Sample Day-by-Day Itinerary:

Day 1, Mon, Sep 18: Depart for Lisbon
Make your way to your local airport, where you will board your overnight flight(s). Your meals will be served on board.

Day 2, Tue, Sep 19: Arrive Lisbon
Upon landing at Lisbon Portela Airport, make your way to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage. Proceed to the arrival's hall, where you will be greeted by your tour guide and/or driver. You will be escorted to the bus and we will begin a panoramic sightseeing tour of the coastal city of Lisbon. We will stop at the St. Jerome's Monastery, built to give thanks to the Virgin Mary for guiding Vasco da Gama on his voyage that linked Europe and Asia. Continue to drive by the Belem Quarter that contains the iconic entry way to the Lisbon harbor, the Belem Tower. This important structure of history has many beautiful sculptures, such as depictions of, St. Vincent and Our Lady of Safe Homecoming. We will continue and " pass -by" the "25th of April Bridge", inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco, California. The Ponte 25 de Abril is the oldest bridge that connects the Tagus river of Lisbon. Following, we will drive by the Discoveries Monument. This memorial commemorates the Great Explorers who, as a result of their explorations, brought Portugal to a standing of wealth and power during the Age of Discovery. This ship prow shaped structure stands at the point
where the Great Explorers began their expeditions. Enjoy a view of the Basilica of the Star, the Rossio Square, Commerce Square, and the Marquee of Pombal Square. Our last stop will be St. Anthony's Church to celebrate Mass. Although this patron Saint of lost things is known as St. Anthony of Padua (Italy), he was originally born in Lisbon, Portugal. This Church is built upon the site of St. Anthony's birth, and is also where St. John Paul II
visited in 1982. The former Pope stopped at this Church, on his way to Fatima, to pray to Our Lady in thanksgiving. St. John Paul II recognizes Our Lady as saving him from being killed when he was shot one year prior, in 1981. After Mass we will check-in at the hotel and enjoy a welcoming dinner followed by a restful overnight.

Day 3, Wed, Sep 20: Lisbon - Santarem – Fatima
Today, we will travel north to the old city of Santarem. In Santarem visit and attend Mass at the Church of St. Stephen, which holds the oldest (13th century) recorded Eucharistic Miracle: The Miracle occurred when a woman yearned to change the ways of her unfaithful husband and consulted a sorceress. The sorceress agreed that she would cure the husband's infidelity in exchange for a consecrated Host. The woman committed the sacrilege, but when she exited the Church, the Host began to bleed. It bled so much that her fellow
parishioners thought she had cut her hand. The woman ran home and hid the bleeding Host in a trunk. When her husband arrived home, the wife told him what she had done, and later that night there was a light emanating from the trunk. She and her husband began to kneel before the trunk. The following morning, the husband and wife brought the Host to the parish priest. It was then moved to the Church of St. Stephen where another miracle occurred; the miraculous Host was originally put in a wax container, however, when a priest opened the tabernacle to view the Host, the container was found broken, and the Host was found enclosed in a crystal pyx. Continue to Fatima with a visit to the Hamlet of Aljustrel, the home of the three shepherd children. Visit of the Parish Church and Fatima Parish Cemetery. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4, Thu, Sep 21: Fatima
Today will surely be a memorable experience as you pray and meditate upon one of Our Blessed Mother's apparition sites. Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children; Lucia (age 10), Jacinta (age 7), and Francisco (age 9). These apparitions occurred monthly from May until October of 1917. Historically, as the entire world was in true turmoil, Our Lady's most prominent message during this time was to pray for world peace. The destruction of the world at that point in history was also mentioned by Our Lady in her messages of Fatima, and more specifically, in her second secret to the children. Our profoundly reflective day begins with a visit of the Little Chapel of the Apparitions. This simple, yet modern, Chapel is the site of where the Virgin Mary first appeared on May 13, 1917. Continue with a visit of the stunning neoclassical Church, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. This Sacred space contains the tombs of St. Francisco, St. Jacinta and Sister Lucia. View the monument, that commemorates the Sacred Heart of Jesus , in the square. Due to Our Lady's consistency in Her messages to pray the Rosary, this Basilica also features fifteen altars that are dedicated to the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary. While in the Basilica, you will be able to feel, through the Love of Our Lord and Lady, the many graces that were received here. Visit the Museum with the exhibition: Fatima: Light and Peace. Continue with a visit of the Holy Trinity Basilica. After free time for lunch, we will experience Christ's unconditional love by participating in the Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra. The "Sacred Way" marks the path taken by the shepherd children of Fatima to their first apparition with Our Lady. It is composed of fifteen small Chapels in commemoration of the Passion of Our Lord. The fifteenth station, the Resurrection, can be found close to the Chapel of Calvary, dedicated to St. Stephen, King of Hungary. Ending the day with visit of Valinhos, the site of Our Lady's August 1917 apparition and the first and third apparition of the Angel. Your night will conclude with private devotions, and a candlelight procession, requested by Our Lady (1917). Enjoy dinner and a comfortable night's rest in Fatima.

