Your trip includes
- Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK)
- *
- All airport taxes & fuel surcharges
- Centrally located first class hotels as follows: (or similar)
- ~ 1 night: Aug 03 - 04: Hotel Mundial, Lisbon
- ~ 2 nights: Aug 04 - 06: Hotel Santa Maria, Fatima
- ~ 1 night: Aug 06 - 07: Hotel Compostela, Santiago de Compostela
- ~ 1 night: Aug 07 - 08: Hotel Don Pelayo, Covadonga
- ~ 2 nights: Aug 08 - 10: Hotel Barcelo Costa Vasca, San Sebastian
- ~ 2 nights: Aug 10 - 12: Grand Hotel Moderne, Lourdes
- ~ 1 night: Aug 12 - 13: Hotel Abd Cisneros, Montserrat
- ~ 1 night: Aug 13 - 14: Hotel Ayre Caspe, Barcelona
- ~ 1 night: Aug 14 - 15: La Salette religious residence, La Salette
- ~ 1 night: Aug 15 - 16: Hotel Trois Pigeons, Paray Le Monial
- ~ 1 night: Aug 16 - 17: Hotel Mercure Charters, Charters
- ~ 1 night: Aug 17 - 18: Grand Hotel de l'Esperance, Lisieux
- ~ 1 night: Aug 18 - 19: Hotel Pullman Paris Bercy, Paris
- Optional 2 nights post stay In Paris:
- ~ 2 nights: Aug 19 - 21: Hotel Pullman Paris Bercy, Paris
- Breakfast and Dinner daily
- Wine and mineral water with dinners
- Transfers as per itinerary
- Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
- Whisper Headsets
- Assistance of a professional local Catholic Guide
- Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
- Mass daily & Spiritual activities
- Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
Not included
- Lunches and beverages not mentioned, Tips to your guide & driver.
Itinerary
Day 01, Tue, Aug 02: Depart US
Make your way to JFK airport, where you will board your overnight flight(s). Your meals will be served on board.
Day 02, Wed, Aug 03: Lisbon Airport - 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 03, Thu, Aug 04: Lisbon - Santarem - Fatima
Breakfast in the hotel. In the morning, 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. Continuation of the journey to Fatima. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
Day 04, Fri, Aug 05: Fatima
Breakfast in the hotel. 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 Blessed Francisco, Blessed 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 and Aljustrel, the hamlet of the three children. 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 05, Sat, Aug 06: Fatima - Santiago de Compostela
After breakfast we travel north towards Santiago de Compostela. Arrival to Santiago and visit to its Cathedral. Formed by Galician granite, this Cathedral is one of the finest architectural examples in Europe as it encompasses Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. Additionally, the Cathedral contains numerous and valuable pieces of art that truly captivate the eye. Upon entering the Cathedral, tradition will lead as you will hug the dazzling statue of St. James. Following this intimate embrace, you will descent into the crypt where the Patron Saint of Pilgrims' relics are kept. Dinner and overnight in Santiago.
Day 06, Sun, Aug 07: Santiago de Compostela - Covadonga Monastery
After breakfast we will travel towards the Covadonga Sanctuary. This Shrine gained popularity following the Battle of Covadonga in 722, at which the Moorish invasion of Spain was first resisted. A statue of the Virgin Mary, secretly hidden in one of the caves, was believed to have faithfully supported the Christian victory. Covadonga is the place where the Re-conquest began under king Pelayo, whose remains are buried in the cave alongside La Santina. This is the gateway to the Picos de Europa National Park. The basilica, alongside the cave where pilgrims venerate the statue of La Santina, is a place of worship and pilgrimage for the people of Asturias. The basilica is in neo-Romanesque style, with two high towers flanking the main entrance. Inside there are works of great value, such as a canvass by Madrazo. The statue of king Pelayo is in the square by the basilica. The statue of La Santina, the tomb of king Pelayo and that of king Alfonso I, are in a cave, with access via a large staircase. A spring flows out of the cave and below this there is a fountain with seven spouts. On the altar, a gold panel represents the battle of Covadonga. Dinner and overnight in Covadonga.
