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.

This morning, your day will begin with breakfast and a sightseeing tour of Barcelona! Enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the Port of Barcelona, Montjuic, Plaza de España, and Plaza de Catalunya. The Port was created 2,000 years ago on the coastal area in order to protect and provide access for ships and goods. Currently, it is home to numerous walking areas, businesses, cultural and sporting events. Plaza de España is right outside the center of town and, was formerly known for its old bull-fighting ring. Presently, the Plaza is renowned for containing the Museum of Catalan art, situated on the side of Montjuic. Plaza de Catalunya is located in central Barcelona, and is known for its fountains and statues. Your day of touring will continue with a guided walk through the Gothic Quarter that contains remains from an ancient Roman village, including the Cathedral of Barcelona. We will continue to the Eixample quarter to visit Antoni Gaudi’s stunning, unfinished Roman Catholic Basilica, La Sagrada Familia. Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a farewell dinner followed by overnight.

Your last day in Spain will begin with breakfast at your hotel, followed by a transfer to Barcelona airport for your flight to Amsterdam. Upon landing into Amsterdam 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. Transfer to your hotel. This afternoon we will visit the Chapel of our Lady of All Nations, one of the Virgin Mary’s apparition sites. In 1945 until 1959, Our Lady appeared to Ida Peerdeman with the continuous message of love and repentance and, the prayer for Nations. Following Mass we will visit the site of a Eucharistic Miracle. In 1345, as a result of a man’s illness, a Sacred Host was found preserved in his house after it was moved numerous times and after having experienced a fire that left the city in ruins. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight in Amsterdam.

Following breakfast, we will celebrate Mass. After Mass enjoy a guided a tour of Amsterdam, where you will experience its seventeenth century historical and picturesque atmosphere amidst its canals and squares. During your walking tour you will view the Royal Place, Vrijheidsbeeld (National Monument) , the Flower Markets, Opera House, City Hall and Begijnenhof. Additionally, you will experience a glimpse from the outside of the many cultural highlights Amsterdam has to offer, such as: Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Rembrandt House and, the Rijksmuseum. After free time for lunch we will proceed to the Zaanse Schanns, a unique piece of Dutch history on the river Zaan. It is residential area in which the 18th and 19th centuries are brought to life. Stroll past the bakery museum and enjoy the smell of fresh cookies. Take a look were clogs are made. Don’t miss the cheese factory, the various windmills and much more. The Zaanse Schans is a unique part of the Netherlands, full of wooden houses, mills, barns and works shops. Return to Amsterdam for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast we will depart for Utrecht. One of the principal political, economic and cultural centers of the Netherlands. We will visit Katherine’s Convent Museum (Catharijne convent) located in former hospice of the Order of St. John, telling the history of Christianity in the Netherlands. It also holds a large collection of medieval art treasures. You will have free time for lunch, before boarding the motor coach for your transfer to Ghent. Ghent, Belgium, home to the famous painting, “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.” The large and complex altarpiece was painted by Jan and Hubert Van Eyck in 1432 and, is currently housed in Ghent’s, St. Bavo Cathedral. We will celebrate Mass at St. Bavo Cathdral. After Mass continue to Bruges, The Zeebrugge port of Bruges is an important center for European trade. Diner and overnight.

Today following breakfast, we will visit the Church of Our Lady for Mass, you will inevitably notice the preserved culture of the Middle Ages that is still present. While at the Church, you will have the opportunity to view the magnificent marble statue, Madonna and her Child sculpted by Michelangelo. Next, we visit the Holy Saviors Cathedral, Bruges Cathedral. Continue with a visit to the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Most interestingly, this Basilica also holds a venerated relic of Jesus Christ that was collected by Joseph of Arimathea and brought from Jerusalem. Modeled on the Church of the Holy Suplechre, it has a replica of the Christ’s tomb. This afternoon you will have free time to enjoy lunch and a leisurely stroll in this enchanting city. Return to your hotel on time to enjoy a delicious meal and a restful overnight.

Following breakfast, you will board the motor coach to head to Beaurin. We will make a stop in Dinant, a charming town located below steep limestone rocks, crowned by a mighty citadel to have lunch on your own. We will continue to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Beauraing, also known as, the Virgin of the Golden Heart. In 1932, the Blessed Mother appeared to a group of young children thirty-three times. She was described as being dressed in white with a golden crown on her head with hair of gold. Our Lady came to these children during the Great Depression and advised them to sacrifice themselves to Her. Continue on to Banneux – Notre Dame, also known as, the Belgian Lourdes. Upon arrival, you will visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Banneux. In 1933, the Blessed Mother appeared to twelve-year-old Mariette Boco as the “Virgin of the Poor”. Our Lady appeared to little Mariette a few times and informed her that she (Our Lady) has come to relieve the suffering of the ill and the conflicts of all nations. Continue to Aachen for dinner and an overnight.