Day 5, Fri, Sep 22: Fatima – Salamanca
Depart Fatima and head to Salamanca, following a full breakfast at the hotel. Salamanca is a city in the Castilla y Leon region, and is known for its large University, the oldest in Spain that is still active, and prominent culture. Our walking tour will bring us by the most noteworthy sites such as; the grand Plaza Mayor, an iconic square filled with food, shopping and city events; La Clerecia, a Church and college of the Jesuit Order that was constructed in the seventeenth century; La Casa de las Conchas, currently a public library but also, a monument noted and decorated by its shells, which symbolizes the ever-famous pilgrimage to Santiago (El Camino); the University of Salamanca, the oldest University in Spain and the third oldest in Europe; the Roman Bridge, extends along the River Tormes, is a national monument and among one of Salamanca's sturdiest bridges; La Iglesia de San Marcos, constructed in the Romanesque style and contains breathtaking paintings that portray many scenes of Our Lady's life; La Iglesia de San Martin, a Church devoted to St. Martin de Porres, who is the patron saint of mixed-race people and all those seeking interracial harmony. Visit inside the two joint Salamanca Cathedrals (old and new), one of which is of a Romanesque style and the other is of a Gothic style. Following this eventful day, you will return to your hotel for a delicious meal with your group and an overnight at your hotel in Salamanca.

Day 6, Sat, Sep 23: Salamanca - Alba de Tormes - Ávila – Burgos
This morning, after breakfast, you will board the bus and enjoy a short transfer to the village of Alba de Tormes. This town is home to the Carmelite Monastery that Saint Teresa founded in 1571. Upon arrival in Alba de Tormes, your group will celebrate Mass at this Monastery where the saint died and was buried. Following Mass, you will have the opportunity to visit the museum dedicated to St. Teresa of Avila, which also holds her incorrupt heart and left arm. Your group will enjoy free time for lunch on your own, before continuing to the medieval city of Avila. Upon arrival in Avila, you will immediately notice the perfectly preserved eleventhcentury walls that surround the old town. The conservation of architecture in this city, to which St. Teresa was born, deems its Shrines, convents and Churches necessary to visit on any Catholic pilgrimage. Avila with the Cathedral de Avila, whose artwork and architecture encompasses the Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles; La Basilica de San Vicente, of which stands on the site of the martyrdom of St. Vincent. Visit of the Incarnation Convent, where St. Teresa became a nu. Saint Therese convinced Saint John of the Cross to reform the male Carmelite order. Saint Therese had started the reform when she met Saint John in Medina del Campo. Followed by El Convento de Santa Teresa, built upon the home of St. Teresa and contains the relics of hers and of St. John of the Cross. After walking in the footsteps of St. Teresa, continue your journey to Burgos. Upon arrival in the historic capital of Old Castile, enjoy dinner. Following dinner, you will have the opportunity to explore the city of Burgos, and admire its magnificent limestone, gothic-style Cathedral. Late this evening, you will return to your hotel for a restful overnight.

