Marian Shrines & Barcelona

Today begins your international overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal. Everything is arranged for a smooth experience. Relax and enjoy the amenities as you embark on your spiritual journey.

DAY 2: LISBON / SANTAREM / FATIMA

Upon arriving in Lisbon, you will meet your Nativity Pilgrimage tour guide. Our first stop is Santarem, where we visit the historic Church of St. Stephen, known for its 8th-century eucharistic miracle. After this, we’ll head to Fatima, check into your hotel, and have dinner.

DAY 3: FATIMA

We begin with a solemn Mass at the Chapel of Apparitions, then visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima to learn about Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto. Next, we explore Aljustrel, where the shepherd children grew up, and Valinhos, another significant apparition site. We conclude by reflecting on the Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra, marking the first apparition. Afterward, you’ll return to your hotel for dinner.

DAY 4: PORTO TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

After breakfast at your hotel, celebrate Mass and depart for Porto, famous for its wine. Enjoy a guided tour of a local wine factory with tastings. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll check into your hotel to relax before dinner and an overnight stay.

DAY 5: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

After breakfast, we will explore Santiago de Compostela, famous for its historical significance. The tour includes a visit to the magnificent Cathedral, the sacred Tomb of St. James, and the beautiful Churches of San Francisco and Santa Clara, as well as the impressive Bell Tower. After a day of discovery, we’ll return to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

DAY 6: BURGOS

After breakfast, we will travel to Burgos, the final resting place of many Spanish monarchs. We’ll start with a Mass at the stunning Burgos Cathedral, a prime example of Gothic architecture. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, savoring regional flavors, before concluding the day with a restful overnight stay at our hotel.

DAY 7: LOYOLA TO LOURDES

Today will be an inspiring journey as we visit Loyola, the birthplace of St. Ignatius, founder of the Jesuit Order. We’ll start at the beautiful Basilica of Loyola to learn about St. Ignatius’s life and legacy. Then, we’ll check into our hotel in Lourdes and enjoy a delicious dinner. There’s also an optional candlelight procession for a peaceful spiritual moment. We’ll conclude the day with time to relax and prepare for the exciting experiences ahead!

DAY 8: LOURDES

After breakfast, join a guided tour of Lourdes, including St. Bernadette’s house, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, and the Miraculous Spring known for its healing claims. Visit the XII-century Castle for panoramic views and insight into the town’s medieval history. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Dinner and overnight accommodations are included at your hotel.

DAY 9: CARCASSONNE TO BARCELONA

This morning, we’re off to Barcelona! We’ll stop in Carcassonne, a hilltop town in southern France’s Languedoc area, famous for its medieval citadel, La Cité, with numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. After lunch, we’ll continue to Barcelona. We’ll arrive at our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations.

DAY 10: BARCELONA

Embark on a captivating tour of Barcelona in the historic Gothic Quarter, where narrow medieval streets brim with quaint shops and inviting cafes. Visit the stunning Church of Santa Maria Del Mar, an exemplary showcase of Catalan Gothic architecture. Discover Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, followed by the Cathedral of St. Eulalia, renowned for its exquisite cloisters. After a leisurely lunch on the vibrant Las Ramblas, conclude the day with a delightful dinner at a nearby restaurant before returning to your hotel.

DAY 11: BARCELONA – OPUS DEI & SAINT JOSEMARÍA ESCRIVÁ SITES

After breakfast, we dedicate the day to exploring sites connected to Saint Josemaría Escrivá and the spiritual legacy of Opus Dei. Our visits include the Torreciudad Shrine— or, depending on accessibility, a local Opus Dei center in Barcelona—where we will learn more about the life and mission of Saint Josemaría. We will also visit the University of Navarra and/or Opus Dei cultural centers (as available to visitors) to gain insight into the organization’s educational and spiritual initiatives. The day includes time for private reflection and prayer in chapels affiliated with Opus Dei. We conclude with dinner and an overnight stay at our hotel.

DAY 12: DEPARTURE

This morning, we will arrange transportation to the airport to ensure you arrive on time for your flight. Please be ready to depart at the scheduled time for a smooth journey.