Our pilgrimage begins today as we depart on our overnight flight to Lisbon. Meals and drinks served aloft.

Upon arrival in Lisbon, we will be met by our tour manager who will remain with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. Journey north to the Church of the Holy Miracle in Santarem to see one of the greatest Eucharistic Miracles, “The Bleeding Host.” In the 13th century, a woman stole the host to take to a fortune-teller, but as she was taking it out of church the host began to bleed profusely. Afraid, she put it in a trunk at her home only to be awakened in the middle of the night to a bright light coming from the trunk. Taking the host back to the priest, he put it in a wax pyx. Another miracle happened the next morning when they found that the wax had turned into its own crystal pyx, where it can be venerated to this day. After time for prayer here, continue to Fatima, our home for the next two nights. (D) Overnight Fatima

A full day is ours in Fatima, where in 1917 three young shepherd children were graced with apparitions of the Virgin Mary. The message of Fatima has inspired generations of Catholics to pray the rosary daily for peace and reparation. Visit the Chapel of Apparitions before praying at the graves of Sts. Francisco and Jacinta, and Servant of God Lucia. Explore the tiny village where the three children lived and continue to Valinhos where Our Lady appeared to the children after they were unjustly imprisoned. It is here she encouraged them and told them they must still come every 13th of the month to see her. This evening, we participate in a beautiful Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacre or the candlelight rosary procession in the heart of the shrine. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Fatima

This morning leave Portugal for Spain. En route we will visit Coimbra, a famous university town. It is here where you will visit the Convent of Santa Teresa where Sister Lucia lived, the final visionary who passed away in 2005. Continue across the Portuguese-Spanish border to Salamanca, one of Spain’s foremost cultural centers, a great university city and a showcase of intricately sculpted Renaissance architecture in golden stone. Visit the Plaza Mayor, which is regarded as one of the most attractive squares in Spain, and the Cathedrals Vieja and Nueva. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Salamanca

After breakfast, depart Salamanca for Alba de Tormes to visit the Carmelite Convent which contains St. Teresa of Avila’s incorrupt arm and heart. Continue to the walled city of Avila, the birthplace of St. Teresa. Then visit the Convent of St. Teresa which was built after her canonization over the house where she was born. Visit the Monastery of the Incarnation where St. Teresa spent many years of her life, then the Monastery of St. Joseph, her first foundation. Proceed to Madrid to check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Madrid

This morning, visit Segovia where we will pay our respects to another great Carmelite, St. John of the Cross, who served as spiritual director to St. Theresa of Avila. Celebrate Mass at his tomb in the Convent named after him, in which he had lived near the end of his life. We will discover the treasures of Segovia such as the great Gothic Cathedral, the Monastery of St. Joseph, the extraordinary Alcazar fortress, and the splendid Roman Aqueduct. Every corner of this old town sparkles with Romanesque churches and fine old houses. Return to Madrid. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Madrid

Today we enjoy another day trip from Madrid – this time to the former capital of Spain: Toledo. Known as the “City of Three Cultures,” Toledo’s history and architecture blend Catholicism, Judaism, and Islam throughout the city. Marvel at the Gothic Cathedral – seat of the bishop of all of Spain – and El Greco’s masterpiece The Burial of the Count of Orgaz in the Iglesia de Santo Tome. Our tour through the historic center – a World Heritage Site – includes the former Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca, the oldest-standing European synagogue (later a Catholic church, and now a historical monument), the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, and the former Mosque of Cristo de la Luz, the oldest monument in Toledo – built in 999. Before returning to Madrid, we view the Alcazar and learn about its importance for the defense of the city, along with the walls and gates. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Madrid

Today begins in the spiritual heart of Madrid. The Cathedral de Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena was only completed and consecrated in 1993, though construction began in the late 1800s. Across the way is the Royal Palace of Madrid, the largest in Western Europe. The current palace was constructed in the 18th century but was built on top of the remains of a medieval fortress. This afternoon, we depart for Zaragoza, the capital of Spain’s Aragon region, where we will check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Zaragoza

This morning, we visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. It was here the Blessed Mother appeared to St. James the Greater in 40 A.D. This is the only known instance of the Virgin Mary appearing to someone while she was still alive—bilocating from Jerusalem—to encourage St. James in his preaching of the Gospel in Spain. We then cross the border into France on our way to Lourdes, known for its healing waters after the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858. It is also where the Blessed Mother announced she was the Immaculate Conception. Join hundreds of other pilgrims in the Blessed Sacrament Procession and Candlelight Procession that has endured since 1863. Lourdes will be our home for the next two nights. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Lourdes

Bask in the grace of Lourdes all day as we have Mass at the Grotto of Massabielle, where Our Lady first appeared to St. Bernadette and had her dig for the spring that is now known across the world for its many miracles of healing. We also visit the humble home where St. Bernadette lived during the apparitions. After our farewell dinner tonight, we join once again the candlelight procession with thousands of other pilgrims in prayer and song. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Lourdes

Today marks the end of a marvelous experience as we transfer to the airport for the return trip home, filled with memories and graces of this pilgrimage that will last a lifetime.