Spiritual Highlights of Iberia, Lourdes & Italy

Welcome to Portugal! Check into your hotel, and tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers.

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 the impressive Black Horse Square. Visit the Cathedral La Se, where St. Anthony was baptised, and St. Anthony 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 appeared several times 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 Our Lady of Fatima Basilica.

Today's Distance: 118 mi / 190 km (B/D)

Today, 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 Fátima, attend [M] Mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady with time to wander on your own. This evening, perhaps join the Rosary. (B/D)

Stop in Braga to visit the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, where the cultural landscape evokes Christian Jerusalem, recreating a sacred mount crowned with a church. Continue into Spain and head for Santiago de Compostela. On arrival, an orientation walk introduces you to the old city centre. Attend the [M] Pilgrim Mass.

Today's Distance: 273 mi / 440 km (B/D)

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 (Way of St. James). (B)

Today, travel to Burgos, historic capital of Old Castile. The visit takes you to the magnificent Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and burial place of Spain's national hero, El Cid.

Today's Distance: 304 mi / 490 km (B)

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, another world-famous pilgrimage destination. Join the nightly Rosary and candlelight procession for a memorable spiritual experience.

Today's Distance: 298 mi / 480 km (B/D)

During today's orientation of Lourdes, you will see the famous Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, the grotto where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858. See Bernadette's birthplace, and her family home. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this little market town. According to the schedule, attend [M] Mass at the Sanctuary either early in the morning or in the evening. (B/D)

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.

Today's Distance: 249 mi / 400 km (B/D)

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 (Mass). Leave the idyllic scenery of Montserrat, and driving through the countryside dotted with celebrated vineyards, reach Barcelona, the lively capital of Catalonia.

Today's Distance: 37 mi / 59 km (B)

Get to know the city on a guided sightseeing tour, including a drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium and a panoramic view of the port and city. Continue to the city centre's Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire some of Gaudi's eccentric work, as well as his Sagrada Familia, an unfinished architectural masterpiece and modern consecrated expression of the Catholic faith. Attend Mass [M]. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate faith, life, and friendship. (B/D)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Rome. (B/D)

This morning, attend the Papal Audience (subject to availability) for the chance to see the Pope and receive the Papal Blessing. Later, with a Local Guide, visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, burial place of St Paul the Apostle and one of Rome's four major Papal basilicas, St. John Lateran Basilica, and the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs), transported from Jerusalem to Rome around 326 AD by St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine. Then, visit the impressive St. Mary Major Basilica and attend [M] Mass. (B)

A different, quite unique experience is offered today. We will take an included excursion to Castel Gandolfo, to visit the Papal summer residence and its manicured gardens with a Local Guide. This is a unique chance to see the rooms that have been occupied by many Popes over the centuries. Enjoy the opportunity to reflect and meditate in the garden's quiet and relaxing surroundings. In the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure in Rome or join the optional excursion to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, world famous for Michelangelo's legendary fresco of the Last Judgement.

Today's Distance: 50 mi / 80 km (B)

On your way south, stop in quaint Pietrelcina to visit the house where the beloved St. Pio was born. Then, head towards San Giovanni Rotondo on the east coast, the Saint's home from 1916 until his death in 1968.

Today's Distance: 255 mi / 410 km (B/D)

Attend [M] Mass this morning at Santa Maria delle Grazie (Old Church), then visit St. Pio's Friary, including his tomb, cell, confessional, and St. Pio Pilgrimage Church (New Church). Afterward, take a short drive to the nearby Shrine of Monte Sant'Angelo, one of Christendom's most celebrated shrines, where St. Michael the Archangel appeared in 490, 492, and 1656. Tonight, attend the candlelight procession in San Giovanni Rotondo.

Today's Distance: 43 mi / 70 km (B/D)

Visit St. Francis Church in Lanciano, home of the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle, and attend morning [M] Mass. Continue to the famous Marian Sanctuary of Loreto for a guided visit including the Holy House, where, according to tradition, angels transported the house of the blessed Virgin Mary. Arrive at the hilltop village of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare.

Today's Distance: 298 mi / 480 km (B/D)

Today, learn more about St. Francis, patron saint of animals and the environment. Attend early morning [M] Mass at St. Francis Basilica, famous for its 14th-century Giotto frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis. Meet your Local Guide and visit the Upper and Lower Basilicas of St. Francis and the Basilica of St. Clare, founder of the Order of Poor Clares.

Next, stop at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, situated at the foot of Assisi's hills and protecting the Porziuncola, where St. Francis is said to have founded the Order of Friars Minor in 1209, and the Cappella del Transito, where the saint died in 1226. (B)

Travel to Cascia this morning, a scenic town located in Umbria and home of St. Rita, the “Patron Saint of Impossible Causes.” Visit the Sanctuary and see the Major Basilica, housing the chapel with St. Rita's tomb. Stop in prayer at the Minor Basilica, site of the Eucharistic Miracle commemorated each year with the Feast of Corpus Christi. Return to Rome for a final overnight stay.

Today's Distance: 149 mi / 240 km (B)

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)