Paris (Miraculous Medal) · Lourdes (St. Bernadette) · Loyola · Burgos · Salamanca · Fatima · Santarem · Fatima · Lisbon (St. Anthony) · Medjugorje
Your trip includes
- Airport taxes & fuel surcharges
- Hotel accommodations (or similar) in double occupancy
- ~ 2 nights: Jun 21 - Jun 23: Hotel Mercure Paris Eiffel Tower, France
- ~ 3 nights: Jun 23 - Jun 26: Hotel Chapelle et Parc, Lourdes, France
- ~ 1 night: Jun 26 - Jun 27: Hotel Abba, Burgos, Spain
- ~ 2 nights: Jun 27 - Jun 29: Hotel Santa Maria, Fatima, Portugal
- ~ 1 night: Jun 29 - Jun 30: Hotel Lumen, Lisbon, Portugal
- ~ 3 nights: Jun 30 - Jul 03: Hotel or Villa Grace, Medjugorje
- Breakfast and Dinner daily
- Wine and mineral water with dinners
- Transfers as per itinerary
- Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
- Wireless headsets where needed
- Assistance of a professional local Catholic Guide
- Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
- Catholic Priest, Mass daily & Spiritual activities
- Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
Not included
- Lunches and beverages not mentioned, Tips to your guide & driver.
Itinerary
Day 1, Tue, Jun 20: Depart for Paris
Make your way to your local airport, where you will board your overnight flight(s). Your meals will be served on board.
Day 2, Wed, Jun 21: Arrive Paris
Upon arriving at Paris 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. Upon arrival in Paris, visit and 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 infidelity that France experienced during that time. While on your visit, in addition to the extraordinary artwork and architecture that forms the Basilica, 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 during your free time to ascend a staircase to the Dome, where you will take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Paris. Following this visit, check into your hotel and enjoy remainder of the day to explore Paris or your own, rest or reflect. Dinner and overnight in Paris.
Day 3, Thu, Jun 22: Paris
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 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 you 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. During World War One, assisted in advancements in meteorology and telegraphy, 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 15th, 2019 pilgrims are not allowed to enter the Cathedral. 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. Continue and pass by the Opera and the ever famous Louvre Museum.* The Louvre Museum is one of the finest in the world. It contains many pieces that truly emanate not only French art as well as European culture. Your fun-filled, busy day ends with a lovely meal and a very comfortable overnight. *Regretfully, we will not visit the Louvre due to time limitations. However, if you wish to extend your stay in Paris, this museum is worth it.
Day 4, Fri, Jun 23: Paris Airport - Lourdes
Following breakfast transfer to Paris airport for your short flight to Lourdes. Upon arriving at Pau 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 driver. Embark on scenic drive to Lourdes. Check-in to your hotel and 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.
Day 5 & 6, Sat and Sun, Jun 24 and Jun 25: Lourdes
Over the next two days, you will wake up in a small town that is nestled within the Pyrenees Mountains. During your time in Lourdes, you will pray and meditate in yet another 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, while 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.
Day 7, Mon, Jun 26: Lourdes - Loyola - Burgos
Following breakfast, transfer from Lourdes to Loyola to visit the birthplace of St. Ignatius, founder of the Jesuit Order. St. Ignatius dedicated himself to becoming a soldier of the Christian faith, and as a result of many tribulations, he wrote the ever-famous Spiritual Exercises. In Loyola, you will see the 17th-century Basilica dedicated to this remarkable saint - the Basilica is part of a series of buildings surrounding the "Holy House," or birthplace of St. Ignatius. When you visit these Holy places, you will also have the opportunity to pray at the most venerated room, where St. Ignatius prayed and began his conversion. After meditating on the life of this founder of the Jesuit Order, enjoy free time for lunch. We will continue to Burgos, the historic capital of Old Castile for dinner. Following dinner, you will have the opportunity to explore the city of Burgos and admire its magnificent limestone, gothic-style Cathedral. Late this evening, you will return to your hotel for a restful overnight.
Day 8, Tue, Jun 27: Burgos - Salamanca - Fatima
Depart Burgos and head to Salamanca. Salamanca is a city in the Castilla y Leon region known for its large university, the oldest in Spain that is still active along with its prominent culture. Our walking tour will bring us to the most noteworthy sites, such as: the grand Plaza Mayor, an iconic square filled with food, shopping, and city events. La Clerecia, a church, and college of the Jesuit Order constructed in the seventeenth century. La Casa de las Conchas currently a public library and monument, decorated with shells that symbolize the famous pilgrimage to Santiago (El Camino). The University of Salamanca is the oldest University in Spain and the third oldest in Europe. The Roman Bridge is a national monument that extends along the River Tormes and is among Salamanca's sturdiest bridges. La Iglesia de San Marcos, constructed in the Romanesque style contains breathtaking paintings that portray many scenes of Our Lady's life. La Iglesia de San Martin is a Church devoted to St. Martin de Porres, who is the patron saint of mixed-race people and all those seeking interracial harmony. Visit the inside of the two joint Salamanca Cathedrals (old and new), one Romanesque style and the other Gothic style. Continue to Fatima for dinner and overnight.
Day 9, Wed, Jun 28: In Fatima
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 to the Little Chapel of the Apparitions. This simple, yet modern, chapel is the site where the Virgin Mary first appeared on May 13, 1917. Continue with a visit to 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, 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 to 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. The day ends with a visit to Valinhos, the site of Our Lady's August 1917 apparition and the first and third apparition of the Angel. 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 10, Thu, Jun 29: Fatima - Santarem - Lisbon
Today, we will head to Lisbon. On the way, we will stop at St. Stephens Church in the town of Santarem to celebrate Mass and venerate the 13th century Eucharistic Miracle. Continue to Lisbon and enjoy panoramic tour which will include St. Jerome's Monastery, built to give thanks to the Virgin Mary. We will drive by the Belem Tower and many landmarks, like; the 25th of April Bridge, the Basilica of the Star, and the Marquee of Pombal Square. Our last stop will be St. Anthony's Church. The patron saint of lost things is best known as St. Anthony of Padua (Italy), but he was born and baptized here in Lisbon, Portugal. The Church where we will celebrate Mass was built upon the site of St. Anthony's birth. Welcome dinner and overnight in Lisbon.
Day 11, Fri, Jun 30: Lisbon Airport - Medjugorje
Today, depart from Lisbon for your flight (s) to Medjugorje. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your tour guide and/or driver, who will take you on the 2.5 hour drive to the village of Medjugorje. Dinner and an overnight.
Day 12 and Day 13, Sat & Sun, Jul 01 & Jul 02: In Medjugorje
The most beautiful features of Medjugorje are its simplicity and peace. Over the next three days in Medjugorje, you may experience your faith grow, and share in the faith journey of pilgrims from all over the world. A local guide will accompany your group throughout your stay in the village.
Some activities that may accompany you in your spiritual journey:
Attend Daily Mass: Each morning at 10:00 AM, your group will assemble at St. James Church for Mass (English-Speaking). At the end of each Mass, regardless of language, there is a blessing of the religious articles that you have with you.
On Feast Days, and Sundays: English Mass is at 12 PM.
Climb Apparition Hill: This mountainous hill is where the visionaries first encountered Our Lady. At the base of this hill is a Blue Cross, where it is said Our Lady appeared to the children while they hid from the communist police in the early days of the alleged apparitions. While climbing, your group is invited to recite the Rosary, pausing five times for each decade of the Rosary. At the top of the hill, you will witness the exact location of the first alleged apparition of Our Lady to the visionaries, and enjoy private time for prayer.
Climb Mt. Krizevac (Cross Mountain): In 1933, the villagers built a 30' high cross atop a mountain to commemorate Jesus' passion and death on the cross. Your group will have the opportunity to climb this mountain, and venerate that very cross. While climbing, your group is invited to pray the Stations of the Cross (to meditate on Jesus' suffering Road to Calvary), pausing fifteen times for each Station.
Apparitions: Each evening at 5:00 PM (or 6:00 PM depending on Daylight Savings Time), your group can join the villagers and fellow pilgrims of Medjugorje at either St James Church or Apparition Hill to commemorate the time Our Lady appears to the Visionaries. There you can pray the Rosary, as you all await that time (5:40 PM or 6:40 PM during Daylight Savings Time).
*Afterward, Croatian Mass is held at St. James Church and is free to all to attend. It is broadcasted by the radio, simultaneously in order to translate the services from Croatian into many languages. Following the Croatian Mass, there is a Blessing of the Sick.
**For details about the Visionaries, please visit: www.206tours.com/visionaries
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Our Lady has always called us to be close to her Son. For this, you will have the opportunity to adore the Blessed Sacrament at the altar outside of St. James Church. Adoration is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays; Veneration of the Cross is held on Fridays inside the church. Additionally, there is an Adoration Chapel on the grounds of St. James Church, where Adoration is held in the afternoon hours.
Visit to the Community of Cenacolo: You will have the opportunity to visit the community of Cenacolo, founded by the Sisters of Charity, for young men and women who have taken a wrong path and are on the road to recovery. You will be able to listen to their inspirational words about their journeys back to Jesus Christ.
Prayer at the Statue of the Risen Christ: The bronze statue of the Risen Christ is located on the grounds of St. James Church. Many pilgrims sit and pray on the benches surrounding this peaceful statue. This statue miraculously seeps droplets of water at all times of the day, out of Christ's right knee.
* The balance of your trip in Medjugorje is meant to provide you with time for a personal retreat. As such, your time in Medjugorje is not designed to be a "tour", but rather to provide you with time to pray, reflect, and explore on your own as you feel called. On arrival, you will have an orientation tour after which a representative of 206 Tours will be available should you have any questions or requests. Daily Mass in English, as well as English confessions are available at St. James Church. During your stay in Medjugorje you will have full discretion over how your time is spent, in order to have the fullest spiritual experience possible. If you would prefer our traditional pilgrimage/tour of Medjugorje, we would recommend you consider our Tour #1 (www.206tours.com/tour1) which provides a tour escort and spiritual leader through out your stay.
Day 14, Mon, Jul 03: Return Home
After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, your group will leave by motor coach for Dubrovnik, Split or Sarajevo Airport for return flights home.
*206 Tours Disclaimer: The itinerary should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of places to be visited. Occasionally local religious holidays, national days, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of visits or the missing of certain visits.