Day 07, Mon, Aug 08: Covadonga Monastery - Bilbao - San Sebastian
After breakfast we will travel towards San Sebastian. On the way we will make a short stop in the city of Bilbao. Bilbao, a former industrial giant, has been transformed, in less than a decade, into leading cultural pole thanks to the incredible impact of the Guggenheim Museum. After the opening of the Guggenheim Museum (built by Frank O. Gehry) in 1997, this sprawling city has experienced a cultural renaissance fueled by a stream of visitors. Enjoy guided tour of museum and explore the enthralling exhibitions in order to discover contemporary and modern art masterpieces; see timeless masterworks like Joseph Beuy's 'Lightning with Stag in its Glare' and gaze at Jeff Koons' colossal sculpture 'Puppy'. Gain fascinating insight into different art movements and hear tales of the intriguing lives of some of the artists during this culturally enriching exploration. Continuation of the journey to San Sebastian. Dinner and overnight in San Sebastian.
Day 08, Tue, Aug 09: San Sebastian
Breakfast in the hotel. In the morning we will do a tour of San Sebastian. San Sebastian is a bright an elegant beach town arched around one of the finest urban strands in the world, La Concha (The Shell), so named for its almost perfect resemblance to the shape of a scallop shell. The best way to visit the city is to walk around and that is how we are going to discover its most incredible sites. The famous sculpture by Eduardo Chillida at the foot of the Igueldo mountain, El Peine del Viento (The Comb of the Wind) will show us the beauty of San Sebastian and from the Ondarreta beach will start our tour: Miramar Palace, Saint Mary of the Chorus Basilica, Victoria Eugenia Theater, Constitution Square, La Bretxa Market, The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, Kursal Palace, City Hall, Maria Cristina Bridge, etc. Rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight in San Sebastian.
Day 09, Wed, Aug 10: San Sebastian - Loyola - Lourdes
Breakfast in the hotel. In the morning we will travel to Loyola, the birthplace of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. Here, we will see the 17th Century Basilica dedicated to St. Ignatius. We will also visit his family home behind the sanctuary. We will have time to pray at the most venerated room where Ignatius at age 30, was brought following his serious wounding at the Battle of Pamplona. In this very room is where Saint Ignatius committed his life to God. 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. 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.
Day 10, Thu, Aug 11: Lourdes
Breakfast in the hotel. This morning we will celebrate a group Mass at the Grotto before meeting our guide for a walking tour of Lourdes including the Sanctuary area: Upper & Lower Basilicas, the Grotto, and the Baths where hundreds of miraculous cures have taken place. Continue our visit of the main sites associated with St Bernadette including the Boly Mill where she was born in 1844, the original parish church and the Cachot (prison) where the family was forced to live due to misfortune during the time of the apparitions. Free time this afternoon for a visit and prayers for the sick at the miraculous Baths where the water has continued to flow since 1858. Pilgrims may choose to submerge themselves in the healing waters or collect the Lourdes water at the taps. During her 9th apparition to Bernadette, Our Lady said, "Go drink and wash yourself at the spring". Optional afternoon Blessed Sacrament Procession and Blessing of the Sick before a final evening candlelight procession after dinner. Overnight in Lourdes.
