Religious

Omni Travel for your Religious vacations

Marian Shrines of Europe - Faith-Based Travel - 2012

12 days from Lisbon to Madrid, or 13 days incl. travel (TM) - Starting at: $3,309.00 (not including roundtrip airfare from the US)

Day 1Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal

Time to rest or to start exploring the Portuguese capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and your traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (Dinner)

Day 2Lisbon-Santarem-Fatima

Sightseeing with a Local Guide features visits to JERONIMOS MONASTERY and the CHURCH OF ST. ANTHONY. Afterwards, depart for Fatima and while en route, visit the CHURCH OF THE HOLY MIRACLE in Santarem, site of a famous Eucharistic Miracle. Then, visit OUR LADY OF FATIMA SHRINE with the tombs of the visionaries, and the CHAPEL OF THE APPARITIONS, where the Virgin Mary appeared to three children in 1917. Join this evening's rosary and candlelight procession at the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3Fatima

Morning orientation includes a visit to the PARISH CHURCH where the visionaries were baptized. Also visit their homes in nearby Valinhos. Afternoon at leisure. Join this evening's rosary and candlelight procession. (Breakfast)

Day 4Fatima-Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Enjoy guided sightseeing in Santiago de Compostela, one of the top pilgrimage destinations during the Middle Ages along with Rome and Jerusalem. Visit the CATHEDRAL, where the relics of St. James the Apostle, brother of St. John the Evangelist, are kept behind the high altar. (Breakfast)

Day 5Santiago de Compostela

For over a thousand years pilgrims have been walking the CAMINO PILGRIM'S WAY. This morning, for those who wish to experience this event, drive to the small village of Arca and do part of this famous walk accompanied by your expert Local Guide. Afterwards, back in Santiago, join the pilgrim's Mass in the cathedral. (Breakfast)

Day 6Santiago de Compostela-Burgos

Travel to Burgos, the historic capital of Old Castile. Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a visit to the magnificent CATHEDRAL. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7Burgos-Lourdes, France

Continue along the Basque coast and arrive in Lourdes, home to one of the world's most famous places of pilgrimage. Your guided walking tour includes visits to the GROTTO where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858, the OUR LADY OF LOURDES SHRINE, the BIRTHPLACE OF ST. BERNADETTE, and her FAMILY HOME during the time of the apparitions. Join this evening's memorable rosary and candlelight procession. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 8At Leisure in Lourdes

You may wish to experience the powerful healing baths and attend the "Blessing of the Sick" or join an optional excursion to the nearby Pyrenees? (Breakfast)

Day 9Lourdes-Saragossa, Spain

Cross the Pyrenees Mountains to Saragossa. Enjoy sightseeing with a Local Guide and visit Spain's most famous Marian Shrine-the BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR, home to a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary. According to local tradition, on January 2 of the year 40, the Mother of God appeared upon a pillar to the Apostle St. James the Greater while he was preaching the Gospel. The pillar is conserved and venerated within the basilica today. (Breakfast)

Day 10Saragossa-Madrid

Journey to Madrid, where guided sightseeing includes the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de Espa�a with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, the Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. Today's highlight: a visit to the PRADO MUSEUM with its priceless art treasures. Tonight you may wish to join an optional dinner excursion. (Breakfast)

Day 11At Leisure in Madrid

A full day to explore on your own, to just relax, or join an excursion to nearby fortified Avila, where St. Theresa founded the order of Carmelites. Enjoy this evening's farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner)