2023001 Pilgrimage to Fatima, Lourdes & Barcelona

Day 1

Travel overnight to Portugal, one of Europe’s most hospitable countries. Here, you can enjoy a superb climate, historic sites and beautiful scenery.

Day 2

Your tour begins in Fatima, Portugal’s world-famous religious center.

Day 3

You may celebrate Mass* before traveling to the original town of Fatima and the parish church where the children Francisco, Jacinta and Lucia were baptized. Continue on to Aljustrel, where the children lived, and view the site of the fifth apparition in Valinhos. Later, return to Fatima** to enjoy free time for personal worship and to explore the basilica and its grounds.

Day 4

Attend a morning Mass* before travelling east to Burgos, known as the cradle of the Castile region. Situated on the Pilgrim’s Road, Burgos stands on the banks of the Rio Arlanzon with the slender, elegant spires of its famous cathedral rising into the sky. Mass* is available this evening.

Day 5

Join a local expert on a leisurely paced walking tour of Burhos beautiful medieval town center. Spend time at the Cathedral of Burgos, masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cathedral, the third largest church in Spain, offers such masterpieces as the filigree work in the spires of the towers; the choir, the sarcophagi and the golden staircase. Next, visit the 12th-century Monestery of Santa ;Maria Real de las Huelgas. Founded as a Royal Pantheon and a spiritual retreat for society ladies and royalty, the complex consists of the church, monastery and the enclosed premises of the Cistercian nuns. Mass is available this evening.

Day 6

Today, travel northeast through the Pyrenees Mountains to Lourdes. this is where the Virgin Mary appeared in the Grotto of Massabielle to the poor shepherd girl. bernadette, for a total of 18 times between February 11 and July 16, 1858. Sinch then this little market town has been a world-renowned pilgrimage site. Tonight you may wish to partake iin a candlelight procession.

Day 7

After morning Mass, enjoy a walking tour of Lourdes, visitiing the places associated with the life of St. Bernadette: The "Boly Mill"( site of the birthplace of St. Bernadette), the "Cachot," and the parish church housing hte baptismal font of St. Bernadette. Later, enjoy some time at leisure to explore the town's rich historical and natural heritage. Become immersed in the atmosphere that reigned during the apparitions and revel in the spirit of brotherhood that is still present today.

Day 8

Celebrate Mass* before crossing back into Spain on your way to Barcelona, one of Europe's most fascinating cities.

Day 9

Celebrate Mass* at the crypt of La Sagrada Familia, followed by a visit to the elaborate, expansive basilica. Once completed, Gaudi's masterpiece will have 18 towers: 12 dedicated to the apostles, four to the evangelists, one to Jesus and another to Mary. Later, get to know more of the city’s treasures, including views of Antonio Gaudi’s Mila House (UNESCO), the Columbus Monument and Parc de Montjuic. Spend this afternoon at leisure exploring the city further or choose an optional excursion to the quaint mountain village of Montserrat. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a dinner celebrating the end of a memorable tour.

Day 10

Return home eager to share vivid memories of a spectacularly beautiful land with an old, rich and diverse cultural heritage.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner