• Arrival in Lisbon, with visits to the Jerónimos Monastery, resting place of explorers and saints, and the nearby Belém Tower, Portugal’s iconic riverside monument.
• Two full days of devotion in Fatima, attending Mass, walking the Way of the Cross, and participating in the Candlelight Rosary Procession.
• Continue to Porto, then onward to Santiago de Compostela, spiritual capital of the Camino and burial place of St. James the Apostle.
• Full day in Santiago with solemn Mass at the cathedral, prayer at the apostolic tomb, and visit to the Monastery of San Martín Pinario.
• Stop in León for the Cathedral of Santa María and Basilica of San Isidoro, followed by Burgos and its majestic Gothic cathedral.
• Pilgrimage visit to Zaragoza, home of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, one of the oldest Marian shrines in Christendom.
• Devotional stay in Lourdes, with Grotto visits, Blessing of the Sick, Mass, and the Candlelight Procession.
• Visits to Albi’s Cathedral of Sainte-Cécile and Clermont-Ferrand’s volcanic stone cathedral, both historic architectural marvels.
• In Nevers, venerate the incorrupt body of St. Bernadette, then stop at Ars-sur-Formans, village of St. John Vianney, patron of parish priests.
• Arrival in Lyon, visiting the hilltop Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and exploring the winding alleys of Vieux Lyon.
• Cross into Italy for Turin’s Shroud Cathedral, Milan’s Gothic Duomo, and Padua’s Basilica of St. Anthony, with time in Venice.
• Pause in Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower and Cathedral of the Assumption on Miracle Square.
• Explore Florence, city of saints and artists, including the Duomo, Santa Croce, and relics of St. Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi.
• Quiet time in Assisi, with pilgrim Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis, and visits to St. Clare’s Church and San Damiano.
• Conclude in Rome and Vatican City with a Papal Audience, visits to the four major basilicas, St. Peter’s, and the Vatican Museums, ending with a celebratory farewell dinner.

Transfers: Transfers: Lisbon to Fátima (130 km, 1h 30m)

Forenoon:

• Arrival at Lisbon Airport.
  Land in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city, rich in Christian heritage and the starting point of this Marian journey.
• Visit Belém Tower (Torre de Belém).
  A striking 16th-century fortress overlooking the Tagus River, this UNESCO World Heritage site was built to commemorate the Age of Discovery and has long served as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. It’s also a symbol of faith, as many Portuguese explorers set out from here with a deep devotion to Mary.
• Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, one of the most important ecclesiastical buildings in Portugal. Built to honor the Virgin Mary and Vasco da Gama’s successful voyage to India, the monastery is a masterpiece of Manueline Gothic architecture and a symbol of Portugal's deep Catholic heritage.

Afternoon:

• Journey to Fatima.
  Arrive at Fatima, a humble village that became a global center of Marian devotion following the 1917 apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to three shepherd children — Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta.
• Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima.
  Explore the sacred complex, which includes the Chapel of the Apparitions — built on the exact spot where the Virgin appeared — and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, where the tombs of the three visionaries are located. Pilgrims gather here from all over the world to offer prayers and petitions.

Evening:

• Orientation and hotel check-in.
  Settle into the pilgrimage rhythm with a short orientation and spiritual reflection.
• Candlelight Rosary Procession.
  Join pilgrims from around the world in this moving nightly tradition, walking in prayerful silence as the Rosary is recited in various languages. The statue of Our Lady is carried solemnly through the sanctuary square, illuminating the night with thousands of candles.

restaurant Meals

Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Fatima

Transfers: Local walking/coach as needed

Forenoon:

• Mass at the Chapel of the Apparitions.
  Celebrate Mass at the very heart of the Sanctuary, where the Virgin Mary appeared to the shepherd children. The Chapel marks the exact spot of the 1917 apparitions and is surrounded by pilgrims in constant prayer.
• Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary.
  This majestic Neoclassical basilica houses the tombs of Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto and Sister Lucia dos Santos, the three young seers of Fatima. The basilica is adorned with delicate mosaics and a striking bell tower, and remains a central place for Marian devotion.

