Buffet breakfasts daily, 6 dinners including dinner at a local restaurant in Barcelona
Itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description.
Day 1
ARRIVE IN LISBON, PORTUGAL. Welcome to Portugal! Check into your hotel, and tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Day 2
LISBON–SANTARÉM–FÁTIMA. On your guided sightseeing tour of the capital of Portugal, see the enormous monument dedicated to Henry the Navigator, as well as the 16th-century Belém Tower, the Moorish citadel, and impressive Black Horse Square. Visit the CATHEDRAL LA SE’, whereSt. Anthony was baptized, and JERONIMOS MONASTERY, which dates back to the mid-1400s and was built in thanks to the Virgin Mary for Vasco de Gama’s successful voyage to India. Head north for a stop in Santarém to visit the CHURCH OF THE EUCHARISTIC HOLY MIRACLE. Arrive in Fátima, home to one of the most famous Catholic shrines. Enjoy an orientation walk and visit the TOMB OF THE VISIONARIES and the CHAPEL OF THE APPARITIONS made famous by the Virgin Mary’s 1917 appearances to three shepherd children, which culminated in the revelation of the Three Secrets of Fátima. This evening, join pilgrims from around the world for the ROSARY and candlelight procession at the Our Lady of Fátima Basilica.
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 3
FÁTIMA. Today, spend the day at the Sanctuary at leisure, or join an optional excursion to Tomar with a visit to the Monastery-Fortress of the Knights Templar. This afternoon, attend [M] Mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady with time to wander on your own. This evening, perhaps join the Rosary.
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 4
FÁTIMA–BRAGA–SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, SPAIN. Journey north this morning and stop in Braga, one of the oldest Christian cities in the world and nicknamed the “Portuguese Rome.” Visit the BOM JESUS DO MONTE SANCTUARY, an important pilgrimage site, where devout followers have walked the “Stations of the Cross” for contemplation and penance since 1811. See the unique zigzag stairway dedicated to the five senses: sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste—and the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity. Continue into Spain and head for Santiago de Compostela, one of the top pilgrimage destinations since the Middle Ages. On arrival, an orientation walk introduces you to the old city center. Then, attend the [M] Pilgrims Mass in ST. JAMES’ CATHEDRAL, which houses the Apostle James’ remains beneath the high alter.
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 5
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA. This morning, join an optional excursion to Cabo Finisterre, where pilgrims have traditionally completed their walk and burned their robes. Later, return to Santiago de Compostela, known throughout history for the key 9th-century pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago (or Way of St. James) with time to explore on your own.
Breakfast
Day 6
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA–BURGOS. Today, travel to Burgos, historic capital of Old Castile. Your visit takes you to the magnificent CATHEDRAL, a masterpiece of gothic architecture and burial place of Spain’s national hero, El Cid.
Breakfast
Day 7
BURGOS–SAN IGNACIO DE LOYOLA–LOURDES, FRANCE. Travel through the Basque region toward Lourdes. En route, stop at the 17th-century SANCTUARY OF LOYOLA, built in honor of San Ignacio de Loyola, founder of the Jesuit religious order. Cross into France and stay overnight in Lourdes, home to another of the world’s most famous places of pilgrimage. Join the nightly ROSARY and candlelight procession for a memorable spiritual experience.
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 8
LOURDES. Today’s guided walking tour includes the GROTTO, where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858, OUR LADY OF LOURDES SHRINE, BERNADETTE’S BIRTHPLACE, and her family home. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this little market town. According to the schedule, attend [M] Mass at the Sanctuary either early in the morning or in the evening.
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 9
LOURDES–CARCASSONNE–BARCELONA, SPAIN. This morning, head for the France/Spain border. En route, visit the FORTIFIED CITADEL of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the ramparts, castle walls, and drawbridges that are still well preserved from the Middle Ages. Stay overnight in Catalonia’s lively and beautiful capital, Barcelona.
Breakfast
Day 10
BARCELONA. Today’s guided sightseeing includes a drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium for a great panoramic view of the port and city. Continue to the city center’s Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire Gaudi’s eccentric Houses Batlló and Milà, as well as his SAGRADA FAMILIA, an unfinished architectural masterpiece that is still a consecrated expression of the Catholic faith.
Breakfast
Day 11
BARCELONA. Today is at leisure to explore as you like. Maybe join the optional excursion to the pilgrimage site of Montserrat and its countryside. Situated 4,055 feet above sea level in a mountain range composed of striking pink conglomerate, a form of sedimentary rock, this is the site of the Benedictine abbey that hosts the Black Virgin of Montserrat Sanctuary, patron saint of Catalonia. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 12
BARCELONA. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast