France Pilgrimage
Group Leader: Lisa Colgin
October 1 - 10, 2020
*Optional Post Tour to Geneva: October 10 - 13, 2020 | $1499 per person
LC100120
Your trip includes
- Round Trip Airfare from Dallas
- Airport Taxes and Fuel Surcharges
- Centrally located first class hotels as follows: (or similar)
- Tour Escort throughout
- Breakfast & Dinner daily, Dinners in Restaurants (with exception of Lourdes)
- Wine with dinners
- 1 Lunch (Geneva)
- Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
- Train from Bordeaux to Paris (tourist class)
- Whisper Headsets where needed
- Assistance of a professional local guide(s)
- Sightseeing with local professional guides
- Mass daily & Spiritual activities
Not included
- Lunches. Beverages unless mentioned. Tips to your guide & driver.
Itinerary
October 1, Thursday, Depart to France
Make your way to your local airport where you will board your overnight flight. Your meals are served on board.
October 2, Friday, Arrive Lourdes
Upon arriving at Pau or Toulouse airport, make your way to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage. Proceed to the arrival's hall, where you will be greeted by your tour guide and/or driver. Embark on scenic drive to Lourdes. Check-in to your hotel, and then relax or explore before dinner. Following dinner, you will have free time to pray the Rosary and to attend the candlelight procession. (April-October only). These processions are lit by candlelight and guided by the Most Holy Rosary. Following this prayerful experience, you will return to your hotel for an overnight.
October 3 - 4, Saturday - Sunday, Lourdes
Enjoy the day in this small town, nestled within the Pyrenees Mountains. During your time in Lourdes, you will pray and meditate in a 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 any exchange of words. During the following apparitions, Our Lady emphasized God's love for us, penance 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 in detail, the story of Lourdes; drink water from the miraculous spring that has healed many and submerge yourself in the healing baths. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to experience Christ's unconditional love, as you meditate upon the "life size" Stations of the Cross that overlook the Grotto of Massabielle. Also 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 will have an opportunity to attend the candlelight procession and the Rosary, before a restful overnight.
October 5, Monday, Lourdes - Bordeaux
This morning, we'll enjoy a half-day touring of this charming city, the hub of the famed wine growing region and a port city on the Garonne River. It's known for its Gothic Cathedrale Saint Andre, 18th to 19th century mansions and notable art museums such as the Musee des Beaux Arts de Bordeaux. Public gardens line the curving river quays. The grand Place de la Bourse, centered on the Three Graces fountain, overlooking the Miroir d'Eau reflecting pool. Afterward we'll visit a local wine cellar and enjoy wine tasting and a light lunch. Dinner and overnight in Bordeaux.
October 6, Tuesday, Bordeaux
On your own Meet later at a restaurant in Bordeaux for dinner. Overnight Bordeaux.
October 7, Wednesday, Bordeaux - Paris
We'll depart for the railway station and travel by train to Paris. We'll be met upon arrival and take some time to relax or explore before dinner and overnight.
October 8, Thursday, Paris Touring
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, as well as the green scapular. 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. Our panoramic sightseeing tour, via motor coach, for your to view 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 advancements in meteorology, telegraphy during World War I, radio, and television. Pass by Invalides, the L' Arch de Triomphe, a monument that symbolizes gratitude for those who fought for France. This monument stands at the West end of the Champ Elysees, one of the world's most famous boulevards and another one of our stops on the sightseeing tour. We will make a stop at La Madeleine, with the statue of Mary Magdalene carried to heaven by angels. Due to the tragic fire at Notre Dame Cathedral on April 15, 2019, Pilgrims will not be able to enter the Cathedral for the near future. Pilgrims will still have the opportunity to view the Cathedral from outside, and we expect the sacred relics to be on display in a nearby Church or museum. Then continue and pass by the Opera and the ever famous, Louvre Museum.* This Museum is one of the finest in the world and contains a number of 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.
October 9, Friday, Paris
A day on your own! Meet later at a restaurant in Paris for dinner. Overnight Paris.
October 10, Saturday, Return home
Prepare for your transfer to the airport and your return flights home.
Why buy "With Airfare" from 206 Tours
- 1000’s of flights are being cancelled. 206 Tours will assist getting you to your destination.
- Your transfer will be waiting for you upon arrival, even if your flights are rescheduled.
- In the event your tour is not operating we will refund you all your money back or provide a full credit
- Your seats will be assigned according to your request (most online fares do not include seat assignment appox. $300)
- If you need to travel few days prior or stay few days later, make a stop-over, we will arrange it for you.
If you do not buy Airfare from 206 Tours
- With many flight cancellations and overbookings, we feel that you should know:
If your flight is cancelled - 206 Tours will not be able to assist you. - In order to guarantee your arrival and departure transfer, we need your detailed flight arrival / departure by 45 days prior, Any changes within 45 -3 days prior, additional transfer cost may apply.
- For changes in arrival / departure within 3 days of departure, we will not be able to rebook your transfer and you will need to make your own way to / from hotel or airport at your own cost
- Often times low online fares, do not include seat assignments ($300 approx.). It will be a challenge to get a good seat assigned at the airport.
- If you book your own airfare, travel insurance provided by 206 Tours will not reimburse expenses caused by your flight changes.