Europe Pilgrimage

Day 1 (Depart Canada): Tonight we board our trans-Atlantic overnight flight to Lisbon.

Day 2 (Lisbon): We are met by our tour director at the airport in Lisbon, Portugal and are transferred to our hotel. In the evening we enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your Tour Director and traveling companions. (BBD)

Day 3 (Lisbon, Fatima): Sightseeing with a Local Guide features views to Jeronimos Monastery and the Church of St. Anthony. We also see the Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Later, depart for Fatima to visit Our Lady of Fatima Shrine and the Chapel of the Apparitions, where the Virgin Mary appeared to three children in 1917. Join this evening’s rosary and candlelight procession at the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine. (BBD)

Day 4 (Fatima): Morning orientation features the Parish Church where the visionaries were baptized, as well as their homes and their tombs, afternoon at your leisure. Join this evening’s rosary and candlelight procession. (BBD)

Day 5 (Fatima, Santiago de Compostela): We cross the border in to Spain and enjoy guided sightseeing in Santiago de Compostela, one of the top pilgrimage destinations during the Middle Ages along with Rome and Jerusalem. Visit the Cathedral where behind the high altar lie the relics of St. James the Apostle, the brother of St.John the Evangelist. (BBD)

Day 6 (Santiago de Compostela, Burgos): Travel along the ancient “Way of St. James� to Burgos, the historic capital of Old Castle. Sightseeing with a local guide includes a visit to the magnificent Cathedral. (BBD)

Day 7 (Burgos, Lourdes): Continue along into France and the Basque coast and arrive in Lourdes, home to one of the world’s most famous places of pilgrimage. Your guided walking tour includes visits to the Grotto where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858, the Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, the Birthplace of St. Bernadette, and her Family Home during the time of the apparitions. Join this evening’s memorable rosary and candlelight procession. (BBD)

Day 8 (Lourdes): Why not bathe in the healing waters and attend the “Blessing of the Sick� or join an optional excursion to the nearby Pyrenees? (BBD)

Day 9 (Lourdes, Barcelona): Cross the Pyrenees Mountains back into Spain en route to Barcelona for Our two night stay. (BBD)

Day 10 (Barcelona Sightseeing): Today our local expert takes us through the Gothic Quarter with its impressive Cathedral. We see Gaudi’s Sagrada Famila as well as the many of this other eccentric architectural masterpieces. Later, we have free time to view the Columbus Monument and go exploring down the Ramblas. (BBD)

Day 11 (Barcelona, Rome): Today we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Rome. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel for our three night stay. Dinner is served at our hotel this evening. (BBD)

Day 12 (Rome Sightseeing): Our local expert takes us into the Vatican City to visit the Museum and the Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo’s painted ceiling. Later, we walk through the crypt of the city’s famous churches such as San Clemente Basilica, Santa Maria Degli Angeli, the Basilica di Sant’ Agostino and St.lgnatius de Loyola Church. (BBD)

Day 13 (Rome Sightseeing): Today our local guide takes shows us the Pantheon, the Old Apian Way, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Later, we visit ancient Rome featuring Circus Maximus, Constantine’s Arch, the Forum and the mighty Colosseum dating back to 80 AD. We will also visit the ancient Catacombs where early Christians hide during persecution. (BBD)

Day 14 (Depart Rome): This morning after breakfast, we are transferred to the airport for our return flight to Canada. (BB)