(13 Days / 11 Nights)
September 24 - October 06, 2021
DAY 01 (24SEP/Thursday): Depart Los Angeles
Depart LAX Airport for an overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal. Enjoy the in-flight service.
DAY 02 (25SEP/Friday): Arrival Lisbon
Upon arrival in Lisbon, transfer to hotel for accommodation.
DAY 03 (26SEP/Saturday): Lisbon–Santarém–Fátima (B/D)
On your guided sightseeing tour of the capital of Portugal, see the enormous monument dedicated to Henry the Navigator, as well as the 16th-century Belém Tower, the Moorish citadel, and impressive Black Horse Square. Visit the CATHEDRAL LA SE’, where St. Anthony was baptized, and JERONIMOS MONASTERY, which dates back to the mid-1400s and was built in thanks to the Virgin Mary for Vasco de Gama’s successful voyage to India. Head north for a stop in Santarém to visit the CHURCH OF THE EUCHARISTIC HOLY MIRACLE. Arrive in Fátima, home to one of the most famous Catholic shrines. Enjoy an orientation walk and visit the Tomb of the Visionaries and the Chapel of the Apparitions made famous by the Virgin Mary’s 1917 appearances to three shepherd children, which culminated in the revelation of the Three Secrets of Fátima. This evening, join pilgrims from around the world for the ROSARY and candlelight procession at the Our Lady of Fátima Basilica.
DAY 04 (27SEP/Sunday): Fátima (B/D)
Today, join an excursion to Tomar with a visit to the Monastery-Fortress of the Knights Templar. This afternoon attend Mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady with time to wander on your own. This evening, perhaps join the Rosary.
DAY 05 (28SEP/Monday): Fátima—Braga—Santiago De Compostela, Spain (B/D)
Journey north this morning and stop in Braga, one of the oldest Christian cities in the world and nicknamed the “Portuguese Rome.” Visit the BOM JESUS DO MONTE SANCTUARY, an important pilgrimage site, where devout followers have walked the “Stations of the Cross” for contemplation and penance since 1811. See the unique zigzag stairway dedicated to the five senses: sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste—and the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity. Continue into Spain and head for Santiago de Compostela, one of the top pilgrimage destinations since the Middle Ages. On arrival, an orientation walk introduces you to the old city center. Then, attend the Pilgrims Mass in ST. JAMES’ CATHEDRAL, which houses the Apostle James’ remains beneath the high alter, followed by the famous Botafumeiro to close the celebration.
DAY 06 (29SEP/Tuesday): Santiago De Compostela (B)
This morning, join an excursion to Cabo Finisterre, where pilgrims have traditionally completed their walk and burned their robes. Later, return to Santiago de Compostela, known throughout history for the key 9th-century pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago (or Way of St. James) with time to explore on your own.
DAY 07 (30SEP/Wednesday): Santiago De Compostela—Burgos (B)
Today, travel to Burgos, historic capital of Old Castile. Your visit takes you to the magnificent CATHEDRAL, a masterpiece of gothic architecture and burial place of Spain’s national hero, El Cid.
DAY 08 (01OCT/Thursday): Burgos—San Ignacio De Loyola—Lourdes, France (B/D)
Travel through the Basque region toward Lourdes. En route, pause to reflect and attend Mass at the 17th-century SANCTUARY OF LOYOLA, built in honor of San Ignacio de Loyola, founder of the Jesuit religious order. See its spectacular dome and marble and jasper main altarpiece. Cross into France and overnight in Lourdes, home to another of the world’s most famous places of pilgrimage. Join the nightly ROSARY and candlelight procession for a memorable spiritual experience.
DAY 09 (02OCT/Friday): Lourdes (B/D)
Today’s guided walking tour includes the GROTTO, where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858, Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, BERNADETTE’S BIRTHPLACE, and her family home. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this little market town and to attend Mass, if you like.
DAY 10 (03OCT/Saturday): Lourdes—Carcassonne—Barcelona, Spain (B)
This morning, head for the France/Spain border. En route, visit the FORTIFIED CITADEL of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the ramparts, castle walls, and drawbridges that are still well preserved from the Middle Ages. Overnight in Catalonia’s lively and beautiful capital, Barcelona.
DAY 11 (04OCT/Sunday): Barcelona (B)
Today’s guided sightseeing includes a drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium and a great panoramic view of the port and city. Continue to the city center’s Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire Gaudi’s eccentric Houses Batlló and Milà, as well as his SAGRADA FAMILIA, an unfinished architectural masterpiece that is still a consecrated expression of the Catholic faith.
DAY 12 (05OCT/Monday): Barcelona (B/D)
Today, we will join the excursion to the pilgrimage site of Montserrat and its countryside. Situated 4,055 feet above sea level in a mountain range composed of striking pink conglomerate, a form of sedimentary rock, this is the site of the Benedictine abbey that hosts the Black Virgin of Montserrat Sanctuary, patron saint of Catalonia. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY 13 (06OCT / Tuesday: Barcelona (B)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Transfer to airport for your flight back home.
***End of Tour***
ACCOMMODATIONS:
LISBON - Roma Hotel or similar
FATIMA - Coracao de Fatima or similar
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA - Sercotel Los Abetos or similar
BURGOS - Corona de Castilla or similar
LOURDES - Sainte-Rose or similar
BARCELONA - Hotel Ibis Styles Barcelona City Bogatell or similar | 