Afternoon:

• Walk the Way of the Cross at Valinhos.
  Follow the Via Sacra, a peaceful path marked by 14 Stations of the Cross leading to Calvary Chapel, through the olive groves where the Angel of Peace appeared to the children. Pause at Valinhos, site of the fourth apparition, and Loca do Cabeço, where the Angel gave the children Holy Communion.
• Time for reflection and prayer.
  Enjoy a contemplative afternoon with moments of personal prayer or spiritual sharing at the sanctuary grounds or surrounding chapels.

Evening:

• Optional: Participate again in the Candlelight Rosary Procession.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Fatima

Transfers: Fatima to Porto (295 km, 3h 30m) | Porto to Santiago de Compostela (230 km, 2h 50m)

Forenoon:

• Depart Fatima early and journey northward toward Porto, a city renowned for its rich history and deep Catholic roots.
• Enjoy a panoramic drive through Porto’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, passing key landmarks and the Douro River waterfront.
• Pause for photos at the Clérigos Tower, an iconic Baroque bell tower offering panoramic views, and the Ribeira District, where vibrant riverside streets capture the spirit of this ancient port city.

Afternoon:

• Continue north to Santiago de Compostela, the sacred terminus of the Camino pilgrimage routes since the Middle Ages.
• Visit the Plaza del Obradoiro, the majestic square in front of the cathedral where pilgrims traditionally gather to celebrate completing their journey. The square is framed by historic buildings like the Pazo de Raxoi (Town Hall) and the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, now a pilgrimage guesthouse founded in the 15th century.

Evening:

• Settle into the hotel with some leisure time for rest or personal prayer after the day’s travels.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Santiago de Compostella

Transfers: Local walking/coach as needed

Forenoon:

• Visit the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, one of the most revered pilgrimage churches in Christendom. The cathedral’s architecture blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles, housing the relics of St. James the Apostle beneath the main altar.
• Participate in the moving Pilgrim’s Mass, a centuries-old tradition where pilgrims are blessed, and the famous Botafumeiro (giant incense thurible) may be swung during the ceremony, symbolizing purification and prayer.
• Take time for personal veneration and reflection inside the cathedral’s sacred spaces.

Afternoon:

• Explore the nearby Monastery of San Martín Pinario, one of Spain’s largest and most impressive monastic complexes. Its grand Baroque church, richly decorated chapels, and tranquil cloisters offer a place for quiet meditation and a glimpse into the monastic life that has supported centuries of pilgrimage.

Evening:

• Join the Candlelight Vigil in the sanctuary grounds—a beautiful nightly ritual where thousands of pilgrims hold candles, creating a sea of light as the Rosary is prayed and hymns sung. This moving experience deepens the communal faith and devotion that define the pilgrimage.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Santiago de Compostella

Transfers: Santiago de Compostela to León (320 km, 4h 10m) | León to Burgos (140 km, 1h 50m)

Forenoon:

• Depart Santiago de Compostela early, traveling east toward León through the rolling landscapes of Castilla y León.
• Arrive in León, a city steeped in medieval history and Christian heritage, known for its role on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
• Visit the León Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece renowned worldwide as the "Pulchra Leonina" for its extraordinary stained glass windows that flood the interior with vibrant colors and biblical scenes.

Afternoon:

• Continue the pilgrimage journey to Burgos, a city famous for its rich heritage and stunning Gothic architecture.
• Visit the Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural jewel of Spain. Marvel at its soaring spires, intricate stone carvings, and impressive chapels.
• Pay respects at the tomb of El Cid, Spain’s legendary national hero and medieval knight, interred within the cathedral.
• Explore the charming historic old town with its medieval streets and plazas, soaking in the atmosphere of a city that has welcomed pilgrims for centuries.

Evening:

• Return to the hotel for rest and reflection after a day immersed in history and faith.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Burgos

Transfers: Burgos to Zaragoza (270 km, 2h 45m) | Zaragoza to Lourdes (230 km, 3h 15m)

Forenoon:

• Depart from Burgos and travel to Zaragoza.
  Journey through the heart of Aragon, a land rich in history and Marian devotion.
• Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar (Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar), Zaragoza.
  Visit one of the oldest Marian shrines in the world, where tradition holds that the Virgin Mary appeared to the Apostle James atop a pillar. The basilica’s stunning Baroque architecture, frescoed ceilings, and vast interior invite pilgrims to seek Mary’s intercession and strength.

