Fátima, Lourdes & Shrines of Spain - Faith-Based Travel

Welcome to Portugal! Check into your hotel, and tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D)

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 Belém Tower, and the Moorish citadel. Visit the Cathedral La Sé , where St. Anthony was baptized, and St. Anthony’s Church, where it is said he was born. Admire the beauty of St. Mary of Belém Church, part of the Jeronimos Monastery complex. This building dates 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 to Fátima, 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 repeatedly appeared to three shepherd children in 1917, culminating in her revelation of the Three Secrets of Fátima. This evening, join pilgrims from around the world for the Rosary and candlelight procession at Our Lady of Fátima Basilica. Today's Distance: 81 mi / 130 km (B,D)

Spend the day at the Sanctuary at leisure or follow in the formidable footsteps of the Knights Templar on an optional visit to the mysterious Convent of Christ in Tomar, featuring the Charola, a round church with exquisite frescoes and intricate carvings. Upon return to Fatima, attend [M] Mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady with time to wander on your own. This evening, perhaps join in praying the Rosary once more. (B,D)

Journey north and stop in Braga, one of the oldest Christian cities in the world, and visit the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, UNESCO World Heritage site and pilgrimage destination, where devout followers have walked the “Stations of the Cross” for contemplation and penance since 1811. See the unique zigzag stairway dedicated to the five senses: sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste—and the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity. Continue into Spain and head for Santiago de Compostela, one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations since the Middle Ages. On arrival, an orientation walk introduces you to the old city center. Then, attend the [M] Pilgrim Mass. Today's Distance: 280 mi / 450 km (B,D)

This morning, spend some time on your own or take an optional excursion to discover the magic of Cape Finisterre (from Latin "End of the Earth), and the quaint fishing villages dotting the Atlantic Coast, where you’ll savor an authentic Galician lunch. Later, return to Santiago de Compostela, known throughout history for the key 9th-century pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago (or Way of St. James). (B)

Today, travel to Burgos, historic capital of Old Castile. Your 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: 317 mi / 510 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, home to another world-famous pilgrimage destination. Join the nightly Rosary and candlelight procession for a memorable spiritual experience. Today's Distance: 292 mi / 470 km (B,D)

Today, a local spiritual expert will introduce you to this important Marian Shrine. You will see all the main sites and hear the story of how the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858. 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)

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: 255 mi / 410 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 [M]. Leave the idyllic scenery of Montserrat, and drive through the countryside dotted with celebrated vineyards, to reach Barcelona, the lively capital of Catalonia. Today's Distance: 50 mi / 80 km (B)

Get to know the city on a guided sightseeing tour including a drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium for a great panoramic view of the port and city. Continue to the city center’s Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire Gaudi’s eccentric Houses Batlló and Milà, as well as his Sagrada Familia, an unfinished architectural masterpiece that is still a consecrated expression of the Catholic faith. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate faith, life, and friendship. (B,D)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)