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 proceed to the arrival hall, where your tour guide and/or driver will greet you. Make your way to the vehicle for your transfer to your hotel. Upon arrival, you will check in and have free time to rest, refresh, or explore the area. This evening, you will 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. The Port was created 2,000 years ago in the coastal area to protect and provide access for ships and goods. Currently, it is home to numerous walking areas, businesses, cultural and sporting events. Plaza de España is right outside the center of town and was 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 that contains 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, where we will 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, St. Luke is believed to have carved the statue of the Black Madonna around 50 A.D. and brought it to Spain. While in Spain, it was hidden from the Moors and lost for many years. 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 statue of the Black Madonna in the Grotto, the Bishop of Manresa suggested that it be moved to Manresa. However, the statue was so heavy that it could not be lifted. As a result, it remained in Montserrat and continues to be venerated there for centuries. As the years passed, several chapels were constructed on the site. In the 11th century, Abbot-Bishop Oliba founded a monastery on Montserrat next to one of these chapels. Enjoy dinner and an overnight.

This morning, following breakfast, your group will depart for Zaragoza. While in Zaragoza, you will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Basilica del Pilar, which was 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, but 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 encourage him. While inside the Basilica, you will be able to see the pillar on which Our Lady appeared. Following your visit to the Basilica del Pilar, you will visit La Seo Cathedral (Cathedral of Zaragoza). Formally known as the Church of San Vicente during the Visigothic period, it features architectural elements from Gothic, Mudejar, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. In addition to the famous Cathedral, Zaragoza is also known for its folklore and local gastronomy, both of which you will explore during your walking tour of the city. This evening, your group will continue to Madrid, where you will have dinner and enjoy a restful overnight stay.

After breakfast, we will embark on a tour of Madrid, which includes a visit to the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor. We then depart for Toledo, which sits on a rocky mound isolated on three sides by a looping gorge of the Río Tajo. Toledo is known as the City of the Three Religions or Cultures because, for many centuries, Christians, Moors, and Jews lived together in relative equality and peace. The city is home to a beautiful Cathedral, the Church of Santo Tomé, the Tránsito Synagogue, Santa María La Blanca Synagogue, the superb Church of San Juan de los Reyes, as well as the Puerta de Bisagras, Puerta del Cambrón, Puerta del Sol, and more. We will then 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, you will make a stop in Astorga and visit the Bishop’s Palace built by Antonio Gaudí. The palace has an El Camino Museum. Later this afternoon, you will enter Galicia by way of Lugo. Your first stop will be in O Cebreiro, the first village in the region of Lugo and nestled in the mountains at an altitude of 1,300 meters. While in O Cebreiro, you will have the opportunity to view the iconic palloza-style houses and the site of a Eucharistic Miracle that occurred in the year 1300. In the evening, you will proceed to Santiago de Compostela for dinner and an overnight.

This morning, you will walk a few miles of El Camino and immerse yourselves in the fragrant eucalyptus groves and experience the breathtaking scenery. Later this morning, attend the International Pilgrim Mass at the Cathedral of St. James. After Mass, there will be free time for lunch and a visit to the Cathedral of Santiago. Formed from Galician granite, this Cathedral is one of the finest architectural examples 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 are kept. Afterward, you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. Some stops on your tour include Obradoiro Square, Fonseca Palace, Gemirez Palace, Franco Street, and much more. Your evening will be free to spend at your leisure until a final dinner with your group. Enjoy a peaceful overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

Today, you will transfer to Lisbon. Following your orientation drive through Lisbon, you will visit St. Anthony’s Church. Although this patron Saint of lost things is known as St. Anthony of Padua (Italy), he was born in Lisbon, Portugal. This Church was built on the site of St. Anthony’s birth. This evening, you will enjoy dinner and an overnight in Lisbon.

Today, your group will travel north to the old city of Santarem. In Santarem, your group will visit and attend Mass at the Church of St. Stephen, which holds a Eucharistic Miracle dating back to the 13th century. The miracle occurred when a woman yearned to change her unfaithful husband’s ways and consulted a sorceress. The sorceress agreed to 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. Later that night, a light emanated from the trunk, and the woman and her husband knelt before it in prayer. The following morning, they brought the Host to the parish priest. It was then moved to the Church of St. Stephen, where another miracle occurred. The miraculous Host had initially been placed in a wax container. However, when a priest opened the tabernacle to view the Host, the container was found to be broken, and the Host was enclosed in a crystal pyx.

Following your visit to this miraculous site, your group will board the bus and transfer to Fatima. You will arrive in time for dinner at your hotel, followed by a restful overnight.

