Spiritual Highlights of Iberia, Lourdes & Italy - Faith-Based Travel

Welcome to Lisbon, Portugal! Settle into your hotel and prepare for the journey ahead. In the evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Embark on a guided tour of Lisbon, exploring historical landmarks and religious sites. Visit the monumental tribute to Henry the Navigator, the 16th-century Belém Tower, and the Cathedral La Sé. Continue to Santarém to visit the Church of the Eucharistic Holy Miracle. End the day in Fátima, home to one of the most famous Catholic shrines. Participate in the evening Rosary and candlelight procession at Our Lady of Fátima Basilica.

Spend the day at the Sanctuary of Our Lady in Fátima. Optionally, join an excursion to Tomar to visit the Monastery-Fortress of the Knights Templar. Return to Fátima in the evening for the Rosary.

Travel to Braga to visit the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a sacred site that recreates Christian Jerusalem. Continue into Spain and arrive in Santiago de Compostela, a city known for its historic pilgrimage route. Attend the Pilgrim Mass and explore the old city center.

Spend the morning at leisure in Santiago de Compostela or join an optional excursion to Cabo Finisterre, a traditional end point for pilgrims. Later, return to Santiago de Compostela, known for the historic pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago.

Travel to Burgos, the historic capital of Old Castile. Visit the magnificent Burgos Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the burial place of Spain's national hero, El Cid.

Travel through the Basque region towards Lourdes. En route, visit the 17th-century Sanctuary of Loyola, built in honor of St. Ignacio of Loyola. Cross into France and stay overnight in Lourdes, a world-famous pilgrimage destination. Join the nightly Rosary and candlelight procession for a memorable spiritual experience.

Explore Lourdes, visiting the famous Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine and the grotto where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858. See Bernadette's birthplace and family home. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring this charming market town.

Travel to the town of Manresa, known for its Basilica of Saint Mary of Seo and Pont Vell, a bridge associated with the worship of St. Ignacio of Loyola. Visit the sanctuary home of St. Ignacio of Loyola at Santa Cova. Continue to the beloved Marian shrine of Montserrat, located on top of a monumental massif, and spend the night next to the Monastery.

Visit the Sanctuary of Montserrat in the morning, where the Benedictine monks dedicate their life to prayer and work. Spend time in prayer and admire the image of Our Lady of Montserrat. Leave the idyllic scenery of Montserrat and drive through the countryside dotted with celebrated vineyards to reach Barcelona, the lively capital of Catalonia.

Get to know Barcelona on a guided sightseeing tour. Drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium and enjoy a panoramic view of the port and city. Continue to the city center's Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire some of Gaudi's eccentric work, including his unfinished architectural masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate faith, life, and friendship.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Rome, the eternal city. Settle into your hotel and prepare for the next leg of your spiritual journey.

Attend the Papal Audience for the chance to see the Pope and receive the Papal Blessing. Later, visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran Basilica, the Scala Sancta, and the impressive St. Mary Major Basilica. Attend Mass at the Basilica.

Experience a unique excursion to Castel Gandolfo, visiting the Papal summer residence and its manicured gardens. This is a unique chance to see the rooms that have been occupied by many Popes over the centuries. Enjoy the opportunity to reflect and meditate in the garden's quiet and relaxing surroundings. In the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure in Rome.

Travel south to quaint Pietrelcina to visit the house where the beloved St. Pio was born. Then, head towards San Giovanni Rotondo on the east coast, the Saint's home from 1916 until his death in 1968.

Attend Mass at Santa Maria delle Grazie, then visit St. Pio's Friary, including his tomb, cell, and confessional. Take a short drive to the nearby Shrine of Monte Sant'Angelo, one of Christendom's most celebrated shrines. In the evening, attend the candlelight procession in San Giovanni Rotondo.

Visit St. Francis Church in Lanciano, home of the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle, and attend morning Mass. Continue to the famous Marian Sanctuary of Loreto for a guided visit. Arrive at the hilltop village of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare.

Learn more about St. Francis, patron saint of animals and the environment. Attend early morning Mass at St. Francis Basilica, famous for its 14th-century Giotto frescoes. Visit the Upper and Lower Basilicas of St. Francis, the Basilica of St. Clare, and the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, protecting the Porziuncola, where St. Francis is said to have founded the Order of Friars Minor.

Travel to Cascia, a scenic town in Umbria and home of St. Rita, the 'Patron Saint of Impossible Causes.' Visit the Sanctuary and see the Major Basilica, housing the chapel with St. Rita's tomb. Return to Rome for a final overnight stay.

Your spiritual journey concludes with breakfast. Prepare for your onward journey filled with cherished memories of your multi-day tour.