Today, you will enjoy a short sightseeing tour of the village of Aachen! We will attend Mass at the Aachen Cathedral, a Gothic Marian Shrine. The Church is the oldest of Germany and contains numerous treasures such as Jesus’ swaddling clothes, the Lord’s loin cloth, the Blessed Virgin’s Cloak and, the cloth used for St. John the Baptist’s head. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to venerate the miraculous fourteenth century statue of the Blessed Virgin. Later, you will depart for Cologne where you will enjoy another sightseeing tour! Cologne was originally founded and established by the Romans in 50 A.D. When this city received relics of the Three Magi in 1194, it gained importance as a pilgrimage center. While in this city, you will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, “the Kolner Dom” that houses the relics. Following this visit, you will learn about the two thousand years of history to which this Rhineland city is accompanied by. In the Middle Ages, the city of Cologne served and flourished as one of the major trade routes between Eastern and Western Europe. Return to Aachen for a wonderful meal and an overnight.

After breakfast, will drive to Trier, the oldest city in Germany. It is situated in the Mosel wine region, and was founded before the year 16 B.C. Trier is known for its well-preserved Roman and medieval buildings, all of which you will visit during your time in this ancient city. The Porta Nigra is the only one of four Roman gates that still stands and was formally the home to a hermit monk named Simeon. Additionally, the Roman amphitheater and baths were places of relaxation for the ancient monks. Lastly, the style and size of the Constantine Basilica (Aula Palatina) truly exemplifies the strength and power that the Roman Emperor had in ancient times. We will celebrate Mass at the Trier Cathedral, followed by free time for lunch. Continue with a visit of Trier Cathedral , which not only contains a remarkable collection of artwork, but is also home to the Holy Robe that Our Lord Jesus Christ wore during the Crucifixion (Like the Shroud of Turin – it is very fragile, and is only displayed every 10 – 15 years). Lastly, visit the Liebfrauenkirche, one of the first Gothic churches in Germany and is located near the burial site of the Saint who replaced Judas Iscariot, St. Matthias. Proceed to Heidelberg for check in followed by dinner and overnight.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we will start your day with a tour of Heidelberg. Visit the Old Town dominated by the ruins of Heidelberg Castle. See marketplace with the Town Hall, the Church of the Holy Spirit located nearby and have a walk on the main street. Admire the panoramic view of the city passing by the Old Bridge to the other banks of river. We will celebrate Mass at the local church, followed by free time for lunch. Proceed to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, In Rothenburg we will see picturesque lanes, half-timbered houses and an intact fortification wall that will give you a good idea what a medieval town looked like nearly 1000 years ago. Walk around the city on top of the wall to enjoy the stunning views over the old town. Return to Heidelberg for dinner and overnight.

This morning after breakfast we depart for Neuhausen am Rheinfall for a boat trip where you will see the great spectacle of the Rhine Falls. After free time for lunch we will transfer to the Benedictine monastery of Muri, one of the most significant cultural monuments in the Canton of Aargau. It was founded in 1027 by Ita of Lorraine and her husband, Count Radbot of Habsburg. See the Romanesque crypt, the Gothic raised choir and the central octagon in Baroque style bear witness to the continuation of architectural alteration, renewal and addition throughout the ages. Celebrate Mass at Muri Monastery. Continue to Lucerne for dinner and overnight.

Today we will start with a guided tour of Lucerne. This central Switzerland city is known for its miraculous views of Mt. Pilatus and Rigi in the Swiss Alps. While in this breathtaking city, you will view from the outside the wooden Chapel Bridge that was first erected in the fourteenth century. This afternoon enjoy a scenic ride along Lake Lucerne and Lake Zug to Einsiedeln. Upon arrival, celebrate Mass at Einsiedeln Abbey. Visit the Benedictine Monastery of Einsiedeln dedicated to Our Lady of the Hermits. The abbey received this dedication due to its first inhabitant of the region around the year 850 A.D, a monk named Meinrad (St. Meinrad). This evening, you will return to your hotel in Lucerne. Enjoy a Farewell dinner and overnight at the hotel in Lucerne.

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, transfer to the Zurich airport for return flights home.

*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.