Today will surely be a memorable experience as you 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. Our Lady’s most prominent message during this time was to pray for world peace. Our profoundly reflective day begins with Mass at the Little Chapel of the Apparitions. This simple yet modern chapel is the site where the Virgin Mary first appeared on May 13, 1917. Following Mass, your tour of Fatima begins at the stunning neoclassical church: the Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima. This Sacred space contains the tombs of Francisco and Jacinta, as well as a Monument that commemorates the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This Basilica also features fifteen altars that are dedicated to the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary. Following this visit, your tour will continue to the Hamlet of Aljustrel, which was the home of the three shepherd children. You will also visit Valinhos, which was the site of Our Lady’s August 1917 apparition. Experience Christ’s unconditional love by participating in the Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra. This “Sacred Way” marks the path taken by the shepherd children of Fatima to their first apparition of the Virgin Mary. It is composed of fourteen small chapels in commemoration of the Passion of Our Lord. The fifteenth station, the Resurrection, is dedicated to St. Stephen of Hungary. Your night will conclude with private devotions and a candlelight procession as requested by Our Lady. Enjoy dinner and a comfortable night’s rest in Fatima.

After breakfast, we depart for the city of Salamanca. Salamanca is one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. For four centuries, it boasted one of the most prestigious universities in the world. We will have a chance to see many of the city’s sights 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. We will 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. We will celebrate Mass at the Carmelite Monastery where Saint Teresa died in 1582 A.D. and is now buried. See her incorrupt heart and left arm. Enjoy time for lunch before continuing our journey to Ávila. Two things distinguish Ávila: the perfectly preserved eleventh-century walls that surround the old town, and the mystic writer Santa Teresa, who was born here. Ávila’s atmosphere has changed very little since the days of Santa Teresa, the first woman to be named a Doctor of the Church, to whom the city is dedicated. 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 walk through a museum dedicated to her life. We also 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. Enjoy a restful overnight.

After breakfast, we will depart Burgos for Loyola which is the birthplace of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit Order. See the 17th-century Basilica dedicated to St. Ignatius. We will also visit his family’s home located behind the sanctuary. See the room where St. Ignatius experienced his conversion following a serious injury at the Battle of Pamplona. After time for lunch, we will drive through the spectacular Pyrenees Mountains to Lourdes. Lourdes was the site of Our Lady’s apparitions to St. Bernadette in 1858 near the Grotto of Massabielle. We will arrive in time for dinner at our hotel before retiring for a restful night’s sleep.

During your time in Lourdes, you will pray and meditate at a site of Our Lady’s apparitions. Our Lady first appeared to Bernadette in 1858 and announced herself as “The Immaculate Conception”. During the first two apparitions, little Bernadette prayed the Rosary with Our Lady, and neither spoke a word. 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 participate in a number of spiritual activities. Attend Mass at the Grotto where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette. Watch a video presentation that explains the story of Lourdes in detail. Wash your face and hands in the miraculous spring. 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. After dinner, you will have the opportunity to attend a candlelight procession and pray the Rosary, followed by a restful overnight stay.

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 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. In addition to the Basilica’s extraordinary artwork and architecture, 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 may 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 her footsteps. During your visit, you will see the beautiful Basilica of St. Therese and its magnificent mosaics and stained glass. Enjoy dinner and an overnight at your hotel in Lisieux.

Upon waking up in Lisieux and enjoying breakfast, you will pray and reflect on the life of the beloved Saint and celebrate Mass. After Mass and following the visit to the Basilica, you will have the opportunity to visit St. Therese’s family home: Les Buissonnets. Here you will see relics, clothing, and personal objects that belonged to St. Therese. Tour the Carmelite Convent that she entered in 1888 and is now buried. This afternoon, transfer to the Normandy Landing beaches. The Normandy Landings were the landing operations on June 6, 1944 (termed D-Day), which marked the beginning of the Allies’ invasion of Normandy during World War II. It remains 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. 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 an overnight.

This morning, your day begins with an early breakfast, before we depart for Chartres, renowned worldwide for its massive Cathedral Notre-Dame and its incredible 12th- and 13th-century stained-glass windows. 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 to rest or explore before enjoying a delicious dinner and an overnight stay.

We 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. This 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, which is nearby. We continue our tour of Paris at one of the most iconic churches in the world: Notre-Dame Cathedral. A panoramic bus tour will take us to other famous sites in Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, the Invalides, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Élysées, the world’s most famous boulevard. We will stop at La Madeleine, with the statue of 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 short flight to Rome. Upon arrival at Rome airport, collect your luggage in the baggage claim area and continue to the arrival 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 and 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 will have the option to walk to St. Peter’s Square as a group to pray the Rosary before retiring for the evening.

