Sample Day-by-Day Itinerary:

Day 1, Sat, Sep 16: Depart for Lisbon
Make your way to San Francisco or Los Angeles airport, where you will board your overnight
flight(s). Your meals will be served on board.

Day 2, Sun, Sep 17: Lisbon Airport – Santarem – Fatima
Upon landing at Lisbon Portela Airport, make your way to the baggage claim area and collect
your luggage. Proceed to the lobby area where you will be greeted by your tour guide and driver. You will be escorted to the bus and you will travel north to the old city of Santarem. In Santarem visit and attend Mass at the Church of St. Stephen, which holds the oldest (13th century) recorded 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 a priest opened the tabernacle to view the Host, the container was found broken, and the Host was found enclosed in a crystal pyx. Continuation of the journey to Fatima. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Day 3, Mon, Sep 18: Fatima
Breakfast at the hotel. Today will surely 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 true turmoil, Our Lady's most prominent message during this time was to pray for world peace. The destruction of the world at that point in history was also mentioned by Our Lady in her messages of Fatima, and more specifically, in her second secret to the children. Our profoundly reflective day begins with a visit of the Little Chapel of the Apparitions. This simple, yet modern, Chapel is the site of where the Virgin Mary first appeared on May 13, 1917. Continue with a visit of the stunning neoclassical Church, the 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. Due to Our Lady's consistency in Her messages to pray the Rosary, this Basilica also features fifteen altars that are dedicated to the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary. While in the Basilica, you will be able to feel, through the Love of Our Lord and Lady, the many graces that were received here. Visit the Museum with the exhibition: Fatima: Light and Peace. Continue with a visit of 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 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. Ending the day with visit of Valinhos, the site of Our Lady's August 1917 apparition and the first and third apparition of the Angel and Aljustrel, the hamlet of the three children. Your 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.

Day 4, Tue, Sep 19: Fatima – Porto – Santiago de Compostela
After breakfast we travel north to the lovely city of Porto, Portugal. Located along the Douro river estuary, Porto is one of the oldest European centers, and registered as a World Heritage City by UNESCO in 1996. Its settlement dates back many centuries, when it was an outpost of the Roman Empire. One of Portugal's internationally famous exports, port wine is named for Porto, since the metropolitan area, and in particular the adegas of Vila Nova de Gaia were responsible for the production and export of the fortified wine. After lunch on your own, continuation of your journey towards Santiago de Compostela. Arrival to Santiago and visit to it's Cathedral. Formed by 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 and valuable pieces of art that truly captivate the eye. Upon entering the Cathedral, tradition will lead as you will hug the dazzling statue of St. James. Following this intimate embrace, you will descent into the crypt where the Patron Saint of Pilgrims’ relics are kept. Dinner and overnight in Santiago.

Day 5, Wed, Sep 20: Santiago de Compostela - Oviedo
This morning, you will walk a few miles of El Camino, you will immerse yourselves in the fragrant eucalyptus groves and experience the breathtaking scenery. Later this morning we will depart towards Oviedo. Oviedo is the capital city of Asturias and maintains a vocation of administrative and university services city. The city arose on a hill that the Romans called Ovetao and was founded in the year 761 by Asturian King Fruela. Once in Oviedo you will be able to see the Campoamor Theater where the Prince of Asturias Awards are annually presented and to visit the Cathedral of the Holy Savor and its Holy Chamber, the only surviving portion of the Pre- Romanesque Basilica built in the IX Century that contains important relics like one of the six jugs of the Cana Wedding and the Sudarium of Our Lord, sweat/burial cloth that was used to cover Jesus' bloodied face following his death on the cross and mentioned in John’s Gospel, as well as treasures associated with the Asturian Monarchy like the Cross of the Angels, the Victory Cross and the Agate Casket. Bishop Pelagius relates that the Agate Box, a coffer made by the disciples of the Apostles and containing the most precious relics of the Holy City, was taken from Jerusalem to Africa, and after residing in several locations was finally placed at Oviedo by King Alfonso II. Dinner and overnight in Oviedo.

