Our pilgrimage begins as we depart on an overnight flight(s) from our local airports to Lisbon. Meals and refreshments are served on the plane.

We enjoy Mass this morning at the Capelinha built over the holm oak tree where Our Lady appeared five times to the three shepherd children Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco. We’ll tour the basilica and shrine. This afternoon, we’ll visit Aljustrel where the angel of Portugal appeared, and Valinhos where Our Lady appeared in August of 1917. Tonight, we will all head to the shrine for the candlelight procession.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Overnight stay in Fátima, Portugal

After breakfast we depart Fatima and begin our journey to Ávila, the City of Kings and of Saints, a city completely encircled by 11th century walls. This is the birthplace of St. Teresa, one of the greatest mystics, and the patron of the Avila Institute. We visit the Museum of and celebrate Mass at the Convent of La Encarnación where St. Teresa entered religious life. In the museum, we see various relics and the stairs were Teresa had an encounter with the Child Jesus.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Overnight stay in Ávila, Spain

We continue our visit of Ávila today. The walled city of Ávila is the home of St. Teresa, one of four female Doctors of the Church. We visit the Cathedral, which contains many of St. Teresa’s relics, the crypt of the Convento of La Santa, built on the site of the house where she was born and home to the most comprehensive museum dedicated to her life, and the Convent of San Jose, the first convent that she founded. We also visit Los Cuatro Postes, where tradition says little Teresa and her brother Rodrigo were stopped by their uncle as they were heading to martyrdom. This spot provides a spectacular view of the city walls.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Overnight stay in Ávila, Spain

Today we depart for Madrid where we will have a tour of the beautiful capital of Spain. Next, we continue onto Zaragoza this afternoon. On arrival we’ll visit the magnificent Basilica del Pilar, built upon the site of where Our Lady appeared to St. James. After, continue to the Cathedral of Zaragoza formally known as the church of San Vicente.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Overnight stay in Zaragoza, Spain

Today we’ll cross the border to France on our way to Lourdes. Upon arrival in Lourdes we will have free time to relax or explore Lourdes on our own. After dinner, we will participate in the Candlelight Rosary Procession. Dinner and an overnight stay in Lourdes, France

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Overnight stay in Lourdes, France

Today we visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Cave of Apparitions, the Basilicas and the House of St. Bernadette. In the afternoon we’ll have free time to participate in the ceremonies of the Sanctuary and bathe in the miraculous waters. After dinner, we will participate in the Candlelight Rosary Procession.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Overnight stay in Lourdes, France

Today we will travel along scenic and breathtaking routes witnessing both the Pyrenees mountains and the Gulf of Lion on the coast of Spain. Along the way we will stop in Toulouse and Perpignan before arriving in Barcelona.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Overnight stay in Barcelona, Spain

Today we will visit the Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat, traditionally considered to be the most important and significant mountain in Catalonia, Spain. This sanctuary is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, known as the Black Madonna. Later, we’ll return to Barcelona for a visit to the Sagrada Familia.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Overnight stay in Barcelona, Spain

Today our 4-day post tour of Rome, Italy begins. After breakfast we head to the Barcelona airport (BCN) and board our flight(s) to Rome. In the afternoon we’ll arrive in Rome (FCO) where our new Canterbury Pilgrimages Tour manager and driver will meet us and accompany us throughout this portion of the pilgrimage. Depending on our arrival time, we will take a panoramic bus tour of Rome and get acquainted with the Eternal City.

Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch served on flight) | Overnight stay in Rome, Italy

Today we will visit and have an opportunity to walk through the Holy Doors at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Basilica of St. Mary Major, and the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran which symbolizes passing into the presence of God by way of our Lord Jesus, who called himself the “gate.” Those who pass through a Holy Door can also receive a plenary indulgence. At the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, we also will have the opportunity to climb the Lateran Steps and attend Mass.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner | Overnight stay in Rome, Italy

In the morning, we will head to Saint Peter’s Square for the general Papal audience with Pope Francis (subject to his schedule). Bring rosaries, Scapulars or medallions to be Blessed by Pope Francis! After the Papal audience, we will have a private Mass nearby followed by lunch. After we will tour the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, marveling at the incredible art and history. Today we will also be able to walk through the last of the four Holy Doors at St. Peters Basilica.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Overnight stay in Rome, Italy

Today our post tour of Rome comes to an end. With a renewed sense of pilgrimage and an invigorated love and understanding of our Catholic faith and the history of our Church, we head to the Rome airport (FCO) and board our flight(s) to return home.

Breakfast served today | Meals and refreshments served on the plane