Sacred Pathways Of Southern Europe

 Arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport where our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in and refreshments, enjoy an orientation walk around the historic center, including the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Attend evening Mass at a local church (optional). Welcome dinner at a traditional Roman restaurant. Overnight in Rome.

After breakfast, full day dedicated to Vatican City, the spiritual center of the Catholic world. Visit St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world, with time to pray at St. Peter's tomb. Explore the Vatican Museums, including the breathtaking Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's masterpiece ceiling. Afternoon visit to the Papal Audience (if scheduled on Wednesday) or time for personal prayer and reflection. Evening visit to the ancient Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of Rome's four major basilicas. Overnight in Rome.

Morning visit to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome, and the nearby Holy Stairs (Scala Santa), believed to be the steps Jesus climbed during his Passion. Continue to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over the tomb of St. Paul. After lunch, explore the ancient Catacombs of San Callisto, the burial place of early Christians and several popes. Evening free for personal devotion or exploration of Rome. Overnight in Rome.

After breakfast, journey to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. En route, stop at the town of Orvieto to visit its magnificent Gothic cathedral housing the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena. Upon arrival in Assisi, check in to your hotel and visit the Basilica of St. Francis with its remarkable frescoes depicting the saint's life. Evening walk through the charming medieval town with time for personal reflection. Overnight in Assisi.

 Morning visit to the Basilica of St. Clare, housing the crucifix that spoke to St. Francis, and the Church of San Damiano where Francis received his call. Continue to the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, enclosing the Porziuncola chapel where St. Francis founded the Franciscan Order. After lunch, journey to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy an orientation walk around the historic center. Overnight in Florence.

 Full day exploring Florence, starting with the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi's dome, Giotto's Bell Tower, and the Baptistery with its "Gates of Paradise." Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. After lunch, visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David and the San Marco Museum, once home to Fra Angelico. Evening at leisure to explore Florence's charming streets and piazzas. Overnight in Florence.

After breakfast, transfer to Florence or Pisa airport for a flight to Barcelona (flight not included). Upon arrival in the vibrant Catalan capital, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, visit the magnificent Sagrada Familia Basilica, Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece that beautifully combines Gothic and Art Nouveau styles in a tribute to the Holy Family. Evening walk along Las Ramblas boulevard. Overnight in Barcelona.

Morning visit to Barcelona Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, a beautiful example of Catalan Gothic architecture. Continue to Park Güell, Gaudí's whimsical creation with beautiful views of the city. After lunch, visit the Church of the Sacred Heart (Tibidabo) perched on a hill overlooking Barcelona. Evening visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy, patron saint of Barcelona. Overnight in Barcelona.

 After breakfast, journey to the sacred mountain of Montserrat, home to the Benedictine monastery and the revered Black Madonna statue. Attend the famous boys' choir performance (schedule permitting) and visit the sacred shrine. Enjoy time for personal prayer and reflection in this spiritually charged setting. Check in to accommodations at or near Montserrat for an immersive overnight experience among the unique rock formations and peaceful atmosphere. Overnight in Montserrat.

Morning participation in the Liturgy of the Hours with the Benedictine monks (optional). After breakfast, journey to Madrid with a stop in the historic city of Zaragoza to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, housing a statue of the Virgin Mary said to have been presented by the Apostle James. Continue to Madrid, Spain's vibrant capital. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy an orientation walk around Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. Overnight in Madrid.

Morning visit to Almudena Cathedral, Madrid's main cathedral, and the Royal Palace. After lunch, excursion to the medieval city of Toledo, known as the "City of Three Cultures." Visit Toledo Cathedral, one of Spain's most impressive Gothic structures, and the Church of Santo Tomé housing El Greco's masterpiece "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz." Return to Madrid for an evening at leisure. Overnight in Madrid.

After breakfast, journey to Fatima, one of the world's most important Marian shrines, where the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. En route, stop at Salamanca to see its impressive Plaza Mayor and historic university. Upon arrival in Fatima, 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.

 Morning visit to the homes of the three shepherd children in the nearby village of Aljustrel and follow the Hungarian Stations of the Cross culminating at the Chapel of St. Stephen. Attend Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. After lunch, journey to Lisbon, Portugal's charming capital. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and visit the Lisbon Cathedral and the Church of St. Anthony, built on the saint's birthplace. Overnight in Lisbon.

Full day exploring Lisbon, starting with the historic Belém district to see the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture and UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the iconic Belém Tower and the modern Monument to the Discoveries. After lunch, explore the charming Alfama district with its narrow streets, ancient houses, and St. George's Castle offering panoramic views of the city. Farewell dinner featuring Portuguese specialties and traditional Fado music. Overnight in Lisbon.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Depending on your flight time, visit the Shrine of Christ the King in Almada, offering spectacular views of Lisbon, or enjoy some last-minute shopping. Transfer to Lisbon International Airport for your departure flight, taking home wonderful memories and spiritual blessings from your Southern European pilgrimage.