Your tour begins in Fatima, Portugal's world-famous religious center. (D) Stay: Hotel de Fatima (2 Nights)
You may celebrate Mass before traveling to the original town of Fatima and the parish church where the children Francisco, Jacinta and Lucia were baptized.
Continue on to Aljustrel, where the children lived, and view the site of the fifth apparition in Valinhos.
Later, return to Fatima to enjoy free time for personal worship and to explore the basilica and its grounds. (B/D)
Attend a morning Mass before travelling east to Burgos, known as the cradle of the Castile region. Situated on the Pilgrim's Road, Burgos stands on the banks of the Rio Arlanzon with the slender, elegant spires of its famous cathedral rising into the sky. Mass is available this evening. (B) Stay: Abba Hotel (2 Nights)
Join a local expert on a walking tour of Burgos' beautiful medieval town center. Spend time at the Cathedral of Burgos, a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cathedral, the third largest church in Spain, offers such masterpieces as the filigree work in the spires of the towers; the starry dome; the choir; the sarcophagi and the golden staircase. Next, visit a living monastery where we will learn about monastic life and admire monastic architecture. Mass is available this evening. (B/D)
Today, travel northeast through the Pyrenees Mountains to Lourdes. This is where the Virgin Mary appeared in the Grotto of Massabielle to the poor shepherd girl, Bernadette, for a total of 18 times between February 11 and July 16, 1858. Since then, this little market town has been a world-renowned pilgrimage site.
Tonight you may wish to partake in a candlelight procession. (B/D) Stay: Mercure Imperial Hotel (2 Nights)
After morning Mass, enjoy a walking tour of Lourdes, visiting the places associated with the life of St. Bernadette: the “Boly Mill" (site of the birthplace of St. Bernadette), the "Cachot," and the parish church housing the baptismal font of St. Bernadette.
Later, enjoy some time at leisure to explore the town's rich historical and natural heritage. Become immersed in the atmosphere that reigned during the apparitions and revel in the spirit of brotherhood that is still present today. (L/D)
Celebrate Mass before crossing back into Spain on your way to Barcelona, one of Europe's most fascinating cities. Stay: Occidental 1929 Hotel (2 Nights)
Celebrate Mass at the crypt of La Sagrada Familia, followed by a visit to the elaborate, expansive basilica. Once completed, Gaudi's masterpiece will have 18 towers: 12 dedicated to the apostles, four to the evangelists, one to Jesus and another to Mary.
Later, get to know more of the city's treasures, including views of Antoni Gaudi's Mila House (UNESCO), the Columbus Monument and Parc de Montjuic. Spend this afternoon at leisure exploring the city further or choose an optional excursion to the quaint mountain village of Montserrat.
This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a dinner celebrating the end of a memorable tour. (B/D)
Return home eager to share vivid memories of a spectacularly beautiful land with an old, rich and diverse cultural heritage. (B)
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