12-Day Tour to Fatima, Lourdes, and Shrines of Spain

Written By Travelmate Vacations

Embark on a soul-enriching journey through Portugal, Spain, and France, exploring revered shrines and sacred landmarks. From Lisbon to Barcelona, delve into the spiritual tapestry of cathedrals, basilicas, and monasteries. Stand where the Virgin Mary appeared in Fatima, witness the grotto in Lourdes, and partake in mass, rosary prayer, and candlelight processions. With moments of reflection and healing baths in Lourdes, this religious tour promises a profound connection to history and spirituality.

Tours by: Cosmos

Destinations: Lisbon, Fatima, Santiago de Compostela, Burgos, Lourdes, Monsterrat, Barcelona

Dates: October 15 to 26, 2024

Starting at  $2,369.00/person (double occupancy) + airfare

Inclusions:

  • 11 nights hotel accommodation

  • Daily Breakfast

  • 6 Dinners

  • Transportation (private first-class bus with free wifi)

  • Headsets throughout the tour

  • Services of an English speaking guide

Itinerary

Day 1   ARRIVE IN LISBON, PORTUGAL

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


Day 2   LISBON–SANTARÉM–FÁTIMA

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, the Moorish citadel, and impressive Black Horse Square. 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 back 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 and stop in Santarém to visit the Church of the Eucharistic Holy Miracle to then arrive in 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 the Our Lady of Fátima Basilica.
Today's Distance: 118 mi / 190 km


Day 3   FÁTIMA

Spend the day at the Sanctuary at leisure or join an optional excursion to Tomar with a visit to the Monastery-Fortress of the Knights Templar. Upon return to Fatima, attend  Mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady with time to wander on your own. This evening, perhaps join in praying the Rosary once more.


Day 4   FÁTIMA–BRAGA–SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, SPAIN

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  Pilgrim Mass.
Today's Distance: 273 mi / 440 km


Day 5   SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

This morning, spend some time on your own or join an optional excursion to Cabo Finisterre, where pilgrims have traditionally completed their walk and burned their robes. 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).


Day 6   SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA–BURGOS

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: 304 mi / 490 km


Day 7   BURGOS–LOYOLA–LOURDES, FRANCE

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: 298 mi / 480 km


Day 8   LOURDES

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  Mass at the Sanctuary either early in the morning or in the evening.


Day 9   LOURDES–CARCASSONNE–MONTSERRAT, SPAIN

Head for the France/Spain border. Stop to visit the fortified citadel of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the ramparts, castle walls, and drawbridges that are still well preserved from the Middle Ages. Stay overnight at the Catalan impressive location of the Marian shrine of Montserrat.
Today's Distance: 367 mi / 590 km


Day 10   MONTSERRAT–MANRESA–BARCELONA

Visit the Sanctuary of Montserrat this morning, and attend  Mass. Continue to 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. Later, reach Barcelona, the lively capital of Catalonia.
Today's Distance: 56 mi / 90 km


Day 11   BARCELONA

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. Celebrate Mass (M), then, this evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate faith, life, and friendship.


Day 12   BARCELONA

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

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