Afternoon:

• Continue to Lourdes, France.
  Cross the Pyrenees into France, arriving at the world-renowned pilgrimage site where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous in 1858.
• Upon arrival, visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, centered around the sacred Grotto of Massabielle. Here, St. Bernadette Soubirous experienced a series of Marian apparitions in 1858, a moment that transformed Lourdes into a beacon of faith and hope. The Grotto remains a place of profound prayer and miracles.

Evening:

• Evening Rosary and Candlelight Procession at Lourdes.
  Participate in the moving nightly candlelight procession, a luminous expression of faith and hope. Pilgrims carry candles while reciting the Rosary in many languages, creating an atmosphere of universal prayer and peace.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Lourdes

Transfers: No long-distance transfers (local movements only)

Forenoon:

• Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Upper Basilica), a breathtaking neo-Gothic structure perched above the Grotto, with soaring spires and exquisite stained glass that.
• Daily Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
  Celebrate Mass in this beautiful sanctuary, reflecting on Mary’s purity and role as Mother of the Church. The solemn liturgy enriches the pilgrim’s spiritual journey.
• Visit the Basilica of St. Pius X (Underground Basilica).
  Experience the vast underground basilica, built to accommodate thousands of pilgrims. Its modern architecture and serene ambiance provide space for prayer and large gatherings.

Afternoon:

• Grotto of Massabielle and Baths.
  Visit the sacred Grotto where Mary appeared to Bernadette, and witness the many pilgrims who come to bathe in the healing waters. The baths symbolize the physical and spiritual cleansing that Lourdes offers.
• Stations of the Cross on the hillside.
  Walk the path up the hill marked with the 14 Stations of the Cross, an outdoor devotion that retraces Christ’s final journey. The serene setting encourages prayerful meditation.

Evening:

• Evening prayer or adoration at the Sanctuary.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Lourdes

Transfers: Lourdes to Albi (135 km, 1h 40m) | Albi to Clermont-Ferrand (180 km, 2h 20m)

Forenoon:

• Depart Lourdes and travel northeast toward Albi, a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its distinctive red-brick architecture and cultural heritage.
• Visit the Cathedral of Sainte-Cécile, the largest brick cathedral in the world, with breathtaking frescoes depicting biblical scenes including the Last Judgment, inspiring deep reflection.
• Admire the cathedral’s fortress-like exterior and nearby Palais de la Berbie, former bishop’s palace and now an art museum.

Afternoon:

• Continue to Clermont-Ferrand, set in the volcanic region of Auvergne with its striking black lava stone architecture.
• Explore the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, a Gothic masterpiece with dark volcanic stone walls and soaring spires symbolizing faith reaching to the heavens.
• Stroll the medieval streets of the historic center, absorbing the city’s blend of spiritual heritage and local charm.

Evening:

• Check into the hotel and relax after a day of exploration.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Clermont-Ferrand

Transfers: Clermont-Ferrand to Nevers (200 km, 2h 30m) | Nevers to Ars-sur-Formans (145 km, 1h 45m) | Ars-sur-Formans to Lyon (40 km, 45m)

Forenoon:

• Depart Clermont-Ferrand and journey north to Nevers, a sacred pilgrimage site associated with St. Bernadette Soubirous, whose visions of the Virgin Mary inspired the famous Lourdes apparitions.
• Visit the Basilica of Saint Gildard, a tranquil sanctuary where the incorrupt body of St. Bernadette lies in repose, drawing pilgrims from around the world. The basilica’s serene interior offers space for prayer and reflection.
• Explore the adjacent convent where St. Bernadette lived her later years, gaining insight into her humble life and deep faith.
• Visit the Cathedral of Saint-Cyr-Sainte-Julitte, an ancient cathedral with Gothic and Romanesque elements. As one of the traditional stops for pilgrims en route to Santiago de Compostela, it offers a spiritual ambience and architectural beauty steeped in centuries of devotion.

Afternoon:

• Continue to Ars-sur-Formans, the humble village of St. Jean-Marie Vianney, patron saint of parish priests.
• Visit the Shrine of St. John Vianney, including his basilica, the preserved presbytery, and his incorrupt body, which remains a powerful draw for pilgrims seeking spiritual renewal and inspiration from his holy example.
• Proceed to Lyon, known as France’s gastronomic capital, rich in heritage and faith.
• Enjoy panoramic views from the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The interior features dazzling mosaics, stained glass, and marble, while the terrace offers sweeping views over the city.
• Explore Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), a UNESCO-listed Renaissance quarter with cobbled alleys, colorful façades, and hidden passageways known as traboules.

