DAY 1: DEPART USA
We board our international flight en route to the Lourdes area, via Paris. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.
DAY 2: TRANSFER TO LOURDES
Upon arrival in Europe we transfer to our flight to the Lourdes area. We are met by our English speaking guide, who will accompany us throughout our time in Lourdes. We board our waiting motor coach and transfer to Lourdes. A welcome dinner is served at our hotel this evening. (D)
DAY 3: LOURDES: VISIT OF THE SHRINE
This morning we begin with Mass in the Basilica. We enjoy a walking tour “In the Footsteps of Bernadette.” We visit the Cachot (the former jail cell where her impoverished family was lodged in one room at the time of the apparitions); the parish church; Fr. Peyramale’s Presbytery; the Hospice and the Holy Mill.
At 4:30 in the afternoon we are welcome to participate in the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessing of the Sick (subject to the local schedule). Dinner is served at our hotel tonight.
After dinner at the hotel, we may return to the Sanctuary for the Rosary and Torchlight Procession, beginning about 8:30PM (subject to the local schedule). (B, D)
DAY 4: LOURDES: EXCURSION TO BARTRES
Four kilometers down the road from the town of Lourdes is the little village of Bartres. On the roadside is a small oratory with a statue of St. Bernadette, marking the area where Bernadette watched over the little flock of sheep and prayed. In the village there is the former farmhouse of Marie Lagues, the foster mother of Bernadette, who nursed her as an infant since her own
mother was unable to do so. Bernadette went back to this farm and worked as a shepherdess.
We visit as well the parish church in Bartres where Bernadette frequently worshipped and prayed. In the cemetery is the tombstone of Marie Lagues. We celebrate Mass in Bartres before returning to Lourdes for the afternoon at leisure, with dinner at our hotel. (B, D)
DAY 5: LOURDES: DAY AT LEISURE WITH OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Today we have entirely at our leisure in Lourdes, with several optional excursions available for an additional cost. Your tour escort will assist you in booking these tours.
OPTION # 1 GAVARNIE
Enjoy an excursion to Gavarnie, up into the Pyrenees Mountains. This scenic route is ranked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Lourdes for the balance of the day.
Departure 1:30pm return 6:30pm (Cost per person TBA based on minimum 20 people taking the excursion)
OPTION # 2 BIARRITZ
Enjoy an excursion to the beautiful seaside resort town of Biarritz, with time to stroll along the seaside and relax with lunch on your own, then return to Lourdes for the balance of the day.
Departure 8:30 am return 6:30pm (Cost per person TBA based on minimum 20 people taking the excursion)
Today we will celebrate Mass in a local church. We are welcome to participate in the processions this afternoon and evening. Dinner this evening is at our hotel. (B, D)
DAY 6: LOURDES: DAY OF PRAYER
We begin this morning with Mass at the Grotto, followed by the Stations of the Cross, beautifully set on a hillside near the Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The balance of the afternoon is at our leisure for reflections. We participate in the daily processions today. Tonight we gather for a festive dinner celebration at the local restaurant. (B, D)
DAY 7: RETURN USA
Transfer to the airport for our return flight 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.
