Marian Shrines
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: U.S.A. / Lisbon
Our pilgrimage begins today as you depart on our flight to Portugal.
Day 2: Arrive Lisbon / Fatima
After a morning arrival in Lisbon, we will be met by our knowledgeable local escort who will be with us throughout our stay. Begin our drive north stopping in Santarem for Mass at the Church of St. Stephen, famous for its venerated relic, the “Bleeding Host”. Then proceed to Fatima, where the Blessed Virgin appeared to three shepherd children, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta in 1917.
Day 3: Fatima
Today we will celebrate Mass on the spot where Our Lady appeared at the Chapel of Apparitions. Visit the Basilica to see the site of Francisco and Jacinta’s graves and then on to the hamlet of Aljustrel where the three children lived during the Apparitions. Continue to Valinhos, the site where Our Lady appeared following the children’s release from prison. This evening participate in the Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacre, site of the first Apparition.
Day 4: Fatima / Salamanca
This morning leave Portugal for Spain. En route we will stop in Coimbra, a famous university town, to visit the Convent of Santa Clara La Nova where sister Lucia resided until her death in 2005. Continue on across the Portuguese-Spanish border to Salamanca, one of Spain’s foremost cultural centers, a great university city and a showcase of intricately sculpted Renaissance architecture in golden stone. Visit the Plaza Mayor, which is regarded as one of the most attractive squares in Spain, and the Cathedrals Vieja and Nueva.
Day 5: Salamanca / Madrid
Depart Salamanca for Alba de Tormes to visit the Carmelite Convent which contains St. Teresa’s incorrupt arm and heart. Continue on to the walled city of Avila, the birthplace of St. Theresa. Visit the Monastery of the Incarnation where St. Teresa spent many years of her life, then to the Monastery of St. Joseph, her first foundation. Next we will stop in Segovia whose Cathedral is considered the last great Gothic church in Spain. Here we will pay our respects to another great Carmelite, St. John of the Cross who served as spiritual director to St. Theresa of Avila. Drive on to Spain’s capital, Madrid.
Day 6: Madrid
This morning’s tour of Madrid will show some of the history and tradition of Spain. We will start with a visit of the Prado Museum with its masterpieces of El Greco, Goya, and Velasquez and then we will visit the Royal Palace, the University with Cervantes’ monument, Puerta del Sol and Retiro Park.
Day 7: Madrid / Zaragoza
Depart Madrid for Zaragoza which is the chief city of Aragon and has traditions connected with the story of St. James. Here we will visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Pilar where the Blessed Virgin appeared to St. James in 40 AD.
Day 8: Zaragoza / Lourdes
After Mass we will depart Zaragoza and drive across the Spanish-French border to Lourdes, one of the great pilgrimage shrines in the world. It was here where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette in 1858 proclaiming herself the “Immaculate Conception”. This evening we will participate in the Blessed Sacrament Procession and the Candlelight Procession.
Day 9: Lourdes
Today we will have all day to experience the special atmosphere of this beautiful town. Attend Mass at the Grotto of Massabielle, visit the Basilica of St. Pius X, see the house where Bernadette lived during the Apparitions, and visit several of the sites where miraculous cures have taken place. After dinner we will join the Candlelight Procession.
Day 10: Lourdes / Paris
This morning we will depart Lourdes by train to Paris. Upon arrival in Paris we will be picked up at the train station and transfer to our centrally located hotel. After Mass the remainder of the day will be free for personal activities.
Day 11: Paris / Lisieux / Paris
This morning we will drive to Lisieux, the home of St. Therese the “Little Flower of Jesus”. Visit the home where St. Therese lived as a child and the Carmel Convent where she was a nun. After Mass, visit the Basilica of St. Theresa, its Crypt, and the 13th Century Gothic Cathedral of St. Peter. Return to Paris in the afternoon.
Day 12: Paris
Following breakfast, proceed to the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal at Rue de Bac for Mass. It was here where Our Lady appeared to St. Catherine Laboure in 1830. After Mass enjoy a full day tour of Paris including visits to the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the famous Opera House, the Arc de Triomphe, and Montmartre with its magnificent Basilica of Sacre Coeur. Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous farewell dinner at a typical French restaurant.
Day 13: Paris / U.S.A.
Today marks the end of a marvelous experience as we board our jetliner for the return trip home, filled with memories that will last a lifetime.
The above itinerary is only a small taste of what we have to offer.
Customized itineraries and competitive quotations will be furnished upon request.