A European Pilgrimage

This tour begins in Lisbon, Portugal. Upon arrival enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of the city, with the opportunity to see such famous landmarks as Belem Tower and the Monastery of San Jeronimos. We will also visit the Natal Shrine of St Anthony of Padua. Overnight in Lisbon.

Proceed to Santarem and witness the relic of The Bleeding Host at the Church of St Stephen before reboarding the coach for the journey to the apparition site in Fatima. Visit the Basilica and see the Tombs of Jacinta, Lucia and Francisco.  In the evening, take some time for private devotion at the Apparitions Chapel and perhaps offer a lighted candle while you join the Procession in honour of Our Lady of Fatima.  Overnight in Fatima

Travel west into Spain to visit the beautiful walled city of Avila. In the 16th century, the prominent Carmelite reformer Teresa Ahumada was born here. Stroll along the traditional Spanish streets and pass by the Church and Convent of St Teresa de Jesus, built on the saint’s birthplace. Then enjoy the Spanish countryside as you proceed to Madrid, capital of modern Spain, for two nights.

Begin with a half day city sightseeing tour of Madrid. Visit the Palacio Real, the seat of the Spanish Monarchs and see the Royal Quarters . View  El Retiro park,  Puerta del Sol,  Prado gallery, Cibeles fountain and other popular tourist spots including the magnificent Plaza Mayor squarefor some photo, dining and of course shopping opportunities. Enjoy the rest of the day as you please to explore at your leisure and maybe enjoy some tapas snacks in one of the many attractive cafes and bars.

Drive across the heart of Spain to Zaragoza to visit the impressive Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar. This is the site of an apparition in 40AD  – there has been a chapel or church on the site since soon after but the current building dates from the 17^th century. Appreciate the stunning scenery as we cross the majestic Pyrenees Mountains into France en route to Lourdes, where the Blessed Lady appeared to St Bernadette 18 times in 1858.  Stay two nights in Lourdes.

Enjoy a half day guided tour of Lourdes including the Grotto, Basilicas and Sanctuaries. Immerse yourself in the bath’s legendary healing waters. Visit the House of St Bernadette. Afternoon free for your own private devotions in Lourdes.

Today we join the world famous TGV high speed train which will whisk you at speeds of up to 300 kmh across the beautiful  heart of France to reach its wonderful capital city, Paris.  After transferring to your hotel for a two night stay there is time to get a first taste of this sensational city and its wonderful restaurants this evening.

A full day in Paris.  Discover the world’s Capital of Fashion & Style with a local tour guide and admire its most famous sights such as The Opera, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral and many more. For a birds eye view of the city, take an elevator to Paris’ most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower.  There are many famous religious sites in Paris. Many groups visit The Chapelle de la Medaille Miraculeuse and pray before the incorrupt body of St Catherine Laboure. Experience a Bateaux Mouches River Cruise on the stately River Seine and appreciate the sights of the city from the water. Your afternoon is free for shopping and leisure time.

This morning proceed to Nevers to see the incorrupt body of St Bernadette and pray at her favourite area in the garden before continuing  on to Paray-le-Monial where in the 17th century where the Sacred Heart of Jesus appeared to a young nun from the Convent of the Visitation, Marguerite-Marie Alacoque.   Continue to Lyon, France’s second city.  Overnight Lyon area.

Leaving Lyon this morning, head through wonderful mountain scenery as you cross the Alps into Italy following much the same route as Hannibal and his Elephants famously did when marching to defeat the Romans. Arriving in Turin there’s a chance to visit the fine cathedral and the renowned  Chapel of the Holy Shroud.  Overnight Torino (Turin).

Morning transfer to Pisa for an en-route stop to view The Leaning Tower Of Pisa and the less well known but equally magnificent Baptistery. in the Piazza dei Miracoli (Miracles Square). Proceed to Florence for a tour, with visit to the Baptistery,  Paradise Gates and Duomo, the city’s wondrous cathedral where you will be enlightened by its beautiful history and miracles.  Another highlight of the tour is the Palazzo Vecchio Town Hall where faith and science join together with breathless revelations. Overnight in the Florence area.

After breakfast head to Siena, the birthplace of Saint Catherine (Doctor of the Church and one of the two Patron Saints of Italy, with St. Francis of Assisi) and Saint Bernardine (known as the “Apostle of Italy” for his efforts to revive the Catholic faith in the 15th century). Stroll  around the Piazza Del Campo, one of Italy’s finest squares and visit the Cathedral and the Basilica of St. Francis, containing the miraculous consecrated hosts that remained intact since 1730. View the incorrupt head of St. Catherine at the Basilica of St. Dominic. Continue to Rome for a 3 night stay.

After breakfast transfer to St. Peters Basilica for the PAPAL audience, consisting of small teachings and readings mainly in Italian and English. At the end of the audience pilgrims will have a chance to see the POPE and receive the Papal Blessing.  The rest of the day features a guided panoramic sightseeing tour of Classical Rome city’s major historic sights including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.

Enjoy a full day tour of Rome’s key religious sites, including the four major Basilicas – St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, Santa Maria Maggiore (built in AD 432), St. John in Lateran, the original Papal residence and St. Paul’s Outside the Wall. A visit to the Vatican Museum is also included.

Depending on your homeward flight time there may be free time in Rome before your transfer to the airport and flight home