Pilgrimage to Fatima & Lourdes with Barcelona

Travel overnight to Portugal, one of Europe’s most hospitable countries. Here, you can enjoy a superb climate, historic sites, and beautiful scenery.

Arrive in Fatima, Portugal’s world-famous religious center. With no scheduled sightseeing today, spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. You may want to join the candlelight procession tonight.**

You may celebrate Mass* before traveling to Aljustrel, the quaint village of the three shepherd children to whom Our Lady appeared. Here, you can visit their humble homes and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of their daily lives. Continue to Valinhos, the site of the fifth apparition, where you can reflect on the profound events that took place. Later, return to Fatima** to enjoy free time for personal worship and to explore the basilica and its grounds. You may want to join an optional experience to return to the centuries-old capital of Lisbon.

Attend a morning Mass* before traveling along the long Pilgrim’s Road to arrive in Burgos later this afternoon, a city that gracefully straddles the banks of the Rio Arlanzon. The slender, elegant spires of its famous cathedral rise majestically into the sky, a testament to its rich history and architectural splendor. In the evening, you may have the opportunity to attend another Mass,* allowing for further reflection and spiritual enrichment.

Join a local expert on a walking tour of Burgos’ medieval town center. Spend time at Burgos Cathedral, a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral, the third largest in Spain, offers such masterpieces as the filigree work in the spires of the towers, the starry dome, the choir, the sarcophagi, and the golden staircase. Next, visit a monastery and learn about monastic life and architecture. Mass* is available this evening.

Today, travel northeast through the Pyrenees mountains to Lourdes. This is where the Virgin Mary appeared in the Grotto of Massabielle to the poor shepherd girl Bernadette a total of 18 times between February 11 and July 16, 1858. Since then, this little market town has been a world-renowned pilgrimage site. Tonight you may wish to partake in a candlelight procession.**

After morning Mass,* enjoy a walking tour of Lourdes, visiting the places associated with the life of St. Bernadette: the “Boly Mill" (the site of her birthplace), the "Cachot" (the former prison where she and her family lived), and the parish church housing the saint’s baptismal font. Later, enjoy some time at leisure to explore the town's rich historical and natural heritage. Become immersed in the atmosphere of the time of the apparitions and revel in the spirit of brotherhood that is still present today.

Celebrate Mass* before crossing back into Spain on your way to Barcelona, one of Europe's most fascinating cities. Prepare yourself for a long journey through Spain’s beautiful scenery. Upon arrival, get your first taste of this vibrant city with a walk around the area of your hotel.

Get to know Barcelona with a panoramic tour showcasing the Columbus Monument and Parc de Montjuic, which offers breathtaking views of the city. Continue the morning exploring the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter with your local guide, and discover the Barcelona Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece in the heart of the city. Spend this afternoon at leisure exploring the city further or you may choose an optional*** excursion to the quaint mountain village of Montserrat. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a dinner celebrating the end of a memorable tour.

Return home eager to share vivid memories of a beautiful land with an old, rich, and diverse cultural heritage.