Day 1 New York, NY
We depart an overnight flight to Lisbon. Dinner and breakfast are served on
board the flight.
Day 2 Fatima
Arriving in Lisbon, we meet our escort and enjoy a brief panoramic tour of
the charming Portuguese capital. We see the fanciful Belem Tower, built in the
Manueline style, Jeronimos Monastery, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Monument
to the Discoveries, celebrating Portugal's age of exploration and (time
permitting) the Basilica of St. Anthony. Our coach then departs for Fatima with
a stop in Santarem to take in the Eucharistic Miracle of the Bleeding Host. As
available during our stay in Fatima, join in the moving Candlelight Rosary
Procession beginning in the Chapel of the Apparitions (Capelinha). Overnight in
Fatima. (D)
Day 3 Fatima
We begin our day with a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, starting
at the pristine Basilica that holds the tombs of Jacinta and Francisco, who were
beatified in 2000, and Sr. Lucia. Continue to the Capelinha, where Our Lady
appeared to the three shepherd children in 1917 with her message of redemption.
Later there is time for private prayer, to light a candle near the shrine, walk
the lovely grounds or shop for religious articles nearby. After dinner we can
once again experience the Rosary Candlelight Procession. Overnight in Fatima.
(B, D)
Day 4 Burgos
We depart Fatima after breakfast and take in the rustic beauty of the
Portuguese countryside before crossing the border into Spain. After arriving in
the city of Burgos, founded in the 9th century, we have an orientation tour
highlighted by a visit to the imposing Gothic Basilica, one of Spain's largest
and most beautiful churches. Dinner and overnight in Burgos. (B, D)
Day 5 Lourdes
We depart Burgos after breakfast, enjoying the scenic ride through the rugged
Pyrenees Mountains and travel into neighboring France. We arrive in the
afternoon and visit the beloved Shrine of Lourdes, where in 1858 Our Lady
appeared to the 14- year-old Bernadette Soubirous announcing herself as the
"Immaculate Conception." We are invited to take part in the evening Candlelight
Procession and International Rosary, if available. Dinner and overnight in
Lourdes. (B, D)
Day 6 Lourdes
This morning we have a tour tracing the life of St. Bernadette. Our walk
includes visits to the Boly Mills where Bernadette was born; the Locale Mill,
residence of her parents; the "Cachot," formerly used as a jail where she lived
at the time of the Apparitions; the Chapel where she received her First Holy
Communion; and the Parish church containing the Font, where she was baptized.
This evening, we have the chance to join the Rosary Candlelight Procession, if
available. Dinner and overnight in Lourdes. (B, D)
Day 7 Nevers
After breakfast we board our motorcoach and depart Lourdes making our way
north to Nevers, an old Roman town set on the bank of the Loire River, which
became home to St. Bernadette. We arrive in the late afternoon and transfer to
our hotel for check-in. Dinner and overnight in Nevers. (B, D)
Day 8 Paris
This morning, discover the convent of St. Gildard where St. Bernadette spent
her last days working and praying. Walk the grounds, where she spent time in
contemplation, and visit the Chapel to view her incorrupt body. Also, visit the
museum with many artifacts from her life, including her rosary, her habit and
crucifix. This afternoon continue north to the French capital of Paris, to visit
the Rue du Bac Chapel, where, in 1830 the Virgin appeared to St. Catherine
Laboure and offered the world the Miraculous Medal. We take part in a private
Mass before transferring to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Paris. (B, D)
Day 9 Paris
Enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Paris, the "City of Lights," viewing
such historic sights as the grand Arc de Triomphe, the fashionable Champs
Elysee, the Eiffel Tower, the Place de la Concorde and stopping at the soaring
Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame. This afternoon we have some free time to explore
on our own. Visit some of the city's famed museums like the Cluny, the Louvre or
the d'Orsay, wander the streets of the bohemian Rive Gauche or relax with coffee
and cake at a traditional café. This evening, we round out our visit aboard a
traditional riverboat cruising the historic Seine and enjoying an illuminated
glimpse of this magnificent city. Dinner and overnight in Paris. (B, D)
Day 10 New York, NY
After breakfast this morning, we transfer to the airport for our homebound
flights. (B)