FRANCE & MEDJUGORJE

DAY 1: DEPART FOR ISTANBUL  

We depart from Houston and board our overnight flight to Istanbul, Turkey, marking the beginning of our beautiful pilgrimage through Europe’s most beloved Marian and spiritual sites.

DAY 2: ARRIVAL IN ISTANBUL 

Upon arrival, we will meet our guide and begin our tour, covering the historical highlights of Istanbul, including the Hippodrome, where chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman era. Next is the Blue Mosque, a 17th-century Ottoman Mosque famous for its six minarets and magnificent, blue-tiled interior. Next, we visit the Hagia Sophia, a magnificent 6^th-century Byzantine Basilica. Afterward, we will board our private boat and enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, which runs between Asia and Europe! Enjoy the incredible view of Istanbul’s historical mansions, palaces, and impressive skyline. Afterward, we will check into our hotel and freshen up before dinner.

DAY 3: ISTANBUL • TOULOUSE • LOURDES

We transfer to our flight to Toulouse. Upon arrival, we board a private motor coach and drive to Lourdes, the site where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858. We will visit the Sanctuary, including the Grotto. If time allows, we will also participate in the Water Gesture, also known as “the baths.” Finally, we will check into our hotel, settle in, and prepare for dinner with our fellow pilgrims.

DAY 4: LOURDES

We spent a full day exploring the Sanctuary, visiting the Grotto, the Basilicas, Boly Mill, the Cachot, and significant sites related to St. Bernadette’s life. Pilgrims also had the opportunity to participate in the Blessed Sacrament Procession and the Candlelight Marian Procession in the evening. We enjoyed dinner together at our hotel.

DAY 5: LOURDES • CARCASSONNE • AVIGNON  

We leave Lourdes and travel to the medieval walled city of Carcassonne, where we will explore its magnificent citadel and the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus. Next, we head to Avignon, taking in the sights of the Papal Palace, the Cathedral, and the famous Pont d’Avignon. Afterward, we will check into our hotel for the evening and have some time to relax before dinner.

DAY 6: AVIGNON • AIX-EN-PROVENCE • LA SALETTE

This morning, we visited Aix-en-Provence, including the beautiful Aix Cathedral (Saint-Sauveur). In the afternoon, we traveled deep into the Alps to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. Dinner and overnight stay at the La Salette sanctuary guesthouse.

DAY 7: LA SALETTE

We will spend the entire day at La Salette, participating in the shrine’s liturgical celebrations, processions, confessions, and personal prayers. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking Alpine scenery and meditate at the apparition site. We will have dinner and spend the night at La Salette.

DAY 8: LA SALETTE • GRENOBLE • PARIS

After breakfast, we will leave La Salette and travel to Grenoble to board our train heading north toward Paris. Upon arrival in Paris, we will transfer to our hotel and enjoy free time before gathering for dinner.

DAY 9: MIRACULOUS MEDAL & ST. VINCENT DE PAUL IN PARIS

This beautiful morning, we will visit the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on Rue du Bac, followed by the Shrine of St. Vincent de Paul and the Chapel of St. Louise de Marillac. In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the beauty and charm of Paris at your own pace. This evening, we will enjoy a scenic Seine River cruise!

DAY 10: PARIS

Today’s highlights include a photo opportunity at the Eiffel Tower (or entrance based on timing), the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral (with a possibility of visiting the interior, if available), and the breathtaking Sainte-Chapelle. We will enjoy a panoramic drive past the Opéra Garnier, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Élysées, before concluding our day with a visit to Montmartre and the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur. Afterward, we will return to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations.

DAY 11: FLIGHT TO MEDJUGORJE  

After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for our flight from Paris to the Medjugorje region. Upon arrival, we will continue our journey by private coach to the village of Medjugorje. Once we check in at our accommodations, we will enjoy dinner and have a restful evening.

DAY 12: MEDJUGORJE

Today, we will experience the spirituality of Medjugorje, starting with morning Mass. We will make a pilgrimage up Apparition Hill, allowing time for prayer, confession, and quiet reflection. In the evening, we will participate in the parish program, which includes the Rosary, Adoration, the Blessing of the Sick, and the blessing of religious articles. Afterward, we will return to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations.

DAY 13: RETURN FLIGHT HOME

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport, depending on final flight arrangements for our journey home, carrying with us the graces of Lourdes, La Salette, Paris, and Medjugorje.