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 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 the famous cathedral, Zaragoza is also known for its folklore and local gastronomy, both of which will be explored on your walking tour of the city. This evening, your group will continue to Madrid where you will eat your dinner and enjoy 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 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 then a restful night at your hotel.

Your last day in Spain will begin with breakfast at your hotel, followed by a transfer to Santiago Airport for your flight to Rome. Upon arrival in “the Eternal City”, collect your luggage in the baggage claim area, and head to the arrival hall, where you will be greeted by a tour escort and/or driver. Board 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, between 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM, 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 may walk to St. Peter’s Square with the group to pray 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: The Basilica of St. John the Lateran. This Basilica houses the relics of Peter and Paul. It is where the Pope was 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 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 meditating on Christ’s agonizing Passion. Proceed to 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.

This morning, you will enjoy an early breakfast before making your way 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. Here, you can 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. Proceed to the Vatican Museum, where you will see the most impressive 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, head 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 evening.

Following breakfast, you will board your bus and enjoy a scenic drive to Montecassino. Pass through the Roman countryside, known for its villas and vineyards. During the bus ride, your tour escort will share interesting information regarding the spiritual, historical, and cultural aspects of Italy. Montecassino, the principal monastery of the Benedictine Order, was founded by Saint Benedict around 530 A.D. Following the tour, there will be an opportunity to visit the gift shop before you board the bus to continue toward San Giovanni Rotondo, the hometown of Saint Padre Pio. Upon arrival in San Giovanni Rotondo, you will check in, enjoy dinner in a restaurant, and a restful overnight.

After breakfast, you will visit the Old Church, and then we will celebrate Holy Mass. After Mass, you will tour the sanctuary and see the crucifix, in front of which St. Pio received the stigmata. Visit the confessional from where St. Padre Pio spent an innumerable number of hours listening to confessions. Next, you 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 be annihilated as he feared. Following the visit to the grotto, enjoy some free time. On the way back to San Giovanni Rotondo, take in breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding countryside. Upon arrival, you will have time for devotion and reflection until dinner and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo.

*Candlelight Procession: From May – October, pilgrims may attend the weekly Candlelight Procession at the Sanctuary of St. Pio after dinner, at 9:00 PM. During these candlelight processions, pilgrims pray the Holy Rosary. Following this prayerful experience, you will return to your hotel for a restful overnight.

After breakfast, we will leave for Assisi. On the way, stop in Lanciano for a private Mass at the Church of Saint Francis, built on top of the old Church of St. Longinus. This is the site of a Eucharistic Miracle that occurred in the 8th century. At the time of the miracle, there was a Basilian monk who was struggling with his belief in the Real Presence in the Eucharist. One day as he celebrated 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 Christ. We will continue our journey as we head to 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 into manhood, and in which the Holy Family lived, before it was transported several times by angels to its current location in Italy. End the day in Assisi, hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare, with dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Assisi has not changed much since the early 13th century, and is a town full of medieval charm. You will start your tour at the Basilica of St. Francis, where you will visit his tomb, view a series of frescoes depicting his life, along with 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. Enjoy some time for prayer, shopping, or 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, and it is made up of two structures. The first is the “Porziuncola”, where St. Francis founded his order of the Friar Minor (Franciscans). The second is the “Capella del Transito”, where St. Francis died. 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 renowned Cathedrals in Italy. Because of its strategic location, its Christian history officially started in 1004, but Orvieto was built over preexisting Etruscan era cave tunnels dating back 2,500 years. Some historians believe Christians used to celebrate Mass here at a time when Christianity was forbidden. Return to Assisi for dinner and overnight.

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