Day 7, Sun, Sep 24: Burgos - Loyola – Lourdes
Following breakfast, transfer from Burgos to Loyola to visit the birthplace of St. Ignatius, founder of the Jesuit Order. St. Ignatius dedicated himself to becoming a soldier of the Christian faith, and as a result of many tribulations, he wrote the ever-famous Spiritual Exercises. In Loyola, you will see the 17th century Basilica that is dedicated to this remarkable Saint. The Basilica is part of a series of buildings that surrounds the "Holy House," the birthplace of St. Ignatius. When you visit these Holy places, you will also have the opportunity to pray at the most venerated room, where St. Ignatius prayed and began his conversion. After meditating on the life of this founder of the Jesuit Order, you will enjoy free time for lunch and board the bus for the next destination. We will continue to Lourdes with a spectacular view of the Pyrenees Mountains. Upon arrival in Lourdes, you will check-in to your hotel and enjoy a splendid dinner and peaceful overnight.

Days 8 & 9, Mon & Tue, Sep 25 & 26: Lourdes
Over the next two days, you will wake up in a small town that is nestled within the Pyrenees Mountains. During your time in Lourdes, you will pray and meditate in yet another site of Our Lady's apparitions. Our Lady first appeared to Bernadette in 1858, and announced herself as "The Immaculate Conception", near the Grotto of Massabielle. At the first two apparitions, little Bernadette prayed the Rosary with Our Lady and left without any exchange of words. During the following apparitions, Our Lady emphasized God's love for us, penance and the necessity of performing acts of penance for sinners. Throughout your time in Lourdes, you will have the opportunity to attend Mass at the Grotto of where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette; watch a video presentation that explains, in detail, the story of Lourdes; drink water from the miraculous spring that has healed many; and submerge yourself in the healing baths. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to experience Christ's unconditional love as you meditate upon the "life size" Stations of the Cross that overlook the Grotto of Massabielle. Also, while in Lourdes, you will walk in and meditate upon the footsteps of St. Bernadette. You will have the opportunity to see Boly Mill, the birthplace of St. Bernadette; and the "Cachot," an abandoned prison where Bernadette's impoverish family lived. In the evening, you will have free time to attend the Blessed Sacrament Procession before dinner. Following dinner participate in the candle light procession and the Rosary. Return to hotel for a restful night of sleep.

Day 10, Wed, Sep 27: Lourdes - USA
After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, your group will leave by motor coach and transfer to the Toulouse, Pau or Lourdes airport for return flights home.

Or for passengers taking Post tour to Nevers, Lisieux and Paris:

Day 10, Wed, Sep 27: Lourdes - Paris – Nevers
Today, you will enjoy breakfast before departing for the Toulouse, Pau, or Lourdes airport for your short flight to Paris (approximately one hour and twenty-five minutes). Upon arrival in Paris, your group will visit and attend Mass at the magnificent, Sacre Coeur Basilica that stands atop Montmartre Hill. The Basilica that is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus was originally built in 1914, as an act of penance for infidelity that France was experiencing during that time. While on your visit, in addition to the extraordinary artwork and architecture that forms the Basilica, you will see the beautiful mosaic of the Risen Christ, the remarkable Grand Organ, and the Crypt that contains the Tombs of many notable Cardinals. Also, there will be an opportunity to ascend a staircase to the Dome where you will take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Paris. Following this visit, you will enjoy lunch on own and depart for Nevers by way of the picturesque Loire Valley (approximately two and a half hours). Nevers is the site of where St. Bernadette lived for twelve years as a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Nevers. The Saint suffered from a number of illnesses such as asthma, tuberculosis of the lungs, and a tubercular tumor in her right knee. For this reason, St. Bernadette received “The Last Sacraments” three times and eventually passed away in 1879, at the age of thirty-five. Following your transfer, you will have some free time before enjoying a delicious meal and retiring for the evening in Nevers.

