DAY 1: DEPART USA
Depart USA en route to Lisbon. Complimentary meals and beverages are served aloft.
DAY 2: LISBON / FATIMA
We arrive in Lisbon, and are met by our Catholic Travel Centre escort, who will accompany us throughout our journey. Time permitting, we enjoy a panoramic city tour, including the Cathedral with baptismal font of St. Anthony. Our motorcoach continues on to Fatima for dinner at our hotel. Note: Depending on our time of arrival, we may also be able to stop at Santarem to view the Eucharistic Miracle in the Church of St. Stephen. (D)
DAY 3: FATIMA
Today we begin with Mass, then visit the Tombs of Francisco, Jacinto, and Lucia; the Aljustrel where the children lived; and the Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared after the children’s return from prison. We have the option of praying the Stations of the Cross, plus we have time for our own devotions. Tonight we enjoy a festive welcome dinner at Ourem Castle, with the show of the ancient kings and queens. (B, D)
DAY 4: FATIMA / COIMBRA / SALAMANCA
This morning we begin with Mass at the Little Chapel of the Apparitions. Then, we board our motorcoach and make our way to Coimbra, where we visit the Cathedral and University Library. After a visit to Coimbra, we proceed to Salamanca for dinner and the evening. (B, D)
DAY 5: SALAMANCA / AVILA / BURGOS
Salamanca is famous for its cathedral, where we celebrate Mass. We stop in Avila to see the hometown of St. Theresa of Avila, then make our way to Burgos, home to Spain’s most remarkable gothic cathedral. Dinner is at our hotel in Burgos. (B, D)
DAY 6: BURGOS / LOYOLA / SAN SEBASTIAN / LOURDES
We depart Burgos to Loyola to visit the Sanctuary of St. Ignatius, founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), where we celebrate Mass. We continue via the coastal resort town of San Sebastian to Lourdes. Tonight we enjoy dinner at our hotel, then we are free to participate in the evening processions. (B, D)
DAY 7: LOURDES
We begin this morning with Mass. After Mass, we enjoy a walking tour “In the Footsteps of Bernadette.” We visit the Cachot (former jail cell that once served as the Soubirous family’s home); the parish church; Fr. Peyramale’s Presbytery; the Hospice and the Boly Mill. This afternoon at 4:30PM we are welcome to participate in the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessing of the Sick. After dinner at the hotel, we return to the Sanctuary for the evening Rosary and Torchlight Procession, beginning about 8:30 pm. After the procession, we return to our hotel. (B, D)
DAY 8: LOURDES / PARIS
This morning we attend Mass at the Grotto with groups from around the world, then we prepare for our departing at 11:00 am for Paris. We will ride the TGV, France’s high-speed train that will whisk us across the scenic countryside and deliver us to Paris around 5:00 pm. Our motorcoach will be waiting to transfer us to our hotel for dinner and the evening. (B, D)
DAY 9: PARIS: RUE DE BAC, EIFFEL TOWER & SITES OF PARIS
This morning we visit the Shrine of St. Catherine Laboure where the tradition of the Miraculous Medal began. Here we celebrate Mass. We visit as well the nearby sights of the repose of St. Louise de Marilac and St. Vincent de Paul, located in the Motherhouse of the Daughters of Charity. Afterwards we enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of some of the sites of Paris, including Invalides, the Champs Elysees, and Eiffel Tower. Dinner is at the hotel. (B, D)
DAY 10: PARIS: EXCURSION TO LISIEUX
St. Therese, the Little Flower of Jesus, is the saint who remains dear to the heart of millions of Catholics. Today we pay a visit to the most important sites relative to her life. Born in Alencon, on January 2, 1873, Therese came to Lisieux with her family when she was 4 ½ years old. She entered the Carmelite convent at age 15 and stayed until her death at age 24. We visit Les Buissonets where she lived until she entered the Carmel Convent. We also see the Carmel Chapel and Basilica of St. Therese, where we celebrate Mass. We return to Paris today for dinner at our hotel. (B, D)
DAY 11: PARIS: NOTRE DAME & SACRE COEUR
Our visit of Paris today includes two of the city’s most famous churches: the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Basilica of Sacre Coeur (Sacred Heart). Notre Dame is our first stop, the name synonymous with Paris. Then we are off to Montmartre, an artists’ quarter overlooking Paris. Here we find the Basilica dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, where we celebrate Mass. The afternoon is at leisure for shopping, and we gather at a nearby restaurant for our farewell dinner. (B, D)
DAY 12: RETURN
We transfer to airport for return to USA. (B)
NOTE: While no changes are anticipated, there might be occasions when certain alterations become necessary to this itinerary due to changes in airline schedules or for other reasons. All Masses are subject to final church schedules.
