Sacred Journey: Fatima, Lourdes & Spanish Saints

Day 1 - Arrival in Lisbon Arrive at Lisbon International Airport where our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your centrally located hotel. After check-in and refreshments, enjoy an orientation tour of Portugal's capital, including the historic Belém district to see the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, built to commemorate Vasco da Gama's voyage, and the iconic Belém Tower. Visit the Church of St. Anthony, built on the site where Portugal's beloved saint was born. Evening welcome dinner featuring traditional Portuguese cuisine. Overnight in Lisbon.

After breakfast, full day exploring Lisbon's religious heritage. Visit the impressive Lisbon Cathedral (Sé), the city's oldest church dating back to the 12th century. Continue to the Church of São Roque with its magnificent Chapel of St. John the Baptist. After lunch, explore Alfama, the oldest district in Lisbon with its narrow streets and ancient houses. Visit St. George's Castle offering panoramic views of the city. Evening free for personal devotion or exploration. Overnight in Lisbon.

After breakfast, journey to Fatima. En route, stop at Santarém to visit the Church of the Holy Miracle, home to a 13th-century Eucharistic miracle. Continue to Fatima, one of the world's most important Marian shrines, where the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima with the Chapel of Apparitions. Evening participation in the candlelight procession, a moving experience of faith and devotion. Overnight in Fatima.

 Full day dedicated to Fatima. Begin with early morning Mass at the Chapel of Apparitions (optional). Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, housing the tombs of the three shepherd children, Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta. Continue to the modern Church of the Holy Trinity, one of the world's largest Catholic churches. After lunch, visit Aljustrel, the nearby village where the three children lived, and follow the Hungarian Stations of the Cross culminating at the Chapel of St. Stephen. Evening participation in the rosary and candlelight procession. Overnight in Fatima.

After breakfast, depart for Spain, crossing the border to the historic university city of Salamanca. En route, stop at Ciudad Rodrigo, a picturesque walled city with its impressive cathedral. Continue to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its golden sandstone buildings and one of the oldest universities in Europe. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and visit the magnificent New Cathedral and Old Cathedral, connected to each other. Evening free to explore Salamanca's beautiful Plaza Mayor, considered Spain's most elegant main square. Overnight in Salamanca.

After breakfast, morning visit to the University of Salamanca, founded in 1218, with its remarkable façade and historic library. Continue to the Convento de San Esteban, a Dominican monastery with splendid architecture. After lunch, journey to Avila, the birthplace and spiritual home of St. Teresa of Jesus (St. Teresa of Avila). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy an orientation walk along the perfectly preserved medieval walls surrounding the old city. Visit the Convent of St. Teresa, built over the saint's birthplace. Evening Mass at the convent church (optional). Overnight in Avila.

After breakfast, explore Avila's religious sites, including the Monastery of the Incarnation where St. Teresa lived for 27 years and experienced many of her mystical revelations. Visit the Cathedral of Avila and the Basilica of San Vicente. After lunch, begin your journey to France, traveling through the beautiful Pyrenees Mountains. Arrive in Lourdes, the world-famous shrine where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858. Check in to your hotel and participate in the evening rosary and candlelight procession. Overnight in Lourdes.

Full day dedicated to Lourdes. Begin with early morning Mass at the Grotto (optional). Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, including the Grotto of Massabielle where the Virgin Mary appeared 18 times to St. Bernadette. Participate in the Blessing of the Sick ceremony. After lunch, follow the Footsteps of St. Bernadette, visiting the Boly Mill where she was born, the Cachot where her family lived in poverty, and the parish church. Opportunity to bathe in the healing waters of Lourdes (optional). Evening participation in the rosary and candlelight procession. Overnight in Lourdes.

After breakfast, depart for Madrid, Spain's vibrant capital. Journey through the picturesque countryside of northern Spain, stopping at Burgos to visit its magnificent Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and burial place of the legendary Spanish hero El Cid. Continue to Madrid, arriving in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an orientation tour including the Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. Evening farewell dinner featuring traditional Spanish cuisine. Overnight in Madrid.

After breakfast, visit Madrid's religious landmarks, including the Almudena Cathedral, consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993, and the Royal Basilica of San Francisco el Grande with its impressive dome. Time permitting, visit the Church of San Antonio de la Florida with ceiling frescoes by Goya. Transfer to Madrid Barajas International Airport for your departure flight, taking home wonderful memories and spiritual blessings from your pilgrimage.