Evening:

• Check into the hotel and enjoy a restful evening.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Lyon

Transfers: Lyon to Turin (280 km, 3h 15m)

Forenoon:

• Depart Lyon and cross into Italy, arriving in Turin, a city with deep religious significance and royal heritage.
• Visit the Turin Cathedral (Duomo di Torino), home of the revered Shroud of Turin, a sacred relic believed to bear the image of Christ. Spend time in prayer and reflection in this important pilgrimage site.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Basilica of Superga, perched on a hill overlooking Turin and the surrounding Alps. The basilica serves as a site of pilgrimage and royal mausoleum, providing serene surroundings for prayer and contemplation.
• Enjoy panoramic views of Turin and the Alps from the basilica grounds, a reminder of the grandeur of God’s creation.
• View the Mole Antonelliana, the city’s iconic landmark, symbolizing Turin’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

Evening:

• Check into the hotel and enjoy a quiet evening.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Turin

Transfers: Turin to Milan (140 km, 1h 50m) | Milan to Padua (270 km, 3h 10m)

Forenoon:

• Depart Turin in the morning and travel southeast to Milan, Italy’s majestic ecclesiastical and cultural capital.
• Visit the Duomo di Milano, a soaring Gothic cathedral known for its elaborate façade, 135 spires, and over 3,000 statues. Enter the cathedral to admire its luminous stained-glass windows and peaceful nave.
• Venerate the crypt of Saint Charles Borromeo, the 16th-century archbishop and Counter-Reformation leader, located beneath the main altar.

Afternoon:

• Continue to Padua, a key pilgrimage destination in northern Italy.
• Visit the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, one of Christendom’s most important sanctuaries. Admire its unique blend of Byzantine domes, Gothic arches, and Renaissance chapels.
• Venerate the tomb of Saint Anthony, known as the “Wonder-Worker,” and explore the Chapel of Relics, where his tongue, jawbone, and vocal cords are preserved—powerful reminders of his preaching mission.
• Stroll through the adjoining cloisters and prayer garden, or light a candle at one of the many side chapels as pilgrims have done for centuries.

Evening:

• Walk through the nearby Prato della Valle, one of Europe’s largest and most beautiful public squares, lined with statues of saints and scholars.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Padua

Transfers: Padua to Venice (45 km, ~1h including traffic buffer)

Forenoon:

• Depart Padua after breakfast for a spiritual excursion to Venice, the ethereal “City of Water.”
• Arrive at Piazza San Marco, the religious heart of Venice, and visit St. Mark’s Basilica, a stunning blend of Byzantine domes, golden mosaics, and marble columns, housing the relics of Saint Mark the Evangelist.
• Take time for private prayer and to absorb the awe-inspiring sacred art within the basilica.
• Walk through the Piazzetta to view the Doge’s Palace (optional exterior viewing), reflecting Venice’s Christian civic history and role in defending the Faith during the Crusades.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, built as a votive offering after a 17th-century plague. Its octagonal design and Marian devotion continue to draw pilgrims.
• Take a short crossing to San Giorgio Maggiore, an island church designed by Palladio with magnificent interior proportions and a bell tower offering breathtaking panoramic views of Venice’s skyline.
• Optional gondola ride, allowing pilgrims to gently float through Venice’s canals, a unique and peaceful way to appreciate the spiritual stillness of this historic city.

Evening:

• Return to Padua for the evening.
• Optional visit to the Basilica of Saint Anthony for adoration, candle lighting, or attending an evening Mass.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Padua

Transfers: Padua to Pisa (290 km, 3h 15m) | Pisa to Florence (90 km, 1h 10m)

Forenoon:

• Depart Padua early and journey south to Pisa, a historic maritime republic with deep Christian roots.
• Arrive at the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), a UNESCO World Heritage Site where four sacred monuments stand in harmony: the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Baptistery, and the Camposanto Monumentale (Holy Field).
• Visit the Pisa Cathedral, a Romanesque masterpiece of white marble and black granite that was once the largest Christian church in Europe. Admire its intricately carved pulpit by Giovanni Pisano and golden mosaic apse.
• Optional entry to the Baptistery, the largest in Italy, dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Its acoustics and purity of form create an unforgettable spiritual ambiance.
• Enjoy time for photos and quiet contemplation amidst this beautiful religious complex.

