol of the city of Paris, the Eiffel Tower. Historically, the Tower’s original intent was to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution, but later assisted in meteorology, telegraphy during World War I, radio, and television. Pass by the Arc de Triomphe, a monument that symbolizes gratitude for those who fought for France. This monument stands at the West end of the Champs-Élysées, one of the world’s most famous boulevards and another one of our stops on the sightseeing tour. We will also pass by the famous Louvre Museum.* This Museum is one of the finest in the world and contains several pieces that truly emanate not only French art but also European culture. Your fun-filled, busy day ends with a lovely meal and a very comfortable overnight.

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, your group will leave by motor coach and transfer to the Paris 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.