Day 11, Fri, Aug 12: Lourdes - Andorra - Montserrat
Breakfast in the hotel. Departure towards Montserrat. On our way we will make stop in Andorra. Created under a charter in 988, the present principality was formed in 1278. It is known as a principality as it is a diarchy headed by two Co-Princes: The Catholic Bishop of Urgell in Spain, and the President of France. After lunch on your own, continuation of the journey. In the late afternoon we will visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat, located on a rugged mountainside. According to Catholic tradition, the statue of the Black Virgin of Montserrat was carved by St. Luke around 50 A.D. and brought to Spain. It was later hidden from the Moors in a cave, where it was rediscovered by shepherds in 880 A.D. They saw a bright light and heard heavenly music that eventually led them to the grotto and the statue. The Bishop of Manresa, present at the discovery, suggested that it be moved to Manresa, but the small statue was discovered to be so heavy it could not be lifted. Thus, the Virgin had indicated her will to stay in Montserrat to be venerated there. In the 11th Century, the Abbot-Bishop Oliba founded a monastery on the mountain of Montserrat next to one of the chapels, where the Benedictine Abbey is still preserved. This evening you will be able to attend the vespers prayers leaded by the monks. Dinner and overnight in Montserrat.
Day 12, Sat, Aug 13: Montserrat - Manresa - Barcelona
Breakfast in the hotel. In the morning, we will travel to Manresa with a visit to the Sanctuary of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and the Holy Cave where St. Ignatius lived. On March 25th, 1522, Ignatius of Loyola came down from Montserrat to Manresa. He settled down and lived eleven months there. The stay of Saint Ignatius in Manresa -far longer than he had foreseen- is of great relevance in the autobiography and deeds of the Saint. In a cave near river Cardener, Ignatius had a strong spiritual experience which was going to be the origin of more than one methodological instruction for the guidance of similar experiences: the Book of the Spiritual Exercises, a guide towards the orientation of one's life depending upon God, "in all things to serve and love." Ignatius always considered that his stay in Manresa had been very important. He said that those months of stay in the town had been for him a kind of Noviciate regarding spiritual things. That is why among the Jesuits the expression "to go to Manresa" meant a pilgrimage to their historical sources and the sources of their religious vocation and spirituality. Saint Ignatius stay in Manresa includes a unique event that took place in front of river Cardener. There he had a vision, the so called 'enlightenment of river Cardener': "While he was sitting there the eyes of his mind started to open. Not that he saw a vision, but he understood and came to know many things with such a great enlightenment that everything was new to him". After the visit we will continue our journey towards Barcelona. The city has long had the reputation of being the avantgarde capital of Spain, especially in design and architecture. It boasts some superb museums - including the world-class Museum of Art of Cataluna, and individual art museum dedicated to Picasso, Joan Miro and Tapies - as well as outstanding Gothic and modernism architecture, most perfectly and eccentrically expressed in the work of Antonio Gaudi: Sagrada Familia church, La Pedrera house, Park Guell, etc. The most sites of historic interest are located in the old town: Barrio Gotico, Ramblas street, Picasso Museum, San Jaime Square, the Gothic Cathedral, etc. But we must not forget the new area of the city: Montjuic where the Olympic stadium and the Spanish Village are situated. Your afternoon of touring will include a guided walk through the Gothic Quarter that contains remains from an ancient Roman village, including the Cathedral of Barcelona and a visit to La Sagrada Familia. Dinner and overnight in Barcelona.
Day 13, Sun, Aug 14: Barcelona - La Salette
Breakfast in the hotel. Departure towards La Salette located in a high alpine pasture in the French Alps. We will stop for Lunch at southern city full of traditional and contemporary treasures, Montpellier. Montpellier is a charming and exceptional destination, a medieval city where the town center, Place de la Comedie, Faculte de Medecine and Place Royale du Peyrou attract visitors from around the world. We continue toward La Salette for dinner and overnight.
Day 14, Mon, Aug 15: La Salette - Paray Le Monial
Breakfast in the hotel. La Salette is the site where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1846 to two shepherds, Melanie Matthew and Maximin Gird. Our Lady appeared to these shepherds crying, lamenting over the lack of observance of Sundays and the profaning of her Son's holy name. A spring forever marks the spot where the Virgin appeared and where millions of pilgrims come to in order to drink the fresh spring water and to pray. The stunning mountain scenery and lush mountain trails make La Salette one of the most spectacular pilgrimage site in France, with a beautiful Basilica built to honor the Virgin Mary. In 1996 La Salette celebrated the 150th anniversary of Our Lady's first appearance. In the afternoon, departure towards Paray Le Monial, the place where St Margaret Mary Alacoque experienced visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the 17th century. In revealing His Heart to her, Jesus said: "Behold the Heart which has so loved men that it has spared nothing but has been poured out totally and consumed as proof of its love". Dinner and overnight in Paray le Monial.
