Make your way to your local airport, where you will board your overnight flight(s). Your meals will be served on board.

Upon landing at Lisbon Airport, and after claiming your baggage, proceed to the arrival’s hall, where you will be greeted by your tour guide and/or driver. This afternoon we will enjoy a panoramic tour 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. Welcome dinner and overnight in Lisbon.

In the morning we will departure towards Fatima. On the way we will stop in the old city of Santarem. In Santarem we will visit and attend Mass at the Church of St. Stephen, which holds the oldest (13th century) recorded Eucharistic Miracle in Portugal. 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. In the afternoon we will start the visit of the most important places related to the apparitions located in the surroundings of Fatima: Parish Church of Fatima, Cemetery of Fatima (Where we will find the tomb where Saint Francesco and Saint Jacinta were buried after they passed away) and Aljustrel (The hamlet of the three children). In Aljustrel we will visit the houses where the three children lived and also the well where the Angel of Peace appeared in Summer 1916 (second apparition of the Angel). Dinner in the hotel. After dinner we will be able to gather with the rest of the pilgrims in Fatima at the Chapel of the Apparitions, where Our Blessed Mother appeared, to pray the Rosary and to participate in the candlelight procession. Overnight in 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 to the Little Chapel of the Apparitions. This simple, yet modern, chapel is the site where the Virgin Mary first appeared on May 13, 1917. Continue with a visit to 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, 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 to 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. The day ends with a visit to 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.

After breakfast we will board the motor coach and drive towards to Porto or Oporto. Porto is a historic and varied city. Famed for the production of Port, which is still stored and matured in the vast cellars that stretch along the banks of the Douro River. After a city tour of Porto and Mass celebration, enjoy some free time for lunch before we continue on to the great city of Santiago de Compostela for dinner and a restful overnight .

This morning, you will walk a few miles of El Camino, and immerse yourselves in the fragrant eucalyptus groves and experience the breathtaking scenery. Later this morning attend the International Pilgrim Mass at the Cathedral of St. James. After Mass there will be free time for lunch. In the afternoon we will visit the Cathedral of Santiago. 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. After that, you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. Some stops on your tour include the Obradoiro Square, Fonseca Palace, Gemirez Palace, Franco Street, and much more. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, depart for Covadonga and visit 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 Our Lady of Covadonga. This is the gateway to the Picos de Europa National Park. The Basilica, alongside the cave where pilgrims venerate the statue of Our Lady of Covadonga, 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 Our Lady of Covadonga, the tomb of King Pelayo and that of King Alfonso I, are in the Holy 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. Continue through the scenic countryside of Cantabria, Spain, enjoy the lush green mountains before arriving to the hamlet of Garabandal. Check into your hotel for dinner and an overnight.

After breakfast, start your day visiting Garabandal. Little has changed in this rural town since June 18, 1961 when four children had an apparition first of an Angel, sent to prepare the children for a visit from the Virgin. From July 2, 1961 sporadically until Nov 13, 1965, the Blessed Virgin visited them, speaking, guiding and confiding secrets of future events. The children reported a promised future miracle at the grove of pine trees on a bluff overlooking the village of Garabandal. It will be on the feast-day of a little known martyr of the Eucharist and coincide with an event in the Church. In the afternoon, travel to Santo Toribio de Liebana Monastery. The monastery was founded prior to the 6th Century. According to tradition, the Monastery venerates the largest piece of the Lignum Crucis discovered in Jerusalem by Saint Helena of Constantinople and brought from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by Saint Turibius of Astorga. The left arm of the True Cross is kept on a gilded silver reliquary. The monastery was initially dedicated to St. Martin of Tours but its name was changed in the 12th Century. On April 16, 1961, the Franciscan friars, custodians of the Holy Places, were entrusted with the relic’s safekeeping and with the promotion of the devotion to the Holy Cross. Return to Garabandal for dinner and an overnight.

Following breakfast, transfer from Garabandal 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.

This morning you will wake up in a small town that is nestled within the Pyrenees Mountains. This morning attend Mass at the Grotto. Following Mass we 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 impoverished family lived. You may drink water from the miraculous spring that has healed many; and submerge yourself in the healing baths during your free time this afternoon. Before dinner we 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. Each evening following dinner, you will have an opportunity to attend the candlelight procession and the Rosary before a restful overnight.

After breakfast we will depart for Monserrat, home to the miraculous Black Madonna. We visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat , located on a rugged mountainside. According to Catholic tradition, St. Luke carved the statue of the Black Madonna around 50 A.D. and brought it to Spain. While in Spain, it was hidden from the Moors and then, was later rediscovered by shepherds. In 880 A.D., the shepherds and the Bishop of Manresa were drawn to a grotto by a bright light and heavenly music. Upon discovery of the statue of the Black Madonna in the grotto, the Bishop of Manresa suggested that it be moved to Manresa. However, the statue was too heavy that it could not be lifted. As a result, the Virgin remained in Montserrat and continued to be venerated there for centuries. As years progressed, a number of chapels were built upon the site and in the eleventh century, the abbot-bishop Oliba founded a monastery on Montserrat next to one of these chapels. Dinner and overnight.

Following breakfast we will travel to Manresa for a visit to the Sanctuary of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and the Holy Cave where St. Ignatius lived to continue on to Barcelona. Free time this afternoon before dinner and overnight.

Your last day in Spain will begin with breakfast at your hotel, followed by a transfer to Barcelona for your return flight(s) home. You will say “hasta luego” (see you later) to your new friends made on this journey.Over the next two weeks experience and pray while visiting Catholic Shrines in Fatima, Lourdes and Northern Spain! Begin in Portugal with a visit to Lisbon’s St. Anthony Church before heading to Fatima to the site of the 1917 Apparitions to the Shepherd Children. Here visit one of the world’s most famous Marian shrines, participate in the candlelight procession, and visit the home of the visionaries. Walk a few miles of the El Camino Trail and visit the Pilgrim church in Santiago de Compostela. Head into Northern Spain for a breathtaking visit to the Our Lady of Covadonga Sanctuary carved into the mountainside in Asturias. Continue to San Sebastian to visit the shrine to Our Lady of Garabandal and in Loyola see the birthplace of St. Ignatius. Next, visit another of the world’s most visited Marian Shrines in Lourdes. Here you may drink from the miraculous fountains, walk the stations of the cross and participate in candlelight processions. Heading back to Spain, see the miraculous Black Madonna at the Shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat. Complete your pilgrimage in Barcelona with a visit to La Sagrada Familia Basilica. Return home with your faith renewed, refreshed, and ignited!

*206 Tours Disclaimer:
Occasionally local religious and national holidays, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of events or the missing of certain events/places. Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of events and places to be visited.