Day 11, Thu, Sep 28: Nevers – Lisieux (St. Therese – the Little Flower)
Upon waking up in Nevers, you will enjoy breakfast followed by a visit to St. Gildard Convent, the site of where St. Bernadette’s incorrupt body rests. While here, you will pray and reflect upon the life of the beloved Saint as well as celebrate Mass. Following Mass, you will transfer to the home of St. Therese, Lisieux (approximately four hours and forty-five minutes). According to Pope Pius X, St. Therese of Lisieux was the “greatest saint of modern times.” Her extraordinary love for God and service to humanity will come alive as you walk in the great Saint’s footsteps. During your visit, you will see the beautiful Basilica of St. Therese, and the magnificent mosaics and stained glass that are contained within. Following your visit to the Basilica, you will have the opportunity to view relics, clothing and personal objects of St. Therese when you visit her family home, Les Buissonets. Additionally, you will tour the parish of St. Therese, the Cathedral of St. Peter; and the Carmelite Convent of where she entered in 1888, and is currently entombed in with her parents. Your tour of the “Little Flower’s” life will culminate as you transfer to your hotel for dinner and an overnight.

Day 12, Fri, Sep 29: Lisieux – Mont Saint Michel – Paris
Following breakfast, you will travel to Mont Saint Michel (approximately two and a half hours), also known as, “The Wonder of the Western World.” It is given this name because the Monastery is surrounded by a magnificent bay that is one of the greatest tidal ranges in Europe, resulting in a breathtaking view. In 709, this Monastery was built and consecrated by Aubert, Bishop of Avranches at the request of Michael the Archangel. Since the ninth century, the Abbey has been home to a monastic community in order to ensure the continuation of a spiritual presence. For centuries it has been a place of pilgrimage for those who seek Eternal Life with God. This evening you will board the bus and transfer to Paris (approximately four hours and fifteen minutes) where you will enjoy a delicious meal and overnight.

Day 13, Sat, Sep 30: Paris
This morning you will enjoy a full sightseeing day of Paris! You will visit and celebrate Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, where you will view the incorrupt body of St. Catherine Laboure. The Saint’s guardian angel led her to the Chapel where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to her. During the apparitions, Our Lady repeatedly instructed the making and purpose of the Miraculous Medal as well as, the green scapular. According to the Blessed Virgin Mary, those who wear the Miraculous Medal and scapular will receive special protection and abundant graces. Following your prayerful and reflective experience at this elegant Chapel, you will begin your sightseeing tour of Paris. The sightseeing tour includes the most iconic of locations. You will begin at the Notre Dame Cathedral, a perfect example of Gothic art and continue on to the most recognizable symbol of the city of Paris, the Eiffel Tower. Historically, the Tower’s original intent was to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution but, later assisted in meteorology, telegraphy of World War I, radio, and television. Following this visit, your tour continues to L’Arch de Triomphe, a monument that symbolizes gratitude for those who fought for France. This monument stands at the West end of the Champ Elysees, one of the world’s most famous boulevards and another one of our stops on the sightseeing tour. The eventful day culminates with a visit to the ever famous, Louvre Museum. This Museum is one of the finest in the world and contains a number of pieces that truly emanate not only French art but also, European culture. Your fun-filled, busy day ends with a lovely meal and a very comfortable overnight.

Day 14, Sun, Oct 01: Return Home
After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, your group will leave by motor coach and transfer to the Paris airport for return flight(s) home

Options:
† Single Supplement / Solo Traveler: $649
† Business Class Trans-Atlantic Upgrade (one-way): $1,750
† Business Class Trans-Atlantic Upgrade (Round-Trip): $3,500
† First Class: available upon request
† Children Discount (under 12): available upon request

post tour to Nevers, lisieux and PARIS: $1429
† Post tour to Nevers, Lisieux and Paris:
     ~ 1 night: Sep 27 – Sep 28: Hotel Mercure, Nevers
     ~ 1 night: Sep 28 – Sep 29: Grand Hotel de l’Esperance, Lisieux
     ~ 2 nights: Sep 29 – Oct 01: Pullman Hotel or M Gallery, Paris

† Single Supplement / Solo Traveler in Paris: $599

*Single Supplement option will be available to you after you press the button above.





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About Fatima:
The Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is one of most famous Marian Shrines in the world. Drawn by apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three local shepherd children in 1917. Four million people visit Fatima each year. The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to shepherd children on the 13th day of six consecutive months in 1917, starting on May 13th until October 13th. The events at Fatima gained particular fame due to their elements of prophecy and eschatology, particularly with regard to possible world war and the conversion of Russia.

Candlelight procession, Lourdes, France