Afternoon:

• Depart Pisa and continue to Florence, the heart of the Renaissance and one of Italy’s most artistically and spiritually rich cities.
• Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, known as the Florence Duomo, with its colossal dome engineered by Brunelleschi—a marvel of faith and ingenuity.
• Enter the cathedral (subject to opening hours) and pause for prayer near the main altar, where generations of Florentines worshipped.
• View the Baptistery of San Giovanni, one of the oldest buildings in Florence, known for its golden "Gates of Paradise" doors and mosaics dedicated to the life of Christ.
• Explore the Piazza della Signoria, a historic square that was once the political and civic heart of Florence, surrounded by churches and palaces reflecting the city’s Christian and cultural legacy.

Evening:

• Walk through Florence’s medieval streets and stop by the Basilica of Santa Croce (external view or short visit if open), final resting place of many luminaries including Michelangelo and Galileo, and also a site of deep Franciscan devotion.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Florence

Transfers: Florence to Assisi (180 km, 2h 10m) | Assisi to Rome (170 km, 2h)

Forenoon:

• Depart Florence and journey to Assisi, nestled in the hills of Umbria. This revered medieval town is the birthplace of St. Francis, founder of the Franciscan order and patron saint of Italy.
• Visit the majestic Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, a two-level basilica rich in spiritual and artistic heritage. The Lower Basilica houses his tomb in a tranquil crypt for prayer and reflection. The Upper Basilica displays extraordinary frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue, illustrating the life of St. Francis in vivid narrative scenes.
• Continue to the Basilica of Saint Clare (Santa Chiara), where pilgrims venerate her incorrupt remains and view the crucifix of San Damiano, believed to have spoken to St. Francis and called him to his mission.

Afternoon:

• After lunch and free time for quiet reflection, depart Assisi and drive toward Rome, the heart of the Catholic world.
• Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and prepare for a brief introductory tour of the Eternal City.

Evening:

• Set out for a panoramic evening orientation tour of Rome’s historic center:
  • Stop at the Colosseum for a photo opportunity. Though not a religious site, this iconic amphitheater connects to Christian memory as the place where many early martyrs may have suffered.
  • Walk to Piazza Navona, a vibrant square built over a Roman stadium, featuring fountains, street artists, and the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone.
  • Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, a tradition said to ensure your return to Rome.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Rome

Transfers: Local coach transfers within Rome

Forenoon:

• Attend the Papal Audience at St. Peter’s Square (subject to availability), where the Holy Father addresses and blesses pilgrims gathered beneath the magnificent dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, creating a profound and inspiring spiritual experience.
• Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in Christendom and the burial place of St. Peter, featuring iconic masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s grand Baldachin over the papal altar. The basilica’s vast interior and sacred art invite deep prayer and contemplation.
• Explore the Vatican Museums, home to centuries of religious art and treasures amassed by the popes. Highlights include the elaborate Gallery of Maps, the richly frescoed Raphael Rooms, and the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling depicting scenes from Genesis and the dramatic “Last Judgment.”

Afternoon:

• Visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) and the “mother church” of all Catholics, celebrated for its grand Baroque design and central place in Church history.
• Ascend the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs), venerated as the very steps Jesus climbed during His Passion; many pilgrims climb the 28 marble steps on their knees as an act of deep devotion and prayer.
• Explore the Basilica of St. Mary Major, renowned for its early Christian mosaics and housing relics believed to be from the crib of Jesus, honoring the Virgin Mary’s vital role in salvation history.
• Time for personal prayer, reflection, or optional visits to other Christian sites, allowing pilgrims to absorb the sacred atmosphere and connect spiritually.

Evening:

• Enjoy a farewell dinner, providing a special moment for pilgrims to share reflections, gratitude, and memories from their transformative journey through some of Christianity’s holiest places.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Rome

Transfers: Rome hotel to Fiumicino International Airport (approx. 30 km, 45 minutes)

Forenoon:

• Gather for a final group prayer and blessing, reflecting on the spiritual journey and experiences shared during the pilgrimage.
• Check out from the hotel and transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport for international flight departure.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast

apartment Accommodation

Rome