Day 15, Tue, Aug 16: Paray Le Monial - Nevers - Chartres
Breakfast in the hotel. In the morning and after celebrating Mass in the Shrine of Paray-le-Monial we will start a guided visit featuring the Chapel of Apparitions, the place where St Margaret Mary Alacoque experienced visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the 17th century, the room of the relics of St Margaret Mary, the Diorama of St Margaret and the Eucharist Museum. Other highlights include the Basilica of Sacre Coeur and the Chapel of St Claude in honor of St Margaret Mary's Spiritual Director. In the afternoon departure towards Nevers. Nevers is the site 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. After visiting the convent of Saint Gildard, continuation of the journey towards Chartres. Dinner and overnight in Chartres.
Day 16, Wed, Aug 17: Charters - Normandy Beaches - Lisieux
Breakfast in the hotel. In the morning we will visit the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Worldwide known for the incredible stained-glass windows from the 12th and 13th century. A World Heritage site by UNESCO, which calls the Cathedral "the high point of French Gothic art" and a "masterpiece". After the visit we will continue north to the site that marks the turning point of World War II, Normandy Beach. This beach is known for the "D-Day landings" of where Allied troops, led by American General Dwight Eisenhower, stormed and began to defeat the Nazi army. While at Normandy, you will discover the church in Sainte-Mere-Eglise where the paratrooper John Steele got caught on the steeple, the sobering experience of the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach, where many of the brave American soldiers of World War II are buried and the Pointe du Hoc where 225 Rangers climbed cliffs over a 100-feet high to capture and destroy the artillery battery installed there and fortified by the Germans. Following this visit, you will enjoy lunch on your own and depart for Lisieux. 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 windows contained within. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Lisieux.
Day 17, Thu, Aug 18: Lisieux - Paris
Today, after breakfast you will explore the life of St. Therese. Following Mass at beautiful Basilica of St. Therese, 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 Carmelite Convent of where she entered in 1888 and is currently entombed in with her sisters. Your tour of the "Little Flower's" life culminates as you board bus to transfer to Paris. We will start with a visit of Sacre Coer followed by the lunch on your own at Montmatre. Continue with a visit Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, where we 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 apparitions, Our Lady repeatedly instructed the making and purpose of the Miraculous Medal. According to the Blessed Virgin Mary, those who wear the Miraculous Medal will receive special protection and abundant graces. After Mass we will walk to Saint Vincent de Paul Church where we will find Saint Paul's incorrupt body. Continuing our afternoon with an outside visit of the Notre Dame Cathedral, a perfect example of Gothic art. Enjoy the dinner and conclude the day with a visit of the most recognizable symbol of the city of Paris: The Eiffel Tower.
Day 18, Fri, Aug 19: Paris Airport - USA
Today you will enjoy an early morning breakfast followed by a transfer to the Paris airport for your return flight(s) home.
Or for passengers taking Post Optional Tour to Paris:
Day 18, Fri, Aug 19: Paris - Giverny - D'Orsay - Seine River Cruise
Following breakfast at Hotel, we will do an excursion to Giverny, famous for being the location of Claude Monet's garden and home. Claude Monet noticed the village of Giverny while looking out of a train window. He made up his mind to move there and rented a house and the area surrounding it. In 1890 he had enough money to buy the house and land outright and set out to create the magnificent gardens he wanted to paint. Some of his most famous paintings were of his garden in Giverny, famous for its rectangular Clos Normand, with archways of climbing plants entwined around colored shrubs, and the water garden, formed by a tributary to the Epte, with the Japanese bridge, the pond with the water lilies, the wisterias and the azaleas. Monet lived in the house with its famous pink crushed brick facade from 1883 until his death in 1926. In the early afternoon we will return to Paris where we will visit D'Orsay Museum. D'Orsay Museum is housed in the former Gare d'Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900. The museum holds mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1914, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography. It houses the largest collection of impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces in the world, by painters including Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cezanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin, and Van Gogh. After the visit, enjoy a beautiful river cruise along the Seine River. Following cruise, dinner and overnight in Paris.
