Pilgrimage to Spain, France, & Italy
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Pilgrimage to Spain, France, & Italy
Pilgrimage Overview
Join Fr. Andrew Pavlak on a Pilgrimage to Spain, France, & Italy!
DAY 1
Depart USA
You depart for your overnight flights to Rome. Dinner on-board, relax, and anticipate your arrival tomorrow morning.
DAY 2
Arrive Rome
Welcome to Rome, also known as, “The Eternal City”. Upon arrival in Rome, we are greeted by our Holy Land Travel Center Representative and make our way into the eternal city and transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3
Vatican City
Transfer to the Vatican City to join pilgrims from around the world for an audience with His Holiness the Pope (subject to the Holy Father’s schedule and health). After a break for lunch, we transfer to St. Mary Major. The ceiling of the Basilica of St. Mary Major is said to be decorated with gold that Columbus brought back from the New World. Here, the group will also have the opportunity to pray at the grave of Pope Francis. We will also visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the oldest of the major basilicas and the actual “parish church” of the Pope (Bishop of Rome). There we will learn about the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs). Tradition has it that these steps, said to be the staircase leading once to the praetorium of Pilate at Jerusalem, are sanctified by the footsteps of Jesus Christ during his Passion. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4
Christian Rome
Today we tour the Vatican Museums, where we will marvel at the incredible collections of art, including the Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms, and Sistine Chapel. Afterward, we continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, built on the site where St. Peter the Apostle was martyred. Here, we will have the opportunity to pray at the tomb of St. John Paul II and view Michelangelo’s Pietà sculpture. Break for lunch. In the afternoon, we enjoy a walking tour of Rome and visit sites such as the Trevi Fountain, pass by the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum.
DAY 5
Assisi
This morning we head to Assisi. We begin our day in the valley below Assisi at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, home to the Porziuncola, where St. Francis founded the Franciscan order, and the Chapel of the Transitus, marking his passing into eternal life. See the miraculous thornless rose garden before ascending to Assisi. This afternoon, visit the Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore both the Upper and Lower Basilicas. Admire Giotto’s frescoes and spend time in prayer at the tomb of St. Francis. Conclude with a stroll through the Piazza del Comune.
DAY 6
Assisi
Today, visit the Sanctuary of the Renunciation, where St. Francis cast aside his worldly possessions, and where Blessed Carlo Acutis rests. Continue to the Basilica of St. Clare to venerate her tomb and see the San Damiano Cross that spoke to St. Francis. This afternoon, visit the Church of San Damiano, where St. Francis heard his call to rebuild the Church and where St. Clare lived and led her sisters. Enjoy a final afternoon at leisure to explore Assisi’s medieval streets, take in sweeping Umbrian views, and reflect on your pilgrimage.
DAY 7
Assisi
Enjoy a full free day in the peaceful town of Assisi. Take time for personal prayer, quiet reflection, or leisurely exploration of this sacred hillside town. Pilgrims may wish to revisit their favorite sites, enjoy the local shops and cafes, or simply relax and absorb the serene spiritual atmosphere that has inspired countless pilgrims over the centuries.
DAY 8
Rome
This morning we depart Assisi. Upon our return to Rome, we visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls where we will celebrate Mass and visit the tomb where St. Paul is laid to rest. Free afternoon in Rome for your own personal activities.
DAY 9
Lourdes
This morning we transfer to the airport and take our flights to Toulouse. Upon arrival, we transfer to Lourdes, where we will check into our hotel. Time permitting, we will join the candlelight procession in the evening.
DAY 10
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, and the Baths, where thousands of miraculous cures have taken place, make Lourdes the most respected shrine and sanctuary in France.
DAY 11
Lourdes
Today we have the day free in Lourdes for prayers, meditation, and to enjoy the Baths.
DAY 12
Andorra La Vella
This morning we depart Lourdes and stop along the way in Andorra La Vella to view Romanesque churches and stone houses in the city’s quarter, with free time for lunch. Continue to Barcelona, where we will check into our hotel.
DAY 13
Montserrat
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. We return to our hotel in Barcelona for dinner and overnight.
DAY 14
Barcelona
This morning we visit the most famous Holy Family Church, La Sagrada Familia, an unfinished Catholic Basilica designed by the celebrated architect Antoni Gaudí. We enjoy a full guided tour of the Basilica before celebrating Mass.
DAY 15
Barcelona
This morning, we will head to Park Güell, a masterpiece of architecture by the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. We then head for free time at the famous La Rambla, Barcelona’s most popular pedestrian street. We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 16
Return to USA
Today we board our return flights home with memories and keepsakes that will last a lifetime.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 4-5 Star Hotels
- Roundtrip Flights
- Excursions per itinerary
- 14 Nights Accommodation
- All Meals per Itinerary
- Professional English-speaking Tour Guides
- Spiritual Director
- Air-Conditioned Luxury Motor Coach
- Pilgrims' Pack
- Entry Fees
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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