SHRINES OF EUROPE - SPAIN, PORTUGAL & FRANCE TOUR
12 DAYS FROM LISBON TO BARCELONA FROM $2,299 US
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Starting from picturesque Lisbon, visit some of the world's most treasured Marian shrines, pilgrimage sites, and spiritual places of Portugal, Spain, and France. Hear about the apparition of the Blessed Virgin to the shepherd children in Fatima, learn about the journey taken by pilgrims from all over the world into Santiago de Compostela and visit Loyola and Manresa to get inspired by St. Ignacio's Jesuit mission.
In Braga, walk the monumental steps of the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte and in Burgos, marvel at the majestic Cathedral. Join the nightly Rosary and candlelight procession in Lourdes. Spend one night by the inspiring Montserrat Sanctuary, where you will also attend Mass. End in Barcelona with time to celebrate life, reflect, and rejoice.
All This Included.
Adventure is knocking with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. We include hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations-with value-minded travelers in mind. Explore with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides, complimentary headsets, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free WiFi. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your GO mobile app!
Special departures:
February 4 Departure anniversary of the first apparition in Lourdes
May 11 Departure feast of Our Lady of Fatima
July 21 Departure Feast of St James in Santiago
October 11 Departure anniversary of the last apparition in Fatima
December 1 Departure feast of the Immaculate Conception in Lourdes
Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal
Welcome to Portugal! Check into your hotel, and tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Day 2: Lisbon - Santarem - Fatima
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 Belem Tower, the Moorish citadel, and impressive Black Horse Square. Visit the Cathedral La Se , where St. Anthony was baptized, and St. Anthony's Church, where it is said he was born. Admire the beauty of St. Mary of Belem Church, part of the Jeronimos Monastery complex. This building dates back to the mid-1400s and was built as thanks to the Virgin Mary for Vasco de Gama's successful voyage to India.
Leaving Lisbon, head north and stop in Santarem to visit the Church of the Eucharistic Holy Miracle to then arrive in Fatima, 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, where the Virgin Mary repeatedly appeared to three shepherd children in 1917, culminating in her revelation of the Three Secrets of Fatima. This evening, join pilgrims from around the world for the Rosary and candlelight procession at the Our Lady of Fatima Basilica. )B,D) Today's Distance: 118 mi / 190 km
Day 3: Fatima
Spend the day at the Sanctuary at leisure or join an optional excursion to Tomar with a visit to the Monastery-Fortress of the Knights Templar. Upon return to Fatima, attend Mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady with time to wander on your own. This evening, perhaps join in praying the Rosary once more. (B,D)
While we include select excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other options for your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your tour.
Option - Knights Templar, Convent of Christ & Houses of the 3 Shepherds
Follow in the formidable footsteps of the Knights Templar on this intriguing visit to Tomar's 12th-century castle/convent that served as the order's home base for 200 years. 3h 30m
Day 4: Fatima - Braga - Santiago de Compostela
Journey north and stop in Braga, one of the oldest Christian cities in the world, and visit the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, UNESCO World Heritage site and pilgrimage destination, 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 most significant pilgrimage destinations since the Middle Ages. On arrival, an orientation walk introduces you to the old city center. Then, attend the Pilgrim Mass. (B,D) Today's Distance: 273 mi / 440 km
Day 5: Santiago de Compostela
This morning, spend some time on your own or join an optional 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). (B)
Option - Camino Finisterre: Journey to the End of the World
Travel in the footsteps of pilgrims from around the world on this unique drive from Santiago de Compostela to Cape Fisterra, the fabled Edge of the World. 7h 0m
Day 6: Santiago de Compostela - Burgos
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. (B) Today's Distance: 304 mi / 490 km
Day 7: Burgos - Loyola - Lourdes
Travel through the Basque region toward Lourdes. En route, pause to reflect at the 17th-century Sanctuary of Loyola, built in honor of St. Ignacio of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit religious order. Cross into France and stay overnight in Lourdes, home to another world-famous pilgrimage destination. Join the nightly Rosary and candlelight procession for a memorable spiritual experience. (B,D) Today's Distance: 298 mi / 480 km
Day 8: Lourdes
Today, a local spiritual expert will introduce you to this important Marian Shrine. You will see all the main sites and hear the story of how the Virgin Mary appeared to St.Bernadette in 1858. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this little market town. According to the schedule, attend Mass at the Sanctuary either early in the morning or in the evening. (B,D)
Day 9: Lourdes - Manresa - Montserrat
Head for the France/Spain border. Spend time in the town of Manresa, known for its Basilica of Saint Mary of Seo, but more importantly for Pont Vell, a bridge associated with the worship of St.Ignacio of Loyola. See the architectural compound of Santa Cova, the sanctuary home of St.Ignacio of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, when he stayed in the city. Reach the beloved Marian shrine of Montserrat, located on top of a monumental massif, and spend the night next to the Monastery. (B,D) Today's Distance: 249 mi / 400 km
Day 10: Montserrat - Barcelona
Visit the Sanctuary of Montserrat this morning, where the Benedictine monks dedicate their life to prayer, providings helter and work. Life in the monastery follows a set rhythm in which work and prayer both play a part, according to Saint Benedict's motto, Ora et labora. Spend time in prayer, admire the image of Our Lady of Montserrat, and attend Mass. Leave the idyllic scenery of Montserrat, and driving through the countryside dotted with celebrated vineyards, reach Barcelona, the lively capital of Catalonia. (B) Today's Distance: 37 mi / 59 km
Option - Flamenco
Experience the passion and spirit of Spain's most traditional music and dance at this delightful evening of traditional Spanish Flamenco entertainment. 3h 30m
Day 11: Barcelona
Get to know the city on a guided sightseeing tour including a drive around Montjuic to see the Olympic Stadium for 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 Batllo and Mila, as well as his Sagrada Familia, an unfinished architectural masterpiece that is still a consecrated expression of the Catholic faith. Celebrate Mass (M), then, this evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate faith, life, and friendship. (B,D)
Day 12: Barcelona - Home
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
MEALS:
Breakfasts and Dinners as indicated (B,D)
DEPARTURE DATES
February - December
PRICES
From
approx $2,299 US per person double occupancy
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