Fátima, Lourdes & Shrines of Spain – Faith

Welcome to Portugal! Check into your hotel, and tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers

On your guided sightseeing tour of the capital of Portugal, see the enormous monument dedicated to Henry the Navigator, as well as the 16th-century Belém Tower, the Moorish citadel, and impressive Black Horse Square. Visit the CATHEDRAL LA SE’, where St. Anthony was baptized, and JERONIMOS MONASTERY, which dates back to the mid-1400s and was built as thanks to the Virgin Mary for Vasco de Gama’s successful voyage to India. Head north for a stop in Santarém to visit the CHURCH OF THE EUCHARISTIC HOLY MIRACLE. Arrive in Fátima, home to one of the most famous Catholic shrines. Enjoy an orientation walk and visit the TOMB OF THE VISIONARIES and the CHAPEL OF THE APPARITIONS made famous by the Virgin Mary’s 1917 appearances to three shepherd children, which culminated in the revelation of the Three Secrets of Fátima. This evening, join pilgrims from around the world for the ROSARY and candlelight procession at the Our Lady of Fátima Basilica. Today's Distance: 118 mi / 190 km (B,D)
Breakfast Dinner

Today, spend the day at the Sanctuary at leisure, or join an optional excursion to Tomar with a visit to the Monastery-Fortress of the Knights Templar. Attend [M] Mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady with time to wander on your own. This evening, perhaps join the Rosary
Breakfast Dinner

Journey north this morning and stop in Braga, one of the oldest Christian cities in the world and nicknamed the “Portuguese Rome”. Visit the BOM JESUS DO MONTE SANCTUARY, an important pilgrimage site, where devout followers have walked the “Stations of the Cross” for contemplation and penance since 1811. See the unique zigzag stairway dedicated to the five senses: sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste—and the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity. Continue into Spain and head for Santiago de Compostela, one of the top pilgrimage destinations since the Middle Ages. On arrival, an orientation walk introduces you to the old city center. Then, attend the [M] Pilgrim Mass. Today's Distance: 273 mi / 440 km (B,D)
Breakfast Dinner

This morning, join an optional excursion to Cabo Finisterre, where pilgrims have traditionally completed their walk and burned their robes. Later, return to Santiago de Compostela, known throughout history for the key 9th-century pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago (or Way of St. James) with time to explore on your own
Breakfast

Today, travel to Burgos, historic capital of Old Castile. Your visit takes you to the magnificent CATHEDRAL, a masterpiece of gothic architecture and burial place of Spain’s national hero, El Cid. Today's Distance: 304 mi / 490 km (B)
Breakfast

Travel through the Basque region toward Lourdes. En route, stop at the 17th-century SANCTUARY OF LOYOLA, built in honor of San Ignacio de Loyola, founder of the Jesuit religious order. Cross into France and stay overnight in Lourdes, home to another world famous place of pilgrimage. Join the nightly ROSARY and candlelight procession for a memorable spiritual experience. Today's Distance: 298 mi / 480 km (B,D)
Breakfast Dinner

On Today’s orientation you will see the GROTTO, where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858, OUR LADY OF LOURDES SHRINE, BERNADETTE'S BIRTHPLACE, and her FAMILY HOME. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this little market town. According to the schedule, attend [M] Mass at the Sanctuary either early in the morning or in the evening
Breakfast Dinner

This morning, head for the France/Spain border. En route, visit the FORTIFIED CITADEL of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the ramparts, castle walls, and drawbridges that are still well preserved from the Middle Ages. Stay overnight in Catalonia’s impressive location of the Marian shrine of Montserrat. Today's Distance: 367 mi / 590 km (B,D)
Breakfast Dinner

Visit the SANCTUARY OF MONTSERRAT this morning, then attend [M] Mass. Continue to the town of Manresa, known for its Basilica of Saint Mary of Seo, but more importantly for Pont Vell, a bridge associated with the worship of San Ignacio de Loyola. See the architectural compound of Santa Cova, the sanctuary home of St. Ignacio de Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, when he stayed in the city. Later, reach Barcelona, the lively capital of Catalunya. Today's Distance: 56 mi / 90 km
Breakfast

Get to know the city on a guided sightseeing tour including a drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium for a great panoramic view of the port and city. Continue to the city center’s Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire Gaudi’s eccentric Houses Batlló and Milà, as well as his SAGRADA FAMILIA, an unfinished architectural masterpiece that is still a consecrated expression of the Catholic faith. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate faith, life, and friendship
Breakfast Dinner

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.