Marian Shrines Pilgrimage to France & Spain
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Marian Shrines Pilgrimage to France & Spain
Pilgrimage Overview
Join us on a Marian Shrines Pilgrimage to France & Spain with Fr. Mendez & Fr. Libaire!
DAY 1
Depart USA
Your pilgrimage begins today as you depart on your flight to Barcelona.
DAY 2
Arrive Barcelona
Upon arrival in Barcelona, we are greeted by our Holy Land Travel Center Representative and transfer into the capital of Catalonia and explore the colorful markets of Las Ramblas before transferring to our hotel.
DAY 3
Barcelona
After breakfast we will enjoy a panoramic tour of Barcelona including panoramic views of the harbor area, Montjuic, Plaza de Espana and Plaza de Catalunya. We will then visit Barcelona Cathedral followed by a visit to Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia, a magnificent, unfinished Roman Catholic Basilica of impressive proportions. We will continue to the Tibidabo Hill where we will visit the Church of the Sacred Heart and see a statue of Christ whose extended arms overlooking Barcelona reminds one of Rio de Janeiro.
DAY 4
Barcelona
This morning we will travel outside of Barcelona to visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montserrat, the spiritual heart of Catalonia and home to a dramatically set Benedictine monastery. For 700 years this Marian shrine has attracted thousands of pilgrims from around the world. We pause here to visit the Black Madonna of Montserrat, probably Spain’s most fervent devotion to the Blessed Mother. Return to Barcelona with the remainder of the afternoon free. This evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY 5
Depart Barcelona
We depart Barcelona and drive over the Pyrenees to Andorra la Vella and view Romanesque churches and stone houses in the city’s quarter, along with a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Meritxell. We continue to Lourdes, where we will check into our hotel before joining the candlelight procession.
DAY 6
Lourdes
This day we start with mass at the Grotto of Massabielle, where our Lady appeared to Bernadette in 1858. Later we take our official group photo in front of the Basilica, followed by our guided tour of Lourdes. The sanctuary of the Basilica of St. Pius X, the world’s largest underground church. The Basilica, The Baths, where thousands of miraculous cures have taken place is the most respected shrine and sanctuary in France. In the afternoon our group will join the Blessed Sacrament Procession and Blessing of the sick (if available on that day).
DAY 7
Loyola
This morning we depart Lourdes and drive through the Pyrenees Mountains of Loyola, the hometown of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. Here you will visit the Basilica and the tower house where he was born and lived. We continue to Santander for dinner and overnight.
DAY 8
Ribadeo
We depart Santander this morning to Santiago de Compostela. Along the way we stop in Ribadeo, the hometown of Fr. Juan’s father and here we will celebrate Mass before continuing to Santiago de Compostela for dinner and overnight.
DAY 9
Santiago De Compostela
This morning we begin our visit of Santiago de Compostela, one of the most famous shrines in the world, where the tomb of St. James (brother of St. John the Divine) was discovered. St. James was given the task of spreading Christianity in the distant Hispanic lands and is known as the first pilgrim. Since the discovery of the tomb, numerous miracles have taken place here and every year thousands of faithful gather on July 25 to celebrate the Feast Day. We begin with a visit to the Cathedral of St. James, one of the finest examples of architecture in all of Europe. As pilgrims, we have the opportunity to climb the stairs behind the high altar to visit the crypt where the relics of St. James are preserved, touch the central pillar (Portico de La Gloria), view the ‘botafumeiro’ and admire the wealth of medieval art inside the Cathedral, before visiting the cloister museum. Enjoy a stroll on own, though the beautiful streets of Santiago de Compostela, the city of the apostle, full of historical buildings and others. Dinner and overnight in Santiago de Compostela.
Optional Morning Walking Tour ~ This morning we set out to join the walking pilgrims at the Monte del Gozo from which the spires of the Cathedral are first visible. We will walk the last couple of miles of El Camino arriving at the Cathedral of St. James, the destination we have been yearning to reach. Continue to the Cloister Museum with our group.
DAY 10
Porto
Today we depart Santiago de Compostela for Porto and stop along the way in Trasmiras, the hometown of Fr. Juan Mendez’ mother. Here we will have Mass before continuing to Porto to enjoy a free afternoon in the city of Porto.
DAY 11
Fatima
This morning we visit the Church of St. Francis before continuing to Fatima. We check into our hotel and have time to rest before we join the Rosary and candlelight processional in the evening.
DAY 12
Fatima
This morning we visit Fatima, where Our Blessed Mother visited three shepherd children, Lucia Santos and her cousins Bl. Jacinta & Bl. Francisco Marto in 1917. We participate in the Rosary & Candlelight Procession.
DAY 13
Lisbon
This morning we transfer to Lisbon where we will have a short panoramic tour before a free afternoon and checking into our hotel for our dinner and overnight.
DAY 14
Return Home
Today we bid Portugal farewell and board our flights home, carrying with us memories that will last a lifetime.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 4-5 Star Hotels
- Roundtrip Flights
- 11 Nights Accommodations
- Excursions as per itinerary
- All Meals per Itinerary
- Wine with Dinner
- Air-Conditioned Luxury Motor Coach
- Professional Spanish-Speaking Tours Guides
- Spiritual Director
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Passport and Visas (Refer to the section below for Passports or Visas help)
- Gratuities
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend that all travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect themselves and their trip investment. Travel protection plans can provide coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation, trip delay, baggage delay, and more. Please go to the link below to learn more Click here for Travel Insurance Details.
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