After breakfast at your hotel, your first sightseeing day in Rome begins! The tour begins by attending the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square! The Audience is celebrated each Wednesday by His Holiness (pending the papal schedule). Following the Audience, there will be free time for lunch, shopping, or mailing a postcard from the Vatican Post Office. This afternoon, you will visit the oldest of the four major Basilicas in Rome, and the home to the relics of Peter and Paul: the Basilica of St. John Lateran. This Basilica is where the Pope is installed as Bishop of Rome, and where he 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 that Our Lord would have walked up during His passion. It is believed that the Staircase 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. To conclude your day, we will visit the Basilica of St. Mary Major. This Basilica contains a relic from the Manger of the Infant Jesus. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight.

Following breakfast, we will depart to celebrate Mass in the largest church in Christendom, St. Peter’s Basilica, which was built on the site where St Peter was martyred. Inside, you will marvel at the Pieta and Bernini’s spectacular bronze canopy. Following Mass, we will visit the Vatican Museums, containing a group of the most impressive edifices with hundreds of galleries filled with art treasures. See awe-inspiring relics and works of art donated over the centuries as tributes of faith. Visit the Tapestry Gallery, the Raphael Rooms, the Sistine Chapel, and Michelangelo’s Masterpiece, the restored mural of the Last Judgment. The tour ends as we make our way back into St. Peter’s Basilica. We will also visit the tomb of Saint John Paul II, located within the Vatican. There will be free time for lunch, and then we will see the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Continue our tour along the Appian Way, the oldest road preserved from Roman times. You will also see the famous Domine Quo Vadis Chapel, the ancient Baths of Caracalla, the Arch of Drusus, the tomb of Celilia Metella, and the catacombs of St. Callixtus, where early Christians hid to escape persecution. We will conclude our day with dinner at a local restaurant in Rome and then enjoy an overnight stay.

Following breakfast, we will head south and cross through the Roman countryside, featuring villas and vineyards. During your drive, your tour escort will provide a spiritual, historical, and cultural overview of Italy. We will stop at Montecassino, which is famous for its monastery that was founded by St. Benedict in 529. Enjoy lunch and then continue to San Giovanni Rotondo for dinner and an overnight.

We will begin our day by celebrating Mass at the tomb of St. Padre Pio. Next, tour the sanctuary, visit the old church, and see the crucifix in front of which he received the stigmata in 1918. You will see the confessional where St. Padre Pio spent innumerable hours extending the forgiveness of Christ to others. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Gargano Peninsula and a visit to the Grotto of Michael the Archangel. Many Popes and Saints have knelt in prayer at this Grotto, which was consecrated by St. Michael himself in 490. Return to San Giovanni Rotondo for devotions, reflection, and a restful overnight.

After breakfast, we will depart for Assisi. On the way, we will stop in Lanciano for a 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 8th century. At the time of the miracle, there was a Basilian monk who struggled with the belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. During the time of Mass, the monk, with doubt in his voice, said the words of consecration, and the bread and wine transformed into the physical flesh and blood of Our Lord. 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 in which Mary first prayed the Magnificat, where Jesus grew to manhood, and where the Holy Family lived before it was transported several times by angels to its current location. End the day in Assisi, the 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 founded the Franciscan Order and has been an inspiration to Catholics for centuries because of his humility and simplicity. The town of Assisi has not changed much since St. Francis was alive and continues to preserve its medieval charm. We will start our tour at the Basilica of St. Francis. Visit his 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 time for additional prayer, shopping, or to enjoy a nice lunch. After lunch, we will board the bus, which will take us outside the walls of Assisi to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. This Basilica is where St. Francis spent most of his 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 Friars Minor (Franciscans). The second is the “Capella del Transito”, the place where St. Francis died. 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 an overnight.

After breakfast, we will head south to Siena, the birthplace of St. Catherine (Doctor of the Church, and one of the two patron Saints of Italy, with St. Francis of Assisi) and St. Bernardine (known as the “Apostle of Italy” for his efforts to revive the Catholic faith in the 15th century). Siena is one of Italy’s loveliest medieval cities. Stroll through the Piazza Del Campo, one of Italy’s finest squares. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis, which contains miraculous consecrated hosts that have remained intact since 1730. After lunch, we will view the incorrupt head of St. Catherine at the Basilica of St. Dominic. Her body is buried in Rome at the Basilica of St. Maria Sopra Minerva. We will then travel back to Assisi for dinner and an overnight.

Following breakfast, we will travel back to Rome for our 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.