Day 19, Sat, Aug 20: Paris - Ville-sous-la-Ferte (Clairvaux Abbey) - Troyes - Paris - Louvre Museum
After breakfast we will visit the Clairvaux Abbey and Troyes. Clairvaux Abbey is a Cistercian monastery in Ville-sous-la-Ferte, in northeastern France. The original building, founded in 1115 by St. Bernard, is now in ruins; the present structure dates from 1708. Clairvaux Abbey was a good example of the general layout of a Cistercian monastery. The abbey was organized until the XVIII century according to the rules of the Cistercian order. In fact, the needs of monastic life are perceived in the architecture, which contains numerous buildings around the great cloister dedicated to the life of the monks and the lay brothers, common buildings (mills, kitchens, etc.) and the area dedicated to pray. Strong walls interspersed with watchtowers delimited the perimeter of the abbey, and an additional wall from north to south separated the monastic zones from the other (agricultural, workshops, etc.). The Abbey has been listed since 1926 as a historical monument by the French Ministry of Culture. During our tour with a local guide we will be able to visit the Hostellerie des Dames, the Chapel of the prison for young people, the Refectory, the Great Cloister and the former old prison from Napoleon times. On our return to Paris we will stop at the city of Troyes to visit its impressive Cathedral. The site where the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul is located, has been used for religious buildings since at least the 4th century, when an oratory stood on the site. A cathedral was built in the 9th century but was badly damaged by Norman invasions and was replaced in the 10th century, when bishop Milo built a Romanesque Cathedral. This building was the location of the Council of Troyes that opened on 13 January 1128, at which the Order of the Knights Templar was confirmed, and its rule established. The Romanesque cathedral was destroyed by fire in 1188. Construction of the present Gothic cathedral was ordered in about 1200 and continued until the 17th century. The Cathedral is particularly noted for its exceptional stained-glass windows of dates from the 13th to the 19th century and for the magnificent treasure containing among many other important works the reliquary casket or shrine of Saint Bernard de Clairvaux and his closest friend Saint Malachy of Ireland. We return to Paris for dinner followed by the night tour of Louvre Museum. The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace, originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century under Philip II. Remnants of the fortress are visible in the basement of the museum. Due to the urban expansion of the city, the fortress eventually lost its defensive function and, in 1546, was converted by Francis I into the main residence of the French Kings. The building was extended many times to form the present Louvre Palace. In 1682, Louis XIV chose the Palace of Versailles for his household, leaving the Louvre primarily as a place to display the royal collection, including, from 1692, a collection of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture. The museum opened on 10 August 1793 with an exhibition of 537 paintings, most of the works being royal and confiscated church property. Because of structural problems with the building, the museum was closed in 1796 until 1801. The collection was increased under Napoleon and the museum renamed Musee Napoleon, but after Napoleon's abdication many works seized by his armies were returned to their original owners. The collection was further increased during the reigns of Louis XVIII and Charles X, and during the Second French Empire the museum gained 20,000 pieces. Holdings have grown steadily through donations and bequests since the Third Republic. The collection is divided among eight curatorial departments: Egyptian Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities; Islamic Art; Sculpture; Decorative Arts; Paintings; Prints and Drawings. We return to Hotel for overnight.
Day 20, Sun, Aug 21: Paris Airport
Following breakfast, transfer to the Paris airport for your return flight(s) home.
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