Day 6, Thu, Sep 21: Oviedo – Covadonga Monastery – Bilbao – Lourdes
After breakfast we will travel towards the Covadonga Sanctuary. This Shrine gained popularity following the Battle of Covadonga in 722, at which the Moorish invasion of Spain was first resisted. A statue of the Virgin Mary, secretly hidden in one of the caves, was believed to have faithfully supported the Christian victory. Covadonga is the place where the Re-conquest began under king Pelayo, whose remains are buried in the cave alongside La Santina. This is the gateway to the Picos de Europa National Park. The Basilica, alongside the cave where pilgrims venerate the statue of La Santina, is a place of worship and pilgrimage for the people of Asturias. The Basilica is in neo-Romanesque style, with two high towers flanking the main entrance. Inside there are works of great value, such as a canvass by Madrazo. The statue of king Pelayo is in the square by the Basilica. The statue of La Santina, the tomb of king Pelayo and that of king Alfonso I, are in a cave, with access via a large staircase. A spring flows out of the cave and below this there is a fountain with seven spouts. On the altar, a gold panel represents the battle of Covadonga. Continuation of the journey to Lourdes. On the way you will make a short stop in the city of Bilbao. Bilbao, a former industrial giant, has been transformed, in less than a decade, into leading cultural pole thanks to the incredible impact of the Guggenheim Museum. After the opening of the Guggenheim Museum (built by Frank O. Gehry) in 1997, this sprawling city has experienced a cultural renaissance fueled by a stream of visitors. Cutting-edge hotels, state of the art transport, public sculptures and the most internationally-reendowed architects (Casar Pelli, Santiago Calatrava, Arata Isozaki, Ricadro Legorreta, Pedro Arrupe, Sir Norman Foster, Zaha Hadid and Frank Gehry) have all been drawn into the dynamic Bilbao net. Dinner and overnight in Lourdes.

Day 7, Fri, Sep 22: Lourdes
This morning we will celebrate a group Mass at the Grotto before meeting our guide for a walking tour of Lourdes including the Sanctuary area: Upper & Lower Basilicas, the Grotto, and the Baths where hundreds of miraculous cures have taken place. Continue our visit of the main sites associated with St Bernadette including the Boly Mill where she was born in 1844, the original parish Church and the Cachot (prison) where the family was forced to live due to misfortune during the time of the apparitions. Free time this afternoon for a visit and prayers for the sick at the miraculous Baths where the water has continued to flow since 1858. Pilgrims may choose to submerge themselves in the healing waters, or collect the Lourdes water at the taps. During her 9th apparition to Bernadette, Our Lady said “Go drink and wash yourself at the spring”. Optional afternoon Blessed Sacrament Procession and Blessing of the Sick before a final evening candlelight procession after dinner. Overnight in Lourdes.

Day 8, Sat, Sep 23: Lourdes – Toulouse – Rocamadour
Breakfast in the hotel. We depart Lourdes today travelling north-east towards Rocamadour. Enroute we will visit Toulouse, the ‘pink city’ including the Saint-Sernin Basilica, the largest Romanesque Church in Europe, and the Church of the Jacobins which is also the burial site of St. Thomas Aquinas, the great theologian and philosopher. Later this afternoon we arrive into Rocamadour, the sacred city built stunningly against the side of a cliff. According to the tradition, Rocamadour was the home of an early Christian hermit named Zaccheus of Jericho. It is believed that he died in about 70 AD and had conversed with Jesus himself. After the hermit's death and burial in Rocamadour, and even more so after the statue of the Black Madonna was brought here several centuries later, the site became a place of pilgrimage. The Shrine is accessible from the town via an elevator or the Grand Escalier, a stairway of 216 weathered steps. From the Middle Ages many pilgrims have made the climb on their knees in penance. Along the way are 14 Stations of the Cross culminating in the Cross of Jerusalem at the top. Dinner and overnight in Rocamadour.

Day 9, Sun, Sep 24: Rocamadour – Paray Le Monial
This morning we will visit the Shrine of Rocamadour. Our group Mass will be celebrated at the Chapel of the Black Virgin where we have the opportunity also to pray before the miraculous Black Madonna statue. Other sites we will see include St Michael’s Chapel with its 12th century frescoes and St Amadour’s crypt. Departing Rocamadour we continue our French immersion travelling on to Paray-le-Monial, the place where St Margaret Mary Alacoque experienced visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the 17th century. In revealing His Heart to her, Jesus said: "Behold the Heart which has so loved men that it has spared nothing but has been poured out totally and consumed as proof of its love”. Dinner and overnight in Paray le Monial.

Day 10, Mon, Sep 25: Paray Le Monial – Ars – Lyon
Breakfast at the hotel. After celebrating Mass at the Shrine of Paray le Monial we will start a
guided visit featuring the Chapel of Apparitions, the place where St Margaret Mary Alacoque
experienced visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the 17th century, the room of the relics of St. Margaret Mary, the Diorama of St Margaret and the Eucharist Museum. Other highlights include the Basilica of Sacre Coeur and the Chapel of St Claude in honor of St Margaret Mary’s Spiritual Director. After the visit, free time for lunch on your own. In the afternoon you will depart towards Ars where we will visit the Shrine dedicated to Saint Jean Marie Vianney, the patron saint of the priesthood. In Ars you will be able to visit the presbytery and the Basilica where you will find the incorrupt body of the Cure of Ars, and to enjoy a short documentary about his life. Departing Ars you continue your pilgrimage travelling on to Lyon. Dinner and overnight in Lyon.

Day 11, Tue, Sep 26: Lyon – La Salette – Lyon
After breakfast we depart for La Salette located in a high alpine pasture in the French Alps,
La Salette is the site where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1846 to two shepherds, Melanie
Matthew and Maximin Gird. Our Lady appeared to these shepherds crying, lamenting over the
lack of observance of Sundays and the profaning of her Son's Holy name. A spring forever marks the spot where the Virgin appeared and where millions of pilgrims come to in order to drink the fresh spring water and to pray. The stunning mountain scenery and lush mountain trails make La Salette one of the most spectacular pilgrimage site in France, with a beautiful Basilica built to honor the Virgin Mary. In 1996 La Salette celebrated the 150th anniversary of Our Lady's first appearance. You return to Lyon for dinner and overnight.

Day 12, Wed, Sep 27: Lyon - U.S.
This morning, you will begin the day with breakfast, and continue with a transfer to the Lyon
airport for your return flight(s) home.

† Children Discount (under 12): available upon request

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What to Know Before You Go

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For general information, please contact: Cora Reyes: 415-647-9184 or [email protected]

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About Fatima:
The Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is one of most famous Marian Shrines in the world. Drawn by apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three local shepherd children in 1917. Four million people visit Fatima each year. The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to shepherd children on the 13th day of six consecutive months in 1917, starting on May 13th until October 13th. The events at Fatima gained particular fame due to their elements of prophecy and eschatology, particularly with regard to possible world war and the conversion of Russia.

About Lourdes:
She came for you and for everyone of us! 6 million pilgrims come to Lourdes each year and 10,000 visit this site daily. At the foot of the Pyrenees mountains in southwestern France, nestled between the spectacular mountain river, Gave de Pau, is Lourdes, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the World. Lourdes is the birthplace of St Bernadette to whom Our Lady appeared in 1858 near the Grotto of Massabielle. Our pilgrimage and tour of Lourdes includes visits to the sanctuary and the Basilica of St Pius X, the world's largest underground Church. Drink from the spring that the Virgin directed Bernadette to locate at the base of the Grotto, which has flowed uninterrupted since 1858. Wash yourself in the baths where hundreds of miraculous cures have taken place. Contemplate Christ's Passion as you pray the unique three-dimensional Stations of the Cross. Attend the blessing of the sick, and participate in nightly candlelight processions requested by Our Lady. Daily Mass, and Mass at the Grotto on Sunday will be followed by a video presentation telling the miraculous story of Lourdes. Visit Lourdes and experience a spiritual journey from which many have claimed healing and conversion.

Our Lady of Fatima Basilica Panoramic View, Portugal

Ribeira, Porto, Portugal

St. Sernin Basilica, Toulouse, France

Covadonga Monastery, Asturias, Spain

Basilica of Immaculate Conception, Lourdes, France